How many problems does the 2016 SUBARU Forester have?

The 2016 SUBARU Forester currently has 396 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2016 SUBARU Forester?

The most common problems reported for the 2016 SUBARU Forester are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2016 SUBARU Forester problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2016 SUBARU Forester comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2016 SUBARU Forester Problems

AIR BAGS

58 complaints

Currently getting a reoccurring warning, "SRS airbag system needs to be checked" which disables the front passenger airbag. This means if I have a passenger sit in the front seat of my vehicle, they don't have the protection of an airbag in the event of a car accident. In 2021, I had this exact same issue and the Subaru dealership diagnosed the airbag needing to be replaced. I had to pay for this replacement, but it did fix the issue. Now that it is back, I am now working with Subaru of America with Case #251030-2001271 and they are refusing to acknowledge that this second air bag replacement should be covered by them because my car is over 10 years old and over 100k miles. There is no telling how long this new air bag will last since the one replaced in 2021 is already bad.

Nov 04, 2025

Multiple times over the last 4 months the passenger airbag has turned off when there is a passenger occupying the seat and the SRS light turns on. The related code is B1650. This seems to be the same issue as a recall from about 5 years ago that was “fixed” and now has come back. The same code and SRS light sometimes comes on when there is no one in the passenger seat as well. It makes it unsafe to have a passenger in the seat as the airbag is turned off and it is very unpredictable.

Sep 07, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 70 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The information alerted the contact about an SRS issue. The contact stated that there was an audible ding with the warning light flashing on and off. The contact buckled the passenger’s side seat belt to stop the dinging sound. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that, without a warning light being illuminated, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact had taken a picture of the warning light. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the part was on back order. The dealer confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Jul 21, 2025

The passenger ods is not working right causing an error state of the airbags which is a safety hazard as they will not deploy in the event of a car accident.

Jun 01, 2025

My 2016 subaru forester has Issue with the passenger side front airbag ODS and the. SRS light go on even if my car had been fixed on 2020 after recall. The airbag has a heavy safety an really important on person. Subaru need. to fix it completely and permanently not temporary.

May 22, 2025

+ 53 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

52 complaints

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 first needed replacement, then if that didn't fix it, to then replace the camera. We were give a rough estimate of $2500 to replace both items. We decided to get another estimate. They determine it was the camera, which we had them replace.

Oct 21, 2025

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 was 108,127 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 110,000. The contact stated that on a Carfax Report the mileage was 188,130.

Jun 23, 2025

Battery constantly fails after a few days of driving. Even after battery has been replaced with new, the problem continues to occur. Car does not start and it needs to be constantly jump started. The problem first started happening in 2019. Just discovered there was a lawsuit related to this issue, but I did not receive any type of notification about it.

Aug 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the battery had drained and was replaced by an independent mechanic. A few months later, the vehicle received an oil change by a dealer. After leaving the dealer, the vehicle failed to startup while in a parking lot. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the battery was defective, and the battery was replaced a second time. The old battery was taken back to the independent mechanic and tested. The contact was informed that there was nothing wrong with the battery. Several months later the battery failed. Upon investigation, the contact linked the battery failure to the STARLINK technology feature that came equipped with the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the DCM (Digital Control Module) needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 108,000.

Dec 06, 2023

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 for the third time, and the dealer informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced three times in less than two years. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Oct 11, 2023

+ 47 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

34 complaints

The horn on my Subaru doesn’t work a mechanic told me it happens a lot to Subarus the clock Spring broke Now nothing works in the steering wheel and I feel this should be a recall since this is happening to many other Subaru it has not been inspected and no lights came on to warn me I have seen it’s been a recall in the past to other years of Subaru so I feel mine should be included

Jun 21, 2025

For a couple years I have been battling with the ignition and my key getting stuck. We have tried switching to the second key we received when we bought the car but that hasn't made a difference. It has gotten worse and I have been stuck a many times in parking lots, unable to remove my key so I can't leave my car safely. I have been late for appointments because of this problem. We did contact the local Subaru dealer today and was told this could be a $700.00+ repair but after seeing there were 17 complaints on the NHTSA site alone, it appears Subaru needs to do a fix/recall to address this faulty ignition system.

Apr 25, 2025

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. Whether it is changing the radio station, or backing up. Had I had only relied on the backup camera ( which most people do) I would’ve hit the pedestrians. I notice in newer models, the issue is not there as the screen is different. This is extremely dangerous. I’m grateful no one was hurt but the radio screen needs replaced. This needs to be a safety recall.

Jan 26, 2024

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/keyless entry module fails because moisture get into the area it is mounted due to poor design. I had to spend $800.00 parts and labor to get this fixed. Subaru should assume responsibility for this issue. They changed the location of the TPMS module in later models, but those of us with older cars shouldn't have to pay such an expense. The tire pressure monitoring system was deemed necessary by NHTSA. Subaru should have to ensure is it free from defect and initiate a recall.

Sep 15, 2023

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 standing under the gate. While I did not require medical attention it did cause a bruise and muscle soreness for a few days. I should still have the lift gate strut that broke unless the dealer took it from my car. I have photos either way. This situation could be extremely dangerous for a couple reasons, one because it sheared off at all, and also because the other lift gate strut does not support the weight of the gate by itself, and it was 11 days before I could get the broken one replaced. It could have hit me in the head, broken a bone, landed on a child or pet, etc, either when it sheared off initially, or when the gate crashed down onto me or another person during the time I was waiting to get the repair. You also cannot close the gate without removing the broken lift gate strut which is dangerous by itself. I am aware that there is an extended warranty, but Subaru told me it only applies if the lift gate strut breaks or doesn't work, so I could not get them replaced prior to this under the warranty. I feel this should be a recall, not a warranty extension, because if consumers have to wait until the lift gate strut fails, then it's more likely to cause serious injury. On a Forester owner's forum online I looked for similar issues and immediately found a couple other people to whom this happened. I did not look much farther than that, I just wanted to know if it was only me, and it wasn't. So the dealer did replace the one that broke, under the warranty, but they said the non-broken one was not covered. That means I have to either pay them excess money to replace it (vs. going to my own mechanic, paying less but thereby voiding the warranty) or wait until the second one fails. This needs to be a recall. The contact stated on 8/26/23 the second lift gate strut sheared off and the gate again crashed down. Fortunately I was clear of it this time. But I need to amend or add all of this information and more (including photos) to the original complaint.

Aug 25, 2023

Injuries: 1

+ 29 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

25 complaints

I bought the car between 82-90K miles. Not long after I noticed when I was at an intersection and went from a stopped position to accelerating it would barely go. Spent over a lot to fix it and the guy who did says he has 2-3 Forresters a month in his shop for the same issue.

Aug 29, 2025

THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE SINCE SUBARU COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ORIGINAL OVERHEATING PROBLEM IN THE TRANSMISSION. THEY MADE AN EDUCATED GUESS REPAIR TO SEE IF IT FIXES THE OVERHEATING PROBLEMS IN THE TRANSMISSION WHICH MAY MALFUNCTION DURING DRIVING THE VEHICLE,SLIPPAGE, TO LOCKINGUP. This afternoon, while my daughter was driving through the Mojave Desert on her way back home to Mammoth Lakes, Ca.; her dash light came on- AT OIL TEMP Warning, forcing multiple stops to cool the vehicle. The trip back to Hacienda Heights took over four hours (4) in extreme heat. I’ve attached a photo of the dash warning for your reference. After she called me from the road, I instructed her to turn around and wait for the warning light to turn off. (Google’s guidance emphasized cooling the transmission before resuming travel). Thankfully, the route [XXX] from Mojave was mostly downhill, which helped reduce strain on the vehicle—but it was still a stressful and exhausting experience. MY LETTER SUBARU I need to be candid: my time and patience are wearing thin. I’ve remained cooperative throughout this process and paid about $644 out-of-pocket for repairs specifically recommended by Ocean Subaru—including the initial solenoid replacement, CVT oil cooler, and thermostat. While I appreciate that the remaining repairs were performed under goodwill, the original overheating issue remains unresolved, and its root cause is still uncertain. SUBARU HASN'T REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. S Regarding future repairs or services, we cannot guarantee coverage until the details of any needed repairs are identified and thoroughly reviewed. If there are any updates or if further repairs are recommended, please feel free to let me know in a direct reply, and I will do my best to assist you. Thank you again for your understanding and patience. Sincerely, Michael Subaru of America, Inc. Customer Advocacy Department 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783) ext. 119949 Case Number: 250725-1500342 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Aug 14, 2025

Subaru is aware of issues with their transmission system and previously offered an extension but my car is outside the 100k limit. The transmission started to fail and each time i stopped at an intersection, it would start to idle roughly and try and lurch foreward even with the brake fully depressed. I had to shift to neutral to avoid being pushed into oncoming cross traffice each time for a few weeks and then all my warning lights came on and my usual safety features were shut down

Jul 01, 2024

When accelerator is slightly pushed after the vehicle has come to stop it accelerates in a jack rabbit manner. The driver stopped at beginning of driveway parking area, and decided to move slightly forward. A slight push on accelerator pedal caused vehicle to lurch forward and do $8,700 damage to the closed 2 car garage door, and $1,000+ to vehicle. Date of accident 02/10/2023

Feb 12, 2023

Crash: 1

The contact owns 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact stated that she persistently depressed the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where she was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

Dec 13, 2022

+ 20 more complaints for this component

ENGINE

25 complaints

Subaru Forrester was misfiring and sputtering as if it was going to stop running. The car was shaking. Had car towed to Subaru dealer for Service. At first we thought Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils but this did not fix the issue. Service determined a spring valve was broken which caused the issues. I have escalated the issue with Subaru Corporate, waiting for their response. Other Subaru models have had this issue with the spring valves.

Apr 23, 2025

My car has required multiple jumps and batteries, since I bought it new. I have records of the services for jumps, and new batteries. The car continues to have a parasitic battery drain, that has caused me to be stranded multiple times. The car is currently at the dealership, and they want to do a DCM test to see if this is cause. I was not informed of battery class action lawsuit, and extension of DCM warranty by Subaru. The dealership staff never discussed this with me as a possible cause, and that I may be eligible for warranty.

Dec 27, 2024

While driving my 2016 Subaru Forester about 70mph on [XXX] , the engine suddenly stalled and I was stranded on the freeway. The fuel tank was about 3/4 full and no warning light flashed in the dashboard prior to the incident. I tried to move my vehicle to the right lane but was unable because of the vehicle's loss of power. I almost collided by a speeding truck behind me. I shut off the engine, was unable to restart. After 3 minutes later, I was able to restart and everything worked again. I suspected the cause was due to a bad fuel pump, took the vehicle to my local Subaru dealer for inspection. The technician could not find anything malfunction or repeat my problem. I just learned there was a recent lawsuit settlement of bad fuel pumps on 2017-2020 Subaru Foresters that could cause engines to stall. It sounded similar to the problem that I had just experienced, except my Forester is a 2016 model not covered by the settlement. I believe the 2016 Forester fuel pump was manufactured by the same company as in the 2017-2020 models. It probably has the same defects. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Nov 30, 2024

[XXX] driving on [XXX] at 70 MPH car stopped running. Engine died. Pulled over. No warning lights, it just died. Waited for a tow but after an hour, tried to start and it started right up. Had 1/4 tank of fuel left, but got more and got home ok. HIDEOUSLY DANGEROUS THING TO HAPPEN!!!!! I see there are at least 13 complaints already filed with you about this issue. Do SOMETHING, willya ? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Sep 05, 2024

My car accelerated on its own while I was driving slowly through a parking lot and had to slam on the brakes.

Aug 09, 2024

+ 20 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY/WIPER

18 complaints

The windshield cracked without incident while parked. The is the exact same issue for which there is a class action lawsuit against Subaru for year models 2017-2020. The crack has spread to the drivers side and is obstructing the view. The dealer has reviewed the issue and provided a price quote but will not cover under the extended covered ordered as result of the class action lawsuit. There was no warning of this issue prior to noticing the cracking.

