Service bulletins for the 2019 Subaru Forester
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
577 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
By topic
| 15-235-18R | 2019-07-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. This bulletin announces availability of new audio system amplifiers to address the following operating concerns with the Harman Kardon Gen 3 infotainment system: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the knob Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or crackling-type sound is heard coming through the speakers. |
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| 14-22-16R | 2019-07-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool. |
| GEN 3-1 | 2019-05-28. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Immediately discontinue the use of latest 2019 MY Gen 3.1 Harman Software update. |
| 15-236-18R | 2019-05-28. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. It is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand this information completely to understand all changes from prior releases before proceeding. |
| 12-259-19 | 2019-05-28. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY; STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the cowl panel. The change was made to the shape of the part which will eliminate a gap between the cowl panel and the windshield in the lower corner area as shown in the photo below. The gap may develop during expansion and contraction of the plastic cowl panel material as a result of temperature changes. |
| 15-238-19 | 2019-05-28. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. This Service Information bulletin is in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding the audio unit not being able to play certain types of audio Compact Discs (CDs). Harman Gen 3.0 head units which have previously received software updates (see claims history) and Gen 3.1 head units (used in 2019MY year vehicles) cannot play ?CD Extra? or ?Enhanced CD? -type audio CDs. |
| 15-229-18R | 2019-05-28. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing clock-related customer concerns. Please start by completing the Harman Investigation Guide Questionnaire as it gathers important details which will help with diagnosis and will be required should the condition not be resolved by this troubleshooting. |
| 02-163-16R | 2019-05-28. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. This Service Information bulletin provides new inspection and repair procedures for AVCS (Active Valve Control System) -related DTCs on the FA and FB engine equipped models listed above. The applicable Service Manuals will be revised with this new information in the near future. |
| WUC-88R | 2019-05-28. Service bulletin. STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION); STEERING. Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2019 model year Forester and Crosstrek vehicles to inspect and, if necessary, replace the power steering gear box. A total of 10,417 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall. |
| 07-151-19 | 2019-05-20. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces reprogramming files to optimize the DMS control module and address a small number of inquiries regarding DTCs B112C and/or B112E. Insome cases, when multiple functions are processed by the DMS control module at the same time, a task error may occur and cause the system?s indicator lamp to illuminate yellow (as opposed to green during normal system is operation). |
| 02-170-17R | 2019-05-20. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:SOLENOID; ENGINE. This bulletin announces part information for new Active Valve Control System (AVCS) oil control solenoid valves (OCV) which contain a redesigned internal oil seal. The new seal will eliminate potential oil seepage into the wire harness connector portion of the valve. If oil seeps into the connector, over time, the Check Engine lamp may illuminate and set various AVCS-related DTCs. |
| 12-260-19 | 2019-05-20. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. This bulletin provides a procedure to address a small number of customer concerns regarding a metallic rattle or chirping -type sound heard coming from the top of the front ?A? pillar area. The sound may originate from either side of the vehicle. |
| 07-149-19 | 2019-05-20. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS. This Service Information bulletin serves a quick reminder to always perform the Clear Memory function of the Airbag system using the Subaru Select Monitor 4 after replacement of any airbag system sensor. Failure to do so will most likely result in the sensor-related DTC(s) remaining in memory, Airbag warning light illumination and possible unnecessary component replacement. Clearing DTCs after a repair then confirming codes do not return is the most effective method of verifying a proper repair and should always be performed. |
| WUC-88R | 2019-05-20. Service bulletin. STEERING. Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2019 model year Forester and Crosstrek vehicles to inspect and, if necessary, replace the power steering gear box. A total of 10,417 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall. |
| 02-178-18R | 2019-03-25. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change made to the rubber timing hole access plug to improve its retention and prevent water intrusion into the converter case. |
| WUC-88 | 2019-03-25. Service bulletin. STEERING; STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2019 model year Forester and Crosstrek vehicles to inspect and, if necessary, replace the power steering gear box. A total of 10,417 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall. |
| 17-17-13R | 2019-03-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; AIR BAGS. This Bulletin provides information regarding Event Data Recorder (EDR) functionality which has been incorporated into the airbag system. |
| 15-236-18R | 2019-03-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. |
| 16-118-18 | 2019-02-25. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability to optimize the Transmission Control Module (TCM) for detection of DTC P1518: STARTER SWITCH CIRCUIT LOW. After using the Remote Engine Starter (RES) to start an applicable vehicle equipped with the Auto Start-Stop System, the TCM may mistakenly detect DTC P1518 when the engine automatically restarts and cause the AT TEMP warning lamp to illuminate. |
| 07-143-18R | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces a change made to the PRG control module. This change is in response to a limited number of customer concerns regarding the PRG reversing direction before reaching the fully open position. The control module senses that an object is caught in the PRG and engages the system?s reverse (safety) function. The new PRG control modules contain improved operating logic to correct this condition. |
| 15-235-18 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. This bulletin announces availability of new audio system amplifiers to address the following operating concerns with the Harman Kardon Gen 3 infotainment system: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the knob Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or crackling-type sound is heard coming through the speakers. |
| 07-142-18 | 2018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. This Service Information Bulletin provides helpful tips and precautions to use whenever removing or installing the battery sensor assembly from the battery post (and/or negative battery cable from the battery sensor assembly). |
| 15-219-18R | 2018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. When attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and/or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully. These codes both relate to the multi-stage CommCheck process which introduces the Data Communications Module (DCM) to the AT&T cellular network the Telematics system operates on. The Telematics Service Provider (TSP) cannot communicate with the vehicle (DCM) until the CommCheck completes successfully. |
| 15-234-18 | 2018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. The exchange program policy can also be found in Sections 8.4.9 and 11.2.10 of your Claims Policies and Procedures Manual found in Subarunet. |
| 07-142-18 | 2018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. This Service Information Bulletin provides helpful tips and precautions to use whenever removing or installing the battery sensor assembly from the battery post (and/or negative battery cable from the battery sensor assembly). |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.