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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

Bulletins, newest first
15-251-192019-10-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This Service Information Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16. In most cases involving this DTC, the following scenario(s) occur: • When trying to use the remote engine starter (RES) feature through Telematics (STARLINK / My Subaru app) the request is unsuccessful and the red Telematics indicator lamp illuminates. • The customer takes their vehicle to the Retailer and the Technician finds the only code stored to be B2A16 in the DCM. • The Technician diagnoses the DTC per the applicable Service Manual trouble tree and replaced the DCM.
02-131-12R2019-10-01. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. The purpose of this Bulletin is to provide procedures for the diagnosis and repair of oil seepage which may be coming from the timing chain cover, front camshaft cap, camshaft carrier and / or upper oil pan. There are five areas that should be closely inspected if an oil leak is reported by the customer: 1. The 6mm tapped hole casting boss area in the left-hand camshaft cap 2. The sealing surfaces between either the left or right-hand camshaft cap and camshaft carrier 3. The sealing surfaces between the cylinder head and camshaft carrier 4. The sealing surface between the upper oil pan and the engine block 5. The sealing surfaces of the front timing chain cover
10-179-192019-10-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. This Service Information Bulletin provides a procedure to “reset” the headlight leveler system. After an affected vehicle is transported on a flatbed or other type of carrier, the headlight beam adjustment may become either too high or too low. During normal operation, system sensors measure inclination of the road surface in comparison to the vehicle and adjust the headlight beams accordingly. When moving the vehicle with the ignition off (typically during transport), the next time the ignition is ON, the system may adjust the headlights to the wrong height. Although the system will automatically adjust the headlights to the proper height after driving, the reset procedure below can be performed when necessary to eliminate the delay time needed for the system to readjust on its own.
15-240-19R2019-10-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing the following customer concerns: 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 Symptom 4: Loss of audio output after turning the head unit off and back on again in a short amount of time Symptom 5: Audio volume is temporarily louder than expected after ending a Bluetooth call while using navigation guidance Symptom 6: No response from the volume control knob.
16-103-16R2019-10-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly. Investigation has identified likely sources of the seepage to be the sealant used on the CVT’s oil pump chain cover and the input shaft oil seal. The repair involves chain cover removal, a thorough cleaning and inspection of the sealing surfaces followed by re-sealing the cover and replacement of the input shaft oil seal with the new, redesigned type.
16-103-16R2019-09-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. "This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly. Investigation has identified likely sources of the seepage to be the sealant used on the CVT’s oil pump chain cover and the input shaft oil seal. The repair involves chain cover removal, a thorough cleaning and inspection of the sealing surfaces followed by re-sealing the cover and replacement of the input shaft oil seal with the new, redesigned type"
15-234-18R2019-09-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. 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.
15-240-19R2019-09-05. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. "This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing the following customer concerns: 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 Symptom 4: Loss of audio output after turning the head unit off and back on again in a short amount of time Symptom 5: Audio volume is temporarily louder than expected after ending a Bluetooth call while using navigation guidance Symptom 6: No response from the volume control knob."
15-236-18R2019-08-30. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); 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.
07-151-19R2019-08-30. 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. In some 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 operation)."
16-123-192019-08-06. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces availability of a new CVT electric oil pump developed to address DTC P173B: ELECTRIC FLUID PUMP (CVT) PERFORMANCE. The related customer concern describes the Auto Start Stop warning lamp flashing and the system becoming inoperative under certain circumstances. When Auto Start/Stop is inoperative, the vehicle operates like a traditional vehicle not equipped with this feature. The new pumps contain revised judgement logic to eliminate false illumination of the warning lamp.
12-269-192019-08-06. Service bulletin. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. This bulletin announces 2 design changes to the EyeSight camera cover to prevent a rattling sound heard while driving. The changes involve the inside support ribbing near the front, center and a slight revision to the size of the bottom camera lens openings. Comparison images are provided below.
05-69-192019-08-06. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE; SUSPENSION. This Service Information Bulletin announces a change made to the rear subframe retaining bolts used on the models listed above. The design changes provide the bolt with an increased durability against rust.
10-93-192019-08-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. This bulletin announces a design change made to the air conditioner’s pressure sensor to address customer concerns of the system blowing warm or not blowing cold air. In some cases, preliminary diagnosis may find codes B14A3, B14A4, B14EF or B14EE present. Review of actual system pressures using a manifold gauge set and comparing against values seen using the Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) may show the SSM readings much lower than the actual readings. These are all indications of a possible pressure sensor concern.
06-68-19R2019-08-06. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of the replacement brake pads. This additional instruction applies to all models with brake pads using the upper and lower pad clips and has been added to the brake pad installation procedures found in the related Service Manuals.
07-155-19R2019-08-06. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. This bulletin announces a design change made to the PRG control module. This change is in response to a limited number of customer concerns regarding the rear gate not opening when operating the gate switch or dashboard switch on the vehicle or the button on the key fob. This condition is also accompanied by three short beeps. Logic changes have been incorporated into the new module to ensure proper operation of the PRG system.
15-243-192019-08-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This service information bulletin provides a procedure for customizing the maintenance period settings of the MFD. When accessing the maintenance period information on the SSM4, the maintenance interval default values for mileage and number of months are different from those displayed on the MFD. This procedure describes how to synchronize the MFD and SSM4 values to insure proper customer notification.
02-163-16R2019-07-22. Service bulletin. ENGINE. 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.
18-196-192019-07-22. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site. The tables contained within this bulletin are to be used as guides for becoming aware of the latest changes.
07-155-192019-07-22. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE. This bulletin announces a design change made to the PRG control module. This change is in response to a limited number of customer concerns regarding the rear gate not opening when operating the gate switch or dashboard switch on the vehicle or the button on the key fob. This condition is also accompanied by three short beeps. Logic changes have been incorporated into the new module to ensure proper operation of the PRG system.
12-261-19R2019-07-22. Service bulletin. BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA; BACK OVER PREVENTION. This Service Information bulletin provides helpful tips to use when removing or reinstalling the EyeSight camera cover. Improper removal / installation practices can damage the camera cover and also have a negative effect on the operation of the system, cause a rattling condition to develop, or both.
07-143-18R2019-07-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE. 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.
15-242-192019-07-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. This Service Information bulletin has been developed for use as a quick reference tool to aid in diagnosing operational concerns of the Gen 2 Telematics system?s remote access features on all 2019 vehicles with Gen 2 Telematics. It is STRONGLY suggested both Technicians and Service Advisors read through this material carefully and in its entirety as the intent of this tool is to help Service Department staff enhance Customer Satisfaction, save valuable time and in some cases, reduce unnecessary component replacements.
Subaru Tech Tips2019-07-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
12-263-192019-07-01. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. This bulletin provides a procedure to address a rattling -type sound heard coming from the front door(s). In some cases, the plastic sensor plate mounted to the inner door panel may rattle against the steel structure.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.