2016 Subaru Forester problems
The Subaru Forester (Japanese: スバル・フォレスター, Hepburn: Subaru Foresutā) is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1997. The first generation was built on the platform of the Impreza in the style of a taller station wagon, a style that continued to the second generation, while the third-generation model onwards moved towards a crossover SUV design. A performance model was available for the second-generation Forester in Japan as the Forester STi.
First generation (SF; 1997)
The Forester was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1995 as the Streega concept, and available for sale in February 1997 in Japan, and to the US market in 1997 for MY1998. The Forester was one of the first crossover SUVs; the idea was inspired by Volkswagen (VW). It was built in the style of a station wagon, but had a taller stance, higher h-point seating, and an all-wheel drive drivetrain. Subaru advertising employed the slogan "SUV tough, Car Easy". It used the Impreza platform but with the larger 2.5-liter DOHC EJ25D four-cylinder boxer engine from the Subaru Outback, making 123 kW (165 hp; 167 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Japan
In its domestic market, the Forester replaced the Impreza Gravel Express, known in the US as the Subaru Outback Sport. However, the Outback Sport remained in production for the U.S. market. The Forester appeared after the introduction of the Nissan Rasheen in Japan with a similar appearance, and the Forester's Japanese competitors include the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi RVR, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Because of the Forester's low center of gravity, it meets the United States federal safety standards for passenger vehicles and does not require a "risk of rollover" warning label on the driver's visor. Size- and price-wise, it fits between the shared Impreza platform and the larger Legacy.
The automatic transmissions used on AWD-equipped vehicles will normally send 60% of the engine's torque to the front wheels and 40% to the rear wheels, using a computer-controlled, continuously variable, multi-plate transfer clutch. When the transmission detects a speed difference between the front and rear axle sets, the transmission progressively sends power to the rear wheels. Under slip conditions, it can achieve an equal split in front and rear axle speeds.
When accelerating or driving uphill, the vehicle's weight shifts rearward, reducing front-wheel traction, causing the transmission to automatically send torque to the rear wheels to compensate. When braking or driving downhill, the vehicle's weight shifts towards the front, reducing rear-wheel traction. The transmission again compensates by sending torque to the front wheels for better steering control and braking performance. If the automatic is placed in reverse or first gear, the transmission divides the torque 50/50 to both front and rear wheels. The manual transmission cars are set up with a near 50/50 torque split as a base setting, and it varies from there. Essentially, manual cars are set up with more bias towards the rear than automatic cars.
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Common 2016 Subaru Forester problems
The 2016 Subaru Forester has been known to have several common problems, primarily related to the transmission, engine, and steering and suspension systems.
- Engine: The 2016 Forester's engine system has faced problems, such as head gasket failures, misfiring while accelerating, and sudden engine failure.
- Interior Accessories: The 2016 Forester has experienced issues with interior accessories, including the compass not working, driver's seat collapsing, and critical lock-in malfunctions. These problems can affect the overall driving experience and lead to costly repairs.
- Steering and Suspension: The 2016 Forester has faced issues with steering and suspension components, such as ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, and bushings. These problems can lead to vibrations, loose steering, and other handling issues, which can be dangerous for drivers.
- Power Steering: The 2016 Forester has experienced problems with power steering, including leaks and hose failures. These issues can lead to a loss of power steering assist, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
- Wheel Balance: The 2016 Forester has faced issues with wheel balance, which can lead to vibrations and uneven tire wear. These problems can affect the overall driving experience and lead to costly repairs.
- Springs or Torsion Bars: The 2016 Forester has experienced issues with springs or torsion bars, which can lead to suspension problems and reduced vehicle stability. These issues can be dangerous for drivers and can lead to expensive repairs.
- Electronic or Air Suspension: The 2016 Forester has faced problems with electronic or air suspension systems, which can lead to reduced vehicle stability and handling issues. These problems can be dangerous for drivers and can lead to expensive repairs.
While the 2016 Subaru Forester has faced several common problems, it is still a popular choice for drivers seeking a reliable and versatile vehicle. However, potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when making their purchasing decision.
What are the problems with the 2016 Subaru Forester?
