The Subaru Forester is a comfortable and spacious SUV. It looks luxurious inside and out, but the performance is only decent. Nonetheless, the Forester offers a large number of safety features and has a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. The 2016 Subaru Forester recalls account for three recalls and 346 complaints is officially listed under its name. The Forester 2016 model received an overall score of 83/100 in the J.D. Power Consumer Rating.
The 2016 Subaru Forester problems hover around the weak battery unit, which requires constant replacement. Other issues are concerned with the engine, power train, and the vehicle’s speed control. In its segment, the Ford Escape, the Hyundai Tucson, and the Jeep Cherokee are the direct competitors for the Forester.
2016 Subaru Forester Problems and User Complaints
Mechanical Problems
- Engine Issues: The 2016 Subaru Forester engine problems are the most common complaints listed by the users. When the SUV is cruising at 80 miles per hour or even at lower speeds, it has been reported to be losing power and stalling. As a result, users lose control over the vehicle. While the brand has been intimate about the issue, users have not received much assistance. Nonetheless, a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 16V162000, has been introduced by the brand.
- Powertrain problems: Users frequently get the ignition key stuck while the vehicle is in park. Complainants have reported that the users would not be able to take the key out unless they turned the engine on and pulled it out as they turned the engine off. The dealership could not diagnose this issue, which has left the users irked. The 2016 Subaru Forester transmission problems result from random speeding, causing gears to get stuck.
- Service brake issue: When pressing the brake pedal, buyers have reported that instead of coming to a halt, their Subaru Forester would accelerate and continue to pick speed until the brake pedal is released or until the vehicle is put into neutral. Some users stated that trying to diagnose this issue in the dealership did not have any success as this issue was random and they could not find any malfunction.
- Problems with the steering system: Another common issue with the 2016 Subaru Forester deals with its steering system. Buyers have reported the wheel getting stiff when the user starts the engine, as if the power steering functionality is lost. While there are no warnings for occurrence, the issue would be resolved when the engine is turned off and then on a few times. Another issue was the steering getting stuck when the vehicle was in motion.
Electrical Problems
- Electrical system: The 2016 Subaru Forester battery problems are concerned with its impermanence. The vehicle’s battery has been deemed weak, and the users have had to change the battery often. Additionally, it has been reported that the battery would die suddenly after parking the car. Some users have had to replace the battery three times in less than three years.
- Exterior lighting failure: In one-off cases, two buyers have reported a couple of distinct issues with the headlights of the SUV. While one buyer has reported the headlights becoming inoperable inadvertently, another complainant has mentioned the substandard illumination from the headlights.
Safety Problems
- Vehicle Speed Control: Similar to the issues with the service brake, buyers have reported the vehicle accelerating while the brake pedal is pressed and continuing to accelerate until the brake pedal is released or the car is put into neutral. Additionally, some complainants have also reported the 2016 Forester picking up speed and lunging forward without any input from the driver.
- Faulty airbag sensor: In the list of 2016 Subaru Forester problems, many users have reported the sensors on the seat malfunctioning, causing the SRS warning to go off or the seatbelt warning to turn on even when there is no occupant in the seat. In most cases, users have had to replace the sensor, yet the problem seems to recur. A recall regarding the airbags of the SUV has been introduced by Subaru, as referenced by NHTSA ID 19V701000.
Other Problems
- Cracking windshield: Among Subaru Forester issues, buyers have reported the windshield of the SUV cracking without any impact or incidence. In most cases, complainants have noticed the windshield crack increasing in size, which can affect the driver’s visibility.
- Tailgate height: One user complained about the tailgate being small, and the user would hit his head every time that he reached into the SUV.
2016 Subaru Forester Recalls
|
S.no |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues noticed |
Additional remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
October 3, 2019 |
19V701000 |
Occupant detection system may deactivate the airbags |
Due to a loose electrical connection in the front passenger seat, the Occupant Detection System might deactivate the airbag. |
Owners will be notified and dealers will inspect and replace the ODS senor mat harness, free of charge |
|
2 |
February 28, 2018 |
19V149000 |
Brake lights may not illuminate |
No illumination of brake lights may not alert other drivers and increase the risk of a crash. This might happen due to exposure to certain contaminants. |
Owners will be notified and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge |
|
3 |
March 21, 2016 |
16V162000 |
Turbocharger intake duct crack may cause a stall |
Due to a crack in the turbocharger intake duct, the engine might stall increasing the chances of a crash or accident |
Owners will be notified and dealers will inspect the problem and replace it, free of charge |
Should you buy the 2016 Subaru Forester
Yes, there are problems with the 2016 Forester, but nothing that serious has caused an accident or a crash. The Forester has lots of standard safety and convenience specifications. It provides ample value for the money spent by combining space and luxury with decent performance and comfort. The 2016 Subaru Forester reliability score of 85/100 is very good.
However, there is an open investigation regarding occupant detection system failure, which is a safety hazard in the event of a crash. Considering the J.D. Power Consumer Ratings, recall history, and number of complaints, the Subaru Forester 2016 issues can be rectified. So, a used 2016 Outback can be recommended after a thorough check. Also, the fifth-generation 2021–2023 is one of the best model years to buy owing to its specs, reliability, and safety quotient.