Oct 25, 2024

I have a 2016 Subaru Forester. One day I noticed the windshield of my 2016 Subaru Forester cracked in the garage. I do not recall any stone or point of impact while driving. It seems that the crack started from the right-side edge of the windshield extending to the midline. I have to repair this because the crack is getting worse. no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to this. I have seen this in 2015 or 2016 Subaru Outback or Legacy for which a recall was announced. However, I do not see this for the Forester yet. The dealer confirmed this, but I got the same answer (no recall).

Aug 01, 2022

THE WINDSHIELD START DEVELOPING A CRACK AFTER THE WINTER STORM IN TEXAS AND SUDDENLY SPREAD TO THE TOP OF THE GLASS. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND IT MUST BE JUST THE COLD THAT TRIGGERED IT.

Feb 25, 2021

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.

Aug 26, 2020

YESTERDAY AM FOUND WINDSHIELD CRACK ON MY 2016 FORESTER. CAR HAD BEEN PARKED ALL NIGHT IN CLEAR WEATHER , AND NO DING OR CRACK WAS PRESENT DAY BEFORE. KNOWING THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED IN OTHER YEARS OF THIS AUTO, FELT IT NECESSARY TO REPORT. PHOTOS SHOW COMPLETE CRACK AND POSSIBLE PLACE OF ORIGIN WHERE WINDSHIELD MEETS BODY BY ROOF.

Aug 25, 2020

+ 13 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS,SEATS

11 complaints

A warning light will randomly light up indicating a problem with the airbag or airbag sensor in my front passenger seat. I have had it looked at by multiple Subaru dealerships and shops and have had various quotes in the thousands of dollars to repair it. The technicians have told me that the sensor likely has an issue because of potential spillage on the seat that would seep into the sensor and cause it a problem, however there have not been recent spills on the seat and the light has only been turning on in the past year or so. I recently heard from another Subaru Forester owner that a similar maintenance issue happened in their car so I felt it was appropriate to report this issue.

Sep 12, 2025

My recalled ods sensor went out

Aug 24, 2025

Sensor on passenger side airbag stays off at times when there is a passenger in the seat. The notification on the dash and above the GPS screen notifies the driver that the airbag is off. This was a previous issue and pertains to a recall that was completed. This has not resolved since the recall has been completed and the problem still continues only 3 years after being "fixed".

Jul 25, 2025

Airbags and passenger seatbelt lights are on. Possibly Recalls

Nov 09, 2024

I called Subaru made an appointment for service. I was not aware of the recall, although the dealership said it was repaired. No water damage to the seat bottom, the airbag sensor in the bottom of my passenger side seat cushion was bad. It’s attached to the seat. They gave me a loaner for three months and then called to say the part is on back order until “sometime” in 2025. The part is not covered under the recall and it will be approximately $2000 to fix. This has been a complaint from many owners of the recalled airbag years. At this point it is being replaced so often the part is on back order with an undetermined in stock date.

Oct 19, 2024

+ 6 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES

10 complaints

The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle and shifting into park with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle suddenly jerked forward and drove over the curb. The vehicle came to a stop after striking a fence. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

Jan 22, 2024

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 warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 110,858.

Jan 13, 2022

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 SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER GRAYSON HYUNDAI ( 8729 KINGSTON PIKE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37923; (865) 693-4550) AND HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE AS OF YET. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,000.

Dec 07, 2020

Crash: 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO REPLACE ALL FOUR BRAKE ROTORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO #1 COCHRAN SUBARU BUTLER COUNTY (4520 WILLIAM PENN HWY, MONROEVILLE, PA 15146, (412) 245-4580), BUT COULD NOT BE SERVICED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Sep 03, 2019

MY VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO A SAFETY RECALL (WUE-90). AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE, I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER AND REQUESTED AN APPOINTMENT TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY ISSUE. I WAS TOLD I COULD NOT GET AN APPOINTMENT UNTIL OCTOBER. HOWEVER, IF I SCHEDULED MY CAR FOR ANOTHER PAID SERVICE (A WHEEL ALIGNMENT) THEY WOULD FIX THE ISSUE WITHIN THREE WEEKS. MY QUESTIONS ARE: 1) CAN A DEALER POSTPONE A SAFETY RECALL FOR FIVE MONTHS? AND 2) CAN A DEALER REQUIRE A CUSTOMER TO PAY FOR ANOTHER SERVICE TO GET A TIMELY APPOINTMENT FOR A SAFETY RECALL?

Jun 19, 2019

+ 5 more complaints for this component

WHEELS

9 complaints

We have had numerous problems with the wheel lug stems on this car. One issue was very serious. We were driving from New Jersey down to Florida, and two of the lug stems snapped off.. we had to have these replaced in South Carolina. I’ve looked on many websites and this is a well known problem with the 2016 Subaru Forrester. I don’t know why you do not think this is a big safety problem as losing a wheel driving at 70 miles an hour on [XXX] is very serious. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Feb 06, 2025

Lug nuts stripped off on the drivers rear wheel, that was corrected. Now my right rear lug nuts have been stripped completely off.

Jul 24, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on four separate occasions to rotate the tires; and each time the contact was notified that one lug bolt on each wheel had fractured. The contact was notified that excessive force was needed to remove the bolts and that the mechanic was not responsible for any damages caused while removing each wheel. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they were unaware of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Mar 02, 2023

Vehicles wheel studs and nuts striped. Common complaint with Subaru's. Nuts won't come off and unable to completely put back on to contact with rim. Nuts also won't come off all together, frozen on stud, studs breaks when trying to remove. Unable to remove with extension bar or impact wrench.

Apr 22, 2022

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 contact was unaware which wheel needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired but years later the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that both rear wheels bearings failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,050.

Dec 13, 2021

+ 4 more complaints for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

9 complaints

Acceleration issues, this is the 3rd time it has happened since we've owned our forester in 2018. Yesterday morning my wife was pulling out of our driveway and while she put it in reverse and started to release the brakes to naturally roll back, it hard accelerated and shot us out into the road until she fully pressed the brakes in. I was already aware of this issue, so I looked over as this was happening and saw her foot was on the brake pedal the entire time. The car was fully warmed up, on an inclined driveway nose pointed in, the acceleration has also happened going forward and on a flat surface as well in a parking spot just after putting in in reverse. My wife is the main driver of the car, and before it happens, she can normally catch the problem because the rpms are higher than normal before shifting into gears and she will wait a minute until the rpms have settled back down. I believe in 2020 we had the shifting looked at and they stated the time it takes to go into each gear was a little bit longer than normal but found no issues. Big safety issue due to others and us for not having control of it when that happens.

Sep 02, 2024

I bought a new 2016 Subaru Forester in March of 2016 from Subaru of Dayton. I have been hearing reports of unexpected acceleration. I have had two cases of this problem. Both times I was turning right. The first time I was pulling into a parking spot in a shopping center. As I turned right the car surged and I almost hit a light pole. Luckily when I jammed on the brakes, it stopped in time. The second time I was slowly pulling out of a parking lot. As I turned right the car lurched and quickly caused the car to hit the curb very hard. This was 8/5/2021and I took my car to Dayton Tire Sales to see if there was any damage that needed to be fixed. They just checked the tire and said that there was no major damage to the tire. I have a copy of the invoice (could not attach) from that incident but never went to the dealer thinking it was just some fluke. Now I am concerned and feel that Subaru needs to address this problem before more people get hurt. Now that I have heard these other complaints I am very concerned about this problem. Has Subaru looked into this problem? Is there something that I should be doing? Is there a fix? Is it safe to drive my Forester?

May 04, 2024

My wife was pulling into a parking space and braking. All of the sudden, the car accelerated. Fortunately, she was able to brake enough to stop it. We have a dashcam and you can see it a bit in this video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10CzPCDWEwxmfKK4siRRTRez3YUxusMFR/view?usp=sharing

Jun 09, 2023

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 independent mechanic. The vehicle was repaired but the failure continued to proceed to accelerate. several times after the repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 600.

Jun 13, 2022

Crash: 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH HER NEIGHBOR GARAGE AND CRASHED INTO OTHER VEHICLES THAT WAS IN THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE THEN EXITED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GARAGE AND CRASHED INTO A SNOWBLOWER, AND A TRACTOR TRAILER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE DID NOT SUSTAINED INJURIES BUT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE . THE FAILURE MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

Feb 22, 2021

Crash: 1

+ 4 more complaints for this component

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 complaints

As I said earlier: car stopped dead in the middle of I-94, going 70 mph. No reason--had 1/4 tank of gasoline, alternator working, etc. Come to find out that you all recalled 2018 Subaru Foresters for this EXACT same problem--cars stalling while driving. That was for a faulty fuel pump. Discussion boards by owners are FULL of the same exact problem from 2014-2019. You should issue a recall there too, IMHO, since obviously the 2018 are the tip of the iceberg!

Sep 09, 2024

Continuous leaking of oil even after Subaru tested and verified it's "normal."

Feb 15, 2024

My 2016 Subaru Forester is having acceleration and possibly fuel propulsion issues. It stays in low gear, high RPM when accelerating. This happened after a Yellowstone week long road trip from San Leandro, CA. The MPG has dropped from 24mpg to 12mpg and has been at Hayward Subaru since 8/15/2023. They have not provided a known issue. Still trying to figure out what is wrong. There was a low oil warning light on the way home and we stopped for an oil change in West Sacramento within 15 miles of the light coming on. The issue has been happening since the oil change. Only oil change and air filter replacement done on 8/8/2023. Thought maybe its a fuel injector issue. Still at dealership. We did fill the fuel tank with 85 octane in Elko, NV once.

Aug 22, 2023

Subaru Forester 2016. Sitting at red light with foot on brake. Car lunged forward. Was able to brake and stop it however it did continue to acceletate briefly.

Jun 14, 2023

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 VEHICLE SIT. TIRED TO TART A COUPLE TIMES, BUT WAS LIKE IT WAS FLOODED WITH FUEL. AFTER :45 MINUTES OF SITTING...IT RESET ITSELF AND STARTED AGAIN AND WE CONTINUED ON OUR JOURNEY. THIS TIME ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY AND CLEAR.

Nov 25, 2020

+ 2 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION

5 complaints

The right rear coil spring broke causing the vehicle to sag approx three inches. I drove the vehicle to my local mechanic and he replaced both coil springs on the rear axle.

Oct 04, 2024

- On 3/6/2023 upon exiting my garage I noticed the rear right spring had broken off and was on the ground. - On 3/7/2023 I took my vehicle to Pops Exhaust (CT Licensed repairer R6579) located at 53 Slater Street, Manchester, CT 06042, which repaired my vehicle, which consisted of replacement of the rear struts, for $200 labor and $480 parts and $43.18 CT Sales tax - total $723.18. Vehicle was broken and Pop's Exhaust notified me that it would be dangerous to drive with a broken spring and vehicle needed repair. - I learned of the recall on October 26, 2023 (WUT-05). I promptly mailed my receipt to Subaru, as stated in the Subauru Recall and Service Campaign Program letter. [XXX] - I followed up with a call to Subaru and opened a case [XXX] - Subaru refuses to repay me the for the recall as the state: "If non-Subaru parts were used, we would not issue any reimbursement." 1. The recall never states that Genuine Subaru parts must be used 2. The vehicle was broken and needed to be repaired and thus was brought to a CT licensed repair shop (R6579) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) The contact stated that the manufacturer has reimbursed them for everything and considers this complaint resolved.

