ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER

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PARTS MANAGER

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CLAIMS PERSONNEL

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

SERVICE MANAGER

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

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:
SUBJECT:

26MY Outback Models including
Wilderness models

NUMBER:

15-336-25R

DATE:

02/13/26

FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) Reprogramming Revised:
for DENSO Gen 5 CP25 Audio Navigation
Infotainment Systems via DCM

06/22/26

INTRODUCTION:
This bulletin provides instruction for use of a new reprogramming procedure to optimize the Denso
Gen 5 CP25 Audio and Navigation system utilized in the models listed above. Firmware-overthe-air (FOTA) is a process where remote devices can receive updates to their operating firmware.
This process has become second nature with smartphones, tablets and many other connected
devices. FOTA for automotive infotainment systems was designed with an emphasis on customer
convenience. FOTA updates provide regular enhancements along with software patches as needed to
enhance the customer experience. The convenience factor comes not only with the supply of regular
updates and the enhancements they provide, but through customer control of when these updates are
downloaded and installed. The only requirement is a valid enrolment in MySubaru Companion
service plan offered by MySubaru Connected Services, since the download of the software is
performed via DCM. FOTA operation is conducted in two steps: download (from the server to the
vehicle via DCM) and installation (internal to CP25 system in the vehicle).
This bulletin outlines the procedure for performing FOTA updates successfully. These procedures
involve:
•

Assisting customers with FOTA -related concerns if they have been unsuccessful in performing
the FOTA by themselves. (Possible vehicle or system concern.) *

•

Performing the FOTA update for customers who are not comfortable or need assistance with
performing it themselves but have requested the Retailer to install it*

•

Updating the firmware using a USB flash drive by following the steps outlined in TSB 15-33525 “Reprogramming File Availability for Optimization of Gen 5 Denso CP25 Infotainment
Systems” when FOTA cannot be performed due to the setup or eligibility constraints*.

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.

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: 15-336-25R; Date: 06/22/26

Page 1 of 12

* NOTE: If a customer is simply requesting help with how to perform FOTA, provide a copy of the
appropriate customer instructions for FOTA available on Subarunet: Service Operations & Technical
> Forms/Downloads page. See Appendix A later in this bulletin for more information.
It is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand this information completely before proceeding.
NOTES:
•

The FOTA firmware version might not be the same version available to Retailers for USB
updating use. In that case system updated using FOTA can be further updated by using the USB
update procedure if additional updates are needed. For additional details clarifying the scope of
FOTA updates, review the applicable Owner’s Manual Supplement’s additional information for
the Center Information Display. The information is downloadable from: https://www.subaru.
com/ owners/index.html. See Appendix C below for more information.

•

FOTA updates are for the system firmware ONLY. Map updates are a separate function which
the customer may update on their own by using either USB download or Map Over the Air
Update (MOTA). Go to: subaru-maps.com for more information.

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.
The FOTA update process involves a remote downloading and installing the update firmware
therefore, time duration depends on signal strength and transfer rate performance. During installation,
the infotainment system’s functionality will be restricted.
SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS AND CAUTIONS:
•

Move the vehicle to an outside location where the engine can be safely started and kept idling
during the update process.

•

Never idle the vehicle in a closed space such as a garage, even if the garage door is kept open.

•

Once the vehicle is in a safe location, be sure the vehicle is in Park (CVT) or Neutral (MT) and
the parking brake is fully engaged.

•

Open one or more windows to ensure fresh air is available.

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Stay with the vehicle until the update is completed.

•

We suggest adjusting the climate controls to your desired settings in case they become
unavailable during the update process.

•

Unplug any devices, chargers, cables or other USB drives from the vehicle’s USB and power
ports.

VERY IMPORTANT: Before proceeding with the updating procedure, the currently installed
version ID MUST be confirmed (Firmware Version Check) by following the steps below:
1) After starting the engine and system boot-up completes, from the HOME screen, touch the Settings
button.
2) Press the Software button. Use the down arrow to
scroll to System Information then press to display the
System Information / Version information.
See 2026MY Outback Multimedia Navigation System
Owner’s Manual page 48 if need additional information.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-336-25R; Date: 06/22/26

Page 2 of 12

Please note the last six digits of the software version (016-820) would determine an eligibility for the
software update. If the last six digits of the software version are not listed in the table below proceed
to section “FOTA REPROGRAMMING OVERVIEW” below. Otherwise the unit already has the
latest software version installed. No update is required at this time.
Latest Software Version
S01NSM016-820
If the vehicle is eligible to FOTA software update based on the software version, please follow the
steps outlined in the section “FOTA REPROGRAMMING OVERVIEW”. If the software version is
up to date please proceed to the WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION section of the TSB and
process a claim for Version Check Only.
FOTA REPROGRAMMING OVERVIEW:
•

SUBSCRIPTION STATUS - confirm subscription status for MySubaru Connected Services
NOTE: FOTA update is possible only with valid enrolment in MySubaru Companion
service plan offered by MySubaru and active DCM. If the status of subscription is
unclear, contact MySubaru Customer Care at (855) 753-2495 and find details of
MySubaru agreement.

