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Service bulletins for the 2015 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.

550 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

By type

By component

By trouble code

Bulletins, newest first
11-174-17R2017-09-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM and address the following customer concerns: * Check Engine light coming on (with DTC P05A0 stored in memory). * Potential battery discharge (dead battery) after repeated periods of short-trip driving. * A high (or "hanging") engine RPM after depressing the clutch pedal (Forester only).
07-114-16R2017-09-14. Service bulletin. SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST; SEATS. This bulletin announces availability of a new power seat memory control module designed to address customer concerns of the seat memory feature not operating properly. When pressing the buttons to recall one of the last seat positions memorized, the seat (height, backrest position, etc.) may not always return to the correct or exact positions previously selected (or stored in the control unit memory).
16-107-172017-09-14. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; 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. A copy of the customer letter is attached to this bulletin as reference.
11-174-17R2017-09-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM and address the following customer concerns: * Check Engine light coming on (with DTC P05A0 stored in memory). * Potential battery discharge (dead battery) after repeated periods of short-trip driving. * A high (or "hanging") engine RPM after depressing the clutch pedal (Forester only).
02-168-172017-09-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS; ENGINE. This Service Information bulletin announces a material change to the engine accessory drive / v-belt made to address customer concerns of a slipping belt (squeal or chirping) sound.
15-198-16R2017-08-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address a group of operational concerns received from the field listed below involving "Gen 2" F10 Navigation and Display Audio units with 7" display. The procedure will involve downloading the applicable software update files from Subarunet then loading them onto a flash drive for audio unit installation. It is important to read through and understand this information completely before proceeding.
12-206-162017-08-14. Service bulletin. SEATS. All Models Listed with Seat Lifter Feature. This bulletin provides a procedure to address a customer reported cosmetic condition of surface rust appearing on the inner seat cushion frame of the front seat assemblies.
12-203-162017-08-14. Service bulletin. SEAT BELTS. This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of a squeaking sound originating from where the front seat belt buckle assembly attaches to the seat frame. A design change was made to the wave washer used at the attachment point to eliminate the sound. The sound can be heard when moving the buckle assembly side to side.
16-102-162017-08-14. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. TSB: All Models Equipped with CVT Transmissions. This Service Information bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist Technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE.
12-202-162017-08-14. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE; STRUCTURE. TSB: Rear Gate and Rear Gate Buffer Information. This bulletin describes a design change to the rear gate panel eliminating the plugs previously installed in the lower outer corner water drain holes. As a result of this change, there has been a change made to the rear gate buffers as described in the Service Procedure section below.
12-219-172017-08-14. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH. This bulletin provides new part information and an identification procedure to address a small number of vehicles identified with a sticking secondary hood latch mechanism. The hood latch mechanism is exposed to foreign materials during normal use which can accumulate and cause the secondary portion to not operate properly. The spring-loaded secondary latch is manually released (after pulling the inside hood release lever to operate the primary latch mechanism) by the operator to open the hood. If faulty, the spring may not have enough force to return the lever back to its original position while the hood is open. Once the hood is closed, the secondary latch is forced into the closed position by design.
16-103-16R2017-08-14. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; 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 a likely source of the seepage to be the sealant used on the CVT's oil pump chain cover. The repair involves removal, a thorough cleaning and inspection of the sealing surfaces followed by re-sealing the cover.
16-104-17R2017-08-14. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); POWER TRAIN. This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure along with Transmission Control Module (TCM) reprogramming files to address isolated customer concerns of a "bump" feeling from the CVT. The bump feeling has been reported to occur after the CVT is fully up to operating temperature, in Drive and with the engine at idle.
