ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

q

PARTS MANAGER

q

CLAIMS PERSONNEL

q

IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.

SERVICE MANAGER

q

© 2026 Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

SUBJECT:

2014-16MY XV Crosstrek Hybrid
2019-23MY Crosstrek Hybrid
2026+MY Crosstrek Hybrid
2025+MY Forester Hybrid
2023+MY Solterra
2026+MY Trailseeker
2026+MY Uncharted

NUMBER: 19-02-26
DATE: 06/01/26

High-Voltage Battery Service Procedures

INTRODUCTION
The repairs permitted to be performed on high-voltage batteries at the retailer level depend on the
vehicle type (hybrid or BEV) and model year. This service information bulletin provides information
on how to identify which high voltage battery repairs can be performed at the retailer level. Repair
procedures and serviceability vary depending on the type of vehicle being serviced. It is important to
review the information supplied in this bulletin prior to performing any service procedures on highvoltage batteries.
SERVICEABILITY AND SERVICEABLE COMPONENTS
Depending on the vehicle type, retailer Technicians may or may not be authorized to open the high
voltage battery assembly. Some retailers may not be eligible to perform service procedures depending
on vehicle type and location of retailer.
PHEV & SHEV
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and Strong Hybrid (SHEV) battery assemblies may be opened and serviced
by properly trained technicians following all applicable service procedures and safety requirements.
The following components are serviceable for PHEV and SHEV
Junction
Battery Energy
High Voltage Block with
Control Module
Main Fuse System Main
/ Battery ECU
Relays

On-Board
Charging
Module/Assembly

CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.

Charger Cooling Fan

Charger Cable
Assemblies

Subaru of America, Inc. is
ISO 14001 Compliant
ISO 14001 is the international standard for
excellence in Environmental Management
Systems. Please recycle or dispose of
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 19-02-26; Date: 06/01/26

Page 1 of 6

BEV
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) traction batteries MUST NOT be opened without the presence
and guidance of an SOA representative trained in battery disassembly procedures. The following
components are serviceable for BEV high voltage battery.

Battery Voltage
Sensors

Battery ECU

No
Yes

Yes
Yes

2023 Solterra
2024 ~ BEV Vehicles

Junction Blocks/
Traction Battery
Devices 1 & 2
Yes
Yes

Battery Harness /
Traction Battery
Wire
Yes
Yes

NOTE: Always confirm parts availability for your vehicle’s VIN prior to attempting a repair. Part
names and availability are subject to change between different year and model vehicles.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
•

Only technicians who have completed all required high voltage training through Star-U are
authorized to perform BEV high voltage battery service, in the presence and guidance of a
trained SOA representative. An unqualified individual who has not had the proper training should
never attempt to work on the high voltage system due to the serious risk of personal injury or
damage.

•

Battery stacks (cells) are not a serviceable component and should never be removed or
disassembled. If the trouble tree result for any DTC results in instructions to replace the battery
stack, contact Techline with the appropriate information as there may be additional requests.

HIGH VOLTAGE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Always use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), high voltage rated tools, and equipment
when working with systems containing HV components. Do not carry metal objects that can be
dropped accidentally and cause a short circuit while servicing the high voltage battery. Remove all
metal rings, necklaces, belt buckles, or other metal accessories you may be wearing. Wear safety
glasses and high voltage insulating gloves when working on or around HV systems.
High voltage insulating gloves rated Class 0, Type 1(1000 VAC / 1500 VDC) have a sufficient rating.
Before using HV insulation gloves, always check them for cracks, tears, and other types of damage.
Reminder: Subaru of America, Inc. recommends glove replacement or recertification every six
months from the date stamped on the gloves (even if unopened).
Follow all cautions and steps listed in the Service Manual DTC trouble tree for the vehicle you are
servicing. If you are unsure of any diagnosis results, please contact Techline with the appropriate
information.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 19-02-26; Date: 06/01/26

Page 2 of 6

STOP CONDITIONS (DO NOT PROCEED - IMMEDIATE ESCALATION REQUIRED)
If any of the following conditions are present, STOP diagnosis immediately. Do not continue testing.
Document findings and isolate the vehicle. Any indication of damage due to outside influence
is considered not a matter for warranty. Techline contact will still be required to initiate battery
replacement once repairs have been approved.
•

Indications of rodent damage

•

Indications of water damage or flooding

•

Physical damage due to impact or accident

•

Indications of a leaking battery stack (cells)

•

Indications of overheating or arc flashing

PHEV & SHEV DIAGNOSIS FLOW
If a hybrid vehicle is presented with high voltage system DTCs, follow the appropriate trouble tree to
diagnose the DTCs stored and use the appropriate PPE. If the trouble tree indicates that high voltage
components inside of the battery must be inspected, continue with diagnosis.
If any STOP conditions listed above in the “STOP CONDITIONS (DO NOT PROCEED IMMEDIATE ESCALATION REQUIRED)” section are observed, immediately stop all diagnosis
and document the condition. If the STOP condition is due to outside influence, this is not considered a
matter for warranty. If you are unsure of any diagnostic results, contact Techline with the appropriate
information.