Common problems found on the 2016 Subaru Forester include decreased power while accelerating, failure to start, as well as paint chipping issues. Overall, the problems are similar to other compact SUVs, although repair costs are slightly higher than the competition.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Forester?
Most Common Subaru Forester Problems
- Engine Issues. There are a variety of issues that owners have reported that are related to the Check Engine light being illuminated. ...
- Transmission Problems. Subaru Forester transmission problems typically occur in two ways – shuddering or jerking. ...
- Oil Consumption. ...
- Electrical Issues.
What are the downsides of a Subaru Forester?
Common Subaru Forester Problems
- Transmission issues: Many Subaru Forester models with CVT transmissions reportedly had numerous issues. ...
- Excessive oil consumption: Various Subaru models, including the Forester, had oil consumption issues. ...
- Check engine light: An illuminated check engine light points to a dozen issues.
What years are good for the Subaru Forester?
Q: What are the most reliable Subaru Forester years to consider? A: When looking for a reliable used Subaru Forester, the years that stand out for their dependability include the 2000 model from the first generation and the 2003-2005 models from the second generation.
What are the problems with the 2016 Subaru Forester?
Common problems found on the 2016 Subaru Forester include decreased power while accelerating, failure to start, as well as paint chipping issues. Overall, the problems are similar to other compact SUVs, although repair costs are slightly higher than the competition.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Forester?
Most Common Subaru Forester Problems
- Engine Issues. There are a variety of issues that owners have reported that are related to the Check Engine light being illuminated. ...
- Transmission Problems. Subaru Forester transmission problems typically occur in two ways – shuddering or jerking. ...
- Oil Consumption. ...
- Electrical Issues.
Is Subaru Forester cheap to maintain?
Subaru vehicles are generally quite trustworthy and handle well, but they are expensive to fix and maintain. Maintaining a low cost of ownership for your Subaru will require routine inspections, the same as with any other car model.
How long will a Subaru Forester engine last?
Most impressive is the user that shared their 1998 Forester S with almost 320,000 miles on it with the same engine and transmission. Overall, while individual experiences may vary, a well-maintained Subaru Forester has the potential to last for several hundred thousand miles.
2016 Subaru Forester car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Forester problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Subaru Forester vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2016 Subaru Forester
The NHTSA has received 372 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Subaru Forester. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2016 Subaru Forester vehicles.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- VIN: JF2SJARC3GH
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The windshield cracked without incident while parked. The is the exact same issue for which there is a class action lawsuit against Subaru for year models 2017-2020. The crack has spread to the drivers side and is obstructing the view. The dealer has reviewed the issue and provided a price quote but will not cover under the extended covered ordered as result of the class action lawsuit. There was no warning of this issue prior to noticing the cracking.
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-28
- VIN: JF2SJADC6GH
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: I called Subaru made an appointment for service. I was not aware of the recall, although the dealership said it was repaired. No water damage to the seat bottom, the airbag sensor in the bottom of my passenger side seat cushion was bad. It’s attached to the seat. They gave me a loaner for three months and then called to say the part is on back order until “sometime” in 2025. The part is not covered under the recall and it will be approximately $2000 to fix. This has been a complaint from many owners of the recalled airbag years. At this point it is being replaced so often the part is on back order with an undetermined in stock date.
