2016 SUBARU FORESTER

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    airbag system

    88 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    89
    incidents
    Typical range: 30,000–50,500 mi

    Median 40,000 mi, based on 61 reports (59% had no usable mileage)

    • ""TAKATA RECALL" VEHICLE ACCELLERATED, BRAKES DID NOT STOP VEHICLE, ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE INJURING MY WIFE, PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY & PSYCHOLOGICALLY. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WIFE WAS TRYING TO PARK, WHEN VEHICLE SPED UP AND HER BRAKING HAD NO EFFECT AND SHE C…"~600 mi, complaint #1328456
    • "MY VEHICLE ALL OF A SUDDEN BEGAN GIVING ME A PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG CENSOR ERROR. NO ACCIDENTS OCCURRED IT JUST OUT OF THE BLUE APPEARED. I HAD TO TAKE MY FORESTER TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP TO BE SERVICED WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PA…"~32,500 mi, complaint #1595279
    • "WHEN I START THE CAR, THIS INDICATOR TURNS ON: SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CHECKED PASSENGER AIRBAG REMAINS "OFF" EVEN PERSON SITS ON THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS STOPPED OR MOVING WHILE THE CAR IS STARTED."~40,000 mi, complaint #1609369
    • "I TURNED MY VEHICLE ON IN THE MORNING AND A RED 'I' APPEARED AND A WARNING THAT SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE CHECKED. THE PANEL ON THE DASHBOARD HAS AN AIRBAG LIGHT BLINKING. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT CONTINUES TO SAY 'OFF' DESPITE THERE BEING WEIGHT IN THE…"~49,500 mi, complaint #1611832
    • "PASSANGER AIRBAG IS OFF NO MATTER IF SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT AND WILL NOT TURN BACK ON. THIS HAPPENS IF IT IS SITTING STILL OR MOVING SO NOT SAFE FOR PASSANGERS"~157,600 mi, complaint #1608252
  2. #2

    unintended acceleration

    35 unsafe

    35
    incidents
    Typical range: 13,000–73,500 mi

    Median 20,000 mi, based on 38 reports (42% had no usable mileage)

    • "The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while attempting to park in a driveway, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated causing the contact to crash into a building wall. There were no injuries sustained. The contact took the vehicle to an ind…"~600 mi, complaint #1818847
    • "VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. IT WENT OVER AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED NOSE FIRST INTO THE PARKING LOT BELOW."~12,000 mi, complaint #1374105
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE AND A POLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS N…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1495159
    • "MY FORESTER ACCELERATES WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE. THERE HAVE BEEN INSTANCES WHEN I STOP AT LIGHT AND ADVANCE IT SOMETIMES ACCELERATES MORE THAN I HAVE PRESSED ON GAS. *TR"~35,000 mi, complaint #1663477
    • "UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, CAUSING 2 ACCIDENTS. I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK & I WAS ROLLING TO A STOP WHEN THE ACCELERATION OCCURRED."~200,000 mi, complaint #1490075
  3. #3

    battery and charging

    9 stranded, 18 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    29
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that she was able to safely drive the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the battery was replaced f…"~19,000 mi, complaint #1934743
    • "IN SPITE OF CAREFUL MAINTENANCE AND USE I HAVE HAD AT LEAST 7 INSTANCES WHERE THE BATTERY HAD DIED. IN 4 OF THOSE INSTANCES I WAS ABLE TO JUMP START THE CAR AND CONTINUE USING IT. IN 3 INSTANCES I WAS UNABLE TO JUMP START IT, SO I HAD TO REMOVE AND REPLACE TH…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1739962
    • "CAR SUFFERED 10 UNEXPLAINED ORIGINAL BATTERY DISCHARGES IN YEARS 2-3 OF OWNERSHIP. UPON JUMP START, AUTO WOULD START AND OPERATE NORMALLY FOR 2-5 MONTHS BEFORE NEXT DISCHARGE. SUBARU AUTHORIZED WARRANTY REPLACEMENT THROUGH DEALERSHIP WITH NEW LARGER POWERED BA…"~30,820 mi, complaint #1646552
    • "WE'VE HAD THE CAR FROM NEW LEASE THE BATTERY HAS DIED AT LEAST 4 TIMES. AFTER THE 2ND TIME, WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO BE CHECKED. THEY SAID BATTERY AND CHARGER WERE FINE. IT IS NOT FINE IF THE BATTERY CAN'T HOLD ENOUGH POWER TO START CAR AFTER LEAVING KEY ON…"~50,400 mi, complaint #1558274
    • "BATTERY DRAIN REQUIRING MULTIPLE JUMP STARTS AND BATTERY REPLACEMENT"~60,000 mi, complaint #1747546
  4. #4

    engine stall or no start

    2 stranded, 27 unsafe

    29
    incidents
    Typical range: 23,000–51,000 mi

    Median 40,000 mi, based on 42 reports (25% had no usable mileage)

