Service bulletins for the 2013 Subaru Outback
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.
519 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
| 01-168-09R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Revised TSB. The Subaru Lock Information Site (SLIS) is located at http://lockinfo.subaru.com, and provides information on how to obtain immobilizer codes and key cut codes for Subaru vehicles from the 2000MY to present. This bulletin identifies the equipment required to initialize (reset) the immobilizer code and cut the key blanks, for both immobilizer and non-immobilizer type keys. Subaru of America began using immobilizer systems in some 2005MY vehicles (please refer to Immobilizer Chart for more detailed information). |
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| 02-132-12R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. This Bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis and determination of necessary part replacement in the event any of the ?AVCS Slow Response? or ?AVCS System Failure? DTCs listed above are found to be stored in the ECM memory. A possible cause of these conditions is contamination within the camshaft sprocket and / or oil control solenoid valve (OCV) mechanism. |
| 18-181-15 | 2018-06-11. 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. We advise you to always refer to the STIS web site when looking for the latest Service information. Printed pages will not be made available to update printed Service Manuals. |
| 06-53-16R | 2018-06-04. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. This bulletin announces a design change to the front brake caliper supports to address customer concerns of a rattling sound heard while driving. The change involves a reduction in the amount of clearance between the caliper support mounting bolt holes and the mounting bolts. NOTE: This information is applicable to models using 16? front brakes ONLY. |
| PAN-AUDIO | 2018-06-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. PANASONIC AUDIO SYSTEMS TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE |
| 06-53-16 | 2018-06-04. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER; SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER. This bulletin announces a design change to the front brake caliper supports to address customer concerns of a rattling sound heard while driving. The change involves a reduction in the amount of clearance between the caliper support mounting bolt holes and the mounting bolts. NOTE: This information is applicable to models using 16? front brakes ONLY. |
| 12-117-10R | 2018-06-04. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY. Models with Sunroofs only. If you encounter a customer complaint of water leaking into the interior of the vehicle from the map light area, the following 2 areas should be inspected closely for a potential source or cause: |
| 18-186-16 | 2018-06-04. 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. |
| 17-17-13R | 2018-05-29. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. NOTE: The Airbag systems used on previous and current WRX, STI and Tribeca models are NOT equipped with EDR functionality. This Bulletin provides information regarding Event Data Recorder (EDR) functionality which has been incorporated into the airbag system. The function of the EDR is best explained using the following statements found in the vehicle Owner?s Manual: ?This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations such as an airbag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in the understanding how a vehicle?s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as: ? How various systems in your vehicle were operating; ? Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened; ? How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; ? How fast the vehicle was traveling. This data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. |
| 16-107-17R | 2018-04-16. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. 2010-15 Legacy/ Outback 2.5L NA CVT, 2015 Legacy/ Outback 3.6L NA CVT, 2012-15 Impreza 2.0L NA CVT, 2013-15 Crosstrek 2.0L NA CVT, 2014-15 Crosstrek Hybrid CVT 2014-15 Forester 2.5L NA CVT 2014-15 Forester 2.0L Turbo CVT 2015 WRX 2.0L Turbo models only. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage for the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on the above listed models and model years from the original five (5) years or sixty thousand (60,000) miles (whichever comes first) to ten (10) years or one-hundred thousand (100,000) miles (whichever comes first). This change is not in response to any specific condition, rather it is to provide customers with added assurance regarding the function and overall performance of their CVT. Additionally, vehicles which are more than ten (10) years old or beyond one-hundred thousand (100,000) miles at the time customer notification letters are mailed are being offered additional coverage for a period of one-year from the date of the customer notification letters. For these vehicles, retailers must contact Subaru Claims Helpline prior to claims submission at 1-866-SUBARU2 (1-866-782-2782) |
| 06-61-18 | 2018-04-16. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces availability of new VDC Control Module & Hydraulic Units (VDCCM&H/U) to address isolated customer concerns of the green Hill Holder light blinking and cancel warning alarm sounding during cranking / starting the engine |
| 02-157-14R | 2018-04-16. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION. 2013-14MY Legacy and Outback Models with 2.5L FB Engines, 2011-14MY Forester Models with 2.5L FB Engines, 2015 MY Forester (Manual Transmissions Only), with 2.5L FB Engines, 2012-13 MY Impreza and XV Crosstrek Models with 2.0 FB Engines, 2014-15 MY Impreza and XV Crosstrek Models (Manual Transmissions Only) with 2.0 FB Engine As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oil consumption on applicable vehicles to 8 years / 100,000 miles from the original warranty start date. This Warranty Extension will not cover any excessive engine oil consumption found to be a result of any condition(s) other than those specifically described in this bulletin |
| 165817 | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. PARKING BRAKE. This bulletin announces a new replacement EPB actuator assembly to address DTC C0251. In isolated cases, the automatic calibration function of the EPB actuator may not always occur when turning the ignition on. As a temporary result, the EPB may not function, the brake system warning lamp will flash to alert the driver and DTC C0251 will be stored in memory. The EPB will resume normal operation on the next key cycle. |
