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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

Bulletins, newest first
18-186-162018-06-04. 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.
15-198-162018-06-04. 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.
17-17-13R2018-05-29. 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.
15-199-16R2018-05-29. 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.
18-192-182018-04-16. 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.
16-112-18R2018-04-16. 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
16104172018-04-02. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. CVT MODELS ONLY. 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.
15-212-172018-04-02. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE. ALL OUTBACKS AND 5-DOOR IMPREZA MODELS ONLY. This bulletin announces a design change of the tonneau cover assembly to address customer concerns of the handle portion coming loose. The handle has been changed to optimize retention and made available as a service part separate from the tonneau cover.
11-174-17R2018-04-02. 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).
04-17-17R2018-04-02. Service bulletin. STEERING. This bulletin provides a service procedure to address isolated customer concerns of a rattling sound identified as coming from the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) rack assembly. The repair involves installation of a new tension spring for the worm gear to reduce / eliminate the condition. It should be noted the condition is NOT detrimental to the operation of the EPS system.
01-168-09R2018-04-02. 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.
07-113-162018-04-02. 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.
Special Service2018-04-02. Service bulletin. STEERING. The following special tool is required for servicing the 2015-2017MY Legacy and Outback Electronic Power Steering (EPS) rack assembly. This tool will be shipped directly to all Subaru retailers during September. Please reference TSB 04-17-17 for further information about the use of this tool. Each retailer will be supplied with one of these tools at no charge.
02-170-172018-04-02. 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.
04-17-17R2018-04-02. Service bulletin. STEERING. This bulletin provides a service procedure to address isolated customer concerns of a rattling sound identified as coming from the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) rack assembly. The repair involves installation of a new tension spring for the worm gear to reduce / eliminate the condition. It should be noted the condition is NOT detrimental to the operation of the EPS system.
UPDATE - Removal2018-03-13. 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.
15-215-182018-03-13. 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.
15-205-16R2018-03-13. 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.
07-131-182018-03-13. 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.
07-127-182018-03-13. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. This bulletin announces a design change to the power rear gate (PRG) rod. The new rod will address isolated cases of one end of the rod coming off the ball stud just as the latch releases and the gate starts to open / move.
11-176-172017-12-15. 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.
15-205-162017-10-27. 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).
15-198-16R2017-10-27. 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.
15-207-162017-10-27. 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.

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