This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on the inside of the lamp lenses.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Subaru Forester lighting problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Subaru Forester have filed 4 NHTSA complaints about the lighting at roughly $250 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
| Model year | lighting complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Forester | 4 |
| 2014 Forester | 8 |
| 2015 Forester | 10 |
| 2016 Forester (this page) | 4 |
| 2020 Forester | 3 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SOA has received multiple requests for additional 83399Fj000rt BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH tools and now has sufficient stock to allow retailers to place orders for single tools.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and WRX vehicles to replace the brake lamp switch. A total of 1,303,530 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and WRX vehicles to replace the brake lamp switch. A total of 1,303,530 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed above to set and result in the related system?s warning lamp to illuminate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had lighting trouble with your 2016 Subaru Forester?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2016 Subaru Forester?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 42,200 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting 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 lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Subaru/Forester.
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.