BEV BATTERY SERVICE
During high voltage system diagnosis, it is possible to come across DTCs which indicate that a
component inside of the High Voltage Battery must be inspected or replaced. Battery Electric Vehicle
(BEV) traction batteries must not be opened without the presence of an SOA representative trained
in battery disassembly. Please contact your local DSQM in advance to arrange support. Improper
servicing by an untrained technician can result in component damage, personal injury, complete
battery replacement, or denied warranty claim.

BEV DIAGNOSIS FLOW
While diagnosing a high voltage concern on BEV vehicles, the trouble tree may indicate that a
component inside of the traction battery assembly must be inspected or replaced.
Do not attempt to open the traction battery assembly.
If a DTC trouble tree step requires internal inspection of the BEV battery, do not perform this step.
Review the remainder of the trouble tree and complete all remaining external diagnostic steps for
that trouble tree. If you are unsure of any diagnostic results or have exhausted all trouble tree steps
external to the traction battery for that DTC, contact Techline with the appropriate information.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 19-02-26; Date: 06/01/26

Page 3 of 6

If any STOP conditions listed above in the “STOP CONDITIONS (DO NOT PROCEED IMMEDIATE ESCALATION REQUIRED)” section are observed, immediately stop all diagnosis
and document the condition. If the STOP condition is due to outside influence, this is not considered a
matter for warranty.
APPROPRIATE INFORMATION FOR TECHLINE
•

When contacting Techline, have the following formation for the initial contact:

•

Customer Concern

•

Mileage

•

Vehicle Data Files

GTS+: Health Check with RoBs

SSM: All DTC Scan and Vehicle Control History of the HVECM

•

Documentation of the trouble tree steps and results

•

Photos of STOP condition, if any

Techine will review the data and provide guidance on the next steps.
ORDERING & HANDLING OF REPLACEMENT HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion high voltage batteries used in the PHEV, SHEV, and BEV vehicles cannot be ordered
through normal means, and must be released through the Retailer HelpLine Team. While an order for
the battery is placed through normal parts ordering procedure, a TechLine case must be started with
the following minimum information needed to begin the process of releasing a battery order:
•

Vehicle Data Files

GTS+: Health Check with RoBs

SSM: All DTC Scan and Vehicle Control History of the HVECM

•

All Trouble Tree results leading to HV battery replacement

•

Trouble Tree results for isolation testing

•

Documentation of STOP conditions if any

•

A picture of the battery serial/identification number

Once the appropriate information is submitted, TechLine submits the information to PICs, who will
contact your retailer to confirm the shipping portion of the order.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 19-02-26; Date: 06/01/26

Page 4 of 6

BATTERY MOVEMENT & EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
For forklift requirements, please refer to the Subaru Minimum Required Equipment List on
SubaruNet. The Subaru Minimum Required Equipment List can be found on SubaruNet under the
Service Operation & Technical > Service Tools and Equipment. Scenario 1 refers to movement of
PHEV and SHEV batteries, Scenario 2 refers to movement of BEV batteries.

DAMAGED DEFECTIVE RECALL CONTAINER HANDLING
Lithium-Ion batteries shipped VIA Damaged Defective Recall Containers (DDR) must be handled
with care. When placing the battery inside of the DDR and packaging the original battery, observe the
following:
Do
Wrap the battery in its original plastic packaging with absorbent mats underneath the battery
Use the supplied ratchet straps to secure the
battery in the container
Use carboard around the edges of the battery
to protect the rachet straps
Cover any high voltage connections using
insulation tape

Do Not
Leave the DDR container outside
Rest the lid of the DDR container on the lock
assemblies
Lift the entire DDR assembly by the lid
Allow the battery or packaging to get wet or
packaging the battery wet

MHEV REFERENCE
For 2014-2016 XV Crosstrek Mild Hybrid (MHEV) high voltage battery assemblies, please refer to
sections 9.3 and 9.4 of the Fixed Operations Policies and Procedures Manual.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 19-02-26; Date: 06/01/26

Page 5 of 6

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
•

SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously
released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.

•

Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.

•

Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

Bulletin Number: 19-02-26; Date: 06/01/26

Page 6 of 6