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
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SERVICE MANAGER

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

SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:

SUBJECT:

2020+ Outback 2.4L
2020-25MY Legacy 2.4L
2019+ Ascent
2022+ WRX

NUMBER:

02-196-26

DATE:

06/22/26

White Exhaust Smoke /
Diagnostic and Repair Procedure

INTRODUCTION:

This service bulletin outlines the diagnostic and repair procedure for white smoke emitted from the
exhaust after startup. Since the Service Manual does not include this diagnostic with phenomenon for
this concern, this service bulletin was developed to outline the diagnostic path and repair methods. If
this concern is reported, follow the procedure outlined below.

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: 02-196-26; Date: 06/22/26

Page 1 of 5

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:
REMINDER: Customer satisfaction and retention start with performing quality repairs.

Full

Check Engine Oil Level.

LOW
Correct Oil Level

Determine whether white
smoke or vapor is emitted
from the exhaust.

Vapor

Was the
exhaust emitting white
smoke or vapor?

White Smoke
Inspect PCV Valve.

NO Was it damaged? YES
Replace the PCV valve.

NO

Inspect turbo inlet for oil.

YES

Inspect turbo band clamp.

Is the band
discolored?

YES

Replace the
turbo.

NO

NO
YES

Remove the
timing cover and
inspect oil jet. Is
the oil jet aligned
correctly?

Replace the scavenging
pump and timing cover.

Is oil present?

Has the issue
been resolved?

Has the issue
been resolved?

YES

NO
Contact Techline via Techshare and provide:
A photo of the dipstick confirming the oil level
A photo of the paper towel used in Step 2
Photos of the PCV valve
Photos of the paper towel used to recheck
Step 2 (if the PCV valve was replaced)
A photo of the turbo inlet

YES

NO

Adjust the oil jet and
replace the timing cover.

END

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-196-26; Date: 06/22/26

Page 2 of 5

Step 1: Check engine oil level. Adjust the oil to the correct level. Proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Determine whether white smoke or vapor is being emitted from the exhaust. Mount a paper
towel 4-8 inches (10-20cm) from the exhaust. Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds. Turn the
engine off and wait for the paper towel to dry.

If yellow or brown stains appear on the paper towel, continue to the next diagnostic step. If no
stains are present on the paper towel, only vapor was emitted from the tailpipe.
Note: If you are validating a repair in Step 2, test drive the vehicle for five minutes beforehand to
clear any residual oil from the exhaust system.
Step 3: Remove the PCV valve. Inspect the PCV valve for damage and ensure it moves freely.
If damage is found or the valve is seized, replace the valve and hose. Then repeat step 2 to confirm
the issue has been resolved before proceeding.
If no damage is found, proceed to step 4.
Step 4: Check the turbo inlet for oil. See examples below:

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-196-26; Date: 06/22/26

Page 3 of 5

If oil is found, then proceed to step 5.
If no oil is found, contact Techline via TechShare and provide the following items:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

A photo of the dipstick confirming the oil level from Step 1
A photo of the paper towel used in Step 2
Photos of the PCV valve
Photos of the paper towel used to recheck Step 2 (if the PCV valve was replaced)
A photo of the turbo inlet

Step 5: Inspect the turbo V-band clamp for discoloration. See example below:

If the band is not discolored, replace the turbo.
Then repeat step 2 to confirm the concern has been
corrected before moving forward.
If the band is discolored, proceed to step 6

Step 6: Remove the timing cover and inspect the oil jet alignment.
If the oil jet is directed at the lower half of the oil inlet hole, loosen the bolt securing the oil jet
and adjust it so it is directed toward the upper half of the scavenge pump oil inlet, as shown below.
Torque the jet bolt while supporting the jet tip in the correct position. Replace the timing cover and
any one-time-use parts with new ones.
If the oil jet is already directed toward the upper half of the scavenge pump oil inlet, replace the
scavenge pump and timing cover, along with any one-time-use parts.
CAUTION: Do not bend the oil jet, as this will cause damage.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 02-196-26; Date: 06/22/26

Page 4 of 5

Examples of misaligned jets:

Note: If replacement of the scavenging pump is necessary, ensure the oil jet remains directed at the
upper half of the scavenging pump. Failure to do so will cause white smoke.
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited, this repair may be submitted using the following
claim information:
Warranty Type

Labor
Description

Labor
Operation #

Labor Time

Fail Code

Skill Level

WC

WHITE EXHAUST DIAGNOSTIC
AND INSPECTION

456186

0.8H

DGR-85

SG 1 / SL 3

WC

WHITE EXHAUST DIAGNOSTIC
AND INSPECTION/OIL LEVEL
ADJUSTMENT

456286

1.1H

AFU-88

SG 1 / SL 3

If replacing any parts please use Labor Time Guide for labor operations and times to submit
claim.
The Skill Group and Skill Level listed in this bulletin define the qualifications recommended for
this work. Repairs should be dispatched to a technician who is trained at the specified level. For
more information on Labor Operation Skill Group/Level assignments, click here to access the Gear
Reduction. To request a Skill Group/Skill Level change, fill out this form.
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: 02-196-26; Date: 06/22/26

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