2016 Subaru Forester recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Subaru Forester and 415 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (99), electrical system (93), unknown or other (69). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 25–27 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2016 ranks #9 of 14 Forester model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (332). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Subaru Forester. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags · sensor · occupant classification
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting · brake lights · switch
Problem: 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.
Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: 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.
Engine and engine cooling · engine · gasoline · turbo/supercharger
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
We purchased two new Evenflo Revolve 360 convertible car seats in November 2023 (Manufactured September 2023). After only two years of use, the harness straps are frayed almost all the way through. We noticed the issue in December 2025 and reached out to Evenflo in January 2026. The company claims that the fraying is due to "environmental factors." However, we also own two addi…
The contact owned a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while at a complete stop with her foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated without warning and crashed into a fire hydrant. While the foot was still on the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate and struck a street sign. The vehicle continued to accelerate across the street and accelerated up a…
While driving, the car will beep and display a warning that the SRS system is malfunctioning. It will then turn passenger airbags off, even when there is a passenger sitting in the seat. I took the car in to Subaru of Glendale and was charged over $1000 to replace it, being told that i was not eligible for free replacement under the WUM98 recall. Almost exactly two years later,…
Safety ratings
2016 Subaru Forester SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Subaru Forester.
Forester AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Premium
Forester AWD
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Subaru Forester, most recently for air bags · sensor · occupant classification (10/03/2019). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Forester?
Based on 415 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are air bags (99), electrical system (93), unknown or other (69).
Is the 2016 Subaru Forester safe?
The 2016 Subaru Forester earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Subaru Forester?
The 2016 ranks #9 of 14 Forester model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (332). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Subaru Forester get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 Subaru Forester range from 25 to 27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2016 Subaru Forester in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: FORESTER, Forester.