Service bulletins for the 2016 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.
478 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
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Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all
| 15-195-16 | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This Service Information bulletin provides IMPORTANT information regarding diagnosis and replacement (when applicable) of the STARLINK Telematics Data Communication Module (DCM) along with a new claim submission requirement. |
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| 15-197-16 | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Although Fujitsu TEN (F10) Navigation units utilize an externally (faceplate) accessible MicroSD memory card, the MicroSD card used in Clarion display audio units is internal and not accessible. In the event a ?Check SD Memory Card? alert message appears on the faceplate display, an exchange display audio unit must be ordered through the applicable Clarion audio exchange procedure. |
| 15-194-16R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Models Equipped with Navigation and Harman Kardon Power Amplifier Revised TSB. Fujitsu 10/ FTEN/ F10 Navigation Voice Guidance Instructions Getting Cut Off. This bulletin announces availability of an enhanced audio system power amplifier which contains software to address customer concerns of voice guidance instructions (words) being cut short or cut off. For example: instead of the instruction saying ?Turn right ahead?, it might be ?right ahead? or even just ?ahead?. This intermittent condition occurs after completing a Bluetooth hands-free phone call while using the navigation system?s voice guidance feature. |
| 15-199-16 | 2018-06-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address a group of operational concerns received from the field and listed below involving the Clarion Display Audio unit with 6.2? display. The procedure will involve downloading the applicable software update files from Subarunet then loading them onto a flash drive for audio unit installation. |
| 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. |
| 15-199-16R | 2018-05-29. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; 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 and listed below involving the Clarion Display Audio unit with 6.2? display. The procedure will involve downloading the applicable software update files from Subarunet then loading them onto a flash drive for audio unit installation. |
| 16-112-18R | 2018-04-16. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park. The cause is contamination of the Park-Range switch internal components |
| 11-174-17R | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. 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). |
| UPDATE - Removal | 2018-03-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). The corrected update files are now available for download from Subarunet. TSB 15-20516R has been revised with new file names where applicable and re-posted to STIS. |
| 15-205-16R | 2018-03-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). 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 then loading them onto two flash drives for audio unit installation. |
| 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. |
| 11-176-17 | 2017-12-15. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM for control of battery charging functions. Depending on vehicle use conditions, the battery state of charge value may differ slightly from the actual value. The new logic will enhance charging system control and result in improved battery life. |
| 12-208-16 | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces availability of new rear gate (PRG) stays designed to address customer concerns of other than expected PRG operation. The enhancement involves a change to the viscosity of the lubricant used for maintaining smooth operation of the 2 pressurized rear gate stays. If the PRG is left open for an extended period of time (longer than pproximately 5 minutes), the stays may develop increased operating resistance. This increased resistance is transferred to the PRG mechanism during closing causing an increase to the motor?s electrical current draw. As a result, the ?anti-pinch? feature of the PRG activates, a beep sound occurs and the gate re-opens without input from the customer. These symptoms may continue to occur on subsequent attempts to close the PRG. The anti-pinch feature is designed to operate if the gate comes in contact with an obstruction while closing. When activated, the gate reverses direction and re-opens automatically. |
| 07-114-16 | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. SEATS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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). |
| 15-198-16R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. Revised TSB: 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. |
| 16-99-16 | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files to optimize transmission control module (TCM) operation and address the following customer concerns: ? Engine RPM ?flare? (sharp RPM increase when CVT ?downshifts?) when using cruise control on uphill grades ? Cancellation of cruise control as a result of rpm flare (driver must reset desired vehicle speed). This new logic changes the cruise control system operation to avoid unexpected cancellation. |
| 15-194-16 | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. This bulletin announces availability of an enhanced audio system power amplifier which contains software to address customer concerns of voice guidance instructions (words) being cut short or cut off. For example: instead of the instruction saying ?Turn right ahead?, it might be ?right ahead? or even just ?ahead?. This intermittent condition occurs after completing a Bluetooth hands-free phone call while using the navigation system?s voice guidance feature. |
| 11-174-17R | 2017-09-14. 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). |
| 11-174-17R | 2017-09-14. 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). |
| 15-198-16R | 2017-08-14. 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. |
| 15-196-16R | 2017-08-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: Only those models equipped with Starlink Telematics. Data Communication Module (DCM) Procedures for Provisioning Failure, Inspection / Repair. VERY IMPORTANT: This procedure applies to vehicles with VINs shared with your retailer as leads through the STARLINK Notifications Dashboard found on Subarunet (see example below) which indicate a possible concern with the activation status of the SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security Services feature. |
| 15-196-16R | 2017-08-14. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ONLY 2016-2017MY: Those Models equipped with STARLINK Telematics. Provisioning is the process by which the DCM receives the subscription request and activates the related DCM features requested as outlined in the specific subscription contract. If provisioning is not successful then the DCM may remain in an inactive state and the requested services may not be activated for the customer. Field investigation has found that this may be a result of three possible conditions. * The DCM may be off the network due to vehicle storage or other network factors. * The DCM may be lacking power or ground due to some body side electrical concern. * The DCM may have an internal failure. |
| 15-205-16R | 2017-08-14. 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). |
| 18-182-15 | 2017-02-22. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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. |
| 15-194-16 | 2016-12-27. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). "THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF AN ENHANCED AUDIO SYSTEM POWER AMPLIFIER WHICH CONTAINS SOFTWARE TO ADDRESS CUSTOMER CONCERNS OF VOICE GUIDANCE INSTRUCTIONS (WORDS) BEING CUT SHORT OR CUT OFF. FOR EXAMPLE: INSTEAD OF THE INSTRUCTION SAYING “TURN RIGHT AHEAD”, IT MIGHT BE “RIGHT AHEAD” OR EVEN JUST “AHEAD”. THIS INTERMITTENT CONDITION OCCURS AFTER COMPLETING A BLUETOOTH HANDS-FREE PHONE CALL WHILE USING THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM’S VOICE GUIDANCE FEATURE." |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.