Service bulletins for the 2018 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.
439 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
Only bulletins with component: Electrical system are shown. Show all
| 15-211-17R | 2019-02-25. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. |
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| 15-235-18 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. This bulletin announces availability of new audio system amplifiers to address the following operating concerns with the Harman Kardon Gen 3 infotainment system: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the knob Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or crackling-type sound is heard coming through the speakers. |
| 15-211-17R | 2018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. |
| 15-220-18R | 2018-12-10. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to use when diagnosing concerns of the Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto feature not connecting or launching properly when a compatible device is connected to the head unit. |
| 15-211-17R | 2018-12-10. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. |
| 15-211-17R | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. It is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand this information completely to understand all changes from prior releases before proceeding. |
| 15-220-18R | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to use when diagnosing concerns of the Apple CarPlay and / or Android Auto feature not connecting or launching properly when a compatible device is connected to the head unit. |
| 15-226-18R | 2018-11-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing customer concerns regarding USB functionality. Please start by completing the Harman Investigation Guide Questionnaire as it gathers important details which will help with diagnosis and will be required should the condition not be resolved by this troubleshooting. While completing the questionnaire, follow the question flow based on the customer concern. Answer each related question noting the results to each in detail while performing the diagnostics. Review the entire bulletin before beginning in order to understand the flow for the listed concern. If the concern you have is not listed, check the Service Manual ?Infotainment (Diagnostics) - Diagnostics with Phenomena? section as a starting point. |
| 15-229-18 | 2018-10-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing clock-related customer concerns. Please start by completing the Harman Investigation Guide Questionnaire as it gathers important details which will help with diagnosis and will be required should the condition not be resolved by this troubleshooting. While completing the questionnaire, follow the question flow based on the customer concern. Answer each related question noting the results to each in detail while performing the diagnostics. Review the entire bulletin before beginning in order to understand the flow for the listed concern. |
| 15-228-18 | 2018-10-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing a customer concern of the display screen being either frozen (unresponsive) or black (blank). Please start by completing the Harman Investigation Guide Questionnaire as it gathers important details which will help with diagnosis and will be required should the condition not be resolved by this troubleshooting. While completing the questionnaire, follow the question flow based on the customer concern. Answer each related question noting the results to each in detail while performing the diagnostics. Review the entire bulletin before beginning in order to understand the flow for the listed concern. |
| 15-211-17R | 2018-08-20. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. |
| 06-63-18R | 2018-08-20. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces a design change to the EPB adapter cord harness connector. In some cases, the retaining tab of the connector may become damaged as a result of removal or installation for diagnosis and later and cause DTC C1956 or C1957 to set and the brake warning lamp to illuminate. The retaining tab portion of the connector has been changed to improve its durability and prevent recurrence of the DTC. If there is no prior history of disconnection and the connector lock tab is not damaged, check for another possible cause for these DTCs. |
| Harman-update-in | 2018-08-20. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; EQUIPMENT. In efforts to increase customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is now allowing all retailers to perform a one-time update the head unit software for Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation Head Units. |
| 16-112-18R | 2018-07-16. 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. |
| 15-211-17R | 2018-07-16. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. It is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand this information completely before proceeding. |
| 07-131-18R | 2018-07-16. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 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 to set and result in the related system?s (e. g. VDC and/or EyeSight) warning lamp to illuminate. |
| 16-111-18R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. CVT Transmissions only. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability to optimize the Transmission Control Module (TCM) used with the TR580 CVT. Contamination in a fluid pressure solenoid valve can cause a DTC P0841. The new logic will allow the solenoid to operate in a manner enabling it to discharge the contamination. |
| 15-217-18 | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. This bulletin announces availability of new audio system amplifiers to address the following operating concerns with the Harman Kardon Gen 3 infotainment system: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the knob Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or crackling-type sound is heard coming through the speakers. |
| 15-211-17R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. |
| 07-124-17R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability to optimize the Body Integrated Unit (BIU) and address the following customer concerns: ? If a customer exits the vehicle with the ignition OFF, all the doors closed and leaves the hazard warning switch ON, after about 75 seconds, the access key (models with push-button start) or the RKE fob buttons (models with key start) will not lock or unlock the doors. ? The power driver seat position control buttons are inoperative when opening the driver?s door after the push-button ignition switch is OFF. ? The power rear gate (PRG) is inoperative when using the dashboard control buttons or the access key button when the push-button ignition switch is OFF and all doors are closed. |
| 16-111-18R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN. CVT Transmissions only. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability to optimize the Transmission Control Module (TCM) used with the TR580 CVT. Contamination in a fluid pressure solenoid valve can cause a DTC P0841. The new logic will allow the solenoid to operate in a manner enabling it to discharge the contamination. |
| 15-211-17R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. |
| 07-124-17R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability to optimize the Body Integrated Unit (BIU) and address the following customer concerns: ? If a customer exits the vehicle with the ignition OFF, all the doors closed and leaves the hazard warning switch ON, after about 75 seconds, the access key (models with push-button start) or the RKE fob buttons (models with key start) will not lock or unlock the doors. ? The power driver seat position control buttons are inoperative when opening the driver?s door after the push-button ignition switch is OFF. ? The power rear gate (PRG) is inoperative when using the dashboard control buttons or the access key button when the push-button ignition switch is OFF and all doors are closed. |
| 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. |
| 15-211-17R | 2018-05-29. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. It is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand this information completely before proceeding. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.