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2SJAHC2GH
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: 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 park. SUV crashed heavily into a sign protecting the gas pump, but auto suffered major damage: REAR WRAP AROUND BUMPER, ENTIRE POWER LIFT DOOR, AND FRAME, were included in the damage. Driver was the wife of a couple. Very importantly, the husband had experienced the exact same uncontrollable roll-back in the same vehicle at the same place a few weeks earlier, but somehow missed the gas pump and sign. At that time, the car was uncontrollable and caused panic for both drivers in separate incidents. THAT'S NOT ALL--of key importance was a conversation we--as a couple--had with the salesman and the dealership's lead mechanic when the auto was purchased in 2017. We pointed out that when backing out of a space on a slight downslope and changing gears, the car drifted backwards uncontrollably a number of feet--at least three to six feet. At that time in 2027, we told them we did not like this feature, and it could be a danger to children playing in the driveway. They said that the manufacturers' engineering department knew about this. And were making improvements. Subsequently we investigated this engineering/design fault online, discussed it again with the dealership, then dropped the issue. THE BOTTOM LINE: THIS SEEMS TO US TO BE A GENUINE MANUFACTURING FAULT. WE BOTH EXPERIENCED THIS UNCONTROLLABLE DRIFT BACK WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE THE CAR. IT IS FRIGHTENENING AND DANGEROUS TO BE IN A VEHICLE WEIGHING TONS WITHOUT ANY ABILITY TO CONTROL IT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-11
- VIN: JF2SJGDC3GH
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The right rear coil spring broke causing the vehicle to sag approx three inches. I drove the vehicle to my local mechanic and he replaced both coil springs on the rear axle.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- VIN: JF2SJAHC8GH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: Passenger's seat belt sensor is alarming when no one is in the seat. The passenger side airbag warning light is also coming on and off. I took it to the dealer, and they confirmed that the sensor in the seat pad is bad. The airbag light was intermittently going on for several weeks before I took it in. The car has been at the dealer since mid-August, and I am told that the part is currently on backorder without an estimated arrival date.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-01
- VIN: JF2SJAFC9GH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The recall on the occupant detection system was performed in 2019, but the passenger SRS light still lights up intermittently with no obvious indication of what is causing it. Sometimes the front passenger seat has no one in it, sometimes it appears as soon as someone sits in it, sometimes after it has been occupied for some time, and sometimes I can complete a long trip with the light never appearing. The seat has never been soaked and the diagnostic fee alone is $200. All indications are that only replacing the entire seat at a cost of over $1500 will remedy the situation.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
- VIN: JF2SJAAC4GH
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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!
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
- VIN: JF2SJAAC4GH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: [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)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
- VIN: JF2SJAFC4GH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: Acceleration issues, this is the 3rd time it has happened since we've owned our forester in 2018. Yesterday morning my wife was pulling out of our driveway and while she put it in reverse and started to release the brakes to naturally roll back, it hard accelerated and shot us out into the road until she fully pressed the brakes in. I was already aware of this issue, so I looked over as this was happening and saw her foot was on the brake pedal the entire time. The car was fully warmed up, on an inclined driveway nose pointed in, the acceleration has also happened going forward and on a flat surface as well in a parking spot just after putting in in reverse. My wife is the main driver of the car, and before it happens, she can normally catch the problem because the rpms are higher than normal before shifting into gears and she will wait a minute until the rpms have settled back down. I believe in 2020 we had the shifting looked at and they stated the time it takes to go into each gear was a little bit longer than normal but found no issues. Big safety issue due to others and us for not having control of it when that happens.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-01
- VIN: JF2SJAFC8GH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Battery constantly fails after a few days of driving. Even after battery has been replaced with new, the problem continues to occur. Car does not start and it needs to be constantly jump started. The problem first started happening in 2019. Just discovered there was a lawsuit related to this issue, but I did not receive any type of notification about it.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-09
- VIN: JF2SJAXC1GH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My car accelerated on its own while I was driving slowly through a parking lot and had to slam on the brakes.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-20
- VIN: JF2SJADC7GH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: Had recall completed for Subaru Forester (WUM-98) where dealer replaced ODS sensor harness in 2020. At the end of 2021 had the SRS light intermittently come on but would then go off for months( front passenger seat). This kept happening intermittently so I brought it to dealership and had it diagnosed in 2023. They suggested replacing the passenger seat ($1200 P&L). Dealer said no water damage to seat and cables looked good. Brought it to new dealership in 2024. They said it needed a new ODS sensor harness and replaced it. Since this was replaced, I have not had the SRS light come back on. This is a huge safety risk to front passenger riders. Disappointed that it needed to be replaced so soon after the recall was completed. I did open a case with SOA and they offered goodwill assistance but said the recall warranty only lasted a year.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-10
- VIN: JF2SJAGC2GH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-25
- VIN: JF2SJABC3GH
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 113,727 miles. 2016 Subaru Forester. 5 different warning lights all came on at the same time. Before that I noticed occasionally there was a delay starting again at a stoplight. Reputable mechanic replaced the valve body of the transmission. They said they service 2-3 Subarus for this same issue every month.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-21
- VIN: JF2SJAFC6GH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Passenger Airbag occupancy light stays in off position when seat is occupied. When this occurs the airbag system warning light comes on. Took it to the dealership and they said the problem is the seat sensor, which they say is not covered by the earlier wiring harness for the sensor recall. Cost of part is 1,200 and with labor is 2,000. Part is on back order minimum 3 months. Dealer indicated they had three other people waiting for the same part. So basically I can't have anyone in the front passenger seat. Subaru forums are filled with similar stories. How is this not a recall?