Dec 11, 2023

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 BROUGHT CAR BACK TO DEALER ASKING THEM TO CHECK MY WORK. WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT STORE THE CAR AND I WOULD HAVE TO RERUN THE NEXT DAY. WORK COMMITMENTS MADE THIS IMPOSSIBLE. THE NEXT TWO DAYS, ON DRIVING TO THE TRAIN, THE BANGING BECAME EXTREMELY LOUD AND I LEFT IT AT A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT BOTH REAR STRUTS WERE LEAKING. IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT BOTH REAR STRUTS WOULD LEAK 11 DAYS AFTER THE COIL SPRINGS WERE REPLACED. THE ASSUMPTION IS THAT THOSE BAD COIL SPRINGS, WHICH WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER, , CAUSED EXTRA STRESS TO THOSE TWO REAR STRUTS, ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 37K MILES, CAUSING BOTH TO FAIL. SHOCKS STRUTS USUALLY NEVER FAIL IN PAIRS. THE VEHICLES IS USED LOCALLY, WITH NO HEAVY OBJECTS IN THE REAR. DEALER SHOULD COMPENSATE THIS OWNER.

Mar 16, 2020

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.

Dec 30, 2019

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.

Oct 06, 2019

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 complaints

October 31, 2023 at approximately 11:45 am was slowly pulling in to HEB Curbside parking spot #[XXX] at 651 N U.S. 183 in Leander, Texas and the car accelerated at a high speed without touching the gas pedal. I responded with braking but it did not stop the crash in to the concrete pylon. The pylon is fine but my front end on the 2016 Subaru Forester is not. It will need extensive repair. I got a ride for myself and my groceries, notified my insurance company but unfortunately, I am only covered by liability insurance. I am very fortunate that no-one was hurt including myself. The car remains at the scene of the accident in parking slot [XXX]. I am aware that this is not an isolated incident for this Make, Model, and Year of this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 31, 2023

Crash: 1

ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, OUR CAR STALLED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AT 60 - 70 MPH. (2016 SUBARU FORESTER) THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS ON FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019 ON PA ROUTE 283. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17TH, 2021. IN BOTH CASES THE CAR ENGINE DIED WITHOUT WARNING AT SPEEDS OF BETWEEN 60 - 70 MPH. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THIS WAS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. MY FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT I NEEDED GAS IN THE FIRST INCIDENT BUT I ESTIMATED THAT THE CAR HAD A LITTLE MORE THAN A GALLON REMAINING. IN THE SECOND INCIDENT, THE CAR HAD ABOUT A QUARTER OF A TANK OF GAS. I CONTACTED SABARU AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT BUT I'M NOT AWARE OF ANY ACTION THAT WAS TAKEN. I ALSO CONTACTED THEM AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT BUT HAVE NOT YET HEARD BACK YET. BSED ON MY RESEARCH, OTHER OWNERS OF SUBARU FORESTERS HAVE HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE. I'M SURPRISED QUITE FRANKLY THAT NO DEATHS HAVE BEEN REPORTED.

Mar 24, 2021

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 OCCUR OVER THE SUMMER BUT STARTED AGAIN WHEN IT GOT COLD. THE LAST EPISODE WAS ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO ON THE HIGHWAY. I PUT MY FLASHERS ON QUICKLY AND LUCKILY AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT . UNLIKE PAST EPISODES, THE ISSUE DIDN'T RESOLVE ITSELF QUICKLY, I HAD THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, BUT WAS ONLY ABLE TO DO A SLOW CRAWL. IT FINALLY ALLOWED ME TO GO AGAIN, BUT THEN ANOTHER EPISODE HAPPENED BEFORE I MADE IT TO MY EXIT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SLUGGISH SINCE THEN ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S COLD, BUT ANOTHER EPISODE HAS NOT HAPPENED AS OF YET. I TOOK IT TO THE SUBARU MECHANICS IN CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND LAST WINTER WHEN THE ISSUES FIRST STARTED. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS BAD GAS, AND WAS CHARGED $95 FOR IT. I HAVE USED DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS, AND I'M SURE IT'S NOT BAD GAS SINCE THE ISSUE IS CONTINUING.

Dec 19, 2020

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 STARTED FINE BUT THE CAR STILL HAD NO POWER. WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP AND THEY STATED THE CAR RAN OUT OF GAS. THE CAR STATED THERE WERE 30 MILES LEFT TO DRIVE AND THE GAS LIGHT CAME ON 18 MILES PRIOR (AT 50 MILES ESTIMATED LEFT TO DRIVE) . THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED, I RAN OUT OF GAS WITH 50 MILES LEFT TO DRIVE AND ONLY 5 MILES AFTER THE GAS LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVEN'T LET THE CAR GET BELOW 1/4 TANK DUE TO THIS ISSUE. SOMETHING IS NOT READING RIGHT WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE MANUAL SAYS THERE SHOULD BE ROUGHLY 2 GALLONS LEFT IN THE CAR WHEN THE GAS LIGHT COMES ON SO I SHOULD BE ABLE TO AT LEAST GO 40 MILES AT THE BARE MINIMUM. *TR

Jun 27, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART AND ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLED; HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. FUEL WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED 70 MILES BEFORE EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BLAISE ALEXANDER SUBARU (1703 W COLLEGE AVE, STATE COLLEGE, PA 16801) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

Jul 19, 2019

STEERING

5 complaints

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 illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V065000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

Jun 08, 2022

November 8/21, temperature 41 F. Started the car and started to move and steering wheel was stiff. Steering warning light came on. Shut off and started car two more times and steering went back to normal and warning light went off. A code of C2532 was stored. This issue was identified as a problem as far back as 2016, but no recall has been issued. The part has been updated, supposedly, as the original had what they called a frozen relay. It is an obvious safety issue that was identified long before warranty expired. I realize your organization is for American's but our vehicles are the same and unfortunately we do not have a player with the clout that yours brings to these issues. The salt in the wound for us was the close to $1000 Cdn. bill for the updated part to be replaced. Close to $800 for the part alone! Thank you people.

Nov 21, 2021

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.

Sep 05, 2020

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.

Sep 23, 2019

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?

May 03, 2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

4 complaints

Passenger's seat belt sensor is alarming when no one is in the seat. The passenger side airbag warning light is also coming on and off. I took it to the dealer, and they confirmed that the sensor in the seat pad is bad. The airbag light was intermittently going on for several weeks before I took it in. The car has been at the dealer since mid-August, and I am told that the part is currently on backorder without an estimated arrival date.

Oct 04, 2024

Had recall completed for Subaru Forester (WUM-98) where dealer replaced ODS sensor harness in 2020. At the end of 2021 had the SRS light intermittently come on but would then go off for months( front passenger seat). This kept happening intermittently so I brought it to dealership and had it diagnosed in 2023. They suggested replacing the passenger seat ($1200 P&L). Dealer said no water damage to seat and cables looked good. Brought it to new dealership in 2024. They said it needed a new ODS sensor harness and replaced it. Since this was replaced, I have not had the SRS light come back on. This is a huge safety risk to front passenger riders. Disappointed that it needed to be replaced so soon after the recall was completed. I did open a case with SOA and they offered goodwill assistance but said the recall warranty only lasted a year.

Aug 06, 2024

AIRBAG SENSOR FOR FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS DEFECTIVE. SRS WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ON MOST OF THE TIME THAT THE CAR IS RUNNING. LIGHTS INDICATE AIRBAG IS OFF EVEN WITH PASSENGER IN SEAT. DEALER HAS CHECKED COMPUTER; TOLD ME THAT I MAY HAVE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE SENSOR, USUALLY WITH WATER. SEAT HAS NEVER BEEN WET NOR HAVE WE DONE ANYTHING THAT COULD DAMAGE THE SENSOR. GOOGLE SEARCH BRINGS UP NUMEROUS CASES OF SAME ISSUE, INDICATING A POSSIBLE WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. I AM ADVOCATING FOR A RECALL TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT.

Sep 14, 2019

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 (4840 MAINE AVE SE, ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA 55904, (507) 285-4777) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM SENSOR FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A COST ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Aug 27, 2019

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

113,727 miles. 2016 Subaru Forester. 5 different warning lights all came on at the same time. Before that I noticed occasionally there was a delay starting again at a stoplight. Reputable mechanic replaced the valve body of the transmission. They said they service 2-3 Subarus for this same issue every month.

Aug 02, 2024

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, after retrieving the vehicle the failure persisted. The contact stated that several unknown warning messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 126,000.

Jun 28, 2022

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 (761 E CHESTER ST, KINGSTON, NY 12401, (845) 339-3330) ACKNOWLEDGED THE THAT FAILURE HAD OCCURRED IN OTHER VEHICLES. THE MECHANIC ATTEMPTED TO TAP THE SHIFT COLUMN TO DISLODGE THE KEY HOWEVER, THE KEY REMAINED STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE BUT CONSUMER COMPLAINED TO SUBARU ABOUT HAVING TO COVER THE COSTS AND SUBARU REIMBURSE THE CONSUMER FOR THE REPAIRS. *TR

Sep 29, 2020

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 WHEELS LOCK UP. I THOUGHT I HIT SOMETHING OR GOT A FLAT & WAS RIDING ON MY RIMS. FROM THE RIGHT LANE I MOVED ONTO THE SHOULDER-IT JERKED ROUGHLY BUT REMAINED STUCK. I WALKED AROUND IT & NOTICED NOTHING WRONG ON THE OUTSIDE. I WAITED 2.5 HRS FOR A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE ME 6 MINS AWAY TO OUR HOTEL. I CALLED A FEW LOCAL REPAIR SHOPS. NONE COULD SEE ME FOR A WEEK SO MY PLAN WAS TO BRING IT TO THE HOTEL. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID MY CALIPER WAS STICKING & RECOMMENDED I HAVE IT TOWED TO SUBARU SINCE NO ONE WOULD BE ABLE TO SERVICE IT AT THE HOTEL. SUBARU CALLED/SAID SOMEONE PULLED MY REAR DIFFERENTIAL PLUG & IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION DAMAGE. THEY BLAMED THE OIL CHANGE GUY, SAYING HE MADE AN ERROR (THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS NEAR THE OIL DRAIN PLUG) & THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE DIFF THEY MEANT WAS THE FRONT DIFF-THEY ARE CLOSE. THERE ARE 2 DIFFS & THE REAR DIFF IS WHERE MY ISSUE WAS-10 FT AWAY FROM OIL DRAIN. I'VE ONLY HAD OIL/BRAKE PAD CHANGES & NEITHER HAD A REASON TO TOUCH ANY DIFF. THAT WORK IS RECOMMENDED BETWEEN 30-50K MILES & I HAD 31K. I DROVE A RENTAL TO NJ WHILE MY CAR WAITS IN NH. I TALKED TO CORPORATE/SERVICE ALL WEEK BUT THEY WON'T LISTEN TO ME EVEN THOUGH I MAKE A VALID POINT. THEY ASKED WHO DID THOSE ROUTINE SERVICES. I SHARED THE INFO & ASKED WHY IT WAS RELEVANT. HE "HINTED" THAT IT COULD VOID THE WARRANTY. I ASKED IF THAT WAS WHY MY CLAIM WAS DENIED BUT HE SAID HE DIDN'T SAY THAT WAS THE REASON. IT'S ILLEGAL TO TELL CUSTOMERS ONLY SUBARU CAN SERVICE THEIR CARS. EXPERIENCED MECHANICS SAY IF ANYONE PULLED THE DIFF PLUG IN NJ I WOULDN'T HAVE MADE IT TO ME-5 HRS AWAY.

Sep 01, 2018

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

4 complaints

While driving my vehicle on my daily trip to work, I experience sudden power loss. My interior lights began to blink erratically, as my vehicle loss power and caused me to panic, as I was entering the highway. Some highways have no shoulders, so as quickly as I entered the highway, I pulled off took the next exit. I went into a shopping center, to see what the issue was. I noticed that my radio and my air conditioning loss illumination. I turned the car off, opened the hood. I did not see anything of significance, I started the car up again, now the radio would not even start nor did the air conditioning. I phoned the Subaru dealer, to be told that this happens often! What, I thought to myself? I asked them if this was a well-known problem, why this has not become part of a recall, or why the dealership not contact Subaru of America, to work with their customer base and remedy the issue. I was told, that all that is done in the "diagnostic process", any codes are cleared, and this should get you back on the road. Are you kidding me, this is truly any motorist's nightmare. Losing power on a major highway, any road at night, or on a turn will literally bring catastrophic consequences to us Subaru owners, but all other motorists as well.

