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.
By type
By component
By trouble code
| 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. |
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| 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. |
| WTD-65R | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. STEERING. REPAIR PROCEDURE - This Service Procedure provides an inspection method for identification of affected vehicles and if determined necessary, additional steps for replacing the steering column assembly. |
| WTD-65 | 2017-10-27. Service bulletin. STEERING. PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN - Inspection and Repair Procedure for Stop Sale / Recall Campaign WTD-65: Steering Column |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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). |
| 07-114-16R | 2017-09-14. 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). |
| 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). |
| 02-168-17 | 2017-09-14. 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. |
| 15-198-16R | 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. |
| 12-206-16 | 2017-08-14. 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. |
| 12-203-16 | 2017-08-14. 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. |
| 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. |
| 16-102-16 | 2017-08-14. 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. |
| 12-219-17 | 2017-08-14. 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. |
| 16-103-16R | 2017-08-14. 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. |
| 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. |
| 16-104-17R | 2017-08-14. 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. |
| 15-205-16R | 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). |
| 12-218-17 | 2017-08-14. 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). |
| 12-216-17 | 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. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.