    • "NON-TURBO MODEL STALLS IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING. FIRST AIR CONDITIONER SHUTS OFF, ALONG WITH ELECTRICAL, THEN ENGINE STALLS. NOTHING UNUSUAL PRIOR TO SHUTTING OFF. VEHICLE BECOMES NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL WITH LIMITED BRAKING AND STEERING. CAR WILL NOT I…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1300339
    • "I'VE HAD THE SAME ISSUE HAPPEN ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS (OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2016) - WHILE DRIVING THE CAR I BOUGHT BRAND NEW, AND GOING APPX. 75 MPH DOWN THE INTERSTATE, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS STRAIGHT ON FLAT INTERSTATE, THE RPM'S ALL OF A SUDDEN SHOO…"~24,000 mi, complaint #1359122
    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY GOING UP A BRIDGE OVER THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT ABOUT 65MPH WHEN A BUNCH OF LIGHTS CAME ON AND MY ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL AND I HAD TO SWITCH FROM THE LEFT-HAND LANE TO THE RIGHT -HAND LANE TO GET…"~41,000 mi, complaint #1493468
    • "2ND OCCURRENCE NOW OF A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WHILE ON HIGHWAY AT 80MPH WITH NO WARNING (SEE NHTSA ID# 1131777). LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT HAD JUST COME ON A FEW MINUTES EARLIER...SAME AS LAST TIME. THANKFULLY HAD A SHOULDER TO COST ONTO AND LET THE V…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1708884
    • "VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AROUND 70 MPH. LOST POWER TO WHEELS/VEHICLE STALLED WITH NO WARNING. ENGINE REVVED TO HIGH RPM'S WHEN I HIT GAS, AS I COASTED INTO THE GRASSY MEDIAN. I TURNED OFF ENGINE, WAITED FOR A FEW MINUTES. TRIED TO START AGAIN, STAR…"~66,000 mi, complaint #1682907
  5. #5

    key fob and immobilizer

    17 unsafe, 12 annoyance

    29
    incidents
    Typical range: 39,500–63,500 mi

    Median 45,000 mi, based on 25 reports (39% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE BEFORE THE KEY RELEASED AND WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. COLONIAL SUBARU ([REDACTED ADDRESS], KINGSTON,…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1696209
    • "KEY OFTEN WILL NOT ROTATE TO THE LOCK POSITION SO THE KEY MAY BE REMOVED AFTER VEHICLE IIS STOPPED. THE TRANSMISSION IS SET FOR PARK AND THE PARKING BRAKE IS ALSO SET AT THE TIME. THIS HAPPENS REGULARLY NOW AND HAS BEEN FOR OVER A MONTH. AT TIMES, I'VE BEEN SU…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1733745
    • "THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED AND IN "PARK," INTERMITTENTLY. I NEED TO RESTART THE CAR, READJUST THE SHIFTER OUT AND THEN BACK INTO "PARK," UNTIL THE VEHICLE SENSES THAT I AM ACTUALLY IN "PARK" AND ALLOWS ME TO REMOVE THE KE…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1644609
    • "THE KEY HAS STARTED GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION INTERMITTENTLY AFTER TURNING THE MOTOR OFF. SOMETIMES IT TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS INVOLVING TURNING THE MOTOR BACK ON AND PULLING THE KEY OUT AS I'M TURNING THE MOTOR OFF. IT MAY GO A COUPLE OF DAYS AND BE FINE T…"~67,155 mi, complaint #1666332
    • "KEY IS STUCK IN IGNITION AFTER I COME TO A STOP AND PUT CAR IN PARK AND FIRMLY APPLY EMERGENCY BRAKE. I CAN SOMETIMES START THE CAR AGAIN, PUT IT IN PARK AND PULL THE BRAKE AND THE KEY WILL COME OUT. THIS IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION."~141,000 mi, complaint #1673578
  6. #6

    glass and windshield

    19 unsafe

    19
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 34,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "IN [REDACTED ADDRESS] IT STARTED TO SLEET. THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME. I TURNED ON MY HEATER AND DEFROST AND THE WINDOW POPPED AND CRACKED FROM THE HEATING VENT TO ABOUT 1/2 UP THE WINDOW. OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS THE CRACK CONTINUED TO GROW. *TR"~5,000 mi, complaint #1670919
    • "THE WINDSHIELD ON MY 2016 FORESTER SUBARU CRACKED FROM THE PASSENGER BOTTOM SEAM THEN UP & ACROSS TOWARDS THE DRIVERS SIDE. IT HAS SO FAR STOPPED NEAR THE CENTER. I BELIEVE I HAVE A DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD. THE PASSENGER SAW IT BUT SAID SHE DIDNT SEE IT THE DAY B…"~24,600 mi, complaint #1648835
    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN THERE HIGHWAY IN UTAH WITH NO VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. I HEARD A LOUD CRACKING NOISE COME FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE UPPER CORNER OF THE WINDSHIELD. I STOPPED AND INSPECTED THE WINDSHIELD AND DID NOT SEE AND CHIPS OR CRACKS. I KEPT DRIVING ON T…"~34,500 mi, complaint #1557662
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW IMPLODED WITH A LOUD NOISE, WITHOUT IMPACT, LEAVING PIECES OF GLASS, LARGE ENOUGH TO CAUSE SEVERE INJURIES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE CONTACT CALLE…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1690689
    • "WHILE STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT AND SMALL OBJECT (NOT A ROCK OR METAL) IMPACTED THE WINDSHIELD. WHICH CREATED A 3IN CRACK TOP OF WINDSHIELD (DRIVER SIDE). IN THE FOLLOWING 30 MINUTES, THE CRACK GREW TO OVER 10 INCHES."~97,000 mi, complaint #1687365
  7. #7