Oct 06, 2023

Check engine light, service emissions, dash lights blinking and loss of power!!! I was pulling out into a busy intersection and warning lights started to flash and i lost power to cylinder #2 (per the technician at Van Subaru, he told me the alternator was sending bad info to the computer) and i was almost T-BONED as i limped through the intersection.

Nov 22, 2022

Key stuck in switch when car is put into park. Steering locks up and then can not restart or remove key. This happens almost daily at this point

Jul 14, 2021

Car turns itself off soon after starting when you try and put it into gear. Even after a tune up the car just stalls out when starting or low idle while sitting at light

Jul 14, 2021

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

While stopped at a “STOP” sign, the Subaru Forester unintentionally accelerated into a tree although the brake pedals were repeatedly utilized; it was totaled.

May 24, 2023

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

I WAS PREPARING TO PARK MY CAR ,IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE GIANT PARKING LOT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WAS ALMOST AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED . UPON ACCELERATION, THE CAR HIT THE STEEL CONSTRUCTION UNIT THAT IS BUILT TO STORE THE CUSTOMER SHOPPING CARTS AND DRAGGED THIS FORWARD BEFORE CRASHING INTO THE SIDE OF A VEHICLE THAT WAS IN THE NEXT AISLE

Jan 29, 2021

Crash: 1

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 IN FRONT.

Feb 11, 2016

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 MANUALLY BE RE-ENGAGED. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, VEHICLE GOES FROM AUTO-DRIVE TO MANUAL-DRIVE. ALSO, AN E1 ERROR APPEARED ON THE ODOMETER DISPLAY.

Dec 15, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

At least a couple of times a week, the key gets stuck in the ignition. I can turn the car off, but I can't remove the key. If I start the car back up and shift it into Drive, and then slam it back into Park, after several tries, I can remove the key. I searched the Subaru forum and found this is a long-existing issue for all Subaru models with the key ignition. All with the stuck key issue here is the TSB 16-112-18R info https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10153178-9999.pdf and the P/N for the select lever (shifter) mechanism 3511AL00C.

Sep 30, 2021

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 SUCCESSFUL WHEN ROTATING THE KEY TO START AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT RESULTS ARE NOT CONSISTANT.

Mar 15, 2021

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 RESPONSE. MEANWHILE, I TAKING MY CAR TO BE SERVICED.

Sep 13, 2018

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 TRAILER....I WAS STUCK ON A BRIDGE WITH NO SHOULDER AND EXPLAINED TO BOTH OPERATORS ON STARLINK AFTER MY FIRST 4 ATTEMPTS TO REACH EMERGENCY SERVICES FAILED AFTER HITTING THE "SOS" BUTTON ABOVE MY HEAD....FINALLY IT CAME ON....THE OPERATOR HAD NO CLUE WHERE MY LOCATION WAS.....SUBARU TOUTS THIS SERVICE AS "STARLINK WILL KNOW YOUR EXACT COORDINATES" WELL THAT COULD NOT BE ANYTHING FARTHER FROM THE TRUTH...."CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT MILE MARKER YOU ARE AT"...NO I SAID....."ANY LLANDMARKS YOU CAN SEE" HE SAID......"UM NO I SAID...I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE"....YOU HAVE TO GIVE ME MORE INFORMATION THAN THIS" HE HAD THE NERVE TO SAY....."I SAID FOR WHAT REASON DID I PAY $150 FOR A SERVICE THAT GAVE ME A VERY DANGEROUS FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY.....ATTACHED YOU WILL FIND SUBARUS MARKETING MATERIAL AND FALSE ADVERTISEMENTS ON THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SYSTEM....I AM HAVING TRACTOR TRAILERS PASSING ME AT OVER 70 MILES AN HOUR LITERALLY 4 FEET FROM ME....I HAD TO GET OUT OF MY CAR AND SEEK PROTECTION IN 30 DEGREE WEATHER BEHIND A METAL BARRIER ON THE BRIDGE.....I WAS TOLD MY TOW TRUCK WOULD TAKE 2 HOURS TO GET TO ME......SOME HOW AN HOUR LATER I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO START AND MOVE IT TO A SAFER PLACE JUST OFF THE NEXT EXIT.....SOME ONE WILL DIE FROM THE LACK OF THIS SYSTEM DELIVERING ON ITS BOLD PROMISES....IS IT GOING TO BE AFTER I SEND THIS LETTER AND IT IS IGNORED?

Mar 16, 2016

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT CALLED TUCSON SUBARU AT 520-422-2111 (LOCATED AT 4901 N ORACLE RD, TUCSON, AZ 85704) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

May 28, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). BOB BAKER SUBARU (5500 PASEO DEL NORTE, CARLSBAD, CA 92008, (760) 438-2200) WAS UNABLE TO SERVICE THE RECALL CAMPAIGN BECAUSE THE TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND PART WERE UNAVAILABLE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. IT WAS STATED THAT THE PART MAY NOT BECOME AVAILABLE UNTIL MID OCTOBER OF 2019. THE RECALL WAS ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 28, 2019. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

May 28, 2019

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 BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN TWO YEARS AND WERE INADEQUATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Nov 14, 2018

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 DOWNHILL, A DARK LINE BLOCKS ALL LIGHT SO THAT SEEING ROAD AHEAD IS VERY DIFFICULT. HIGH BEAMS ARE A BIT BETTER, MORE OF SURROUNDING COUNTRY SIDE LIT UP; DOWN-RANGE LIGHTING MIGHT HAVE FOCAL POINT OF 200/250 FEET, WELL BELOW IIHS STANDARDS. DEALER SAYS LIGHTS ARE PROPERLY AIMED. SUBARU, NEW JERSEY, CONTACTED. THEY CLAIM NO KNOWLEDGE OF IIHS REVIEW AND MY COMPLAINT WAS TREATED AS IT KINDA SUCKS TO BE YOU. *TR

Jan 06, 2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaints

I pulled into a parking space with a friend and as I turned the wheel to pull in and had the foot on the break, as soon as I let up on the brake the car lurched forward. Luckily, I slammed back on the brake since my foot has just come off it. This was very scary as I came close to ramming into the car parked in front of me. There is no way that I hit the gas and made it lurch like it did. The car is only a 4 cyl. Now I am scared to drive it. There were no warning lights at all. I have not taken the car in to the dealer as I suspect they will say there is nothing wrong and charge me for diagnostics. I saw there were 200 complaints about this, mostly with 2017 models, but there should be a recall. I had another problem where the power steering quit working after parking the car in the garage overnight. Again, no recall and when I called Subaru they said they could run diagnostics but if nothing is found, I have to pay. Nice racket they have going.

Aug 20, 2022

MY 2016 FORESTER WILL ACCELERATES WITH NO WARNING .THE VERY FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I CANNOT REMEMBER EXACT DATE , I WOULD GUESS IT WAS AROUND OCT. OR NOV. OF 2015. I BOUGHT THE CAR MAY 2015. TO THE BEST OF MY RECOLLECTION, I WAS PARKING SPACE CAR AND AS I PUT THE CAR IN PARK THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD , BARELY MISSED HITTING THE FENCE IN FRONT OF ME. AT THAT TIME I BLAMED UGG BOOTS .NEVER WORE THEM AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME DO NOT REMEMBER WHEN BUT IT HAD TO BE SOMETIME AFTER MARCH 2017 BECAUSE I HAD WAS PURCHASED A PUPPY AND WENT TO PETCO AND I WAS IN THAT PARKING LOT WHEN IT HAPPENED. I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND AS I PUT CAR IN IT JETTED BACKWARD WITH SUCH FORCE AND I HIT A CEMENT POLE THAT WAS DIRECTLY BEHIND ME . THE POLE WAS DESIGNATED FOR A HANDICAPPED SPACE .AND CAR . LUCKILY THERE WERE NO PEDESTRIANS THERE OR I COULD HAVE HURT OR KILLED THEM. NO DAMAGE TO CAR . I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT HAPPEN. I CHECKED MATS TO MAKE SURE THEY WERE NOT UNDER GAS BECAUSE I'VE HEARD THAT COULD HAPPEN BUT NO ALL WAS GOOD . GOING FORWARD JUST KEPT WATCH AND SEE IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN CAUSE THEN I WOULD KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. ONE, TWO, THREE TIMES, NO DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH CAR. THE MOST RECENT SEPT. 8, 2020, I WAS ON SIDE STREET STOPPED AT LIGHT. TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE TO INCH UP TO MAKE TURN ALL OF SUDDEN CAR LUNGED FORWARD TO INTERSECTION I QUICKLY MADE TURN. LUCKILY AVOIDING ACCIDENT. WHEN I TOOK CAR IN TO BE CHECKED WAS TOLD BY REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALERSHIP SHE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT'S USUALLY DUE TO HUMAN ERROR AND THEY'RE NOT AWARE OF ANY ACCELERATION ISSUES WITH THEIR CARS. SHE THEN PRECEDED TO ASK IF I HAD AIR CONDITIONER ON WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I SAID I DON'T REMEMBER BUT I'M ASSUMING I DID. LEFT CAR TO BE CHECKED.R DEALERSHIP SAID THE MECHANIC DROVE CAR FOR 3 MILE , COULD NOT DUPLICATE MY COMPLAINT.

Sep 21, 2020

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 NOT FILED. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT BODY SHOP AND THEN TO SUBARU OF ENGLEWOOD (135 SOUTH DEAN STREET, ENGLEWOOD, NJ 07631, (201) 816-6000). THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURES. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED AND LEARNED OF MANY SIMILAR OCCURRENCES, WHICH WERE DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EVENT DATA RECORDER THAT THE DEALERS DID NOT HAVE AND THEY WERE INVESTIGATING THE MATTER. THE MANUFACTURER FURTHER STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL THE CONTACT IF THEY DECIDE TO SEND THE EQUIPMENT TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS HAD TO INCIDENTS OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO OTHER VEHICLES CAUSING DAMAGE.*JS

Aug 29, 2018

Crash: 1

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 complaints

about a year ago all warning lights came on. Subaru fixed the "rodent" issue for $4000. today, 8/5/2022 same issue happened, i was driving home and forward braking, cruise control, check engine light, ATC TEMP and dynamic traction control lights came on. this vehicle has some issues.

Aug 05, 2022

During the January snow storm in the Washington, DC area the ADAS system began to malfunction. The system that controls Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning all shut off. The vehicle was parked at an upward facing angle in order to allow all moisture to drain out/off the back of the vehicle. Once dry, the issue resolved itself. The same issue happened in the past and was tied to an issue with a brake light switch. It appears that the same issue is occurring again on the vehicle and moisture is still effecting the brake light switch.

