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2016 Subaru Forester Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

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TSB Date Problem Area TSB Text
04/02/18 NHTSA ID: 10131632
TSB ID: 02-170-17

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 co
09/13/17 NHTSA ID: 10117529
TSB ID: 02-168-17

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.
08/14/17 NHTSA ID: 10111067
TSB ID: 09-64-16

This service information bulletin announces a change to the shape of the rubber cap used on the flange nuts securing the sub-level sending unit to the fuel tank. in addition, two of the caps are now used in production instead of only one. t
08/14/17 NHTSA ID: 10111074
TSB ID: 02-166-17

This bulletin outlines design changes made to the upper oil pan assembly on fa and fb engines used on the models listed above. there have been isolated cases where the sealer used between the upper oil pan and the crankcase has become dis
02/27/17 NHTSA ID: 10093067
TSB ID: 02-162-15

This service information bulletin announces a design change to the oil pressure switch assembly. nickel plating has been applied to the internal switch contacts to enhance their durability and reduce the possibility of poor contact which c
11/08/16 NHTSA ID: 10084125
TSB ID: 09-63-16

This service information bulletin serves as a reminder to always follow the proper procedures when diagnosis of a dtc b1500 leads to replacement of a faulty main and / or sub fuel level sensor.
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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08/14/17 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10111091
TSB ID: 16-102-16

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.
03/06/17 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10093861
TSB ID: 16-97-15

This bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosing a customer concern of a delayed and / or harsh engagement of the cvt (model tr580) when shifting into reverse or drive from neutral. all 2013-16my, 4-cylinder, n/a models with cvt
02/27/17 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10093129
TSB ID: 03-67-12R

Subaru of america, inc. has extended the availability of remanufactured cvt transmissions to include crosstrek, forester and impreza applications. please check applications and availability through normal parts channels prior to making vehi
01/31/17 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10089957
TSB ID: 03-70-12R

Repair procedure for high-pitched sound from extension housing area using latest generation production parts - this bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched
04/16/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10133528
TSB ID: 16-112-18R

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 contaminati
04/16/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10133520
TSB ID: 07-134-18

This service information bulletin provides a new troubleshooting chart to use when diagnosing a dtc b1760 related to the occupant detection system (ods). following these diagnostic steps will help avoid unnecessary ods sensor / seat cu
04/02/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10131633
TSB ID: 10-83-15R

Models with manual hvac systems only. this service information bulletin provides precautions to use when removing the hvac control panel to prevent damaging the blower fan speed switch. when removing the control panel, if the fan speed sw
04/02/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10131631
TSB ID: 07-119-17R

This service information bulletin announces a production method change to the rear combination lamp assembly. the application procedure of the anti-fog coating was changed to prevent a customer concern of visible drip marks (or streaks) a
04/02/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10131628
TSB ID: 06-55-16R

Excludes hybrid models. this bulletin announces a design change to the brake light switch (bls) to reduce the possibility of improper illumination of the abs and/or vdc warning lamp. in the event a product containing silicone is used to lub
03/13/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10130280
TSB ID: 15-215-18

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 lis
03/13/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10130278
TSB ID: 15-205-16R

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 uni
03/13/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10130270
TSB ID: 07-128-18R

This service information 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
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03/13/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10130285
TSB ID: F10-Gen2-NAV-15-

Technical support guide for navigation and audio f10 gen2 systems.
03/13/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10130287
TSB ID: UPDATE - Removal

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.
10/26/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10120981
TSB ID: 15-198-16R

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
10/26/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10120975
TSB ID: 10-84-16R

This bulletin announces the availability of a new air conditioning compressor / clutch assembly to address customer concerns of the system not operating. electrical windings located inside the clutch assembly have been changed to eliminate
10/26/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10121000
TSB ID: 15-206-16

Usb device not recognized on fujitsu-ten (f10) 7? display navigation and display audio units. this bulletin announces availability of a new auxiliary usb unit to address customer concerns where the 7? display audio or audio navigation he
10/26/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10121001
TSB ID: 15-207-16

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.
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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10/26/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10121005
TSB ID: 15-205-16

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
10/26/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10121002
TSB ID: 15-198-16R

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.
09/13/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10117530
TSB ID: 06-55-16R

This bulletin announces a design change to the brake light switch (bls) to reduce the possibility of improper illumination of the abs and/or vdc warning lamp. in the event a product containing silicone is used to lubricate the bls or for
09/13/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10117533
TSB ID: 07-119-17

This service information bulletin announces a production method change to the rear combination lamp assembly. the application procedure of the anti-fog coating was changed to prevent a customer concern of visible drip marks (or streaks) a
08/14/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10111103
TSB ID: 15-198-16R

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"
08/14/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10111083
TSB ID: 15-205-16R

