2016 Subaru Forester problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 414 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Subaru Forester, filed between 2015-10-14 and 2026-09-22. The most common problem areas are the air bags (99, 24%), electrical system (93, 22%) and engine (60, 14%). Owners reported 40 crashes, 3 fires and 17 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Subaru Forester complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 99 | 24% | 9 | 0 | 7 |
| Electrical system | 93 | 22% | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 69 | 17% | 7 | 1 | 5 |
| Engine | 60 | 14% | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Power train | 51 | 12% | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 37 | 9% | 16 | 0 | 7 |
| Service brakes | 29 | 7% | 8 | 0 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 24 | 6% | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Seats | 23 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 20 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 19 | 5% | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Wheels | 17 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 14 | 3% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Structure | 11 | 3% | 7 | 1 | 3 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 8 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Air bags: 99 complaints
- 99 complaints of 414 (24%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 22 of them also name the seats; owners reported 9 crashes and 7 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Subaru Forester; the recall, campaign 19V701000, says: “An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.”
Electrical system: 93 complaints
- 93 complaints of 414 (22%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 13 of them also name the engine; owners reported 4 crashes and 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Engine: 60 complaints
- 60 complaints of 414 (14%) name the engine.
- 13 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 4 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Subaru Forester; the recall, campaign 16V162000, says: “The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.”
Power train: 51 complaints
- 51 complaints of 414 (12%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 10 of them also name the engine; owners reported 6 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 37 complaints
- 37 complaints of 414 (9%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 7 of them also name the service brakes; owners reported 16 crashes and 7 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Subaru Forester covers this system.
Service brakes: 29 complaints
- 29 complaints of 414 (7%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 7 of them also name the vehicle speed control; owners reported 8 crashes and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Subaru Forester covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 30 |
| 2017 | 19 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 80 |
| 2020 | 63 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2022 | 40 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 18 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names FORESTER, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Subaru Forester recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Forester?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Subaru Forester's most common problem areas are the air bags (99 of 414 complaints), electrical system (93 of 414 complaints) and engine (60 of 414 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA has 414 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Subaru Forester, including 40 reported crashes and 3 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Subaru Forester's problems?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Subaru Forester; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.