Feb 24, 2022

2016 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE EYESIGHT SYSTEM PROBLEMS, FRONTAL COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM AND ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED OCCASIONALLY, THE SYSTEM WOULD SHUT DOWN AND THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYED THE APPROPRIATE WARNING LIGHTS. THE SYSTEM WOULD RE-START ON ITS OWN ANYWHERE FROM IMMEDIATELY TO FIVE MINUTES AFTER FAILURE. WHILE THE SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE, THE FRONTAL COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM AND THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK. IF HE ENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL, IT WOULD DISENGAGE WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE WOULD RESPOND BY SLOWING DOWN. *JB

Dec 20, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 complaints

While driving on highway using cruise control at 70 mph my car suddenly stalled …. I was able to get to apron of road , but my steering locked and I had no brakes.. I could put car into neutral but had to “jam” it into park , trying to get it to stop rolling . It would not restart . I had it towed to an auto repair center as there was no Subaru dealer in the area. Because I had kept trying to restart it , my battery was dead . They recharged my battery and the car then started . I took it to a Subaru dealer where I was told they could find nothing wrong …. Except I needed a new battery . This was NOT the reason that my car suddeney lost power ! It had happen once before while on the highway but I was able to restart it at that time . This could have caused a serious accident and I worry that it will happen again. I warning was indicated prior to episode . I have receipts from auto repair shop (In Lincoln, Illinois) and Subaru dealer ( in Columbia Missouri)

May 15, 2022

PLEASE RECALL THE 2016 SUBARU FORESTER FOR FAILURE OF THE ACCELERATOR AT HIGH SPEEDS. OUR 21-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, A NURSING STUDENT, TOOK HER 2016 FORESTER INTO GRAYSON SUBARU IN KNOXVILLE, TN FOR A RECALL SERVICE ON REAR COIL SPRINGS, OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION. WITHIN AN HOUR OF LEAVING THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SHE WAS DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN HER "LOW FUEL" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. ACCORDING TO THE SUBARU, THAT MEANS 2.6 GALLONS OF GAS REMAIN. ASSUMING 20 MPG, THAT MEANS SHE COULD DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 52 MILES BEFORE RUNNING OUT OF GAS. WITHIN A MINUTE OF THE LOW FUEL LIGHT COMING ON, THE ACCELERATOR FAILED TO WORK AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH. WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, SHE HAD TO CROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC TO PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER. VERY SHAKEN AND CRYING, SHE CALLED GRAYSON SUBARU AND THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK. AFTER STEVE KACHELRIE OF GRAYSON'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT ASSESSED THE CAR, HE CONCLUDED, "YOUR DAUGHTER JUST RAN OUT OF GAS. THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO OTHER THAN PUT GAS IN THE TANK." WHEN I TOLD HIM THAT THE GAS METER SAID SHE HAD 50 MILES OF DRIVING TO GO BEFORE EMPTY, HE DISMISSED IT AND REPEATED THAT SHE "JUST RAN OUT OF GAS." I RESEARCHED THE 2016 SUBARU FORESTER ON NHTSA.GOV AND FOUND 20 REPORTS OF IDENTICAL INCIDENTS OF THE CAR SHOWING 50-70 MILES TO GO BEFORE EMPTY AND THE ACCELERATOR COMPLETELY FAILING AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE INTERSTATE AND ALL WARNING LIGHTS LIGHTING UP. WHEN I TOLD GRAYSON SERVICE THAT WAS AN UNACCEPTABLE RESPONSE, THEY REFERRED ME TO THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP, WALTER GRAYSON. HE AGREED TO FULFILL SUBARU'S GUARANTEE TO PAY US THE TRADE-IN VALUE OF THE CAR, $14,800. THE DEALERSHIP SENT US A CHECK FOR THE 2016 SUBARU FORESTER AND WE PURCHASED A NEW TOYOTA.

Aug 21, 2020

I'VE HAD THIS CAR FOR 1.5 YEARS AND IT'S ALREADY STALLED TWICE TIMES. BOTH TIMES I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING MY CAR JUST STARTED TO RAPIDLY DECREASE SPEED. BOTH TIMES, I MY GAS METER SAID THAT I HAD OVER 50 MILES OF GAS LEFT IN MY CAR. ITS ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING BECAUSE WHEN THE CAR SHUTS OFF, I HAVE ABOUT TWO MINUTE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER BEFORE IT'S COMPLETELY DEAD.

Nov 24, 2017

VISIBILITY

3 complaints

The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound and noticed that the windshield had cracked. The contact stated that the crack expanded to approximately 12 inches. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.

Jun 04, 2021

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 CALLED KOEPPEL SUBARU LOCATED AT 42-01 NORTHERN BLVD, QUEENS, NY 11101, (347) 846-0660, AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. *LN *TR

Sep 08, 2020

IN 2016 WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 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

Jun 22, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

'SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST 3 MONTHS THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY ACCELERATES USUALLY WHEN I BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN THE CAR. I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO STOP THE RACING OF THE ENGINE. IT HAPPENS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, 5,10,20, 60. IT IS SCARY AND I HAVE TO ALLOW EXTRA ROOM WHILE DRIVING.

May 10, 2021

I WAS PARKING MY CAR. I HAD THE BRAKE APPLIED AND PUT IT IN PARK. THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN OVER A PARKING BARRIER, OVER A 1.5' STONE BARRIER, UP A SMALL GRADE AND INTO AND PARTIALLY THRU A CONCRETE PATIO WALL. THE CAR'S GEARSHIFT WAS IN PARK. I HAD TO MOVE IT BACK TO REVERSE TO GET IT BACK INTO THE PARKING SPACE. AND EVEN THOUGH THE IMPACT WAS SUBSTANTIAL THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.

May 01, 2017

Crash: 1

DRIVER WAS PARKING FRONT FIRST INTO A PARKING SPOT, TRAVELING STRAIGHT FORWARD AT LESS THAN 5 MPH. WHEN THE 2016 SUBARU FORESTER REACHED THE PROPER PARKING LOCATION, THE DRIVER, WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFTER FROM D TO P. SUDDENLY THE ENGINE REV'D AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD, OVER THE PARKING CONCRETE BLOCK, OVER A SMALL BUSH AND INTO THE WINDOW WALL OF THE ADJACENT CONDO. DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED TO THE WALL, AND RIGHT HAND SIDE FRONT OF VEHICLE. DRIVER STATED THAT HE COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE BECAUSE HIS FOOT WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED.

Feb 27, 2017

Crash: 1

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

3 complaints

AROUND 75K MILES, THE "AT TEMP" LIGHT BEGAN TO APPEAR WHEN DRIVING THE CAR FOR MORE THAN 35-40 MINUTES ON THE HIGHWAY 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 BETWEEN MAY 2019-AUGUST 2019 THEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHUDDER WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, WITH OCCASIONAL STALLS/SHUTDOWNS. NO LIGHTS WOULD COME OUT DURING SHUDDER OR STALL. THIS HAPPENED BETWEEN MAY 2019-FEBRUARY 2020 AT 98K, VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND SHUDDER DURING SHIFTING, AROUND 2500RPM UPON ACCELERATION. I HAD A TRANSMISSION SERVICE/ CVT FLUID CHANGE DONE AT 90K AT JOHNSTON'S SUBARU IN MIDDLETOWN, NY. TRANSMISSION SERVICE WAS DONE 2/3/2020

Mar 05, 2020

ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS 24 HOURS APART THE CAR STALLED (SEEMED TO DROP INTO NEUTRAL) AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ~80MPH AFTER GREATER THAN 1.5 HOURS OF DRIVING. THE RPM JUMPED UP AND THE CAR LOST ALL ACCELERATION DESPITE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. ONCE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN PARK THE ENGINE DIED. BOTH TIMES IT FAILED TO START AGAIN WITH MULTIPLE SPACED OUT ATTEMPTS OVER MORE THAN 2 HOURS. WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP AND BOTH TIMES AFTER BEING UNLOADED HOURS LATER IT STARTED WITH NO ISSUE AND THE DEALERS COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG AND SENT US HOME. A VERY UNSAFE INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH NO OBVIOUS CAUSE OR FIX.

Jun 07, 2019

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 SMOKE BUT WE WERE ABLE TO COAST IT TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. WHEN WE OPENED HOOD THERE WAS OIL EVERYWHERE AND A GIANT CRACK AND HOLE IN THE ENGINE. WE HAD TO TOW IT 170 MILES HOME WHERE IT WAS IN THE SHOP 5 WEEKS GETTING FIXED. AFTER HAVING THE CAR ONLY 3 WEEKS THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED WHERE THE CAR LOST TORQUE WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IT WENT UP TO 60 NORMALLY BUT THEN FALTERED AND DROPPED DOWN TO 20MPH. WE WENT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF THE CAR AND STARTED IT BACK UP AND IT WAS FINE DRIVING NORMALLY THEN DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. WE DROVE IT TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE DEALER WE HEARD A LOUD BANG, TONS OF SMOKE, AND AS SOON AS WE PULLED UP TO SUBARU WE OPENED THE HOOD AND SURE ENOUGH THERE WAS OIL EVERYWHERE AND A CRACK IN THE ENGINE IN WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME AREA. EXTREMELY SCARY INCIDENTS.

Jun 04, 2019

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

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 DEALERS I COMPLAINED TO SAID THAT THE HINGES WERE DESIGNED SO THAT A LONGER SHOCK ABSORBER OR OTHER AFTER-MARKET FIX WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FIXED UNTIL THE MODEL DESIGN WAS CHANGED. THIS IS DANGEROUS!!

Sep 27, 2016

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. *JB

Mar 30, 2016

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

Oct 14, 2015

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS

2 complaints

No damage or water spill to the car whatsoever, but now the SRS passenger airbag light is on. This is a recurrent issue with Suabru, and there was even a recall for this part a few years ago, which was replaced in my vehicle during that period. Less than 5 years later, there is already an issue with it. This is not an oil change or a tire replacement; it is an AIRBAG SENSOR!! I cannot find any definite information indicating that my own driver's airbag will go off while the SRS light is on. To think that my airbag may not go off, from no fault of my own, due to an issue with the PASSENGER airbag, is unacceptable. Subaru claims this is out of warranty, will not pay for it, and is charging me over $1000. This is no cosmetic issue; this is incredibly dangerous, and Subaru is aware of this. There needs to be some warranty in place for this part in particular, considering it is a model-wide issue among all Subaru vehicles. This is NOT something that the vehicle owner should need to pay for when it could end their lives. Some diagnostic codes claim the sensor got "wet" after their cars were just detailed! Unacceptable! If the airbag sensor cannot withstand daily wear and tear, then it should not be allowed to be produced and purchased. Not only can the part be damaged way too easily, but it also impacts the safety of all passengers involved. I am so upset with this outcome, in all honesty. My car is unsafe to drive because the recall piece continues to have issues.

Aug 15, 2025

INTERMITTENT DASH LIGHT SAYING THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF WITH PASSENGER IN THE SEAT AND WHEN CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. COMES ON IN CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING BOTH..

Aug 29, 2019

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

I own a 2016 Subaru Forester. Approximately eight months ago, I began noticing some concerning issues with the vehicle. When applying the brakes from higher speeds, the car experiences significant shaking. Additionally, when coming to a stop, the vehicle shifts down hard, causing a jarring lunge forward. This abrupt transition is quite noticeable and uncomfortable. Moreover, when accelerating from a complete stop, the car tends to lunge forward and exhibits a stuttering sensation accompanied by jerking. These issues have raised concerns about the vehicle's performance and safety.

Mar 25, 2025

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 ON HILL LIGHT AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT SHIFT OUT OF PARK ALLOWING ME TO DRIVE BUT ALL THE LIGHTS REMAIN ON AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 40 THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS IN DECEMBER 2017 THEY SAID IT WAS THE SENSOR BEHIND THE BRAKE PEDAL, WELL LITTLE BEHOLD FOR THE SECOND TIME I'M BRINGING MY FORESTER BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME ISSUE AS ITS ONLY BEEN 4 MONTHS. I BOUGHT THE CAR OF THERE LOT BRAND NEW IN MAY 2016 I ONLY HAVE 44,000 MILES ON IT NOW.

