VehicleVerdict

2016 Subaru Forester airbags problems

The 2016 Subaru Forester has 110 airbags complaints filed with NHTSA — 18% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

110

Airbags complaints

18%

Share of year

9

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Airbags complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

"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

Common questions

How many airbags complaints does the 2016 Subaru Forester have?

NHTSA has 110 complaints about the 2016 Subaru Forester airbags — 18% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Subaru Forester airbags?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the airbags: 19V701000.

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.