The Lemon Index2016 Subaru Forester.
The 2016 Subaru Forester is about average by owner complaints: 169 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 95, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 25 to 27 mpg combined. The best Subaru Forester year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2014–2018 Subaru Forester, 22.4M views. The 2016 is the same generation.
- Gauges, lights & wiring357K views
How to Replace Headlight Bulbs - Subaru Forester (2014-2018)Virar Automotive · 156K views · 3 videos - Oil changes & service252K views
Project 2014 Forester: Replacing The Old CVTF (Full Service), Clearing Adaptives, & Learn Process!MrSubaru1387 · 178K views · 2 videos - Steering & suspension250K views
2017 Subaru Forester Rear Wheel Bearing ReplacementThePracticalMechanic · 183K views · 2 videos - Transmission & shifter140K views
Changing CVT Transmission Fluid 2017 Subaru ForesterHomegrown Country Homeplace · 140K views
Show 2 more
- Death wobble & steering75K views
Project 2014 Forester: Fix Horn, Steering Wheel Controls, Etc. Easy DIY Clock Spring Replacement!MrSubaru1387 · 75K views - Driveshaft, axles & 4x459K views
How to Replace Front CV Axle Assemblies 2014-2018 Subaru ForesterTRQ · 59K views
Before you buy, watch
USED Subaru Forester (4th Gen) - Common problems and should you buy one? | ReDriven used car reviewReDriven · 296K views
Top 5 Problems Subaru Forester SUV 2014-2018 4th Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 183K views
Should You Buy a SUBARU FORESTER? (Test Drive & Review 2014 2.0D)High Peak Autos · 155K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 415 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Forester year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 15K to 55K miles on the car (218 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 30K–55K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 21K–50K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 21K–51K miles
Recalls 3
- airbags 2019
An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
- lights 2019
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 …
- engine 2016
The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 455 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- ONLY 2016-2017MY: Those Models equipped with STARLINK Telematics
- Only those models equipped with Starlink Telematics
- This bulletin outlines design changes made to the upper oil pan assembly on FA and FB engines…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedOccupant detection system (ods) failure2019–2020
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Forester SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2400–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
When I start the car, this indicator turns on: srs airbag system needs to be checked passenger airbag remains "off" even person sits on the passenger seat. This happens when car is stopped or moving while the car is started.
2016 Subaru Forester owner · NHTSA complaint 11266423
More owner reports
Sensor in the passenger seat went bad under normal use and Subaru does not want to cover expense to replace, and this sensor lets driver know if airbag is engaged (on) or not.
NHTSA complaint 11241208
Front seat airbag sensor light came on and won't go off. Code says that the seat sensor is not working and airbag stays off. Moving, stationary and code will not reset
NHTSA complaint 11265395
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Subaru Forester reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 95; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Forester year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2016 Subaru Forester problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (37%), electrical (13%) and engine (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Forester have?
3 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Subaru Forester get?
25 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Subaru Forester safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Subaru Forester problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 15,700 and 55,000 miles. The middle report was at 39,000 miles, from 218 complaints.
Does the 2016 Subaru Forester have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Subaru Forester cost in fuel a year?
About $2400 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Subaru Forester have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Forester year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2011 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works