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 uni
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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08/14/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10111085
TSB ID: 15-196-16R

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 con
08/14/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10111092
TSB ID: 15-196-16R

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
03/06/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10093914
TSB ID: 10-83-15

This service information bulletin provides precautions to use when removing the hvac control panel to prevent damaging the blower fan speed switch. when removing the control panel, if the fan speed switch wiring harness is pulled taught or
03/03/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10093622
TSB ID: 08-39-15

This service information bulletin provides a procedure for resetting the lifetime fuel consumption function of the mfd. whenever replacing the mfd and / or combination meter, the lifetime fuel consumption function of the mfd must be reset f
11/16/16 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10084297
TSB ID: F10TSG

Technical support guide - gen 2.0 & 2.1 micro sd navigation (avn) display audio (da)
09/28/16 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10081078
TSB ID: 07-105-16

This bulletin announces availability of a new dccd control module to address customer concerns of the manual setting being lost when turning off the ignition. if the operator adjusts the setting of the dccd feature from the default, this ne
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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04/16/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10133522
TSB ID: 12-234-18

This bulletin provides a repair procedure for replacing the foam cushion installed between the top front edge of the ip and the windshield glass. use the supplied service procedure to address a customer concern involving the foam cushi
04/02/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10131639
TSB ID: 12-207-16

This bulletin announces a change to the procedure used in production of the rear door glass assembly. the bottom edge of the door glass is pressed into a metal channel lined with rubber. the channel attaches the door glass assembly to the w
04/02/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10131641
TSB ID: 12-189-15R

This bulletin provides information about changes made to the rear shelf trim to address customer concerns of a rattling sound heard while driving over bumpy / rough roads. the sources of the rattle have been identified as: ? the mounting
04/02/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10131647
TSB ID: 01-168-09R

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the subaru lock information web-site.
03/13/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10130277
TSB ID: 12-231-18

( 2017-2018my impreza - 5 dr only)
10/26/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10120991
TSB ID: 12-209-16

This bulletin announces a design change to the front speaker grille. the new grilles have increased retention capabilities to address customer concerns of a loose fit.
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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10/26/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10120971
TSB ID: 15-201-16

This service information bulletin announces a design change to the retractable portion of the tonneau cover made to address customer concerns of the cover retracting on its own while driving on rough roads. the shape and length (an addition
09/13/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10117555
TSB ID: 15-190-15R

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 polic
09/13/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10117545
TSB ID: 12-224-17R

This bulletin provides a procedure for replacement of the black foam rubber insulating cushions for the roof rails. in rare cases, the cushion(s) may come loose and begin to protrude from under the roof rails where they contact the body.
08/14/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10111093
TSB ID: 12-203-16

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 p
08/14/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10111098
TSB ID: 12-189-15R

This bulletin provides information about changes made to the rear shelf trim to address customer concerns of a rattling sound heard while driving over bumpy / rough roads. the sources of the rattle have been identified as: * the mounting p
08/14/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10111101
TSB ID: 12-206-16

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.
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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03/08/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10094342
TSB ID: 12-195-15

Should you receive a customer concern of vibration or looseness in either of the door mirrors, a design change has been made to the 3 mirror head mounting holes in the mounting base. in addition, a new retaining bolt and tightening torque s
02/27/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10093105
TSB ID: 02-162-15R

This service information bulletin announces a design change to the oil pressure switch assembly. nickel plating has been applied to the internal switch contacts to enhance their durability and reduce the possibility of poor contact which c

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Subaru Forester TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins)

Some things are often misunderstood about recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs). Plus a disclaimer.

  1. Recalls do not have to be issued only because something is prone to failure. NHTSA (a government agency) can only require a recall if a failure will affect safety, emissions, fuel economy, or compliance with some other regulation or law. Manufacturers can voluntarily recall cars for problems that do not affect these, though.
  2. Recalls often apply to only some cars of a specific model year, rather than all of them. You should receive a letter from the manufacturer if your car has been recalled. You can also check with the dealer, which will know which (if any) recalls pertain to your car.
  3. The primary purpose of TSBs is to inform dealers about known problems with a car and how to fix them. They are not the same as recalls. As with recalls, TSBs often only apply to some cars, not the entire model year.
  4. Dealers often will not provide a preventive repair just because a problem described in a TSB might happen to your car. They'll usually want to observe symptoms that the problem is already affecting your car.
  5. Even if there are symptoms, a manufacturer doesn't have to pick up the cost of a TSB repair if the car is out of warranty, though sometimes they do.

We provide the text of recalls and TSBs as provided by NHTSA. There can be errors in the text. If you sign up for notifications in My Garage, we will try to get these to do, but for various reasons (some beyond our control) cannot guarantee you will receive them. When in doubt about a recall or TSB, contact the dealer.