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- VIN: JF2SJGXC1GH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Subaru is aware of issues with their transmission system and previously offered an extension but my car is outside the 100k limit. The transmission started to fail and each time i stopped at an intersection, it would start to idle roughly and try and lurch foreward even with the brake fully depressed. I had to shift to neutral to avoid being pushed into oncoming cross traffice each time for a few weeks and then all my warning lights came on and my usual safety features were shut down
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-05
- VIN: JF2SJADC7GH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I bought a new 2016 Subaru Forester in March of 2016 from Subaru of Dayton. I have been hearing reports of unexpected acceleration. I have had two cases of this problem. Both times I was turning right. The first time I was pulling into a parking spot in a shopping center. As I turned right the car surged and I almost hit a light pole. Luckily when I jammed on the brakes, it stopped in time. The second time I was slowly pulling out of a parking lot. As I turned right the car lurched and quickly caused the car to hit the curb very hard. This was 8/5/2021and I took my car to Dayton Tire Sales to see if there was any damage that needed to be fixed. They just checked the tire and said that there was no major damage to the tire. I have a copy of the invoice (could not attach) from that incident but never went to the dealer thinking it was just some fluke. Now I am concerned and feel that Subaru needs to address this problem before more people get hurt. Now that I have heard these other complaints I am very concerned about this problem. Has Subaru looked into this problem? Is there something that I should be doing? Is there a fix? Is it safe to drive my Forester?
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-25
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2SJADC9GH
- Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
- Summary: I backed out of a parking space, put my foot on the brake and shifted into Drive to finish maneuvering out of the space. Although I didn't remove my foot from the brake, my Forester immediately accelerated at extremely high speed, striking the two cars parked next to me, and seriously damaging both. Rather than slowing down after hitting the other two vehicles, my car continued to speed up, only coming to a stop when it hit, head-on, a cement barrier surrounding the lot. My car hit with such force that every airbag in it deployed, and its front end was totally destroyed. No one was in the other two cars; I suffered minor injuries.
STRUCTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2SJABC2GH
- Components: STRUCTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I was driving very slowly in a long line of traffic due to a sudden downpour of hail, ice pellets, and frozen rain which blanketed the road in white. Suddenly, without warning, my 2016 Subaru Forester accelerated and veered to the right and into a grove of trees doing extensive damage to the front end. The vehicle was totaled by my insurance company. I suspect that there was sudden acceleration and because of the icy road conditions my car left the road instead of plowing into the car ahead of me. The airbags didn't go off and I wasn't hurt at all but the entire front end was beyond repair.
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- VIN: JF2SJADC0GH
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: Issue with the Front Passenger Seat Airbag Sensor. The Airbag Warning Light, indicating an issue with the passenger side airbag, has been illuminated recently. Passenger seat is also occasionally registering as occupied even when no one is sitting in it. Previous recall on the same seat's wiring harness was completed previously. Took the vehicle to the dealer and they told me that the seat must have gotten wet to cause the issue. The seat has not been wet. Dealer said a new seat is needed at a price of roughly $1500. This is a safety issue, as I am uncertain whether the airbag will deploy if needed. Googling "2016 Subaru Forester Passenger Seat Airbag Sensor Issues" indicates that this is a systematic issue across Foresters of this model year and not isolated to my car.
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- VIN: JF2SJGDC3GH
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: SRS failure Passenger airbag default to off
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-12
- VIN: JF2SJADC4GH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ODS failure on passenger side impacting air bag. Cost to repair is prohibitive, $1922.97. Complete seat needs to be replaced. There was never any damage to the seat.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-09
- VIN: JF2SJADCXGG
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Continuous leaking of oil even after Subaru tested and verified it's "normal."
