Is the 2016 Subaru Forester reliable?

Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2016 Subaru Forester 4.7/10 — Do your homework. It has 3 NHTSA recalls on record and about 405 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Forester?

The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.

How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Forester have?

The 2016 Subaru Forester has 3 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

What is a fair price for a used 2016 Subaru Forester?

A used 2016 Subaru Forester typically sells for $10,000–$14,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester expensive to maintain?

Subaru is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.

How many miles is too many for a 2016 Subaru Forester?

Well-maintained Subaru Foresters frequently pass 200,000 miles. Treat 150k+ as higher-mileage but not disqualifying if the service history is clean.

Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2016 Subaru Forester

One of the safest small SUVs — IIHS Top Safety Pick; standard AWD.

Typical price: $10,000–$14,000
Recalls: 3
Owner complaints: 405

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NHTSA Recalls

3 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch#19V149000
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification#19V701000
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Turbo/Supercharger#16V162000
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Owner Complaints

(405 total)

Airbag System60
Electrical System53
Unknown Or Other35
Transmission & Drivetrain25
Engine25
Visibility/Wiper18
Air Bags,Seats13
Brakes10

Known Issues

Known issues contribute -1.00 pts to the score (capped at −3.0 total).

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMajor
-1.00 pts
Oil consumption issue on 2.5L engine — 1 quart per 1,000 miles in severe cases. ~850 NHTSA complaints. Extended warranty program available. Check dipstick at test drive.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2016 Subaru Forester 4.7/10 — Do your homework. It has 3 NHTSA recalls on record and about 405 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Forester?: The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Forester have?: The 2016 Subaru Forester has 3 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2016 Subaru Forester?: A used 2016 Subaru Forester typically sells for $10,000–$14,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2016 Subaru Forester expensive to maintain?: Subaru is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.
How many miles is too many for a 2016 Subaru Forester?: Well-maintained Subaru Foresters frequently pass 200,000 miles. Treat 150k+ as higher-mileage but not disqualifying if the service history is clean.

Find a 2016 Subaru Forester for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

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Also consider

2015 Nissan Rogue

$8,000–$13,000

2016 Subaru Crosstrek

$9,000–$14,000

2019 Honda CR-V

$16,000–$23,000

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Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2016 Subaru Forester

One of the safest small SUVs — IIHS Top Safety Pick; standard AWD.

Typical price: $10,000–$14,000
Recalls: 3
Owner complaints: 405

ShareX f

Have a specific 2016 Subaru Forester to check?

Get a free instant score for this model — recalls, known issues, and a fair-price estimate — then add your VIN, mileage, and price for a listing-specific result. No account needed.

Score this vehicle free

NHTSA Recalls

3 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch#19V149000
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification#19V701000
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Turbo/Supercharger#16V162000
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Owner Complaints

(405 total)

Airbag System60
Electrical System53
Unknown Or Other35
Transmission & Drivetrain25
Engine25
Visibility/Wiper18
Air Bags,Seats13
Brakes10

Known Issues

Known issues contribute -1.00 pts to the score (capped at −3.0 total).

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMajor
-1.00 pts
Oil consumption issue on 2.5L engine — 1 quart per 1,000 miles in severe cases. ~850 NHTSA complaints. Extended warranty program available. Check dipstick at test drive.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2016 Subaru Forester 4.7/10 — Do your homework. It has 3 NHTSA recalls on record and about 405 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Forester?: The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Forester have?: The 2016 Subaru Forester has 3 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2016 Subaru Forester?: A used 2016 Subaru Forester typically sells for $10,000–$14,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2016 Subaru Forester expensive to maintain?: Subaru is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.
How many miles is too many for a 2016 Subaru Forester?: Well-maintained Subaru Foresters frequently pass 200,000 miles. Treat 150k+ as higher-mileage but not disqualifying if the service history is clean.

Find a 2016 Subaru Forester for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

CarGurus AutoTrader Cars.com Edmunds

Financing

Compare auto loan offers before you buy

One application, up to 4 loan offers in minutes

Accessories & exterior protection

Shop accessories & exterior protection

Floor mats, running boards, fender flares, tonneau covers & more

Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

KSP Performance — 5% off site-wide with code KSPAF

Need a rental while you shop?

Browse rental cars from $9/day

CarScorer may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.

Compare the 2016 Subaru Forester

Featured in

Also consider

2015 Nissan Rogue

$8,000–$13,000

2016 Subaru Crosstrek

$9,000–$14,000

2019 Honda CR-V

$16,000–$23,000

Score any used car listing in 2 minutes

CarScorer pulls NHTSA data, checks known issues, and compares the asking price against market value — all in one score. Free, no account required for a basic check.

Try CarScorer free