Does the 2016 Subaru Forester have recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Forester, including Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch; Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger; Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2016 Subaru Forester problems?

Owners filed 416 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are air bags (100), electrical system (93), engine (60), power train (51).

How much does a 2016 Subaru Forester cost to own for 5 years?

About $39,513 over 5 years ($659/month) at an estimated $10,750 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2016 Subaru Forester

The 2016 Subaru Forester earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 67/100. Expect about $39,513 to own it for five years, or $659 a month. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 416 complaints.

Recalls: 3
Complaints: 416
5-yr cost: $40k
MPG (EPA): 25

Fair

Ownership Score

2016 Subaru Forester vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Forester?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

3 recalls may apply

For the 2016 Subaru Forester. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: 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: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

5-year cost to own

Estimated $10,750 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$39,513

$659/month · $0.66/mile

Depreciation	$2,433
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$8,040
Maintenance	$8,418
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$2,977
Taxes & fees	$1,645

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

416 complaints40 involved a crash3 involved a fire

Air Bags100
Electrical System93
Unknown Or Other69
Engine60
Power Train51
Vehicle Speed Control37

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
Frontal: 4 out of 5 stars
Side: 5 out of 5 stars
Rollover: 4 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2016 Subaru Forester SUV AWD

What to check on a used 2016 Subaru Forester

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Airbags
- The airbag light should come on at start-up and then go out.
- Ask for proof that any airbag recalls were completed.
Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2016 Subaru Forester problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester a good car to buy?: The 2016 Subaru Forester earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 67/100. Expect about $39,513 to own it for five years, or $659 a month. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 416 complaints.
Does the 2016 Subaru Forester have recalls?: NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Forester, including Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch; Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger; Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2016 Subaru Forester problems?: Owners filed 416 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are air bags (100), electrical system (93), engine (60), power train (51).
How much does a 2016 Subaru Forester cost to own for 5 years?: About $39,513 over 5 years ($659/month) at an estimated $10,750 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.