    other

    6 unsafe, 7 annoyance

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "SUBARU MANUFACTURED VENTILATION SYSTEM WITHOUT PROVISION TO SCREEN RODENTS FROM ENTERING CABIN AND PERMITTING THEM TO INFEST THE INTERIOR TO THE POINT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNUSABLE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS WILLING TO CHARGE US TO CLEAN UP THE MESS, BUT WOULD NOT M…"~5,500 mi, complaint #1446179
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES BEFORE THE NEIGHBOR NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. MOMENTS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE N…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1568459
    • "KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION OR AUX POSITION AND WOULD NOT COME OVER AFTER SHIFTING THE LEVER TO PARK POSITION."~51,000 mi, complaint #1688287
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V701000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AM…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1643902
    • "Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage…"~188,130 mi, complaint #2103224
  8. #8

    throttle and pedal

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "CAR ACCELERATES QUICKLY AND LURCHES FORWARD WHEN SLIGHTLY TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES FROM START OF CAR AND DURING GENERAL DRIVING CONDITIONS."~500 mi, complaint #1465928
    • "VEHICLE BEGINS TO ACCELERATE FROM PARKING LOT INTO TRAFFIC, BUT THEN GAS PEDAL HITS A "DEAD SPOT". GAS PEDAL IS NON-RESPONSIVE. UNABLE TO ACCELERATE UNTIL CONTINUALLY DEPRESSING GAS PEDAL 3/4 WAY TO FLOOR BOARD. THEN IT SURGES AHEAD! PROBLEM IS REPEATABL…"~3,800 mi, complaint #1255961
  9. #9

    transmission automatic

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "WHEN YOU GO FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE THERE IS A LAG TIME IN THE TRANSMISSION. OR IF YOU GO FROM PARK TO DRIVE ITS THE SAME. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS YOU RELY ON YOUR CAR MOVING WHEN YOU SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE (E.G., WHEN YOU BACK OUT OF YOUR DRIVEWAY). WE W…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1315572
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AFTER THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY TIME THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE W…"~6,500 mi, complaint #1560063
    • "CAR HAS 11,000 MILES, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A HIGHWAY USING THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ON (FEET NOT TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL OR BRAKE) THE CAR ENGINE RPM'S BEGAN INCREASING TILL IT REACHED T…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1250279
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAMELBACK SUBARU LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], PHOENIX, AZ 85014, [REDACTED PHONE] FOR THE 120,000 MILES VEHICLE INSPECTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PICKING UP…"~119,953 mi, complaint #1675310
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking and hesitating while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the transmission fluid was flushed; however, a…"~126,000 mi, complaint #1822077
  10. #10

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. KLAMATH FALLS SUBARU IN KLAMATH FALLS, OREGON 97603 WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WA…"~7,200 mi, complaint #1449101
    • "AT LOW SPEED (UNDER 15 MPH) A HESITATION OCCURS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE ACCELERATION POWER FOR AS LONG AS 3 OR 4 SECONDS. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM OCCURRING ONLY 8 TIMES IN THREE MONTHS. PROBLEM ALMOST CAUSED A COLLISION WHILE TURNING LEFT BEFORE ONC…"~17,279 mi, complaint #1339427
    • "WITH THE CAR COMPLETELY WARMED UP, EITHER A HOT DAY OR A COLD DAY, DOESN'T MATTER, THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE FOR A COUPLE SECONDS WHEN ENTERING TRAFFIC AFTER HAVING PARKED FOR A FEW MINUTES. IN OTHER WORDS, AFTER MAKING A STOP SOMEWHERE AND SHUTTING THE ENG…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1456955
    • "THIS CAR WILL SUDDENLY LOSE POWER WHEN UNDERWAY WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR PREDICTABILITY. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF ENTERING TRAFFIC OR EVEN WHEN MOVING ON CONGESTED ROADS. NO ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AT ALL, THE CAR JUST DIES WITHOUT WARNING. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTE…"~39,000 mi, complaint #1713388
  11. #11

    transmission cvt

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, THERE IS A 3 TO 4 SECOND LAG TIME IN THE TRANSMISSION BETWEEN SHIFTING AND GETTING POWER TO THE WHEELS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU BACK OUT OF YOUR DRIVEWAY, ESPECIALLY IF YOU LIVE ON A BUSY STREET (AS WE DO). I TOOK I…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1337071
    • "IGNITION KEY WILL NOT DISENGAGE AFTER THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF; VEHICLE HAS A CVT TRANSMISSION."~53,000 mi, complaint #1674498
    • "MY CAR IS SLOWING DOWN DRASTICALLY WHILE MY FOOT IS ON THE GAS AND RPM IS INCREASING. I SUSPECT THAT THE CVT IS SLIPPING AND CAUSING THE CAR TO ENGINE BRAKE. THIS IS THE REASON SUBARU EXTENDED THE CVT WARRANTY, BUT THEY HAVE REFUSED TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1597253
    • "AROUND 75K MILES, THE "AT TEMP" LIGHT BEGAN TO APPEAR WHEN DRIVING THE CAR FOR MORE THAN 35-[REDACTED ADDRESS] AT CONTINUOUS SPEEDS. NO CODE WAS STORED WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I HAVE PICTURES OF THIS LIGHT BEING ON NUMEROUS TIMES. THIS HAPPENED…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1652042
    • "CVT CODES P0700 AND P2764 CAME ON. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT NEEDS A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION AS FIXING JUST THE TORQUE CONVERTER WILL NOT FIX THE ISSUE. ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND NONE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES WILL WORK. THE CAR WAS DOING THIS FROM A STARTI…"~157,161 mi, complaint #1608195
  12. #12

