2016 SUBARU FORESTER

3 recalls, 609 complaints - 600 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Defect Description

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.

366,282 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Defect Description

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 ... Read more

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.

1,303,530 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Defect Description

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 rec... Read more

18,187 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

609 total complaints 66 crashes 5 fires 40 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	81
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	69
AIR BAGS	67
ENGINE	66
POWER TRAIN	59
STEERING	31
SERVICE BRAKES	30
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	28
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	26
VISIBILITY/WIPER	19

Incident date: Jan 1, 2020

Vehicle experiences intermittent front end vibration and shaking at highway speeds, sometimes during light braking. The vibration feels similar to driving over rumble strips and can become strong enough to affect steering feel and driver confidence. The issue occurs intermittently and is more notice... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2020

Incident date: Feb 10, 2026

Shortly after refueling, I experienced a serious and sudden vehicle safety-related malfunction involving suspected fuel tank expansion. The event coincided with abnormal fuel behavior and an unexpected structural issue in the rear cabin area, where the rear seat assembly displaced upward without any... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

—The floor harness has failed due to poor design & location of the harness as it creates a trap for moisture. —Yes, this component is available for inspection upon request. —The safety of myself was in moderate jeopardy due to the air struts malfunctioning. —Yes, the problem has been r... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

When accelerating from a stop position while pushing on the accelerator the vehicle will not move. Takes a couple seconds. Almost struck by oncoming car when attempting to turn left onto Main road. Happens frequently. Next: left sliding passenger door doesn’t close all the way then opens back up.... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

I own a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle has a serious safety issue where the steering wheel shakes violently at freeway speeds, especially when driving over uneven roads or bumps. This makes the vehicle feel unsafe to operate. This issue was previously repaired under warranty with a steering dampe... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2023

RE: Failed Radar Braking on a 2024 Hyundai Palisade What component or system failed or malfunctioned .. . . On Feb 8th, 2026 I was driving in to Lakeland FL on I-75 N, in the right hand lane, near a green stoplight following a car 2 lengths ahead. The radar cruise control was slowing me down, kee... Read more

Crash 3 injured

Incident date: May 1, 2023

Crash 3 injured

Incident date: Mar 11, 2026

Oil cooler lines are leaking oil. A known GM issue with many owner complaints online. Transmission issues. Motor issues. electrical issues. brake issues. These particular trucks have many issues and nobody is taking responsibility for the issues.

Incident date: Mar 11, 2026

Vehicles coolant emptied out causing vehicle to overheat and smoke from under engine.

Incident date: Mar 11, 2026

Astro white exterior paint is chipping on the roof of the vehicle in multiple locations. See pictures attached of sever chipping above windshield and wear the roof meets. Also chipping occurring above both rear doors on roof. This was not due to an accident or normal wear and tear.

Incident date: Nov 15, 2023

Forward collision warning systems check error light hard braking occurred and scared the pee out of me. Camera blockage obstruction error

Incident date: Nov 15, 2023

I was driving and without any type of warning the car stopped shifting so I was barely touching the gas but my tac was all the way up.

Incident date: Jan 19, 2026

All of a sudden after starting the car I got a “Check Electric Vehicle” warning sign and when I called the dealership the told me do NOT drive it and tow it. The basically told me it will die on me.

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

At around 17,000 miles the timing chain tensioner went bad. At cold start up you could hear the timing chain hitting the 'guide' until the oil pressure built up and provided enough tension. I was covered by an aftermarket warranty - which paid all the labor ($1700). I had to pay a $100 deductible -... Read more

Incident date: Jun 7, 2025

Summary: While driving, the transmission intermittently fails to shift and the truck has locked up and screeched to a complete halt approximately four times, creating a sudden stop/near rear‑end‑collision risk. Details & timeline: First symptoms were around 55,010 miles. On 10/13/2024 the Chevr... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to turn to the right, the steering wheel seized. The contact used excessive force to maneuver the vehicle. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and remained at the residence. The... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

I have a Prius v 2012, and the lights for abs turned on and when I checked on internet Toyota was repairing the part for 150k miles and 10 years but this is a safety feature my car is now at 149922, And while I was on road suddenly the signs came up and I the brakes were hard, and this is a problem... Read more

Incident date: Jun 23, 2025

I purchased the car on [XXX]. Drove the car about 8000 miles and then all of a sudden the dash lights all lit up for the brakes, ABS, traction control. I pulled the car over and turned it off. When I restarted my car, the lights continued to stay on and it told me to service immediately. I called my... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2025

I own a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle is subject to Recall #N252494000 (NHTSA #25V274) concerning the L87 engine and potential loss of propulsion. On [XXX], I received a “Low Oil” warning for the second time within a few months. This recurring issue matches the reca... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2025

