This page covers 3 recalls, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Subaru Forester.
25–27 mpg combined
8.7–9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2016 Subaru Forester has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the front passenger airbag, which can deactivate while the seat is occupied and leave that passenger without protection in a crash.
This recall only affects Foresters equipped with heated seats, where a loose electrical connection in the front passenger seat can confuse the occupant detection sensor into reading the seat as empty. The remaining two recalls cover lighting and engine performance. The brake light switch can fail to illuminate the brake lights when the pedal is pressed, meaning drivers behind the vehicle get no warning that it is slowing or stopping. On turbocharged models, specifically the Forester 2.0XT, the air intake duct feeding the turbocharger can crack and cause the engine to stall without warning, leaving the driver without power in moving traffic.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical connection for the front passenger seat's Occupant Detection System may loosen, affecting how the seat detects occupancy.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ODS sensor mat harness and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Contaminants can damage the brake light switch, stopping brake lights from working and preventing some vehicles from starting or shifting out of Park.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake light switch at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The turbocharger air intake duct may crack, potentially causing the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the turbocharger air intake duct if necessary, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