    adas collision warning

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "EYESIGHT SYSTEM DID NOT PICK UP VEHICLE IN FROMT OF CAR AND PROCEED TO DRIVE STRAIGHT TOWARD AT 70MPH, I HAD TO BRAKE THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN ONE DAY. DEALER SAID THEY TESTED CAR AND SYSTEM WAS WORKING FINE. THE SYSTEM DID NOT DETECT THE LARGE VEHICLE…"~8,300 mi, complaint #1260228
    • "DURING PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN, THE VEHICLE APPEARS TO SUFFER MAJOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES. SINCE FEBRUARY OF 2018, MY VEHICLE HAS REPORTED PROBLEMS AFTER A MAJOR STORM WITH THE EYESIGHT CAMERA SYSTEM, ABS, HILL ASSIST, AND FUEL GAUGE. FYI-EYESIGHT INCLUDES THE DYNAM…"~32,000 mi, complaint #1471659
  13. #13

    brake hydraulics

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DEPRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE ANY INJURIES OR SOUG…"~16,000 mi, complaint #1711619
    • "BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR WHEN STOPPING WITH MAXIMUM LOAD WHEN STOPPING ON STREET OR HIGHWAY."~32,000 mi, complaint #1538311
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving and approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact released the brake pedal and the vehicle slowed down. There were no warni…"~110,858 mi, complaint #1787999
  14. #14

    control module

    5 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "WHEN IN MOTION, THE OCCUPANCY DETECTOR SENSOR LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATES EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. THIS IS CURRENTLY HAPPENING IN MY 2016 FORESTER AND ALSO HAPPENED IN MY 2014 FORESTER."~15,000 mi, complaint #1593037
    • "MY VEHICLE ALARM SYSTEM CAME ON UNEXPECTEDLY TOWARD THE END OF A DAY-LONG DRIVE, WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT, HILL ASSIST, EYESIGHT, AND OTHER DASH WARNING LIGHTS ALL ILLUMINATED. THE PROBLEM DISABLED THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM, WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN CLEAR WEATHER WHE…"~42,000 mi, complaint #1508276
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A RED WARNING INDICATOR ICON FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE TO SUBARU OF ROCHESTER ([REDACTED ADDRESS] SE, ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA 55904, [REDACTED PHONE]) AND WAS…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1597842
  15. #15

    fuel pump

    3 stranded, 2 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "MY 2016 SUBARU FORESTER HAS TWICE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ENGINE STALL WHILE CRUISING AT APPROX. 70 MPH WHEN THE FUEL WAS LOW. IN BOTH CASES THE LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ON AND THE VEHICLE SHOWED FUEL IN THE TANK WITH FUEL RANGE OF 70-100 MILES. IN BOTH CAS…"~42,000 mi, complaint #1697608
    • "ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCURRENCES WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON AND WE WERE DRIVING AT AROUND 70 MILES AN HOUR ON AN INTERSTATE, OUR CAR WOULD ELECTRONICALLY PUT ITSELF IN NEUTRAL, THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFTER WOULD PHYSICALLY REMAIN IN DRIVE, THE RPM'S WOULD GO U…"~52,000 mi, complaint #1499170
    • "I HAVE HAD APPROXIMATELY 10 EPISODES WHERE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE SEEMS LIKE IT'S NOT GETTING ANY OR VERY LITTLE GAS EVEN THOUGH THERE IS PLENTY OF GAS IN THE GAS TANK . THESE EPISODES ARE INTERMITTENT AND STARTED LAST WINTER. THE ISSUE DIDN'T…"~54,000 mi, complaint #1714354
  16. #16

    horn

    3 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE HORN STOPPED WORKING. I WAS TOLD IF WAS THE ELECTRONIC / ELECTRICAL "CLOCK SPRING MECHANISM?" IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND JUST AILED AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED."~51,500 mi, complaint #1605685
  17. #17

    lighting exterior

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "2016 SUBARU FORESTER WAS RATED BY INSURANCE INST FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY AS POOR FOR HEADLIGHTS. HAVING DRIVEN ON DARK COUNTRY ROADS I CAN AGREE. HEADLIGHTS ON PASSENGER SIDE LIGHT UP RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD, DRIVER'S SIDE HAS FOCAL POINT OF LESS THAN 100FT. GOING DOWNH…"~14,400 mi, complaint #1346453
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. PERIODICALLY, WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO JIGGLE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES IN ORDER TO GET THEM TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BE…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1515460
  18. #18

