Recommended Maintenance & Wear Parts for a 2016 Subaru Forester
The common service parts a 2016 Subaru Forester needs — typical replacement intervals, what to watch for, and where to buy each one. Confirm exact fitment by VIN before purchasing.
Subaru’s maintenance schedule for the 2016 Subaru Forester lists the oil filter every 6,000 mi, engine air filter every 30,000 mi, cabin air filter every 12,000 mi, spark plugs every 60,000 mi and fuel filter every 72,000 mi. The other 10 parts below have no interval in that schedule and are replaced on condition; the ranges shown for them are general guidelines for all cars. NHTSA also lists 3 safety recalls for this model.
Last updated: · Specs: NHTSA vPIC · Recalls: NHTSA
2016 Subaru Forester maintenance & wear parts
Intervals marked OEM are manufacturer-recommended for this vehicle; the rest are typical guidelines. Your real schedule still varies by engine, trim and driving conditions — Always follow your owner's manual and confirm the exact part by VIN before buying.
| Part | System | Interval | Common signs | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake Pads | Brakes | General: Every 40,000–70,000 km | Squeal, grinding, longer stops | Shop → |
| Brake Rotors | Brakes | General: With pads / if warped | Pedal pulsation, deep scoring | Shop → |
| Oil Filter | Engine | Every 6,000 mi OEM | Replaced with the oil | Shop → |
| Engine Air Filter | Engine | Every 30,000 mi OEM | Low MPG, weak acceleration | Shop → |
| Cabin Air Filter | HVAC | Every 12,000 mi OEM | Weak airflow, musty smell | Shop → |
| Spark Plugs | Ignition | Every 60,000 mi OEM | Rough idle, misfires | Shop → |
| 12V Battery | Electrical | General: Every 3–5 years | Slow crank, dim lights | Shop → |
| Alternator | Electrical | General: As needed (no fixed interval) | Battery light, dimming lights | Shop → |
| Starter Motor | Electrical | General: As needed (no fixed interval) | Click on start, no-crank | Shop → |
| Wiper Blades | Exterior | General: Every 6–12 months | Streaking, chattering | Shop → |
| Headlight Bulbs | Lighting | General: As needed (when dim or out) | One side dim or burnt out | Shop → |
| Serpentine Belt | Engine | General: Every 80,000–160,000 km | Squeal on cold start, cracks | Shop → |
| Fuel Filter | Fuel System | Every 72,000 mi OEM | Hard start, hesitation | Shop → |
| Radiator | Cooling | General: As needed (leaks / overheating) | Overheating, coolant leak | Shop → |
| Water Pump | Cooling | General: Often done with the timing belt | Coolant leak, whine, overheat | Shop → |
2016 Subaru Forester specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Make | Subaru |
| Model | Forester |
| Model Year | 2016 |
| Overall Length (mm) | 4600 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 1800 |
| Overall Height (mm) | 1740 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2640 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1649 |
| Front Bumper to Windshield Base (mm) | 1210 |
| Side Glass Height (mm) | 420 |
| Side Glass Base to Rocker Panel (mm) | 860 |
| Roof Width Between Side Rails (mm) | 1150 |
| Front Overhang (mm) | 960 |
| Rear Overhang (mm) | 1000 |
| Front Track Width (mm) | 1550 |
| Rear Track Width (mm) | 1550 |
| Weight Distribution, Front/Rear (%) | 57/43 |
| Models Subaru offered in 2016 | 7 |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Canadian Vehicle Specifications. Linear dimensions in mm; weight in kg. Your exact build may vary by trim — decode your VIN to confirm.
Open recalls on the 2016 Subaru Forester (3)
The NHTSA database lists 3 safety recalls for the 2016 Subaru Forester, affecting: EXTERIOR LIGHTING, AIR BAGS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. A recall repair is free at a franchised dealer. Check whether yours is affected by your exact VIN.
| Component | Summary |
|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING · BRAKE LIGHTS | 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… |
| AIR BAGS · SENSOR | 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… |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · ENGINE | 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 A… |
See all recalls for the 2016 Subaru Forester → · Source: NHTSA. Confirm by VIN before assuming a recall applies.
Find the exact part by VIN
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Decode my VIN →Frequently asked questions
How often should parts be replaced on a 2016 Subaru Forester?
Subaru’s maintenance schedule for the 2016 Subaru Forester lists the oil filter every 6,000 mi, engine air filter every 30,000 mi, cabin air filter every 12,000 mi, spark plugs every 60,000 mi and fuel filter every 72,000 mi. Parts not in that schedule, such as brake pads, are replaced when inspection shows wear.
What maintenance parts does a 2016 Subaru Forester need?
The recurring service and wear parts are brake pads and rotors, the engine oil, air and cabin filters, spark plugs, the 12V battery, wiper blades, headlight bulbs and the serpentine belt; the alternator, starter, radiator and water pump are replaced when they fail.
Where can I buy parts for a 2016 Subaru Forester?
Each row links to marketplace listings for that part on this 2016 Subaru Forester. Confirm fit before buying: a VIN lookup resolves the engine and trim that decide which part number is correct.