2016 Subaru Forester Safety Report

The 2016 Subaru Forester presents a mixed safety profile, achieving strong crash test ratings but showing a concerning pattern of recurring safety-related complaints, particularly regarding its airbag system. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an excellent 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for frontal and rollover tests, indicating robust performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, with 400 total complaints, including 39 crashes, 3 fires, and 16 injuries, there are clear real-world safety issues. The most frequent complaints center on AIR BAGS (58 complaints) and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (53 complaints), with many specifically detailing failures of the passenger-side Occupant Detection System (ODS) which deactivates the airbag even when the seat is occupied. This issue is directly linked to a recall (NHTSA ID 19V-701000) for 2015-2018 Forester vehicles, yet numerous complaints indicate the problem persists or recurs even after the recall repair, raising significant concerns about its effectiveness. Beyond the airbag issues, other notable complaint areas include POWER TRAIN (25 complaints) and ENGINE (25 complaints), with reports of sudden acceleration, stalling, and transmission problems. One recall addresses EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, which could lead to brake lights not illuminating, increasing crash risk. Another recall targets ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER for 2.0XT models, where an engine stall could occur, also increasing crash risk. The high volume of airbag complaints, despite a recall, suggests a fundamental design or repair flaw that continues to impact vehicle safety. Overall, while the 2016 Forester performs well in controlled crash tests, the persistent and high-frequency complaints, especially concerning the critical airbag system, indicate potential real-world safety vulnerabilities. The recurrence of the ODS issue post-recall is particularly troubling, suggesting that owners may not have the full airbag protection they expect. Other issues like sudden acceleration and engine stalls, though less frequent than airbag complaints, also contribute to a less-than-ideal safety picture for certain components.

Our recommendation: While the 2016 Subaru Forester has strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the persistent and recurring airbag system issues, even post-recall, and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on electrical systems and powertrain components.