Service bulletin fix for a Subaru blower fan doesn’t work condition

Subaru has issued a service bulletin #10-96-19 to address a situation where a Subaru blower fan doesn’t work. The symptoms may appear as a totally inoperative blower fan on models with Auto AC, or a blower fan that only works on high speed on vehicles with manual climate control. The service bulletin applies to the vehicles listed below:

Vehicles affected by Subaru service bulletin #10-96-19

2012-16 Impreza
2013-17 Crosstrek
2014-18 Forester
2015 – 18 WRX and WRX STI

Why the Subaru blower fan doesn’t work

Subaru has determined that the cause of the problem is water intrusion into the blower motor, leading to rust and corrosion. As the motor rusts, it draws more current, causing the fuse to blow, or the blower motor resistor to fail, leaving only the high speed.

Subaru has issued an updated blower motor to fix the problem

Subaru has developed an updated blower motor that is more resistant to water intrusion as well as an updated cabin air filter with better sealing.

Replace the blower motor with these updated parts to fix the problem

If your vehicle has auto climate control, use blower fan #72210FJ033. If you have manual temperature control, use #72210FJ043.

Updated Subaru blower fan

Updated Cabin Air Filter: For use with the new blower units, use part number 72880FJ000. Note that this new filter can replace the prior part number 72880FG000, but not vice versa.

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Rick Muscoplat