Apr 15, 2018

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

2 complaints

When parked on a slope, driver attempted to back SUV out of parking space. Before starting car, with key inserted, ignition on and foot on brake, driver attempted to remove gearshift from park. Car drifted backward rapidly and uncontrollably. The brakes completely failed even with foot on brake. The car was a hazard to anyone in its path and could not be stopped. The emergency brake was attempted but failed to stop the car. Power steering failed. Gearshift could not be put back into park. SUV crashed heavily into a sign protecting the gas pump, but auto suffered major damage: REAR WRAP AROUND BUMPER, ENTIRE POWER LIFT DOOR, AND FRAME, were included in the damage. Driver was the wife of a couple. Very importantly, the husband had experienced the exact same uncontrollable roll-back in the same vehicle at the same place a few weeks earlier, but somehow missed the gas pump and sign. At that time, the car was uncontrollable and caused panic for both drivers in separate incidents. THAT'S NOT ALL--of key importance was a conversation we--as a couple--had with the salesman and the dealership's lead mechanic when the auto was purchased in 2017. We pointed out that when backing out of a space on a slight downslope and changing gears, the car drifted backwards uncontrollably a number of feet--at least three to six feet. At that time in 2027, we told them we did not like this feature, and it could be a danger to children playing in the driveway. They said that the manufacturers' engineering department knew about this. And were making improvements. Subsequently we investigated this engineering/design fault online, discussed it again with the dealership, then dropped the issue. THE BOTTOM LINE: THIS SEEMS TO US TO BE A GENUINE MANUFACTURING FAULT. WE BOTH EXPERIENCED THIS UNCONTROLLABLE DRIFT BACK WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE THE CAR. IT IS FRIGHTENENING AND DANGEROUS TO BE IN A VEHICLE WEIGHING TONS WITHOUT ANY ABILITY TO CONTROL IT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE.

Oct 06, 2024

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

WHEN STOPPING/STOPPED IT WILL SUDDENLY ACCELERATE/SURGE FORWARD AND I NEED TO SLAM ON BRAKES

Oct 18, 2020

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

The Horn stopped working in the vehicle. This is a known issue with many Subarus. The horn is essential for safety reasons due to this the vehicle cannot pass a safety inspection. The culprit of this issue is the electrical coil spring component in the steering wheel behind the air bag. The component has multiple connections going to it including an airbag connection. In the event of accident it is not guaranteed that the spring coil component would deliver the signal for the air bag to deploy. This component is defective in many Subarus and is a very costly repair due to all the electrical and safety components connected to cloak spring. This component has been an issue in previous Subaru models but has not been extended to newer models that clearly have the same issue. please see document attached.

Jul 17, 2023

KEY STUCK IN IGNITION CARMUST BE LEFT UNLOCKED WITH KEY IN IT WHEN PARKED - THIS CREATES A SAFETY PROBLEM BECAUSE CAR CAN BE STOLEN OR INTRUDER CAN COME INTO CAR. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND HAD A REVISED PART 35122FJ033 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. DESPITE BEING A KNOWN DESIGN DEFECT WITH SAFETY IMPLICATIONS THERE IS NO RECALL AND THE CONSUMER MUST PAY THE $400 FOR THE REPAIR.

Jul 17, 2019

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

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 service bulletin.

May 30, 2023

When I stop the vehicle and put in park, I cannot not turn car off or pull out key. I put car back in drive and drive a few feet forward or back. After putting in park again, I can then turn car off and pull key out. It is now happening more frequently, like every time I drive it. Also sometimes have trouble turning the key to start the car. Have had problems periodically for several years. Now its getting to be a regular problem. Very dangerous when you cannot turn the car off. And it will probably get worse with snowy weather. A safety issue. I see there is a NHTSA Safety Bulletin #10155220 that lists this problem. It looks like an existing problem with Subarus. Not sure why there is no recall?

Oct 01, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

2 complaints

Our Subaru Forester is slow to respond on acceleration and then surges quickly. This problem just started to surface. Our concern is when stepping down on the accelerator the car is very slow to react and then surges forward quickly, creating a serious concern over a potential accident. On August 17, 2022 I was reversing up my driveway to the garage and as I depressed the accelerator the car failed to respond. I was reluctant to depress the pedal further over concern it might suddenly surge backward too fast. What was concerning is that the accelerator did not respond as normal. August 18th, I started the car, drove out of the garage and onto the street. When I stepped onto the accelerator the car showed no response, then suddenly without warning surged forward at high speed, catching me off guard. I stepped on the brake and the car immediately stopped. I carefully tried to drive forward, again the car surged forward. I drove back into the garage. Our neighbor’s nephew took it for a drive and experience the same unexpected surge of acceleration. It was towed to the Subaru Dealership. The Dealership has consistently maintained our Forester since purchased. I asked if the car had surged and the Service Advisor shared that the technician had noticed an irregularity in acceleration. However, Diagnostic tests found nothing. The shop manager said he put almost 40 miles on it but found nothing. The service adviser called and suggested we come in and ride with the shop manager, which we did. He test drove it for a few miles and the acceleration appeared normal. He did say after the test drive that he sensed something irregular about the acceleration when leaving a stop sign. We asked they keep the car and test the car after sitting over the weekend. I asked service advisor and the shop manager if he had ever heard of a Subaru with this issue of being slow to respond on acceleration and then surging quickly. They both said they had never heard of this issue

Aug 20, 2022

Was Backing up and car started excelling and the throttle stuck hitting 2 cars It was out of control I got it in drive and it took off forward running full throttle up over the pavers around a tree and ran up on the side of a BMW which was sitting on the side of The hostess paved driveway coming down the side of the car My car was on 2 wheels . Came off the BMW and slammed into a tree trunk which stopped it. I got out of my car in disbelief . It happened on private property and We did call the police. But since it happened on private property They did not come but told us to get each others info for insurance Purposes

Jun 01, 2022

Crash: 1

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

2 complaints

Since 2018 we starting noticing random power loss and every time we took vehicle to dealership for maintenance, they could never find an issue. The loss of power began at random as well went up hills. It felt as if there was something blocking the engine from preforming as intended. Maybe poor air flow or turbo lag. We would let go of accelerator because it felt as if the car was going to stall. This power lag or loss would last 5-10 minutes. Then more issues appeared during 2018-2022. The issues were always at random. Issues we witnessed were: loss of power (poor air flow/ bad compression), car seemed to want to stall at stops, weird metal clacking (which we were able to record), bopping car at stops (as a manual car would before stalling). A code was never available for dealership to know the problem at hand. Over the past years we continued to take in the vehicle for the issues we experienced. The dealership never found the root of the problem. The problem continued until 2022 and now the car is inoperable. 400 miles out of warranty and Subaru does not want to fix this issue that had been happening since 2018. I have been waiting for Subaru of America to contact me since 7/22/22. I could never get an answer from case worker. Subaru wants us to pay out of pocket roughly 4500 and then maybe they cover the rest.

Aug 20, 2022

THREE TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 WEEKS, MY VEHICLE HAS STALLED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ALL THREE TIMES THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN I WAS TRAVELING WITH 1/4 OR LESS OF GAS (BUT THESE INCIDENTS DID NOT OCCUR DUE TO HAVING RUN OUT OF GAS). ALL THREE TIMES I WAS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE OR DRIVE UPHILL. THE VEHICLE STALLED ALL TIMES AT AROUND 65-75 MPH OF SPEED, CAUSING ME GREAT CONCERN WHEN I HAD TO QUICKLY PULL OVER ON HEAVILY TRAVELED HIGHWAYS SUCH AS CT ROUTE 84 AND VT ROUTE 91. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO BERTERA SUBARU IN HARTFORD, CT, WHERE I HAD PURCHASED IT, AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX MY ISSUE UNTIL IT HAPPENED MORE CONSISTENTLY. I MENTIONED RECALL WTA-62 AND WAS TOLD IT DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE. RECALL WQZ-61 WAS PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE.

Jul 18, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS

2 complaints

In March 2020, I took my 2016 Subaru Forester to the dealership to fix the issues associated with the Subaru Safety Recall WUM-98 / NHTSA Recall 19V-701 (unstable electrical connections causing issues with the occupant detection system in determining the correct status of the right front seat occupant, which would prevent the front passenger-side airbag from deploying in the event of a crash). Service was performed and the ODS harness was replaced. In August of 2021, I took my Forester back into the Subaru dealership (where previous service was performed) because the “airbag warning” light and the “Passenger airbag off” indicator began to illuminate, however this occurred somewhat inconsistently. Sometimes both warning lights illuminate when someone sits in the front passenger seat, sometimes they do not illuminate at all and everything seems fine. Other times, the lights illuminate when no one is sitting in the front passenger seat. Additionally, sometimes the seatbelt alarm sounds when no one is sitting in the front passenger seat. However, this is also inconsistent. In August 2021, the Subaru dealership told me that the issue is likely caused by water damage (a spill) on the front passenger seat that has caused the sensors within the seat to malfunction. I told them that I did not recall spilling any liquids on the front passenger seat. Now the dealership is telling me to replace the passenger seat bottom assembly sensor for $1,211 USD.

Oct 14, 2021

THE AIRBAG SENSOR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT RANDOMLY GOES OFF WHEN THERE'S A PASSENGER IN THE CAR OR NOT. THE SEAT BELT ALARM FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE GOES OFF WITHOUT A PASSENGER IN THE CAR. AIRBAG SENSOR SAYS "OFF" WITH A PASSENGER IN THE CAR. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE, AS I DO NOT KNOW IF THAT AIRBAG IS TRULY FUNCTIONAL, AND ALSO AN ANNOYANCE, AS THE SEATBELT ALARM DINGS WHILE I'M DRIVING.

Jun 21, 2019

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

While returning home from a trip in our 2016 Subaru Forester the driver’s side airbag warning light remained on; additionally, a SRS warning appeared briefly on the screen indicating that the airbag/seatbelt safety system could not be relied upon.This all occurred after restarting the Forester following a brief rest stop. Adhering to the Subaru owner’s manual guidance we went to our Hendricks Southpoint dealership. The dealership scheduled an appointment for one week later. The occurrence of this problem without a timely resolution by Subaru creates a unnecessary safety situation for owners.

Aug 10, 2021

THIS USED VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM A DEALER AS A "GREAT BUY", WITH 74589 MILES ON MAY 23, 2018. LESS THAN ONE WEEK LATER, BELLS AND DINGS BEGAN SOUNDING WHILE DRIVING, LIGHT INDICATORS INDICATED THAT THE SRS SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE CHECKED; THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS NOT ON SOMETIMES, OTHER TIMES IT WAS..INTERMITTENT. CAR IN MOTION BOTH ON CITY STREETS AND ON HIGHWAY. NO RECALLS WERE REPORTED AT THAT TIME, AND I NEVER KNEW WHILE DRIVING WHETHER EITHER SIDE SEATBELTS WERE ENGAGED WHEN I KNEW THEY WERE, NOR WHETHER AIRBAGS WERE VIABLE. DANGEROUS FOR DRIVER AND FOR PASSENGER. INDEPENDENT DEALER AND SERVICE DEPARTMENTS WERE PERPLEXED, DEALERSHIPS HAD NO AVAILABLE PARTS.....HERE IT IS, OCT. 2, 2018, OVER 4 MONTHS LATER, AND NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO DEALERS OR AUTHORIZED REPAIR COMPANIES TO COMPLY WITH SAFETY REGULATIONS. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE; SUBARU NEEDS TO PROVIDE PARTS AT NO EXPENSE TO THIS CUSTOMER TO ASSURE SAFETY. AND, THEY NEED TO ISSUE A RECALL OR FACE POTENTIAL LAWSUITS.... ## VIN PASSED ## SUBARU FORESTER 2016 ##

Oct 02, 2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

2 complaints

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER.THE CONTACT STATES THAT HIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO BE ON THE ROAD ,THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS LIGHTS ON HIS VEHICLE ARE NOT PROPERLY WORKING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS FOR REPAIR AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING .THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE STOPS ON ITS OWN WITHOUT ANY NOTIFICATION

Dec 17, 2020

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 NEARBY MOTOR HOME AND HOUSE ALSO CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WERE DESTROYED ALONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

May 22, 2019

Fire: 1

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

WEAK OR THIN WINDSHIELD THAT CHIPS/CRACKS EASILY CAUSING VISIBILITY ISSUES AT NIGHT/RAIN/SNOW ETC.

