2003 Subaru Forester TSBs
131 Technical Service Bulletins across 17 categories
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33 bulletinsThis bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the...
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proper exchange procedure.
Subaru tech tips newsletter article locator.
Subaru tech tips newsletter article locator.
This bulletin addresses cases when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code...
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202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully.
This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to...
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the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru.
This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the...
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proper exchange procedure.
This OTA is released to address Telematic functions that may stop working after a certain amount of time from the...
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vehicle's production.
This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the...
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Subaru Lock Information web-site.
This Bulletin announces availability of a User Guide and an informative video to supplement the recent releases to...
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retailers of the SOA321152 and SOA321153 Terminal Test Kits.
When attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur...
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preventing the process from completing successfully.
This bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which...
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impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold. This regulation applies to any automobile retailer installing accessories on a vehicle prior to its first sale.
This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the...
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proper exchange procedure.
This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the...
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proper exchange procedure for 2025MY vehicles.
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the...
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Subaru Lock Information web-site.
This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the...
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Subaru Lock Information web-site.
Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound
Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
Replacement Key and Immobilizer info
Replacement Key and Immobilizer Info
This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the...
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proper exchange procedure.
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information.
All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
This post was revised in error.
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It has been corrected back and removed from the posting list. The message was corrected on 04-13-14R posting dated 11/14/2018.
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the...
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Subaru Lock Information web-site.
( 2017-2018MY Impreza - 5 Dr Only)
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the...
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Subaru Lock Information web-site.
REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR HIGH-PITCHED SOUND FROM EXTENSION HOUSING AREA USING LATEST GENERATION PRODUCTION PARTS
2.5L REMANUFACTURED SOHC SHORT BLOCK RELEASE.
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*TT
THE DAMPING STRUCTURE FOR THE REAR GATE STAY HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM A SINGLE TO A DUAL TYPE DAMPER STYLE.
FLOOR MAT HOOK REPAIR.
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*TT
Pre-Delivery & Maintenance
22 bulletinsSUBJECT REGARDING TECHTIPS - A SUBARU SERVICE / TECHNICAL SUPPORT LINE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER - SPECIAL EDITION FORESTER.
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*TT
This Subaru service and technical support line newsletter provides information on the next phase of TechShare.
This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16...
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(Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
Subaru service article locator.
Subaru service article locator.
Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
This announcement is to bring attention to the OTA for In-vehicle service appointment scheduler and In-vehicle message...
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center.
This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual...
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models.
"This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16."
This announcement is in regard to special service tool shipment will be shipped directly to the Subar retailers during...
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February.
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual...
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models.
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual...
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models.
This announcement provides information on Takata Recall Escalated Towing Program.
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual...
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models.
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual...
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models.
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual...
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models
To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc.
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(SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc.
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(SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the internal contact portion of the oil pressure switch...
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to increase durability
Engine
12 bulletinsThis Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK Remote Engine Start (RES).
This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type...
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engines.
This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage...
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on FA and FB type engines.
This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on...
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Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.
If you encounter a vehicle that has a groaning type noise coming from the power steering pump when the wheel is turned...
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to the full right or left position when the vehicle is parked, it may be caused by the relief valve vibrating within the pump. In lieu of replacing the power steering pump, the relief valve is now available as a replacement part.
This bulletin provides details regarding a new oil filler tube o-ring developed to address engine oil seepage concerns.
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This seepage may accumulate along the bottom sealing surface of the rocker cover. The new o-ring utilizes material which has an increased resistance to engine heat.
This bulletin provides details regarding a new oil filler tube o-ring developed to address engine oil seepage concerns.
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This seepage may accumulate along the bottom sealing surface of the rocker cover. The new o-ring utilizes material which has an increased resistance to engine heat.
IF YOU ENCOUNTER A VEHICLE THAT HAS A GROANING TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED...