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-03
- VIN: JF2SJADC1GH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I was backing up and the way that the sun came through the passenger window, I was unable to see people walking behind my car using the back up camera because of the squiggle lines throughout the screen. When the sun hits the screen, you cannot see anything. Whether it is changing the radio station, or backing up. Had I had only relied on the backup camera ( which most people do) I would’ve hit the pedestrians. I notice in newer models, the issue is not there as the screen is different. This is extremely dangerous. I’m grateful no one was hurt but the radio screen needs replaced. This needs to be a safety recall.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-16
- VIN: JF2SJABC5GH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle and shifting into park with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle suddenly jerked forward and drove over the curb. The vehicle came to a stop after striking a fence. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
2016 Subaru Forester recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2016 Subaru Forester.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Negative 2016 Subaru Forester car reviews
Positive 2016 Subaru Forester car reviews
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I'm so happy to hear that you're a devoted Subaru fan and that you've just purchased your fourth Subaru Forester! It's great to see that you've decided to upgrade to the Premium model and that you're enjoying all of the safety features such as the side air bags, lane departure warning, and obstacle ahead warning. Although it would have been nice to have the blind spot sensor, it's not a huge deal. I'm glad to hear that the new model is quieter than your 2011 model and that the gas mileage has improved. It's wonderful to know that the comfort, handling, and acceleration are still great. Thank you for sharing your experience, and I hope you continue to enjoy your new car!
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We recently purchased a new Forrester and we couldn't be happier with our decision. The car has grown into a beautiful, functional, and perfectly sized vehicle that is suitable for both young and old. My wife is particularly fond of it and affectionately refers to it as her 'dream machine'. The visibility is excellent, the ride is comfortable (although the seats could use a little more cushioning), and the car handles well in most conditions. The only issue we have encountered is driving in high winds, as the car's height makes it susceptible to windage. Overall, we love the car, and while the gas mileage is not quite as advertised, it is a small price to pay for such a great vehicle.
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This car is fantastic! I researched all the competitors, including the CRV and Rav4, but ultimately chose the Forester and I'm so glad I did. The handling is amazing, especially in wet and snowy conditions. I was able to negotiate a great deal and have been getting around 26 miles per gallon in town and 31 on the highway (I drive fairly economically). The passing on the highway is also great. While the mirror-link for your phone can be a bit of a hassle, I absolutely love the visibility around the car and the cargo capacity. The roof rack can be a bit noisy, but I still use it often. The CVT transmission is also a great feature. In an update from 8/17, the car is still performing just as well. The 4wd is especially awesome in the winter. While there is a slight rattle under the dash on bumpy roads, the car has been reliable overall and I would definitely buy another one.
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I'm so glad you decided to lease the vehicle after seeing the ads and taking it for a test drive! It's always exciting to try something new, especially when it comes to leasing a car for the first time. The crash avoidance system is definitely a great feature, and I'm thrilled to hear that you love it. The cruise control system sounds amazing too - it's so convenient that the vehicle will automatically slow down and maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. And the fact that the vehicle handles well and has a great sound system is just the cherry on top! It's great to hear that the controls and features are intuitive as well. I hope you continue to enjoy your new ride for the next 36 months and beyond!
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This car has an amazing turning radius, it practically turns on its hind wheels! It's very easy to park and parallel parking is a snap with its turning ability and backup camera. The car is solid on the road and drives like a dream even on rutted dirt roads. The pickup is smooth and instantaneous, making it perfect for racing onto a freeway. For a 4 cylinder engine, it's got some moves. The interior design is stellar, with almost no blind spots. I've been driving it for two years now and I'm still enjoying every minute of it. The car has been running smoothly with no hiccups, and the interior wears really well. It's black, but it breathes and the ergo/comfort level is top rate. It's still at the top of the chart for maintaining its value. Although the mileage is a little less than I'd hoped, it's not too bad. The gas cost isn't outrageous since it takes regular gas. The entertainment center and the climate control are my biggest disappointments, but they're not deal-breakers. I got the basic package, so the sound system is okay but could be better. The climate control is a little difficult to maneuver while driving, and I would have preferred something other than dials. The control keys on the steering wheel take a little getting used to, and the Bluetooth can be a little frustratingly slow and cumbersome. Overall, I would still buy this car.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Subaru Forester problems:
people with 2014-2016 foresters, what's the worst problem you had ...