Nov 14, 2019

WINDSHIELD RANDOMLY CRACKED

Oct 28, 2019

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

I COPIED THIS MESSAGE FROM ANOTHER COMPLAINT WHICH EXPLAINS EXACTLY WHAT I AM TRYING TO COMPLAINT. SUBARU IS KNOWINGLY BUILDING ITS CARS WITH FAULTY PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSORS WHICH WILL RANDOMLY TURN OFF THE AIR BAG WHILE THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED UNDER NORMAL LIFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. IT IS IN THE 2016 AND 2017 OWNERS MANUAL THAT IF THERE IS A CELL PHONE OR ELECTRICAL DEVICE IN THE FRONT AREA OF THE CAR THEN THE AIR BAG SENSORS COULD MALFUNCTION. IT ALSO STATES THAT IF YOUR PASSENGER IS WEARING A JACKET OR SWEATER THIS COULD CAUSE THE SENSORS TO TURN THE LIFE SAVING AIR BAG OFF. MY 17 TEENAGER HAD NO ELECTRONICS BUT A SWEATER ON AND IT SHUT OFF AIR BAG WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. HOW IS THIS LEGAL TO KNOWINGLY SELL A CAR WITH FAULTY SAFETY EQUIPMENT. THIS LINK TO SUBARU'S WEBSITE EXPLAINS HOW THEIR AIRBAG SENSOR WORKS HTTP://WWW.STANLEYSUBARU.COM/BLOG/2012/AUGUST/6/HOW-DOES-THE-OCCUPANT-DETECTION-SYSTEM-ODS-WORK-IN-MY-SUBARU.HTM

Sep 26, 2018

MY AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON TO SIGNAL THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT WORKING. IT GOES OFF AND ON AT WILL. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES NOW AND FINALLY THEY THINK THEY KNOW WHAT IS WRONG, BUT WILL NOT HAVE THE PART TO FIX THE PROBLEM UNTIL SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE. THE BLUETOOTH IS SO BAD THAT THE PEOPLE I TALK TO CANNOT HEAR ME. BIG SAFETY CONCERNS.

Oct 30, 2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

Vehicle self-accelerated abruptly while parked and crashed into another vehicle causing damage to both vehicles

Sep 01, 2025

Crash: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

The airbag sensor (ODS) malfunctions for front passenger seat. The "airbag off" warning lights up when the seat is occupied. This was fixed by dealer back in 2020 under recall WUM-98/NHTSA ID 19V-701000. However, this problem recurred intermittently about five months ago. I called Capitol Subaru in San Jose, CA and spoke with Service Advisor, Dan Padilla, who informed me that the recurrence of this SAFETY issue would no longer be covered under this recall. He offered to schedule an appointment for a diagnosis, but I declined since it would cost $300. I also spoke with Jorge, Case Specialist, from Subaru of America who reiterated that the aforementioned recall only covers a one-time repair and cannot be reopened. It is my understanding that safety recalls do not expire and that "Federal law often mandates the manufacturer to provide free repairs for safety recalls on vehicles up to 15 yrs old." How can NHTSA help in resolving this car safety issue with Subaru? The ODS system is unreliable and poses a risk to my passengers.

Jul 25, 2025

SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS

1 complaint

When the car accelerates to around 70 mph, the right front side starts to shake and vibrate, giving the impression of driving on a bumpy road. The issue becomes noticeably worse when changing lanes to the right. Both wheel alignment and tire balancing have been checked and found to be fine. After researching online, many Subaru owners have reported similar issues caused by problems with the lower control arm or wheel bearing, leading to shaking at high speeds. However, when contacting Subaru of America about this, they declined responsibility, citing an expired warranty.

Nov 19, 2024

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ENGINE

1 complaint

I backed out of a parking space, put my foot on the brake and shifted into Drive to finish maneuvering out of the space. Although I didn't remove my foot from the brake, my Forester immediately accelerated at extremely high speed, striking the two cars parked next to me, and seriously damaging both. Rather than slowing down after hitting the other two vehicles, my car continued to speed up, only coming to a stop when it hit, head-on, a cement barrier surrounding the lot. My car hit with such force that every airbag in it deployed, and its front end was totally destroyed. No one was in the other two cars; I suffered minor injuries.

May 01, 2024

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

STRUCTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

I was driving very slowly in a long line of traffic due to a sudden downpour of hail, ice pellets, and frozen rain which blanketed the road in white. Suddenly, without warning, my 2016 Subaru Forester accelerated and veered to the right and into a grove of trees doing extensive damage to the front end. The vehicle was totaled by my insurance company. I suspect that there was sudden acceleration and because of the icy road conditions my car left the road instead of plowing into the car ahead of me. The airbags didn't go off and I wasn't hurt at all but the entire front end was beyond repair.

Apr 28, 2024

Crash: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

Concerned driver stopped me and said I had no brake lights , only the lights atop the hatch showed breaking. After returning home I checked all settings on light controls and none made lower break lights work when pedal depressed. This could cause someone not watching top of vehicle crash into my vehicle. If light on top malfunctions I will not have any brake lights. Running lights work fine but do nothing when breaking. At first though it had to do with setting on light controls. I think I’ve been told I had no tail lights only front running lights and had to turn control at dusk to have taillights of any kind.

Dec 07, 2023

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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 engine oil system issues

Sep 19, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

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 longer showed an image when putting the car into reverse. I later found out while getting an oil change that the reverse taillights were not functioning either. It is available for inspection, and I have taken it to 2 Subaru dealerships who assessed it and said they couldn't find any specific issue. They confirmed the problem however. It has not been assessed by insurance representatives or police. There was no warning lamp or indication that my reverse lights were not working, other than realizing why no one was letting me out of parking spots. I have tried both replacing the bulbs and replacing the fuses for these systems, with no change. Upon researching, I found an identical problem occuring in Subaru WRX's manufactured between 2015-2021 that is listed under recall 22V522000. I would like to get this fixed as soon as possible and would like to see if it is possible to extend the existing recall to include my vehicle?

Aug 01, 2023

SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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 broken lumbar seat approximately less than two years ago and now the incident I mentioned previously, has happened again. I paid for the first repairs through an extended warranty I bought, I explained this to Subaru Corporate Customer Service, and they refuse to take responsibility for the inferior nature of the Lumbar System and thus refuse to cover the cost of fixing it.

Jul 12, 2023

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

I purchased on March 18, 2023 at HGREG West Palm Beach dealership. The salesperson did not disclosure the previous car incident information, I found it later that car has 2 car incidents. After purchasing a car on April 30, after I parked my car, its started unprovoked alarms. I have no control over my car for about 15 min. I knew that my car has an anti theft device so I contacted MagniShield and Road Vantage- the companies affiliated with HGreg Dealership where I purchased my car. I spoke with the MagniShiled representative- Edter but they refuse to explain what is the service installed in this car and refuse to cancel this service by my request. During this time, I have been contacting Dealership almost every week trying to get any clear explanation but they refused to give me any information or cancel the warranty contract. The fact that the car had several severe safety issues. On April 3, 2023 I was driving my kids from school and my car started to burn on the road. Heavy smog and explosions started coming from under the hood - inside the car. I had to do an emergency stop on the side of the road, quickly grab my two boys and run away from the car. I called 911. The police came and they called the fire station. Police officer made a police report, I have a case number. Same day my car was taken to the Midas. Midas specialist explained to me that this car was under the risk of fire to drive and can start burning at any time. The air conditioner exploded because it was under very high pressure. The mechanic found another safety issue - suspension was not attached properly and it was very loose. It might have caused a loss of control over the car, while driving, ultimately resulting in a severe accident Also, less than a week before, on March 28, 2023 I had to do another major service at Midas for the same car. This was just 10 days after the purchase. I changed oil, all filters and did wheel alignment, because they were heavily misaligned.

May 24, 2023

Fire: 1

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

parked in angle space and turned off car. went into store for about 15 minutes. got in car and started it. heard a noise sounding like a car revving engine and looked behind me to see if it was another vehicle. realized it was my car. tried to push foot on accelerator but it was all the way to floor and would not come up. immediately put foot on brake and turned off car. looked at floor mat and found that was not the issue. waited about 30 seconds and turned car back on and found that the accelerator was not all the way to the floor like before. It ran like it always has. drove 10 minutes back home with no issue. when home, went in house for 15 minutes; came back out and started it and ran like normal. i then searched the issue and discovered SEVERAL complaints about this issue. Thankful that I didn't run into a building as anyone else (there was a man walking into a house DIRECTLY in front of where I was parked.....I would have hit him if i had put the car in drive.) No warning lights or anything else visible on car. no issue prior. not been inspected by anyone else or the dealer at this time. Not reported to police department or insurance company. I am NOT an elderly person and I KNOW I did not accidentally do anything wrong when this issue occurred. purchased this subaru in 2018 as they are highly rated as far as safety goes and very dependable. I am extremely disappointed that there has NOT been a recall on this issue. Do people have to die before subaru will issue recall?!?! I was planning to trade in for a newer Subaru but am definitely hesitant to do so at this time. I drive with my young grandchildren in vehicle and am even hesitant to do that in the future. PLEASE, Subaru, issue a recall for this issue.

May 22, 2023

SUSPENSION,WHEELS

1 complaint

The vehicle fails to maintain stability at either a right turn, and at left turn angles. The vehicle makes a clicking sound on either turn and loses power when you complete the turn and attempt to drive straight. This poses an incredibly unsafe driving experience.When this occurs the traction message light turn on, as well as the passenger airbag, and the upwhill light turns on.

May 16, 2023

STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

Car unexpectedly accelerated when turning into a parking space. Gradually braking going in to the space and then car suddenly accelerated across the curb and hit a building. Car can be available for inspection. No one was hurt but only because of being lucky that no one was on the sidewalk by the building. Emergency services were called and police made a report and all is reported to the insurance company. There has been no inspection yet by manufacturer. Called Subaru and they said to get the body work done first and then bring the car in for inspection. No warning sounds or lights noticed prior to the problem.

Mar 27, 2023

Crash: 1

STEERING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

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 ONLY ONES WITH THIS PROBLEM???

Dec 08, 2022

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

Passenger commented, asking why their seatbelt attachment point was not properly anchored and was hanging loose from front seat. Upon investigation, we noticed that the bolt holding the end of the LH portion of the passenger seatbelt had backed out. We were able to make a temporary field repair by tightening the bolt back in with our fingers, and later needed to use a 17mm wrench to further tighten the bolt to the point where it appeared to be reasonably tightened. When tightening the bolt, I did not notice any type of locking washer, or sense there was any type of chemical locking materials on the threaded portion of the bolt and wonder if it was improperly attached when the vehicle was built. In the case of an accident, I think it is reasonable to assume that the loose bolt would have failed and allowed the anchored end of the passenger seatbelt to come loose. The vehicle has approximately 27,000 miles, has never been in an accident, and has never had seats removed or repaired since we purchased it new.

Sep 10, 2022

SUSPENSION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

While driving N on I 24 near Nashville Tn my Eyesight assistant turned off illuminated warning light, as it cancelled my adaptive cruise control at freeway speeds in heavy traffic, while engageing my my brakes and illuminated my forward collision warning coming very close to causing serious accident to whereIended up on shoulder due to severe vibration from my defective passenger lower control arm deffectivecv axle. All of which were looked at and reported to Crown Subaru Service department. They had my vehicle for 2 days, repaired air bag and rearcoil spring recall told me my passenger lower control arm was bent and cv axle was defective the stayed my extended warranty didn't cover it when the warranty personnel said it would be covered. Never even checked my eyesight assist or other safety items associated with it even though I explained it shutoff and turns on and off sporadically. Is it going to take a death or deaths to get these people to do there job and repair and stand by the vehicles we purchase which employees them but a life isn't worth and hour inspection by Crown Subaru or Subaru corp start caring. It was in there shop 2 days prior to incident I could have at least been warned about operation of my vehicle

Sep 03, 2022

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

The accident with my 2016 Subaru Forester happened on 07-07-2022. It happened in daylight on our farm. I was the only person in the car and was wearing my seatbelt. I had slowly pulled into a parking spot, had my foot on the brake and had essentially stopped at the 6x6 piece of lumber that was marking the spot. As I was stopping the car accelerated out of control and sped down a very narrow path on a hill diagonally to the right of the parking spot. I struggled to control the car as I sped down the hill toward the gravel driveway. I was able to avoid hitting a large spruce tree and avoid turning over in the deep ditch on the hill. I was going so fast, I ran over a sapling and ran into a large apple tree, tipping it over, damaging my right front passenger side, pushing the wheel back into the wheel well. My brakes were not responding. When I reached the gravel driveway at the bottom of the hill, I lifted my foot slightly and stomped on the brake, skidding to a stop just before going down another steep hill which leads to a creek. I was parallel to a road/driveway which often has many cars driving on it that time of the day. It is also used as a walking path. Luckily I did not hit anyone. I was able to barely turn the wheel and move the car out of the road/driveway. Since it was on our farm there was no police report necessary. I hurt my ribs, shoulder, back and neck. The accident had potential for injuring me much more severely if I had rolled over, hit a tree head on or been unable to stop, continuing down another hill toward a creek. I could have hit another car or people walking on the road No warning lights, it surged slightly when slowing to turn a corner the day before. Unknown component failed The car is presently at Masters Auto Body in Charlottesville VA. They are completing the repairs and will take it to the Subaru dealer in Staunton, VA to have them check for the cause of the unintended acceleration.

