2016 Subaru Forester
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 413
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 413 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 101 |
| 1999 | 131 |
| 2000 | 75 |
| 2001 | 139 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 189 |
| 2004 | 219 |
| 2005 | 93 |
| 2006 | 88 |
| 2007 | 74 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 615 |
| 2016 | 413 |
| 2017 | 587 |
| 2018 | 497 |
| 2019 | 832 |
| 2020 | 601 |
| 2021 | 209 |
| 2022 | 98 |
| 2023 | 74 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 96 |
| 2026 | 25 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
28% · 114 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.
Show complaint excerpts
SRS airbag error warning appears randomly when driving. It turns off passenger side airbags with a passenger in the seat and makes it unsafe to drive.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-26
Also filed under Seats
Electrical system
23% · 94 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and speedometer/odometer.
Engine
15% · 60 reportsPower train
12% · 50 reportsMost commonly citing column shift assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
While pulling into a parking lot spot at idle speed, I lightly depressed the accelerator when all of a sudden the vehicle surged forward colliding with the veh parked to my left.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-23
Vehicle speed control
9% · 37 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly and crashed into a fence on October 24, 2017. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-13
The car was being driven in a residential area. The driver stopped to make a u-turn then slowly started to take her foot off the brake while moving the steering wheel to the left when the car suddenly accelerated to the right (Opposite direction).
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-14
Also filed under Steering
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2016Complaint volume 413 complaints filed for this model year.
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2016-04-15Engine and engine cooling16V162000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016.
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2019-04-15Exterior lighting19V149000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
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2019-08-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2020-01-22 Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure
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2020-02-11Air bags19V701000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 114 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 94 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 60 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V162000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 19V149000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 19V701000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 Subaru Forester reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Subaru Forester is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Forester?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Forester have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.