2016 Subaru Forester engine problems
This is a safety-related system. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and have it inspected.
Related recalls
- 16V162000 · Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger
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 …
Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“Subaru Forrester was misfiring and sputtering as if it was going to stop running. The car was shaking. Had car towed to Subaru dealer for Service. At first we thought Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils but this did not fix the issue. Service determined a spring valve was broken which caused the issues. I have escalated the issue with Subaru Corporate, waiting for their response. Other Subaru models have had this issue with the spring valves.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 04/23/2025
“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 of DCM warranty by Subaru. The dealership staff never discussed this with me as a possible cause, and…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 12/27/2024
“While driving my 2016 Subaru Forester about 70mph on [XXX] , the engine suddenly stalled and I was stranded on the freeway. The fuel tank was about 3/4 full and no warning light flashed in the dashboard prior to the incident. I tried to move my vehicle to the right lane but was unable because of the vehicle's loss of power. I almost collided by a speeding truck behind me. I shut off the engine, was unable to restart. After 3 minutes later, I was able to restart and everything worked again. I sus…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 11/30/2024
“When parked on a slope, driver attempted to back SUV out of parking space. Before starting car, with key inserted, ignition on and foot on brake, driver attempted to remove gearshift from park. Car drifted backward rapidly and uncontrollably. The brakes completely failed even with foot on brake. The car was a hazard to anyone in its path and could not be stopped. The emergency brake was attempted but failed to stop the car. Power steering failed. Gearshift could not be put back into par…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 10/06/2024 · crash
“As I said earlier: car stopped dead in the middle of I-94, going 70 mph. No reason--had 1/4 tank of gasoline, alternator working, etc. Come to find out that you all recalled 2018 Subaru Foresters for this EXACT same problem--cars stalling while driving. That was for a faulty fuel pump. Discussion boards by owners are FULL of the same exact problem from 2014-2019. You should issue a recall there too, IMHO, since obviously the 2018 are the tip of the iceberg!”
NHTSA complaint · filed 09/09/2024
“[XXX] driving on [XXX] at 70 MPH car stopped running. Engine died. Pulled over. No warning lights, it just died. Waited for a tow but after an hour, tried to start and it started right up. Had 1/4 tank of fuel left, but got more and got home ok. HIDEOUSLY DANGEROUS THING TO HAPPEN!!!!! I see there are at least 13 complaints already filed with you about this issue. Do SOMETHING, willya ? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint · filed 09/05/2024
“My car accelerated on its own while I was driving slowly through a parking lot and had to slam on the brakes.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 08/09/2024
“The cam carrier seal was leaking oil into the car and potentially causing damage to the engine. It was a $3,806.20 repair cost.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 08/03/2024
Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.
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- How common are 2016 Subaru Forester engine problems?
- 60 owners reported engine issues to NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Forester, 4 involving a crash and 2 a fire. Counts scale with how many were sold.
- Is there a recall for 2016 Subaru Forester engine problems?
- Yes — campaign 16V162000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; confirm by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.