TSB 16-156-25R — Subaru Service bulletin
16-156-25R is a service bulletin on file with NHTSA for 5 Subaru models, 2012–2024 model years, filed and re-filed as 2 documents. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free.
What the bulletin says. This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)
NHTSA's own summary of the document, quoted from the public manufacturer-communications file.
Vehicles and model years 16-156-25R names
| Vehicle | Model years |
|---|---|
| Subaru Crosstrek | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Subaru Forester | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| Subaru Impreza | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| Subaru Legacy | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Subaru Outback | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
Every document filed under 16-156-25R
Manufacturers re-issue a bulletin as the repair changes, and file separate copies for technicians and for owners. All of them carry the same number.
| Document ID | Filed | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 16-156-25R | June 2, 2026 | Service bulletin |
| 16-156-25R | May 13, 2026 | Service bulletin |
What 16-156-25R covers
Transmission & drivetrain, Electrical — the component vocabulary NHTSA files this communication under.
Questions buyers ask
What is TSB 16-156-25R?
16-156-25R is a service bulletin filed with NHTSA by Subaru, covering 5 Subaru models across the 2012–2024 model years. NHTSA's summary reads: This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)
Which vehicles does 16-156-25R cover?
NHTSA's file names Subaru Crosstrek (2013–2019); Subaru Forester (2014–2024); Subaru Impreza (2012–2023); Subaru Legacy (2013–2019); Subaru Outback (2013–2019). A bulletin number can be re-issued against more vehicles later, so check the model-year list on this page against your own.
Is TSB 16-156-25R a recall, and is the repair free?
No. 16-156-25R is repair guidance the manufacturer sent its dealers, not a safety defect finding. You pay for the work unless the vehicle is still under warranty. Recall repairs, by contrast, are always free.
How do I get the full text of 16-156-25R?
Take the document ID to a dealer's service desk, or search NHTSA's manufacturer-communications records. This page carries every document ID filed under 16-156-25R, its date, and NHTSA's own summary from the public file.
Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. This page lists only what NHTSA's manufacturer-communications file records under 16-156-25R. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.