The system that warns the driver that you do not have both hands on the steering wheel. It turns on while I have both hands on the wheel and sometimes I can not get it to acknowledge that and the car begins to stop on the interstate, in traffic and in a dark tunnel wiht no shoulder. The dealer can n... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2025

Automatic Transmission failure

Incident date: Jan 1, 2023

In February I had the 95b recall completed and a short time afterwards started getting a service hybrid vehicle system light and even a check engine light at one point. One of those instances with the service hybrid vehicle system light my car just turned off while I was driving it with my children ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2025

The steering wheel while taking a right turn locked and wouldn't straighten all lights turned off on the panel all was locked and caused a crash because steering was locked into a turn

Crash

Incident date: Aug 11, 2025

The steering wheel while taking a right turn locked and wouldn't straighten all lights turned off on the panel all was locked and caused a crash because steering was locked into a turn

Crash

Incident date: Aug 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear-end of the vehicle was making an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the rear-end had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer w... Read more

Incident date: Aug 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasona... Read more

Incident date: Aug 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, the engine revved high, idled hard, and shook abnormally. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a known issue, and the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin: ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2025

MMI system is failing, parking assist is malfunctioning, back up camera doesn’t activate, CarPlay turns off mid drive and reboots, navigation not working, car wants to brake at highway speeds as computer system malfunctions, Bluetooth phone connection drops mid call, overall the computer infotainm... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2025

7/24/25 Ford Dealer replaced airbag recall, however, the caution light still lights up, like there is still a problem. to do a diagnostic why , they will not cover the cost. Is it possible that the new Airbag still has a problem and should they cover the cost of diagnostic problem

Incident date: Feb 1, 2025

My car is displaying a message that the "Front left safety restraint issue". Airbags are off. brought the car in for service, they said they fixed some low voltage pin. Less than a week later the message appeared again. Tesla did not take this issue seriously -- I'm driving around with no airbags? T... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2023

Incident date: May 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the de... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2025

In June of this year, with about 82,000 miles I began to experience a clunk felt through the vehicle while slowing down from @35 mph upon the downshift. The clunk was more noticeable under braking, i.e. approaching a stop light. This went on for a few days growing more frequent and noticeable. On... Read more

Incident date: Jun 18, 2025

On June 5, 2025, while driving eastbound on Interstate 20 in Louisiana between Ruston and Monroe, the awning unexpectedly deployed while the RV was in motion. This sudden deployment posed a significant threat to myself, my passengers, and other motorists. Fortunately, no collision occurred, but the ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 10, 2025

The engine maintenance required message appeared on the dash. I was travel from work to home (about 40 miles). I pulled over immediately at a store, left my car and walked over a mile to the mechanic shop down the road (in 95° weather with a knee that has been through 3 surgeries in less than 5 yea... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2025

The active headrest shot off without cause and whiplashed my head and neck. There was not an accident or any reason for it to go off.

1 injured

Incident date: May 12, 2025

Recurrent failures of horn system. Randomly stops working. Dealer keeps replacing horns but unable to locate problem. This is critical safety equipment. It recurrently puts the safety of myself and my family at risk as the time the horn failure is discovered is when we are using it to warn other dri... Read more

Incident date: Apr 25, 2025

Vehicle lost power and service engine light came on, transmission speed sensor, powertrain control system, PCM communication error, the second time it said pre-collision assist and powertrain malfunction reduce power. The first time it happened they replaced the transmission, the second time it com... Read more

Incident date: Apr 18, 2025

Vehicle is upfitted as a school bus. Forward fuel tank strap failed in operation. Our company operates more than 100 of these vehicles and we experience a failure of fuel tank straps at a rate of about one vehicle per month. If the 2nd strap would also fail the gasoline tank would become dislodged a... Read more

Incident date: Jul 19, 2024

Today was the fourth time that the automatic breaking system engaged when there was no other car present to trigger it. I was going under 5 miles an hour. The car next to me was making a left-hand turn, and there was no car in front of me to cause the breaking system to engage with such a force that... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Jul 19, 2024

The vehicle has been randomly shaking at idle since around 100,000 miles. There have now been a few instances where the engine will shake when decelerating. There are no warning lights, codes, or diagnostic readings that have given a solution for this. Around 145,000 miles the engine began to shake ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 2023

Car has "check engine light" mechanic says vapor canister vent solenoid is bad. Part number: 2282618. Also said they have been seeing this a lot on Chevy Malibus and other GM cars. Part was not available from Chevorlet for oven two months.

