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2016 Subaru Forester: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Forester years.
One of the Subaru Forester years to avoid. All Forester years
414 owner complaints, most about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Forester?The 2016 Subaru Forester has 414 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Subaru Forester vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Forester years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Forester?
Across the 29 Forester model years we track, complaint volume runs from 50 (2008) to 833 (2019). With 414 complaints, the 2016 Forester sits above the model's median of 141.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Forester
exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Campaign 19V149000Subaru 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.
air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Campaign 19V701000Subaru 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.
engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
Campaign 16V162000Subaru 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment across multiple generations, with the Forester consistently praised for its practicality, safety, all-weather capability, and long-term reliability when properly maintained.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Forester. See the full Forester owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Forester listings typically run $15,000–$24,194.
Other Forester model years
Compare every Forester year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Forester against its rivals
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