    steering electric assist

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "HAVE LESS THEN 10,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE. I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW. WHEN I TRIED TO START IT TODAY, THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMED LOCKED AND THE ERROR MESSAGE CAME ON. IT'S PARKED IN A SEMI-HEATED GARAGE AT HOME."~8,000 mi, complaint #1710369
    • "INTERMITTENT IGNITION ISSUE WILL NOT ALWAYS RELEASE KEY WHEN AUTO IS TURNED OFF. THE POSITION OF THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO AFFECT IT.DOES NOT ALLOW ROTATION TO THE RELEASE KEY POSITION.SOMETIMES I HAVE TO TURN AUTO BACK ON, BACK OUT, AND PULL IN WITH WHEELS…"~39,000 mi, complaint #1581005
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while reversing out the driveway at approximately 2 MPH, the vehicle lost electric power steering assist and became difficult to steer. The electric power steering assist warning light was illumi…"~83,000 mi, complaint #1817783
  19. #19

    suspension struts shocks

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "SUBARU DEALER CHANGED TWO REAR COILS ON MY 2016 FORESTER, WITH 37K MILES, 2/20/2020. ON 2/26/2020 A LOUD BANGING NOISE AT REAR OF VEHICLE. NOTICED OIL SPOTS ON MY DRIVEWAY, AT REAR OF VEHICLE. ON 3/2/20, 11 DAYS AFTER THE COIL SPRINGS WERE REPLACED, I BROU…"~37,000 mi, complaint #1654761
    • "WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY TO PERFORM BRAKE PAD MAINTENANCE, I NOTICED THAT THE SPRING ON THE REAR LEFT SHOCK WAS BROKEN AT THE BOTTOM. VEHICLE HAS 42660 MILES ON IT."~42,660 mi, complaint #1609561
    • "WHEN I WENT FOR MY INSPECTION STICKER,IT FAILED DUE TO A BROKEN RIGHT REAR SPRING,THEN WENT I BROUGHT IT TO BE REPAIRED I FOUND OUT THE LEFT SIDE WAS ALSO BROKEN."~43,000 mi, complaint #1632771
  20. #20

    wheel or rim

    4 unsafe, 1 broken

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE BASE MODEL STEEL WHEEL HAS A TROUGH RUNNING AROUND THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL, TWO INCHES WIDE AND ONE INCH DEEP. SNOW PACKS INTO THE WHEELS, MELTS, AND OVERNIGHT THE WATER THAT ACCUMULATES IN THE TROUGH AT THE BASE OF THE WHEEL FREEZES SOLIDLY. IT WILL NOT…"~5,950 mi, complaint #1271249
    • "APPARENT DEFECTIVE VALVES ON YOKOHAMA GEOLANDER G91-F STOCK TIRES THAT CAME WITH THE NEW VEHICLE. CAR WITH ONLY 7,626 MILES, MINIMAL TREAD WEAR, TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY @ 65MPH LOW TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR COMES ON, AND ~ 5 SEC LATER THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE JU…"~7,626 mi, complaint #1315343
  21. #21

    engine internal

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "2 SEPARATE INCIDENTS OF COMPLETE ENGINE POWER LOSS WHILE ON HIGHWAY AT CRUISING SPEEDS. FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS GOING ABOUT 70MPH ON A HIGHWAY. WE HEARD A LOUD BANG THEN ENGINE DIED AND WE LOST ALL POWER TO THE CAR. THERE WAS A LOT OF SMO…"~44,000 mi, complaint #1571939
  22. #22

    infotainment head unit

    2 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "BLUETOOTH EQUIPPED SIRIUS RADIO DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, CAUSING THE OPERATOR TO HAVE TO TUNE THE RADIO MANUALLY, DISTRACTING THE DRIVER FROM CAREFUL OPERATION. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY THE SUBARU DEALER TO CORRECT HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED B…"~26,000 mi, complaint #1524282
    • "WHEN USING THE NAVIGATION FUNCTION, THE AUDIO STOPS PROVIDING VOICE DIRECTIONS, FORCING THE DRIVER TO HAVE TO PHYSICALLY LOOK AT THE MAP DISPLAY FOR DIRECTIONS, TAKING EYES OFF OF THE ROAD. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON HIGHWAYS AS WELL AS IN CITY DRIVING. THIS ALSO LO…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1561537
  23. #23

    wiring harness

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WATER IS ENTERING THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD NEAR THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. THE CARPET IS STARTING TO SMELL OF MILDEW. I AM AFRAID OF THE REACTION WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND WATER. I NOTIFIED MY DEALERSHIP AND AWAITING A RESPON…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1499168
  24. #24