•

Verify that the date (Month/Day/Year) and time are correct by selecting Settings > Time &
Date. The vehicle system date must be set correctly to determine if an update is required and to
establish authentication with the FOTA server.

•

SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD - When software update becomes available, the software is
automatically downloaded following IGN-ON operation without customer’s operation.

CAUTION: The process could be obstructed due to incorrect clock setting or poor DCM reception.
If the clock time is incorrect, see Appendix B for how to set the correct time. If the DCM has lost
reception, move the vehicle to a better (4G phone signal) reception area.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-336-25R; Date: 06/22/26

Page 3 of 12

NOTE:
1. Download takes 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the service provider and LTE signal strength. To
confirm the download status, please select “Settings > Software > Subaru Connected Services
System Update”.

2. If the engine/ignition is turned off during the download, the download will resume once the
engine/ignition is turned back on. After the download completes and the vehicle has stopped,
“Installation approval” popup appears. Please move the Installation step.
INSTALLATION - The installation consists of two stages: installation and activation.
NOTE: It is recommended that the engine remains running during the installation. If an error popup
appears, please refer to the Troubleshooting Guide in Appendix D.
After the download completes in the background and the vehicle is stopped, the following popup will
appear.

Follow the on-screen instructions displayed in the popup.
If you have navigated to another screen, select “Settings > Software > Subaru Connected Services
System Update”, or turn the engine(ignition) OFF and then back ON.
1. Click “Install Now” and verify that the installation progress bar appears. Selecting “Remind Me”
will delay the update up to two times before the installations starts automatically.
Note: If needed, this is a good point to make a note of the “Available Version” for later
verification.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-336-25R; Date: 06/22/26

Page 4 of 12

2. Wait until the progress bar indicates 100% completion of the installation.
Note: Installation takes 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the system load status. During the
installation, other functions remain available as usual, and you can navigate to any screen.
To return to this progress screen, select “Settings tab > Software > Subaru Connected Services
System Update”.

Note: While the vehicle is stationary, press the brake pedal every 15 minutes to prevent the
engine/ignition from shutting down automatically.
If the engine/ignition is turned OFF during the installation, the install will resume in the
background once the engine/ignition is turned ON.
3. After the installation is complete, the following pop-up will appear. Press the “Close” button and
proceed to the next step.

4. Shut down the system to activate the installed software following the steps outlined below.
Note: The installation will not be completed until the system is shut down correctly.
•

Turn the ignition(engine) switch off.

•

Open the driver’s door once then close.

•

Lock the doors.

•

Step away from the vehicle at least 10 ft ( 3 m) with the key FOB.

•

Wait at least 5 minutes.

•

Unlock the doors.

•

Open the driver’s door then close.

•

Turn the engine/ignition on.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 15-336-25R; Date: 06/22/26

Page 5 of 12

5. When the engine/ignition is turned ON, “Caution” screen will be displayed.
Note: As instructed on the Caution screen, wait for 3 minutes without turning the engine off.
After 3 minutes, press the “I Agree” button.

6. After the software update is completed successfully, the following pop-up will appear. Press the
“Close” button.

Verification of the installed software version
To verify whether the software update has been successfully completed, check the current software
version by following the steps below.
1. Select “Settings > Software > System Information

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 15-336-25R; Date: 06/22/26

Page 6 of 12

2. Verify whether the “software version” matches the “Available Version” noted on page TBD.

Note: Consecutive FOTA updates
If the software version prior to the FOTA update is too outdated, updating to the latest software may
not be completed in a single attempt, and consecutive updates are required.
In such cases, once the next FOTA update becomes available, the “Install Agreement” screen will
appear again. When this occurs, restart the process from STEP Installation on page TBD.
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period or covered by an active Subaru
Added Security Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using the following claim information:
Labor Description

Labor Operation #

Labor Time

Fail Code

DENSO GEN 5 CP25 CHECK ONLY

A031-186

0.2

ZWD-48

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
•