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2016 subaru Forester engine problems

moderate 32 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100

Complaints
32
Recalls
1
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100

Related recalls

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.

What owners are reporting 6 most recent

engine · filed 12/28/2018

TODAY MARKS THE THIRD TIME WE ARE TAKING THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING WHEN ACCELERATING.

engine · filed 12/27/2024

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, and they want to do a DCM test to see if this is cause. I was not informed of battery class action lawsuit, and extension o…

engine · filed 12/21/2018

I HAVE HAD VERY SIMILAR ISSUES TO THE GENTLEMAN WHOSE NHTSA # IS 11161972. ON THREE OCCASIONS WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES AN HOUR AND USUALLY GOING UP AND INCLINE, MY ENGINE WOULD SPUTTER AND THE CAR WOULD DIE. ALL THREE TIMES MY CAR SCREEN SHOWED THAT I HAD BETWEEN 60 AND 80 MILES LEFT IN MY TANK AND MY FUEL GAUGE WHICH SHOW TWO CLICKS TO THE RIGHT OF EMPTY. THE …

engine · filed 12/17/2018

2 SEPARATE INCIDENTS OF COMPLETE ENGINE POWER LOSS WHILE ON HIGHWAY AT CRUISING SPEEDS. BOTH IN INCIDENTS OCCURRED WITH LOW FUEL ABOUT 1/8TH TANK (2-3 GALLONS) VERIFIED BASED ON AMOUNT REFILLED TO FULL. FUEL GAUGE WAS READING 2 BARS (1/8) AND LOW FUEL LIGHT ON BUT SHOWING 70 MILES OF FUEL REMAINING. BOTH INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS GOING UP VERY SLIGHT INCLINE. SUDDEN NON-RESPONSE OF A…

engine · filed 12/14/2020

VEHICLE STALLED IN INTERSECTION. CAR HAS A ROUGH IDLE, THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS STALLED. DEALERSHIP HAS LOOKED AT THE CAR BUT NOT RESOLVED THE ISSUE.

engine · filed 12/13/2019

VEHICLE FEELS AS THOUGH IT IS ABOUT TO STALL. THIS OCCURS SPORADICALLY WHEN STOPPING OR WHEN UNDER ACCELERATION ON THE FREEWAY. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE INTO TWO SEPARATE DEALERSHIPS, NEITHER COULD DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM. HOWEVER ONE DID SUGGEST IT MAY BE A PCV VALVE. THIS APPEARS QUITE SIMILAR TO THE RECENT RECALL (19V856) WHICH DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS MODEL YEAR.

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2016 subaru Forester?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 32 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

Other problem areas on this vehicle

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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