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: Equipment and accessories are shown. Show all
| 15-198-16 | 2018-06-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). 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. |
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| 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. |
| 18-192-18 | 2018-04-16. 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. |
| 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. |
| 07-113-16 | 2018-04-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. This bulletin announces a design change to the PRG mechanism in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding a gear-clash or grinding -type sound heard when opening or closing the rear gate. A material change and revised torque specification have been made to the drive gear retaining nut. |
| 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. |
| F10-Gen2-NAV-15- | 2018-03-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). TECHNICAL SUPPORT GUIDE FOR NAVIGATION AND AUDIO F10 GEN2 SYSTEMS. |
| 15-215-18 | 2018-03-13. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). Models with FujitsuTEN (F10) Gen 2.0 / 2.1 Navigation or Display Audio Head Units ONLY. This bulletin provides a repair procedure to address specific, confirmed customer concerns of: ? Audio output interruption every 2-3 seconds when listening to AM or FM radio broadcasts ? No audio output at all when attempting to listen to a HD Radio broadcast. |
| 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. |
| 15-205-16 | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. 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). |
| 15-198-16R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the extensive revisions made to the information originally contained in this bulletin, a new bulletin, 15-205-16 has been issued. Please refer to this new bulletin for the latest information regarding this condition. |
| 15-207-16 | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. This bulletin announces a design change to the USB connector inside the USB-AUX unit to address customer concerns of the USB cable becoming stuck and / or difficult to remove. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 15-190-15R | 2017-09-14. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. 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. |
| 15-198-16R | 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. |
| 15-205-16R | 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). |
| 12-216-17 | 2017-08-14. 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. |
| 15-177-14R | 2017-03-08. 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. |
| 09-61-15R | 2017-03-08. 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. |
| 07-103-15 | 2017-03-08. 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. |
| 18-184-15 | 2017-03-08. 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. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.