Fourth generation (SJ)
2016 Subaru Forester
The most reported problem on the 2016 Subaru Forester is airbag, with 99 complaints, usually around 40,000 miles.
- 414owner complaints
- 3recalls
- 40involved a crash
- 40,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 22, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Forester doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
Is the 2016 Subaru Forester reliable?
The 2016 Subaru Forester has 414 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 1.7 times the median of 248 for 2016 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 Forester model years since 2014, it has the 6th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 38 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs below the 2017 (59). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- Airbag leads with 99 of the 414 complaints (24%), ahead of stalling at 42. A quarter of the 45 owners who gave a mileage for airbag saw it by about 30,000 miles, and half by about 40,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 44 of the 414 complaints (11%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 40 reports mention a crash, 3 mention a fire and 17 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Airbag and stalling each have a recall on the same system (19V-701; 16V-162). Dead battery has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2019 at 80 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 20. So far in 2026, 18 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: airbag warning light or recall, 99 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
414 complaints is 1.6 times the median 2016 model on this site and 1.7 times the median 2016 SUV. Among the 12 Forester model years here it ranks 6th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Subaru Forester
Subaru filed 450 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Subaru Forester. 35 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Passenger airbag sensor problems 1 bulletin · 49 complaints
This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis of Occupant Detection System (ODS) DTC B1760- Sensor Mat Abnormal and/or B1650- Occupant Classification System Malfunction.
Battery dies or the car will not start 7 bulletins · 35 complaints
Subaru has extended the Data Communication Module (DCM) warranty from 3 years 36,000mi to 8 years or 100,000mi. In rare cases, customers may experience a dead battery as a result of the DCM continually trying to access the 3G network.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is extending the Data Communication Module (DCM) warranty from three years (36 months or 36K miles) to eight years (96 months or 100K miles), whichever comes first.
5 more on this problem
Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.
Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.
Announcement to Subaru Retailers regarding the preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding battery drain in certain Subaru vehicles.
On Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models, after re-connecting the battery, if the ignition switch is turned back ?ON? within one minute after the first time the ignition is turned ?OFF?, it becomes possible for the CEL to illuminate storing DTC P0606 in ...
This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models. The engine management system is equipped with a back-up memory.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 3 bulletins · 29 complaints
This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new front brake pad shim kit to specifically address customer concerns of a squeaking or squealing sound on the models listed above.
1 more on this problem
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips.
Seat belt or seat problems 3 bulletins · 27 complaints
This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of a squeaking sound originating from where the front seat belt buckle assembly attaches to the seat frame.
This Service Information Bulletin provides a revised troubleshooting procedure and tips to follow when diagnosing a DTC B1650- ?Occupant Classification System Malfunction?.
1 more on this problem
This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis of Occupant Detection System (ODS) DTC B1760- Sensor Mat Abnormal and/or B1650- Occupant Classification System Malfunction.
Windshield cracks or distorts 4 bulletins · 21 complaints
This bulletin provides a service procedure to address customer concerns of a rattling-type sound coming from the defroster vent grille area of the instrument panel (IP) near the base of the windshield.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the front door glass run channels. Water can enter the run channels and cause a stick-slip (judder) condition to occur as the door glass opens and closes.
2 more on this problem
This bulletin provides a repair procedure for replacing the foam cushion installed between the top front edge of the IP and the windshield glass.
This bulletin describes a design change to the center bracket component of the window regulator assembly. The change was made to address customer concerns of the front door glass shuddering while opening or closing.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 12 bulletins · 18 complaints
This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
10 more on this problem
This bulletin provides information to help diagnose and address different conditions relating to customer concerns which may arise when operating the new-generation âGen 2â and âGen 2.1â F10 Navigation and Display Audio systems.
This bulletin announces new reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address additional operational concerns received from the field and listed involving âGen 2â F10 Navigation and Display Audio units with 7â display.
This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address a group of operational concerns received from the field and listed below involving the Clarion Display Audio unit with 6.2" display.
All 2015-2017 MY vehicles with Fujitsu TEN (F10) 7in. Multimedia Navigation (AVN) & Display Audio Units. This bulletin provides information to help diagnose and address different conditions relating to customer concerns which may arise when operating the ...
Models with FujitsuTEN (F10) Gen 2.0 / 2.1 Navigation or Display Audio Head Units ONLY. This bulletin provides a repair procedure to address specific, confirmed customer concerns of: ? Audio output interruption every 2-3 seconds when listening to AM or FM ...
USB Device Not Recognized on Fujitsu-Ten (F10) 7? Display Navigation and Display Audio Units. This bulletin announces availability of a new auxiliary USB unit to address customer concerns where the 7? Display Audio or Audio Navigation head unit will not ...
Revised TSB: This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address a group of operational concerns received from the field listed below involving ?Gen 2? F10 Navigation and Display Audio units with 7? ...
Models with Fujitsu-TEN / FTEN / (F10) Gen2 Navigation System only. Fujitsu-TEN / FTEN / (F10) Navigation: Voice Recognition Concerns with Finding Addresses in Some Metro Areas.
Revised TSB. Models with "Gen 2" F10 Audio/Navigation Systems. ?Gen 2? & ?Gen 2.1? Operating Tips. This bulletin provides information to help diagnose and address different s relating to customer concerns which may arise when operating the new-generation ?Gen ...
THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW FOR INITIAL DIAGNOSIS OF THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM. WHEN RECEIVING A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A PROBLEM, E.G., AN INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATES OR A WARNING MESSAGE APPEARS ON THE INFORMATION DISPLAY, IT IS ...
Suspension noise, struts or alignment 4 bulletins · 14 complaints
Due to incomplete repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the four-way (2-2 way) joint connector area of the brake line system on Forester, Impreza, ...
This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
2 more on this problem
This bulletin announces a design change made to the forward bushing used in the front lower control arm to address customer concerns of a rattle-type sound and / or a possible vibration felt in the steering wheel.
This bulletin announces a design change to the front strut mounts intended to address customer concerns of a popping-type sound which may be heard when making low speed turns.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 1 bulletin · 12 complaints
THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE FOR DIAGNOSING A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A DELAYED AND / OR HARSH ENGAGEMENT OF THE CVT (MODEL TR580) WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE FROM NEUTRAL. ALL 2013-16MY, 4-CYLINDER, N/A MODELS WITH CVT
Complaints filed by year
80 complaints came in 2019, 2.2 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Occupant detection system (ods) failure. Closed jan 22, 2020, led to recall 19V-701.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 Subaru Forester
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
All 3 recalls on the 2016 Subaru Forester, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Subaru Forester?
Airbag, with 99 of the 414 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 40,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Subaru Forester problems start?
Of the 220 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 20,000 miles and half by about 40,000.
Is the 2016 Subaru Forester better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has fewer complaints than the 2017: 38 a year against 59.
How many 2016 Subaru Forester complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
44 of them (11%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for airbag on the 2016 Subaru Forester?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 19V-701. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.