Incident date: Dec 18, 2024

While travelling at highway speed, attempted to accelerate to pass slow traffic. Rather than accelerating, the car hunted for a gear, and wouldn't shift properly. The car downshifted but engine would not go beyond 4000 RPM and speed remained the same. This has happened multiple times. By unexpec... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2024

Had a recall repaired yet it still randomly my brake lamps still don’t function correctly

Incident date: Nov 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine a... Read more

Showing 50 of 609 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2016 SUBARU FORESTER

2016 Subaru Forester SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	16.9%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2016 SUBARU FORESTER

600 manufacturer communications from 211 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	113
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	106
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	37
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	26
100000 POWER TRAIN	22
353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)	21
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	20
220000 SEATS	20

350000 EQUIPMENT

T16 Warranty Extension (15-317-24R) Frequently Asked Questions.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

T16 Warranty Extension (15-317-24R) Frequently Asked Questions.

350000 EQUIPMENT

In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the Data Communication Module (DCM) Warranty from 3 years (36 months) of 36,000 miles to 8 years (96 months) or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces repair procedures to be used when diagnosing dark current draw (parasitic draw) on vehicles equipped with Gen 1 Data Control Modules.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces repair procedures to be used when diagnosing dark current draw (parasitic draw) on vehicles equipped with Gen 1 Data Control Modules.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides a repair procedure when diagnosing dark current draw on vehicles with GEN 1 Data Control Modules.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides a repair procedure when diagnosing dark current draw on vehicles with GEN 1 Data Control Modules.

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Due to limited part supply, the availability of the passenger front seat cushion may not satisfy demand. To reduce extended downtime for the customer, this bulletin announces the diagnostic and repair procedures to be used when DTC B1760 (O

220000 SEATS

140000 AIR BAGS

350000 EQUIPMENT

Subaru has extended the Data Communication Module (DCM) warranty from 3 years 36,000mi to 8 years or 100,000mi. In rare cases, customers may experience a dead battery as a result of the DCM continually trying to access the 3G network.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This letter provides information regarding the warranty extension for the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM).

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This letter provides information regarding the warranty extension for the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM).

350000 EQUIPMENT

This announcement provides information in regard to the extension of the basic new car limited warranty for the Telematics Data Communication Module (DCM). This coverage will apply to the vehicles listed for vehicles sold or leased in the U

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is extending the Data Communication Module (DCM) warranty from three years (36 months or 36K miles) to eight years (96 months or 100K miles), whichever comes first. This extension is in light of the rare cas

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides procedures required for reprogramming the Data Communication Module (DCM) in Gen 1 Subaru vehicles due to sunsetting of the 3G network.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides procedures required for reprogramming the Data Communication Module (DCM) in Gen 1 Subaru vehicles due to sunsetting of the 3G network.

350000 EQUIPMENT

In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is extending the New Car Basic Warranty coverage for the 12 Volt batteries used in the above listed models and model years beyond the original three (3) years or thirty six t

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park.

100000 POWER TRAIN

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The purpose of this Bulletin is to provide procedures for the diagnosis and repair of oil seepage which may be coming from the timing chain cover, front camshaft cap, camshaft carrier and / or upper oil pan.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces repair procedures to be used when diagnosing dark current draw (parasitic draw) on vehicles equipped with Gen 1 Data Control Modules.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Information Bulletin provides an updated diagnostic flow along with an IMPORTANT caution to follow for certain CVT solenoid related DTCs as listed.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This Service Information Bulletin provides an updated diagnostic flow along with an IMPORTANT caution to follow for certain CVT solenoid related DTCs as listed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Battery Class Action Settlement Resources. (2)

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery Class Action Settlement Resources. (2)

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Announcement to Subaru Retailers regarding the preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding battery drain in certain Subaru vehicles.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers).

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Special Edition, 2012 current model subaru evaporative diagnostics and smoke testing.

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINKA? Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

346000 COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.

220000 SEATS

This bulletin announces a design change made to the Slide Rail components of the left and right front power seat frame / track assembliesd.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park.

100000 POWER TRAIN

150000 SEAT BELTS

This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of a squeaking sound originating from where the front seat belt buckle assembly attaches to the seat frame.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the Service Manual correction for the diagnostic trouble tree for DTC C2521 and/or DTC 21.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Going forward when a customera??s vehicle is equipped with a DCM that does not have Software version ID DCM_06.00.17_20190816 installed and they wish to subscribe to Starlink Telematics Service, the DCM must be replaced.

061571 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:SUMP/TANK:DRAIN PLUG

This Bulletin announces design changes to the engine oil and CVT fluid drain plugs.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin announces design changes to the engine oil and CVT fluid drain plugs.

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly.

100000 POWER TRAIN

050000 PARKING BRAKE

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE.