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    2 unsafe, 1 broken

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "SUBARU IS AWARE OF FAULTY COMPONENTS IN THEIR AC COMPRESSOR/CLUTCH ASSEMBLY BUT REFUSE TO ISSUE A RECALL. THE COMPONENTS FALL APART AFTER A CERTAIN TIME. THEY ISSUED A TSB TO THEIR DEALERS AND TECHNICIANS ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT NEVER NOTIFIED ME ABOUT THE ISSUE W…"~62,000 mi, complaint #1583668
  25. #25

    alignment and pull

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS THE REAR-END SHIFTS TO THE LEFT WHEN DRIVING OVER A BUMP (DRY OR WET PAVEMENT). IT ALSO SHIFTS TO THE LEFT WHEN DRIVING ON ICE. I KNOW CARS PERFORM POORLY ON ICE, BUT I'VE HAD MANY DRIVING CAREERS AND T…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1532024
    • "WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 25 MPH IN MILD TO MODERATE WINTER CONDITIONS, THE REAR END IS FISHTAILING AND PUSHING THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE IN AN UNSAFE MANNER. MY FAMILY AND I WERE NEARLY THROWN INTO A DITCH SEVERAL TIMES IN A 2 MILE EXCURSION ON THE INTE…"~11,500 mi, complaint #1349328
    • "ON SEMI-SLICK PATCHES OF ROAD, THE 2016 FORESTER DRIVETRAIN WREAKS HAVOC ON THE CONTROL SYSTEMS AND STEERING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VIOLENTLY BREAK RIGHT OR LEFT REQUIRING HARD STEERING TO STEER FORWARD. PASSENGERS SUFFER MOTION SICKNESS; IT IS THAT BAD. WHILE…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1547817
  26. #26

    backup camera

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The backup camera and reverse taillights stopped functioning soon after I bought this vehicle in 2020. I am the 2nd owner and bought it from Peterson Toyota dealership in Boise, ID. There was no particular incident, i just noticed that the backup camera no lon…"complaint #1915046
    • "I was backing up and the way that the sun came through the passenger window, I was unable to see people walking behind my car using the back up camera because of the squiggle lines throughout the screen. When the sun hits the screen, you cannot see anything. W…"complaint #1961952
    • "The rear backup camera failed. No warning lights appeared. This is a safety issue. This repair was expensive should not have happened at 79019 miles. The problem was inspected and estimated by our Subaru dealer. We were told that the radio/screen unit f…"complaint #2141806
  27. #27

    engine oil consumption

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "CAR HAS 15000 MILES-USES ONE QUART OF OIL EVERY 2000 MILES-THIS MUCH OIL CONSUMPTION INDICATES A SERIOUS PROBLEM. CAR WAS PURCHASED ON 03/05/2016."complaint #1321778
    • "This 2016 Subaru Forester PCV Valve does not regulate the combustion system properly, this allows oil to enter this chamber. It causes loss of power and acceleration when driving. Hazardous driving conditions can cause accidents. crankcase ventilation issues…"complaint #1929068
    • "Continuous leaking of oil even after Subaru tested and verified it's "normal." "complaint #1967763
  28. #28

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TAKATA RECALL- WHEN DRIVING THE PASSENGER SEATBELT LIGHT SWITCHES OFF EVEN WHEN THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED. I CANNOT LET ANYONE OCCUPY THE SEAT BECAUSE I FEEL IT IS NOT SAFE."~55,601 mi, complaint #1593584
  29. #29

    stability and traction control

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "THERE WERE 5 MAJOR ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE THAT I WANT INVESTIGATED. I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT NB ON US-101 IN THE #1 LANE OF TRAFFIC, GOING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, WHEN FOR NO EXPLAINABLE REASON, THE REAR TIRES OF MY 2016 SUBARU FORESTER BEGAN TO SKID ME ACROSS THE…"~19,118 mi, complaint #1592923
    • "THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TIME I'M BRINGING MY FORESTER BACK TO DEALER DO TO THE CAR WITH MY FOOT ON BRAKE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR FROM PARK THREE LIGHTS SHOWED UP ON THE DASH ONE BEING TRACTION CONTROLL, SECOND WAS THE ABS LIGHT AND LAST ONE WAS THE CAR…"~43,189 mi, complaint #1461848
  30. #30

    tire failure

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "AFTER ABOUT 2 INCHES OF WET SNOW MY WIFE WAS DRIVING UP A SLOPED STREET. SHE CAME TO AN AREA WHERE SHE COULD SEE 2 CARS WAITING AFTER A COLLISION. SHE STOPPED. ANOTHER CAR STOPPER BEHIND HER. A POLICE CAR PASSED THE CAR PARKED BEHIND MY WIFE. THE POLICE C…"~1,500 mi, complaint #1298509
    • "I HAVE A 2016 FORESTER WITH YOKOHAMA G91F TIRES AND JUST HAD INSPECTION THEY SAID TIRE TREAD WAS GOOD EXCEPT THE SIDE ARE WORN DOWN SO I REQUIRED NEW TIRE TO PASS. I FOUND MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THIS TIRE ONLINE. THE TIRE IS FOR PASSENGER VEHICLES BUT SAYS IT CA…"~34,000 mi, complaint #1489429
  31. #31

    trunk or liftgate

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "2016 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE REAR HATCH DOES NOT RAISE HIGH ENOUGH ABOVE HIS HEAD TO ALLOW IT TO CLEAR UNDERNEATH IT, TO PRECLUDE CONTACT WITH HIS FOREHEAD. *SMD"complaint #1228425
    • "THE TAILGATE ON MY 2016 FORESTER IS SO LOW WHEN OPENED THAT I HIT MY HEAD ON IT EVERY TIME I REACH INTO THE CAR. I AM 6 FEET TALL. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME EXPERIENCE WITH MY TAILGATE. I HAD AN EARLIER MODEL FORESTER WHERE THIS WAS NOT AN ISSUE. THE SUBARU D…"complaint #1321025
    • "On 8/13/23 one of the lift gate struts on my 2016 Forester sheared off at the bolt while I was loading groceries into the back. It crashed onto my shoulder with no warning, no sound, and very quickly. I was unable to reach up to stop it in time and was standin…"complaint #1922179
  32. #32

