2016 Subaru Forester recalls
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2016 Subaru Forester, most recently on Mar 10, 2019. Each entry below explains the defect, what can happen, and the free repair.
Is your car already fixed? Recalls are listed by model. Whether your own vehicle has been repaired depends on its VIN: check it on NHTSA's recall lookup or ask any dealer for that brand. Recall repairs are free.
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Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
Problem: 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.
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
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Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Problem: 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.
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
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Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger
Problem: 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.
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Owner complaints
Owners have filed 416 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Subaru Forester, including 40 involving a crash and 3 involving a fire, with 17 injuries reported. Complaints are unverified reports, not recalls, but clusters can lead NHTSA to open an investigation.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Air bags | 100 |
| Electrical system | 93 |
| Unknown or other | 69 |
| Engine | 60 |
| Power train | 51 |
| Vehicle speed control | 37 |
Other Forester years
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my 2016 Subaru Forester has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup or call a dealer. Manufacturers also mail owners when a recall is announced, so keep your registration address up to date.
Do I have to pay for recall repairs?
No. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer for that brand, even if you bought the vehicle used or the warranty has expired.
Where does this information come from?
From NHTSA, the U.S. agency that oversees vehicle safety recalls. This page is refreshed from its database daily.