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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-SUBARU-FORESTER
2016 · subaru

subaru Forester problems

1 safety recall. 401 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
85 reports · avg $1,100
severe
electrical
79 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
43 reports · avg $2,500
severe
engine
32 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
cruise control
25 reports · avg $600
severe
visibility
21 reports · avg $350
moderate
steering
19 reports · avg $700
severe
wheels
11 reports · avg $400
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Forester · suspension
WHEN I WENT FOR MY INSPECTION STICKER,IT FAILED DUE TO A BROKEN RIGHT REAR SPRING,THEN WENT I BROUGHT IT TO BE REPAIRED I FOUND OUT THE LEFT SIDE WAS ALSO BROKEN.
12/30/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11291954.0
2016 Forester · engine
TODAY MARKS THE THIRD TIME WE ARE TAKING THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING WHEN ACCELERATING.
12/28/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11163793.0
2016 Forester · engine
My car has required multiple jumps and batteries, since I bought it new. I have records of the services for jumps, and new batteries. The car continues to have a parasitic battery drain, that has caused me to be stranded multiple times. The car is currently at the dealership,…
12/27/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11632753.0
2016 Forester · electrical
The battery drains constantly. I’ve had it replaced several times but it continues to die even when I jump it repeatedly. This may be a known issue but the Subaru dealership’s tech refused to admit their car’s electrical system caused the issue and attempted to have me continue…
12/27/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11499092.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 16V162000 21/03/2016

Subaru of America, Inc

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 questions

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 401 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Subaru Forester is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Subaru Forester?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 85 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Subaru Forester has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Subaru Forester?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 401 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 13 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with subaru. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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