    wheel bearing

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, there was a loud humming noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear wheel bearing failed but the co…"~60,050 mi, complaint #1782980
  33. #33

    abs module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ABS WARNING LIGHTS COMES ON THEN AFTER I TURN OFF THE CAR IT DISAPPEARS. BOTHE TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS STOPPED THEN WHILE ACCELERATING THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. THE FIRST TIME I WAS PARKED THEN WHEN I BACKED UP LIGHTS CAME ON. THE SECOND TIME I WAS AT A S…"~30,589 mi, complaint #1497915
    • "WHILE GETTING READY TO SLOW FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT RED SIGNAL THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON INCLUDING THE NEED TO TOW THE VEHICLE. I GOT THE VEHICLE TO A PARKING LOT ABOUT 1 MILE AWAY WITH THE WARNING LIGHT STILL ON AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED TO ABOUT 2 MILES PER HOUR UNTIL…"~32,368 mi, complaint #1560141
  34. #34

    adas lane keeping

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "EYESIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL INTERMITTENT SHUTDOWN AND RESTART. ON AN INCREASINGLY FREQUENT BASIS, WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL AND EYESIGHT ARE ENGAGED, BOTH WILL DISABLE AND CAN BE A FEW SECONDS TO MINUTES BEFORE THE EYESIGHT RE-ENABLES AND THE CRUISE CONTROL CAN…"~9,000 mi, complaint #1245482
    • "THE EYESIGHT HAS TURNED OFF SEVERAL TIMES RECENTLY AND WON'T TURN BACK ON UNTIL I STOP AND RESTART CAR. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 3.5 YEARS AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. THERE WAS NO SUNLIGHT AND VERY LIGHT MIST THIS LAST TIME. THERE WAS NOTHING BLOCKING…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1644586
  35. #35

    brake booster

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A LEVEL SURFACE. I STARTED THE CAR, PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. RELEASE THE PARKING BRAKE, PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE, RELEASE THE BRAKE. THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS RATHER QUICKLY. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, RELEASED IT AGAIN AND THE CAR ST…"~1,832 mi, complaint #1334805
  36. #36

    brake pads and rotors

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "VEHICLE ONLY HAS 13888 MILES ON IT WHILE REPLACING ALL 4 BRAKE ROTORS (YES ALL 4 DUE TO WARPAGE AND DISHING) FOUND LEFT REAR COIL SPRING BUSTED REPLACED MYSELF DUE TO HOLIDAY WEEKEND AND DON'T HAVE TIME TO GET VEHICLE TOWED BECAUSE WE NEED CAR FOR WORK"~13,888 mi, complaint #1599315
  37. #37

    engine head gasket

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THERE IS A LEAK IN THE HEAD GASKET WHICH RUINED A TEMPERATURE GAUGE ($700 TO REPLACE). THE MECHANICS SAY IT IS A DESIGN FLAW AND THERE IS NOTHING I COULD DO TO AVOID THE ISSUE AND IT WILL KEEP HAPPENING UNTIL I FIX THE LEAK."~70,000 mi, complaint #1677246
  38. #38

    seat mechanism

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The Driver Seat Lumbar suddenly broke while driving, which caused a sudden unplanned shit of my driving position. There was also a loud hardware breaking or snapping apart, which caused a certain degree of panic and distraction while driving. I fixed the broke…"complaint #1909407
    • "Vehicle reported an SRS Passenger problem intermittently, as displayed on the dashboard, the car's information system, and a diagnostic trouble code (the car's aftermarket radio is connected to the OBD-II connector and can pull codes). The problem would appea…"complaint #2240996
  39. #39

    steering column

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN ON HIGHWAY, CAUSING CAR TO CRASH INTO GUARDRAIL ON MEDIAN, CAUSING EXTENSIVE BENT FRAME OF CAR AND EXTENSIVE BODY DAMAGE, CAUSING CAR TO BE DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS, AND CAUSING NERVE DAMAGE IN THE NECK OF DRIVER."~38,000 mi, complaint #1661344
  40. #40

    climate control module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MODELS W/ MANUAL CLIMITE CONTROL: VERY HARD TO SEE SETTINGS, ESPECIALLY IN DAY TIME, AND IF NEED TO ADJUST WHILE DRIVING SUCH AS TO DE-FOG WINDOWS, MAY RESULT IN DRIVING OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WRECKING."complaint #1235334
  41. #41

    differential

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "I DROVE FROM NJ TO ME (BOUGHT IN 2017). I NOTICED DIFFICULTY WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE/PASS CARS FROM THE LEFT LANE. I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT. AFTER 5 HRS I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY & MADE A RIGHT ONTO A MAIN ST WHEN I HEARD A LOUD NOISE, FELT IT PULL BACK & MY WHEE…"~31,000 mi, complaint #1496104
  42. #42

    door latch and hinge

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE REAR HATCH DOOR HAS OPENED THREE TIMES WITHOUT MY DOING ANYTHING TO OPEN IT.. EACH TIME I HAVE FOUND THE DOOR UP AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED OVERNIGHT IN MY CARPORT. I LIVE ALONE AND NO ONE ELSE HAS ACCESS TO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROLS."~14,000 mi, complaint #1575741
  43. #43