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TO THE FULL RIGHT OR LEFT POSITION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, IT MAY BE CAUSED BY THE RELIEF VALVE VIBRATING WITHIN THE PUMP. IN LIEU OF REPLACING THE POWER STEERING PUMP, THE RELIEF VALVE IS NOW AVAILABLE AS A REPLACEMENT PART.
IF YOU ENCOUNTER A VEHICLE THAT HAS A GROANING TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED...
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TO THE FULL RIGHT OR LEFT POSITION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, IT MAY BE CAUSED BY THE RELIEF VALVE VIBRATING WITHIN THE PUMP. IN LIEU OF REPLACING THE POWER STEERING PUMP, THE RELIEF VALVE IS NOW AVAILABLE AS A REPLACEMENT PART.
RUBBING MARK ON TIMING BELT.
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SUBARU. *TT
Transmission
12 bulletinsThis annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be...
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available.
This Bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a...
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high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension housing area.
Remanufactured Automatic Transaxle Program
5MT Transfer Driven Gear Bearings
This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above.
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During assembly of the bearing, a different type of grease is used which has a higher resistance to heat. In cases where the operator keeps a foot on the clutch pedal for extended periods, an increased amount of heat is generated which can cause the grease inside the bearing to deteriorate. In a case of prolonged clutch pedal application, seizure of the bearing can occur with potential damage to other related components.
This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above.
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During assembly of the bearing, a different type of grease is used which has a higher resistance to heat. In cases where the operator keeps a foot on the clutch pedal for extended periods, an increased amount of heat is generated which can cause the grease inside the bearing to deteriorate. In a case of prolonged clutch pedal application, seizure of the bearing can occur with potential damage to other related components.
THIS BULLETIN REVIEWS A CHANGE TO THE PART NUMBERS USED FOR THE TRANSFER DRIVEN GEAR BEARINGS.
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THESE REVISED BEARINGS ARE TO BE USED TO ENHANCE DURABILITY.
REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR HIGH-PITCHED SOUND FROM EXTENSION HOUSING AREA USING LATEST GENERATION PRODUCTION PARTS - THIS...
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BULLETIN PROVIDES PRODUCTION CHANGE, REPAIR PROCEDURE AND PARTS INFORMATION TO ADDRESS A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A HIGH-PITCHED SOUND COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING AREA.
CLUTCH PEDAL STICKING.
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*TT
IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED 4EAT TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL ROD.
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*TT
Body & Paint
7 bulletinsSUBJECT REGARDING AUTO DIMMING ELECTROCHROMIC COMPASS MIRROR TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE.
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*SLC
This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
This Bulletin provides SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion for 2025 MY vehicles.
This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time...
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exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
WASHER NOZZLES-MAY ENCOUNTER POOR DISCHARGE FROM THE LEFT FRONT WINDSHIELD WASHER.
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*SC
CREAKING NOISE FROM DOOR CHECKER.
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*SC
FRONT AND REAR DOOR PANEL CLIPS.
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*TT
Electrical
7 bulletinsThis Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current)...
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in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.
This announcment provides information on the release of the latest software updates to the Subaru Midtronics DSS-5000...
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Battery Diagnostic tool.
This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2...
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Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.
This Service Information Bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when the Data Communication...
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Module (DCM) is being tested as a dark current/standby current source.
This bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when testing the Data Communication Module (DCM) as...
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a dark current/standby current source. All models equipped with Telematics except Solterra.
2003MY KEYLESS ENTRY CONTROL MODULE INTERCHANGEABILITY.
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THIS INCLUDES 2003 SUBARU MODELS. *EH
AVAILABILITY OF HARNESS REPAIR AND CLIP KIT FOR SERVICE BULLETIN 17-07-04 SRS SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM.
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*TT
Infotainment
7 bulletinsThis Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of...
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Infotainment concerns.
A head unit OTA will be available via cellular network for Mid and High Grade CP1.5 head units.
This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi.
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The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last being Decemeber 3rd. This update is for approximatelt 714,000 VINs.
The CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units.
This announcement provides information for retailers to install the latest infotainment system software for Denso CP...
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1.5.
This information announces reprograming file availability for Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation systems.
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Inprovement for CarPlay concerns with hands-free calls when the receiving party is not able to hear the caller.
This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and...
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repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
HVAC & Climate
5 bulletinsThis bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance...
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concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance...
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concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
"This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance...
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concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. To improve Fixed Right First-Time (FRFT) and customer satisfaction, SOA is introducing a new procedure and fail code for first-time suspected A/C refrigerant leaks for cases when a Technician is unable to find the source of the leak or believes there was a potential factory under charge of the A/C system refrigerant."
This Service Information bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning...
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(A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance...
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concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. To improve Fixed Right First-Time (FRFT) and customer satisfaction, SOA is introducing a new procedure and fail code for first-time suspected A/C refrigerant leaks for cases when a Technician is unable to find the source of the leak or believes there was a potential factory under charge of the A/C system refrigerant.
Suspension
4 bulletinsThis bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce...
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unnecessary bushing replacement.
This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
Subaru of America, Inc.
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(SOA) has determined that affected vehicles listed, may have been manufactured with front lower control arms (transverse links) that could corrode in the hanger bracket area if exposed to salt for a prolonged period.
NEW PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING REAR WHEEL BEARINGS.
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*TT
Brakes
4 bulletinsThis bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers.
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This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips.
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This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of the replacement brake pads. This additional instruction applies to all models with brake pads using the upper and lower pad clips and has been added to the brake pad installation procedures found in the related Service Manuals.
DISC BRAKE PAD MODIFICATION FOR UNEVEN OR PREMATURE WORN BRAKE PADS.
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*TT
REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) REPAIR.
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*TT UPDATE. *TT
Air Bags & Safety
4 bulletinsAIRBAG CONNECTORS WERE DIFFICULT FOR THE TECHNICIANS TO GET APART FOR THE SIDE AIRBAG ON SOME VEHICLES.
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*SC
SRS CODES 41 & 42. SUBARU TECH TIPS.
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*TT
TROUBLE CODE 41 AND 42 IN THE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM OF THE SRS SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM.
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*TT
STOP SALE ORDER ON VEHICLES WITH PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE LATCH.
Software & Calibration
3 bulletinsThis announcement has been created to address difficulties with software updates on Subaru Select Monitors with DST-010...
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interface firmware has been updated.
This Bulletin outlines a comprehensive update to the dark current/parasitic draw diagnosis & testing procedures.
Subaru of America, Inc.
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will release an OTA to perform a software update to the DCM. This is a preventive OTA.
Lighting
3 bulletinsThis bulletin provides information on the load carrying capacity reduced label when a port-installed or...
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retailer-installed accessory exeeds 1.5 percent of the GVWR or 100 pounds, which ever is lower.
This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear...
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combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on the inside of the lamp lenses.
Revised TSB. The Subaru Lock Information Site (SLIS) is located at http://lockinfo.subaru.com, and provides information...
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on how to obtain immobilizer codes and key cut codes for Subaru vehicles from the 2000MY to present. This bulletin identifies the equipment required to initialize (reset) the immobilizer code and cut the key blanks, for both immobilizer and non-immobilizer type keys. Subaru of America began using immobilizer systems in some 2005MY vehicles (please refer to Immobilizer Chart for more detailed information).
Hybrid & EV
3 bulletinsThis Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in...
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new vehicle inventory.
This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in...
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new vehicle inventory wjhich must be tested and reported every 30 days.
This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries.
Fuel System
3 bulletinsThe purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOAs revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
This bulletin is to advise of SOAs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
FUEL LINE NOISE. SUBARU NEWSLETTER.
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*TT
Tires & Wheels
1 bulletinThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC...
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B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics.
Steering
1 bulletinSUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE.
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*RM