15-205-16R2017-08-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. This bulletin announces new reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address additional operational concerns received from the field and listed below involving "Gen 2" F10 Navigation and Display Audio units with 7" display. The procedure will involve downloading the applicable software update files from Subarunet then loading them onto a flash drive for audio unit installation. It is important to read through and understand this information completely before proceeding. These latest software updates contain new logic to address the following concerns: * Mirrorlink 1.1 updates * Enable Mute function for Navigation guidance * Incomplete display of intersection names in combination meter * Increased accuracy of the XM Traffic information displayed * Intermittent delay (approximately 1 minute) in display of map information after initial start-up of Navigation function (2015MY Legacy and Outback only).
12-218-172017-08-14. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR; STRUCTURE. This bulletin provides supplemental information and an inspection point to use when diagnosing a wind rushing sound concern that persists on vehicles: * past the production change provided in TSB 12-176-14R, dated 10/28/2015 or * which have already had the repairs outlined in TSB 12-176-14R performed and the concern persists from the front door(s). PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION: The latest production changes were implemented during September, 2015 starting with the following VINS: G3014581 (LEGACY) and G3230683 (OUTBACK).
12-216-172017-08-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:CARRIER/RACK; STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS. This bulletin announces a design change to the roof rail assemblies. This change has been made in response to isolated customer concerns of a visible gap between the base portion of the rail assembly and the roof panel as shown in the example photo. The rail's retaining claws have been changed to optimize their holding force and eliminate any gapping.
09-66-162017-08-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE. This bulletin announces a change in the production procedure for the rear muffler assembly. Spot-weld locations securing the outer shell portion have been changed to improve overall rigidity. A gap may develop at the spot welded seam as a result of repeated thermal shock (heating / cooling) which occurs during normal use. The gap does not create an exhaust leak. In some cases, a rattling sound from the muffler may develop.
02-164-162017-08-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the internal contact portion of the oil pressure switch to increase durability
16-103-162017-08-14. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; POWER TRAIN. Only Models Equipped with TR690 CVT only. 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 a likely source of the seepage to be the sealant used on the CVT's oil pump chain cover. The repair involves removal, a thorough cleaning and inspection of the sealing surfaces followed by re-sealing the cover.
15-177-14R2017-03-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION TO HELP DIAGNOSE AND ADDRESS DIFFERENT CONDITIONS RELATING TO CUSTOMER CONCERNS WHICH MAY ARISE WHEN OPERATING THE NEW-GENERATION “GEN 2” F10 AUDIO / NAVIGATION SYSTEM. WE WILL CONTINUE TO ADD MORE HELPFUL TIPS TO THIS TSB AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.
09-61-15R2017-03-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES A DESIGN CHANGE TO THE FUEL FILLER DOOR (SAUCER) ASSEMBLY TO ADDRESS CUSTOMER CONCERNS OF IT BEING DIFFICULT TO OPEN AND / OR CLOSE. THE STRIKER PORTION’S SHAPE HAS BEEN CHANGED AS SHOWN IN THE CROSSSECTION ILLUSTRATION BELOW ALONG WITH THE TYPE OF PLASTIC MATERIAL USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SAUCER ASSEMBLY. IMPORTANT: THIS BULLETIN REPLACES TSB 09-58-14R DATED 9/26/14 AND 09-60-15R DATED 10/26/15.
07-103-152017-03-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN ANNOUNCES A NEW REQUIREMENT REGARDING ONE-TIME USE PARTS WHICH MUST REPLACED WHENEVER DISCONNECTING OR REPLACING THE PRG ROD. THE SPRING STEEL RETAINING CLIPS (STOP RINGS) WHICH LOCK THE PRG ROD TO THE BALL STUDS (PIVOT POINTS) ON EITHER END ARE NOW ONE-TIME USE ITEMS AND MUST BE REPLACED WHENEVER THEY ARE REMOVED. IF THE STOP RINGS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE ROD MAY COME OFF THE BALL STUD DURING PRG OPERATION.
12-196-152017-03-08. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE. THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN PROVIDES DESIGN CHANGE INFORMATION REGARDING THE REAR GATE PANEL ASSEMBLY, THE REAR SPOILER ASSEMBLY AND THEIR INTERCHANGEABILITY.
18-184-152017-03-08. 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. PAPER MANUALS MAY HAVE DIFFERENT PAGE NUMBERING THEN WHAT IS REFLECTED BELOW, BASED ON MULTIPLE NEW AND REVISED PAGES. PLEASE REFER TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE STIS WEB SITE FOR ALL FUTURE, UPDATE SERVICE MANUAL INFORMATION.
12-195-152017-03-08. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR; VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR. SHOULD YOU RECEIVE A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF VIBRATION OR LOOSENESS IN EITHER OF THE DOOR MIRRORS, A DESIGN CHANGE HAS BEEN MADE TO THE 3 MIRROR HEAD MOUNTING HOLES IN THE MOUNTING BASE. IN ADDITION, A NEW RETAINING BOLT AND TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATION ARE NOW USED TO SECURE THE MIRROR HEAD TO THE MOUNTING BASE. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE FOR REPAIRING THE EXISTING MIRROR ASSEMBLY BY REPLACING THE THREE MOUNTING SCREWS WITH UPDATED FASTENERS. NOTE: REFER TO TSB 12-152-13 DATED 6/17/2013 FOR RELATED INFORMATION ON BRZ MODELS.

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