Oct 16, 2023 ... Short Block replacement to resolve Oil Consumption $0 Subaru covered the cost at Dealership. (80K Miles) · Both rear wheel bearings replaced.
2016 Subaru Forester Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Nov 10, 2022 ... Very dependable automobile. I've never had any mechanical issues at all. There was one recall. I don't like the navigation system too much, but ...
Subaru Noob: Any major issues with 2016 XT and high maintenance ...
Feb 22, 2016 ... There are no major issues currently reported with 14+ XT models. Some have reported issues related to the factory tune, but several ECU updates ...
2016 Subaru Forester Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2016 Subaru Forester? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
('14-'18) - 2016 - 100,000 mile issues - Subaru Forester Owners Forum
Mar 28, 2021 ... While I agree he is probably due for a CVT service, the engine and transmission work in concert, and if the engine is not running quite right it ...
Other years of Subaru Forester
Are you having problems with your 2016 Subaru Forester?
Eldon Murphy 2024-08-14
I purchased a 2016 Subaru Forrester, my first Subaru, with great excitement. However, I have experienced several electrical wiring issues, including a push start that has failed on multiple occasions, causing significant inconvenience. Unfortunately, the warranty only covers up to 36,000 miles, and I was at 36,860 when I contacted Kearny Mesa Subaru in San Diego. Despite being transferred to multiple representatives, I was unable to receive the assistance I needed. As a result, I have decided to trade in my Subaru and return to Jeep.
Murray Bogan 2024-07-25
I've been driving a 2015 Subaru CVT for a year now, and have put 10K miles on it around Denver, Colorado. While I initially chose the Subaru Forester for its great visibility, reliability, road clearance for occasional offroading, and all-wheel traction in the winter, I have encountered some downsides. The most annoying issue has been the constant rattling of the vent and speaker grills on the dashboard. This problem is well documented on the Internet, and while the dealer acted surprised when I brought it in for repair, they have failed to fix the noise twice now. I have an appointment to take it back a third time. Additionally, the CVT, in combination with the slow-to-warm-up Boxer engine, can be challenging when accelerating. Until the engine is warm, I have to leave extremely large spaces when going from my residential area to merge onto a two-lane thoroughfare. And it takes the engine 10 minutes, or 2 miles to warm up (when the blue light goes off). However, the car's great visibility, reliability, and all-wheel traction make it a practical choice for winter driving. I have noticed that the information screen in the center of the dash shows an average mpg that is 2-3 miles greater than what I'm actually getting (calculated by miles driven since last refueling). Lastly, the ride can be a bit jarring on the kidneys. Overall, while there have been some downsides, the Subaru Forester is still a practical choice for winter driving.There is a stretch of I-25 through south Denver where the car shudders uncomfortably due to the combination of road surfacing, the car's short track, and traveling at normal freeway speeds, even with factory installed tires inflated at proper psi. Additionally, the wheel-wells are unacceptably tight for an SUV designed for winter travel. Shortly after purchasing the car in Winter 2015, I smelled burning rubber while driving on a snow-covered road. Upon pulling over and inspecting the car, I discovered that the snow accumulation of 2-3
Sam Schoen 2024-06-25
My experience with the 2016 Subaru Forester was not up to my expectations. Despite following the recommended maintenance guidelines, I encountered several issues such as rusting and flaking wheels, frequent battery replacements, and worn-out rotors and tires. The car also tended to pull to one side, which was not explained by anyone. Although the Subaru dealership was not helpful, I am confident that these issues are not representative of the brand's overall quality. However, based on my experience, I would not recommend the 2016 Subaru Forester.
Bertrand Schultz 2024-05-02
I recently had a 2004 Forester that I absolutely loved. Unfortunately, the head gasket went and I had to let it go. I was excited to upgrade to the 2016 model, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations. While there are some nice features, I found the interior design to be a bit disappointing. The placement of controls and storage compartments wasn't as comfortable or convenient as it was in the 2004 model. For example, the rear corner sections have sloping bottoms and no wall to keep things in place, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the power windows and door locks are placed below the door pull handle, which takes some getting used to. Despite these issues, the car is still a decent option. However, I ultimately decided to trade it in for a different car that better suited my needs.