| Front Door Panel | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. Front Door Panel? UPDATE 10/5 TO: Parts Managers/Service Managers FROM: Subaru of America, Inc. DEPARTMENT: Parts & Service DATE: 10/05/2017 Please disregard the message below. The supplier has determined there was an error in the inspection process and the door panels listed below meet SIA?s specifications. All Parts Claims have been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. Due to a production issue with part numbers: 60009AJ00B9P, 01B9P, 02B9P, & 03B9P retailers are required to scrap their on-hand inventory on site. These will not be returned to the RDCs. All claims were entered for the retailers based on their PartsEye inventory. They do require a DPSM approval. Replacement inventory should be available in 1-2 weeks. Please contact your RDC Admin or the PICs with any discrepancies in the claim quantity. |
| Front Door Panel | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Due to a production issue with part numbers: 60009AJ00B9P, 01B9P, 02B9P, & 03B9P retailers are required to scrap their on-hand inventory on site. These will not be returned to the RDCs. All claims were entered for the retailers based on their PartsEye inventory. They do require a DPSM approval. Replacement inventory should be available in 1-2 weeks. Please contact your RDC Admin or the PICs with any discrepancies in the claim quantity. |
| 01-168-09R | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site. |
| 02-170-17 | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 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. |
| 07-131-18 | 2018-03-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS. This bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed above to set and result in the related system?s (e. g. VDC and/or EyeSight) warning lamp to illuminate. |
| 16-107-17R | 2017-12-15. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. CVT MODELS ONLY. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage for the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on the above listed models and model years from the original five (5) years or sixty thousand (60,000) miles (whichever comes first) to ten (10) years or one-hundred thousand (100,000) miles (whichever comes first). This change is not in response to any specific condition, rather it is to provide customers with added assurance regarding the function and overall performance of their CVT. Additionally, vehicles which are more than ten (10) years old or beyond one-hundred thousand (100,000) miles at the time customer notification letters are mailed are being offered additional coverage for a period of one-year from the date of the customer notification letters. |
| 15-193-16R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). All 2012 to 2015 Models Equipped with Fujitsu Ten (F10) Generation 1 (Gen1) Audio / Navigation Systems. This bulletin announces a new procedure for updating the operating software used in F10 Gen1 audio / navigation systems. This new procedure eliminates the need to exchange the head unit / SD card to obtain software-related updates and operating enhancements. |
| 02-157-14R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ENGINE; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; EQUIPMENT. Refer to bulletin for engine/transmission type. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oil consumption on applicable vehicles to 8 years / 100,000 miles from the original warranty start date. This Warranty Extension will not cover any excessive engine oil consumption found to be a result of any condition(s) other than those specifically described in this bulletin. This condition must be verified during an inspection and when determined necessary, an oil consumption test performed by an authorized Subaru retailer. SOA will inform vehicle owners this condition may exist via a customer letter. For vehicles within the coverage guidelines listed in this bulletin, customers can schedule an inspection appointment with an authorized Subaru retailer. IMPORTANT: ALWAYS perform a Vehicle Coverage Inquiry on Subarunet to determine eligibility for this Warranty Extension before proceeding. The VIN should also be checked for any open campaigns or recalls at this time. |
| 01-168-09R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site. |
| 02-157-14R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ENGINE. 2013-14MY Legacy and Outback Models with 2.5L FB Engines - 2011-14MY Forester Models with 2.5L FB Engines - 2015 MY Forester (Manual Transmissions Only) with 2.5L FB Engines - 2012-13 MY Impreza and XV Crosstrek Models with 2.0 FB Engines - 2014-15 MY Impreza and XV Crosstrek Models (Manual Transmissions Only) with 2.0 FB Engines. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original New Car Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage for excessive engine oil consumption on applicable vehicles to 8 years / 100,000 miles from the original warranty start date. This Warranty Extension will not cover any excessive engine oil consumption found to be a result of any condition(s) other than those specifically described in this bulletin. This condition must be verified during an inspection and when determined necessary, an oil consumption test performed by an authorized Subaru retailer. SOA will inform vehicle owners this condition may exist via a customer letter. For vehicles within the coverage guidelines listed in this bulletin, customers can schedule an inspection appointment with an authorized Subaru retailer. |
| 15-193-16 | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. This bulletin announces a new procedure for updating the operating software used in F10 Gen1 audio / navigation systems. This new procedure eliminates the need to exchange the head unit / SD card to obtain software-related updates and operating enhancements. All 2012 to 2015 Models Equipped with FujitsuTen (F10) Generation 1 (Gen1) Audio / Navigation Systems |
| 02-157-14R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Revised Service Bulletin: Surface Treatment Change To Oil Control Piston Rings This bulletin announces information regarding a major change to the repair procedures previously outlined in Service Bulletins 02-143-13R, 02-144-13R and 02-145-13R. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.