2016 Subaru Forester Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 416 owner complaints for the 2016 Subaru Forester. The EPA rates it 25 to 27 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 3
- Owner complaints
- 416
- Crashes / fires reported
- 40 / 3
- EPA combined
- 25–27 MPG
2016 Subaru Forester recalls
Air BagsOct 3, 2019 · NHTSA 19V701000+
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Exterior LightingFeb 28, 2019 · NHTSA 19V149000+
Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
Engine and Engine CoolingMar 21, 2016 · NHTSA 16V162000+
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2016 Subaru Forester problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Air Bags100
- Electrical System93
- Unknown or Other69
- Engine60
- Power Train51
- Vehicle Speed Control37
- Service Brakes29
- Seats24
2016 Subaru Forester gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 24 | 31 | 27 | $2,400 |
| Forester AWD | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S8) | 23 | 27 | 25 | $3,200 |
| Forester AWD | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,550 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2016 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Subaru Forester, most recently for the air bags (Oct 3, 2019). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Subaru Forester problems?
Owners filed 416 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are air bags (100), electrical system (93), unknown or other (69).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Subaru Forester get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Subaru Forester at 25 to 27 MPG combined (best version: 24 city / 31 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.