VehicleVerdict

2016 Subaru Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 609 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.9 times the median Forester year — the 2016 model ranks #6 of 29 Forester years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 37 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (110), electrical system (102), and other (68), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

609

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

77

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

37

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted1,084 complaints1998: 138 complaints1999: 156 complaints2000: 95 complaints2001: 169 complaints2002: 109 complaints2003: 238 complaints2004: 270 complaints2005: 105 complaints2006: 121 complaints2007: 89 complaints2008: 67 complaints2009: 228 complaints2010: 307 complaints2011: 195 complaints2012: 140 complaints2013: 94 complaints2014: 576 complaints2015: 891 complaints2016: 609 complaints2017: 787 complaints2018: 669 complaints2019: 1,084 complaints2020: 798 complaints2021: 281 complaints2022: 134 complaints2023: 102 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 103 complaints2026: 15 complaints
Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Subaru Forester problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags11018%
Electrical System10217%
Other6811%
Engine6010%
Transmission488%
Speed Control376%
Brakes295%
Visibility & Wipers244%
Fuel System244%
Seats213%
Steering193%
Driver Assistance163%
Tires & Wheels163%
Suspension122%
Body & Structure112%
Seat Belts61%
Lighting61%

Does the 2016 Subaru Forester have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V701000AirbagsOctober 3, 2019 · 366,282 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.

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. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.

19V149000LightingFebruary 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 units

Defect

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. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Consequence

Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

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.

16V162000EngineMarch 21, 2016 · 18,187 units

Defect

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. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“"TAKATA RECALL" VEHICLE ACCELLERATED, BRAKES DID NOT STOP VEHICLE, ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE INJURING MY WIFE, PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY & PSYCHOLOGICALLY. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WIFE WAS TRYING TO PARK, WHEN VEHICLE SPED UP AND HER BRAKING HAD NO EFFECT AND SHE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 6, 2016 · crash

“I had my foot on the brake, opened the garage door with my garage door opener, and before I took my foot off the brake the car surged, jumped, and smashed into the brick wall next to the garage. I did not put my foot on the gas.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 11, 2026 · crash

“I WAS PREPARING TO PARK MY CAR ,IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE GIANT PARKING LOT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WAS ALMOST AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED . UPON ACCELERATION, THE CAR HIT THE STEEL CONSTRUCTION UNIT THAT IS BUILT TO STORE THE CUSTOMER SHOPPING CARTS AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 29, 2021 · crash

“Was Backing up and car started excelling and the throttle stuck hitting 2 cars It was out of control I got it in drive and it took off forward running full throttle up over the pavers around a tree and ran up on the side of a BMW which was sitting on the side of The hostess paved driveway coming…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 29, 2022 · crash

“When accelerator is slightly pushed after the vehicle has come to stop it accelerates in a jack rabbit manner. The driver stopped at beginning of driveway parking area, and decided to move slightly forward. A slight push on accelerator pedal caused vehicle to lurch forward and do $8,700 damage to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 10, 2023 · crash

2016 Subaru Forester — common questions

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 609 complaints put the 2016 model at #6 of 29 Forester years. It is one of the Forester years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Forester problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (110 complaints), electrical system (102 complaints), other (68 complaints).

Does the 2016 Subaru Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Subaru Forester years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forester years to avoid are 2019, 2015, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2010, 2021, 2004, 2003. The cleanest record among Forester years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2016 Subaru Forester?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Subaru Forester earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.