How many engine complaints does the 2016 Subaru Forester have?

NHTSA lists 91 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Forester, which is 22% of the 414 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Subaru Forester engine?

Yes. Recall 16V162000, reported March 21, 2016, covers certain 2015-2016 Forester 2.0XT vehicles built between April 10, 2015 and October 20, 2015, for the turbocharger air intake duct, which dealers will inspect and replace as necessary.

At what mileage do 2016 Forester engine problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 29,500 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2016 Forester.

Have engine complaints on the 2016 Forester led to crashes or injuries?

Yes. Of the 91 engine complaints, 19 involved crashes, 2 involved fires, and 9 resulted in injuries.

How does the 2016 Forester compare to other years for engine complaints?

The 2016 Forester's engine complaints make up 22% of its total complaints, lower than 2011 (54%), 2012 (44%), and 2013 (43%), but higher than 2017 (13%) and 2018 (12%).

2016 Subaru Forester Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 91 engine complaints for the 2016 Subaru Forester, 22% of all 414 complaints for the year. These complaints involve 19 crashes, 2 fires, and 9 injuries, with a median mileage at failure of 29,500 miles. A related recall (16V162000) covers the turbocharger air intake duct on 2.0XT models.

Engine complaints: 91; 22% of 414
Crashes reported: 19
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 9
Median mileage: 29,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Vehicle unexpectedly accelerates on its own while the driver is slowing down or parking, often ending in a low-speed crash into a fence, pole, or parked vehicle.
Sudden acceleration occurs even with the driver's foot on the brake and the shifter being moved into park, suggesting no response from the brake pedal.
Some owners report the engine revs and the car lurches forward right as they shift from drive to park.
In at least one case the engine bay caught fire minutes after the vehicle was parked and shut off, destroying the vehicle and nearby property.
Unintended acceleration has occurred at low speeds around 25 mph, causing the vehicle to crash through a garage and hit multiple objects.

When 2016 Subaru Forester engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 14, 2015, latest Sep 1, 2025.

91 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2015 Q4 to 2025 Q3; peak 2020 Q4 (6).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Subaru Forester

NHTSA 16V162000Mar 21, 2016Engine18,187 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
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.
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 recall is WTA-62.

Engine complaints by Forester model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201058 (22%)
201179 (54%)
201246 (44%)
201333 (43%)
2014110 (27%)
2015191 (31%)
201691 (22%)
201776 (13%)
201858 (12%)
2019136 (16%)
2020105 (17%)
202142 (20%)
202218 (18%)
202310 (14%)
20242 (7%)
20258 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2016 Subaru Forester have?: NHTSA lists 91 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Forester, which is 22% of the 414 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Subaru Forester engine?: Yes. Recall 16V162000, reported March 21, 2016, covers certain 2015-2016 Forester 2.0XT vehicles built between April 10, 2015 and October 20, 2015, for the turbocharger air intake duct, which dealers will inspect and replace as necessary.
At what mileage do 2016 Forester engine problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 29,500 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2016 Forester.
Have engine complaints on the 2016 Forester led to crashes or injuries?: Yes. Of the 91 engine complaints, 19 involved crashes, 2 involved fires, and 9 resulted in injuries.
How does the 2016 Forester compare to other years for engine complaints?: The 2016 Forester's engine complaints make up 22% of its total complaints, lower than 2011 (54%), 2012 (44%), and 2013 (43%), but higher than 2017 (13%) and 2018 (12%).