100000 POWER TRAIN

(Subaru Retailers) As part of Subarua??s dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing an extension to the Basic New Car Limited Warranty for the CVT Parking Switch for certain 2015-2018 MY Legacy, Outback

350000 EQUIPMENT

050000 PARKING BRAKE

(Owner Letter) As part of Subaru of Americaa??s dedication to customer satisfaction, this letter is to inform you of an extension to the Basic New Car Limited Warranty for your vehiclea??s CVT Parking Brake Switch.

350000 EQUIPMENT

050000 PARKING BRAKE

100000 POWER TRAIN

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin announces an additional service procedure for timing chain and / or cam sprocket replacement on FA and FB type engines.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces an additional service procedure for timing chain and / or cam sprocket replacement on FA and FB type engines.

200000 WHEELS

This bulletin announces a change made to the wheel lug nuts.

Showing 100 of 600 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2016

Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-009 to investigate 51 complaints and additional Early Warning Report (EWR) data related to allegations of front passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) malfunctions in model year (MY) 2016 through 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. These vehic... les use a capacitive type ODS, which is intended to classify the occupant of the passenger seat as either full-sized, small stature, a child seat or other object. The complaints reported the ODS failed to operate properly, the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning light illuminated, and/or the ODS incorrectly suppressed (turned off) the front passenger air bag when the seat was occupied by a full-sized passenger. In a frontal crash that is sufficient to warrant deployment, a suppressed air bag may increase the risk of injury to the occupant of the seat.On August 14, 2019 ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Subaru requesting information on the subject vehicles and MY 2014-2015 Subaru Forester vehicles.On October 3, 2019, Subaru submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect in the passenger-side front airbag Occupant Detection System (ODS) harness of 366,282 MY 2015-2018 Subaru Forester vehicles equipped with seat heaters.The DIR stated that over time, due to a decrease in contact pressure between the terminals in the ODS sensor mat harness, a temporarily unstable electrical connection may be possible. If the connection is temporarily unstable, the ODS may not properly determine the status of the right front seat occupant. If the ODS is unable to correctly determine the status of the front occupant, the airbag warning light may illuminate, and 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.Using vehicle production data and field occurrence frequency, Subaru determined the potentially affected vehicle production range to be between January 20, 2015 ?and August 1, 2017.In addition, Subaru indicated that over 99 percent of the related MY 2015-2018 field reports with vehicles in the production range involved vehicles with seat heaters.NHTSA's analysis of complaint and warranty claim data showed 1,440 of the complaints and 11,672 of the claims involve vehicles with seat heaters that were built within the production range covered by Subaru's recall.In addition, NHTSA's analysis showed a complaint rate of 393.1 per hundred thousand vehicles for the recalled population and 89.0 for MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles that are not included in the recall. Analysis of warranty claim data found a claim rate of 3.2 percent for the recalled population and 0.3 percent for MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles that are not included in the recall.Subaru will instruct owners with Subaru Forester vehicles produced in the affected vehicle production range, to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the sensor mat harness, inspected and replaced with a new part, including the seat cushion assembly, if necessary.Based on ODI's analysis, the actions taken by Subaru mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by ODS sensor mat failures in the subject vehicles. For subject and peer vehicles outside the recall population and those equipped without seat heaters, ODI's analysis indicates that there is currently no safety-related defect trend. Given these circumstances, further use of the agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION

ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT ALLEGING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE, LOCATED BETWEEN THE SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE, BECAME DETACHED WHILE DRIVING.IN ADDITION, THE OWNER INSPECTED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND FOUND THAT THE BOLT WAS PARTIALLY BACKED-OUT.THE COMPLAINT VEHICLE WAS EQ... Read more

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SUBARU FORESTER across all model years (1998, 2026).

114 Total Recalls

8,633 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

784 Reported Crashes

135 Reported Fires

10 Reported Deaths

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	2	17	View
2025	2	108	View
2024	2	38	View
2023	1	102	View
2022	1	137	View
2021	0	285	View
2020	0	798	View
2019	3	1,084	View
2018	3	669	View
2017	1	789	View
2016 (current)	3	609
2015	3	894	View
2014	2	576	View
2013	12	94	View
2012	15	140	View
2011	16	195	View
2010	17	307	View
2009	18	228	View
2008	1	67	View
2007	1	89	View
2006	2	121	View
2005	1	105	View
2004	2	270	View
2003	3	238	View
2002	1	109	View
2001	0	169	View
2000	0	95	View
1999	1	156	View
1998	1	138	View

Other SUBARU Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
IMPREZA	321	3,425	View
LEGACY	307	4,132	View
OUTBACK	288	12,131	View
SOLTERRA	259	109	View
WRX	190	1,208	View
ASCENT	112	1,248	View
TRIBECA	70	51	View
CROSSTREK	42	1,453	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2016 SUBARU FORESTER

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2016 SUBARU FORESTER

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2016 SUBARU FORESTER

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models