2016 Subaru Forester

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2016 Subaru Forester
BUILT 2026-08-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2016: 405 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	72
2008	50
2009	178
2010	262
2011	147
2012	105
2013	77
2014	403
2015	611
2016	405
2017	579
2018	487
2019	831
2020	592
2021	207
2022	93
2023	69
2024	28
2025	78
2026	11

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 23%

23% of complaints: air bags — 94 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22%

22% of complaints: electrical system — 90 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

ENGINE 15%

15% of complaints: engine — 60 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

POWER TRAIN 12%

12% of complaints: power train — 47 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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, 20180723

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9%

9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 36 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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, 20180813

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, 20151214

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2016 — complaint volume: 405

R 20160415 — engine and engine cooling

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.

Campaign 16V162000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190415 — exterior lighting

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.

Campaign 19V149000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20190806 — PE (closed 20200122)

Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure

R 20200211 — air bags

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.

Campaign 19V701000 — check if this car was fixed