New Oil Seal for Subaru

This bulletin applies to 2015-2019 Subaru WRX, 2013-2019 BRZ, 2014-2018 Forester Turbo equipped with FA engines; 2013-2019 Legacy and Outback, 2012-2019 Impreza, 2013-2019 Crosstrek, and 2011- 2019 Forester models equipped with FB engines.

This bulletin applies to 2015-2019 Subaru WRX, 2013-2019 BRZ, 2014-2018 Forester Turbo equipped with FA engines; 2013-2019 Legacy and Outback, 2012-2019 Impreza, 2013-2019 Crosstrek, and 2011- 2019 Forester models equipped with FB engines.

A new Active Valve Control System (AVCS) oil control solenoid valves (OCV) is now available which contain a redesigned internal oil seal. The new seal will eliminate potential oil seepage into the wire harness connector portion of the valve. If oil seeps into the connector over time, the check engine lamp may illuminate and set various AVCS-related DTCs.

New OCVs can be identified by their production lot number located on the face of the solenoid.

OCV NEW P/M                 OCV OLD P/N

 0921AA231..........................10921AA230

10921AA241..........................10921AA240

 10921AA23B..........................10921AA23A

If oil is found in the harness connector during diagnosis of AVCS-related DTCs, replace the affected OCV with a new part.

About the Author

Information courtesy of Mitchell 1

Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.

Mike Mavrigian

Motor Age Editor

Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of  specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.

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