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Aug. 12, 2022. Milage 124,028. Dealer (Serra Auto Park, in Akron, OH) had to replace faulty right front axelshaft. Parts and labor $812. Left axelshaft has already started making the same noises and we can expect it to be replaced soon as well. ARE WE THE ONL…"complaint #1858106
  44. #44

    fluid leak unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE VEHICLE WAS MAINTAINED REGULARLY IN DEALER'S SERVICE CENTER. IT IS A LOCAL COMMUTE VEHICLE AND HAS LESS THAN 40000 MILES. IN NOV 2019, THE VEHICLE WAS FOUND OUT OF ALIGNMENT, FOUR TIRES WERE WORN OUT AND TWO BREAKS WERE OUT TOO. ALL FOUR TIRES AND TWO B…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1694356
  45. #45

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON, 2016 FORESTER ENGINE REVVED WHILE ALSO LOSING POWER AND THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH LIT UP. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WITH THE CAR STILL RUNNING, I SHUT THE CAR OFF. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, THE ENGINE…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1672533
  46. #46

    instrument cluster

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "2016 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE INSTRUMENT PANEL IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ON SUNNY DAYS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED NO ONE AT THE DEALER, COULD TELL HIM WHERE THE SENSOR WAS THAT REGISTERED THE AMBIENT LIGHT TO DIM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *…"complaint #1271535
  47. #47

    interior trim

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I OWN A THREE-MONTH OLD 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING BREATHING ISSUES SINCE THE WEATHER HAS TURNED HOT. BROUGHT THE CAR INTO DEALER BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS MOLD. THEY CHECKED IT OUT AND SAID NO MOLD FOUND. THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT CAN B…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1310609
  48. #48

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "POWER STEERING FAILED WITH NO WARNING. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND PARKED. WHEN RESTARTING THE VEHICLE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT WORK. THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF POWER STEERING LOCKING UP OR JUST NOT WORKING WITH NO PREVIOUS WARNING."~51,000 mi, complaint #1690160
  49. #49

    power windows and locks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MY CAR WAS PARKED AND THE WINDOW SUDDENLY SHATTERED FOR NO REASON. IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IT WAS ONLY 76 DEGREES AND SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD NOISE. NOW THERE IS GLASS ALL INSIDE MY DOOR. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANG…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1303287
  50. #50

    software or update

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "MY 2016 SUBARU LOST ALL POWER 160 MILES FROM MY HOME ON INTERSTATE 40 IN LEXINGTON NORTH CAROLINA.....I WAS SOLD THIS STARLINK ENHANCED ROADSIDE ASSISTACE WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR.....WELL THIS SYSTEM FAILED MISERABLY AND I WAS ALMOST STRUCK BY A TRACTOR TRAIL…"~12,300 mi, complaint #1268274
  51. #51

    steering rack mechanical

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE IN GARAGE, ON LEVEL WITH WHEELS STRAIGHT. TOWED TO WAGNER DEALERSHIP WHO AGREED IT WAS MALFUNCTIONING. EXTENDED MANIPULATION FREED IT. HOW DO I FIX THIS?"~14,000 mi, complaint #1375237
  52. #52

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Steering Rattle Sound / Steering Wheel Vibration This is a potential safety issue especially when driving free way at 60 or 65K mph. I would like to request if the lower control arm bushing can be part of a recall for subaru forester. Please see attached serv…"complaint #1898302
  53. #53

    timing belt or chain

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "BROKEN TRANSMISSION DUE TO BROKEN TRANSMISSION BELT AT 43,000 MILES. I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. IMMEDIATELY, THERE WAS A HUGE BANG, AND MY CAR ROCKED BACK AND FORT…"~43,000 mi, complaint #1460028
  54. #54

    tpms

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My tire pressure warning light came on even though all tire pressures were correct. My key fobs also stopped working to lock/unlock the car at the same time. There are hundreds of posts online in Subaru forums, people experiencing the same issues. The TPMS/…"complaint #1928107
  55. #55

    transmission manual clutch

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "SAFETY CONCERN REGARDING MANUAL TRANSMISSION COMING OUT OF GEAR WHILE ENGINE BRAKING.THIS HAS HAPPENED ON FLAT ROADS AND WHILE DESCENDING HILLS, AND WHILE IN FIRST OR SECONDS GEAR. ISSUE EASILY DUPLICATED WHEN IN FIRST GEAR AT LOW SPEED (BETWEEN 1,500 AND 3,00…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1498770
  56. #56

    wiper and washer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I HAD DROPPED MY CAR OFF AT THE SHOP FOR A RECALL. ON THE DRIVE HOME, WHEN I WAS ABOUT 6 MILES FROM THE SHOP, I STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. SUDDENLY MY FRONT WINDOW CRACKED FROM RIGHT ABOVE THE REARVIEW MIRROR DOWN THE CENTER OF THE WINDOW AND THEN OVER TOWA…"~59,745 mi, complaint #1670926

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for SUBARU FORESTER directly.