Worst 2016 Subaru Forester Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbags
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Subaru Forester.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 90 | 9 | — | 46,608 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 88 | 4 | 1 | 38,857 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 60 | 4 | 2 | 41,349 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 47 | 5 | — | 53,984 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 36 | 15 | — | 23,889 mi | |
| Brakes | 29 | 8 | — | 42,083 mi | |
| Fuel System | 24 | 5 | — | 41,901 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 20 | — | — | 50,150 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 20 | — | — | 42,475 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 19 | 3 | — | 27,952 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 12 | 1 | 1 | 31,008 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 12 | 1 | — | 17,815 mi | |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification | 11 | — | — | 40,649 mi | |
| Body Structure | 9 | 7 | 1 | 24,875 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 8 | 1 | — | 33,443 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 7 | 3 | — | 8,000 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | — | 42,200 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 1 | — | 47,580 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2016 Subaru Forester
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,687,999 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
Other Subaru Forester Years
2016 Subaru Forester — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Subaru Forester reliable?
What are common problems with the 2016 Subaru Forester?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Subaru Forester?
How safe is the 2016 Subaru Forester?
Does the 2016 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2016 Subaru Forester?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Forester reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2016 Subaru Forester
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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