Aug 12, 2022

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

My Subaru Forester is equipped with Airbags and Subaru's Eye Sight anti-collision braking system. On Aug 5th my wife met with an accident while trying to avoid a head-on collision side swiped a vehicle on the right lane which hit the car on the rear side and the impact further changed the direction of her car and she went and hit the steel fence stone pillar on the right side. The frontal collision with the stone pillar damaged the bumper and car engine is dislocated from its position as the frame is deformed and the front tires jammed. The car's famed anti-collision system did not prevent the collision and the Air bags failed to deploy. I suspect that there is a serious manufacturing defect that all the safety systems failed in the car, hence I request you to conduct an enquiry while the car is being sent to the repair center to ascertain the right cause of failure.

Aug 11, 2022

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

I arrived at work. I was placing my car in park with foot on the brake. The car took off and the brakes took time to stop the car. I tried to stop the car as we hit a fence and was headed through it it and into a pond. Pumping the brakes throwing car in reverse stopped us from ending up in the pond. Major car damage incurred. Thank goodness noone was seriously hurt. The car just accelerated with my foot on the brake and with me attemtping to put it in park.

May 05, 2022

Crash: 1

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

Car accelerated while I was parking in a parking spot and hit fence and unoccupied storefront.

Mar 22, 2022

Crash: 1

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

The ignition key has started getting stuck in the ignition after turning the motor off. It takes several tries, involving turning the motor back on and pulling the key out as I’m turning the motor off and pushing the stick back into PARK really hard per Subaru.... Subaru has acknowledged it’s a faulty part and lots of complaints online...they even did a tech bulletin # 16-112-18R but say its a customers problem....

Aug 11, 2021

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

SUBARU ACCELERATES OCCAISIONALLY WHEN ONE HITS THE BREAK AND THE MOTOR RACES UNTIL ONE PUTS CAR IN NEUTRAL .

May 12, 2021

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

KEY STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN CAR IS IN PARK.

Feb 03, 2021

AIR BAGS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

ON NOVEMBER 7, 2020 AROUND 630PM, I WAS DRIVING ON CITY STREET GOING NW ON SUNSET IN FAIR OAKS, CA IN A FAR RIGHT LANE. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 TO 40 MPH WITH ONE OTHER CARS INFRONT OR BESIDES ME. CERTAINLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING, I HEARD A LOUD BOOM. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE LOUD BOOM, I COULD NOT SEE AND REALIZED MY STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THEN I LOOKED TO MY RIGHT I SAW A DEER LIMPING. SO I IMMEDIATELY KNEW I JUST HIT A DEER FROM MY FRONT LEFT CORNER BUMPER AFTER I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE STREET. AFTER I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE STREET I NOTICE ALL AIRBAGS IN THE CAR DEPLOYED INCLUDING THE SEATS, DASHBOARD, ROOF AND SIDE AIRBAGS. I TOOK MY CAR TO GET ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THAT BASE ON THE DAMAGE OF THE VEHICLE HIT BY THE DEER, THERE IS NO WAY THAT THE ENTIRE AIRBAGS IN THE CAR SHOULDN'T BE DEPLOYED. SO I COMAINT TO SUBARU. IT IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. I BELIEVE HITTING THE DEER SHOULD HAVE NOT MADE THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOYED ESPECIALLY THE ENTIRE AIRBAGS SYSTEM. THE ESTIMATE CAME OUT TO BE OVER $15000 TO FIX. MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR.

Dec 26, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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 INTERMITTENT AND HAS HAPPENED MONTHS AND EVEN YEARS APART. ALL ATTEMPTS BY THE SUBARU SERVICE TEAM HAVE FAILED TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND FIXING GUESSES AT TO WHAT MIGHT BE WRONG HAVE FAILED. I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND HAVE COME TO FIND THAT THE FIRST OWNER RETURNED THIS AS A LEMON FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. NOW SUBARU OF AMERICA IS REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM AND WON'T AGREE TO TAKE THE CAR BACK AND GET IT OFF THE ROAD PERMANENTLY BEFORE SOMEONE DIES OR GETS KILLED AS A RESULT OF THIS ISSUE. SINCE IT IS INTERMITTENT AND THE SERVICE PEOPLE CAN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM IT MUST NOT EXIST AND YET THREE DRIVERS IN MY FAMILY HAVE EXPERIENCED IT AND A PRIOR OWNER (I HAVE NO IDEA WHO THIS IS) RETURNED THE CAR WITH THE SAME INDEPENDENT EXPERIENCE. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. I AM SURE WHEN THIS CAR WAS FIRST RETURNED AS A LEMON THEY COULDN'T ISOLATE THE PROBLEM SINCE THEY COULDN'T RECREATE IT. I SUSPECT THAT THEY FIXED WHAT THEY 'THOUGHT' WAS THE PROBLEM. BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT A TEST DRIVE OF EVEN A THOUSAND MILES MIGHT NOT REVEAL THE PROBLEM. THEY PUT IT BACK OUT THERE AS FIXED AND LIKE NEW. NOW THAT THE SAME PROBLEM HAS RECURRED IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE TO NOT TAKE THIS CAR BACK AS A TWO TIME LEMON AND DESTROY IT BEFORE A MAJOR ACCIDENT OCCURS.

Dec 15, 2020

STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

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.

Dec 01, 2020

WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

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 BREAKS WERE REPLACED. IN JUNE 2020, I REPORTED BAD SMELL TO THE SERVICE CENTER BUT NOTHING WAS FOUND. IN SEP 2020, BAD SMELL WAS NOTICED AGAIN. THE SERVICE CENTER FOUND OIL LEAK IN THE ENGINE FRONT AND BACK. THE ENGINE WAS OPENED AND SOME PARTS WERE REPLACED. SERVICE CENTER ALSO FOUND THE CONDENSER WAS LEAKING AND REPLACED IT. IN LESS THAN A YEAR, THREE DEFECTS HAPPENED AND TWO WERE RARE BUT MAJOR DEFECTS. DURING THIS TIME, THE CAR WAS ONLY DRIVEN AROUND 2000 MILES. I REPORTED TO SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEY JUST TOLD ME TO KEEP AN EYE ON IT.

Sep 22, 2020

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2016 SUBARU FORESTER. KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION. CAN NOT BE REMOVED. ALL ELECTRICAL POWER STILL ON. THIS HAPPENED AFTER I PULLED MY SUV INTO A PARKING SPOT. PLACE IN PARK. TURNED OFF AND KEY WAS STUCK IN IGNITION. THIS IS THE 5TH TIME IN 2 WEEKS THIS HAS HAPPENED.

Sep 09, 2020

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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, STARTER WOULD CRANK, BUT ENGINE WOULD NOT START. TOWED VEHICLE TO DEALER THEY WERE ABLE TO START CAR NEXT DAY. NO ERROR CODES IN COMPUTER. HAVE NOTICED THIS ISSUE ON THE SUBARU MESSAGE BOARDS, DEALERSHIP UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE ISSUE NOW. VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM, COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY.

Aug 07, 2020

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE PARKING. ALL LOW SPEED <5 MPH. CAR WAS IN DRIVE, BRAKING, MADE A HARD LEFT TURN THEN STOPPED. CAR WAS SHIFTED TO REVERSE, MOVED 25 FEET, BRAKE AND STOPPED. CAR WAS SHIFTED TO DRIVE (LOW), APPLIED ACCELERATION (LIGHT), HARD RIGHT TURN, BRAKE APPLIED, CAR ACCELERATED, JUMPED CURB, SHIFTED CAR TO PARK, TURNED OFF IGNITION. RESTARTED CAR, STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT ON, SHIFT WOULD NOT ENGAGE EVEN WITH BRAKE DEPRESSED. REMOVE SHIFT LOCK COVER (SMALL BUTTON NEAR SHIFT) DEPRESSED RELEASE AND MOVE SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND THEN REVERSE TO BACK OFF CURB. INCIDENT OVER, CAR FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED AT THIS POINT. FLOOR MATS WERE NOT ANY WHERE NEAR PEDALS, MATS WERE IN THE RETAINERS TO HOLD POSITION. I AM SURE THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AT THE TIME THE ACCELERATION OCCURRED. IT REMAINED THERE EVEN AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF BECAUSE I LOOKED AT MY PASSENGER TO SEE IF SHE WAS OK AND THEN LOOKED AT THE POSITION OF MY FOOT, STILL ON BRAKE. THERE WERE NO CODES FLASHING. I BRAKE AND ACCELERATE WITH ONLY MY RIGHT FOOT. CHECKED TO SEE IF THIS IS A PROBLEM AND SAW SEVERAL REPORTS AND ISSUED THIS ONE. TAKING THIS TO MY DEALER WOULD BE A WASTE OF TIME, THEY ALWAYS FIND NOTHING BUT THE MONEY IN MY WALLET. THIS IS SUBARU NUMBER 6 FOR ME.

Jul 06, 2020

STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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.

May 04, 2020

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

AIR BAGS,SEATS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE ABOUT SEAT SENSOR AND AIRBAG DEFECT. NEED TO,GET,THIS REPAIRED AS A RECALL, BUT PARTS SUPPOSEDLY NOT YET AVAILABLE. ERROR MESSAGES SINCE AUGUST WHEN DEALER TOLD ME THAT IT WAS AN AIR BAG ISSUE.

Dec 15, 2019

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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

Sep 02, 2019

STEERING,STRUCTURE,ENGINE

1 complaint

I WAS PARKING THE CAR IN A CVS PARKING LOT ON SUNRISE BLVD FT. LAUDERDALE. I MADE A RIGHT TURN INTO THE LOT AND ANOTHER RIGHT TURN INTO THE SPACE ON THE RIGHT. IT WAS A LARGE SPACE AND THE ROW OF PARKING SLOTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY SO I WENT TO DRIVE THE CAR INTO ONE OF THOSE. I MADE THE TURN INTO THE SPACE, DRIVING VERY SLOWLY, WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY MADE A LOUD NOISE AND SHOT FORWARD. I HAD DONE NOTHING TO CAUSE THIS. THE CAR RAN OVER THE CURB AND INTO A CLUSTER OF SHRUBBERY - ABOUT 7 FEET WIDE. THE CAR CAME TO A STOP INSIDE THE SHRUBBERY BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL GOING. IT WAS THE SHRUBBERY THAT STOPPED THE CAR. 08/ I WAS NOT INJURED AT ALL. I TRIED TO BACK UP THE CAR BUT IT WOULD NOT BACK UP. ANOTHER DRIVER WHO SAW THE INCIDENT CAME OVER TO SEE IF I WAS OKAY AND HELPED ME OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE SINCE THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS JAMMED UP AGAINST THE SHRUBBERY. HE COULD NOT BACK UP THE CAR EITHER AND INSTEAD DRIVE THE CAR FORWARD THROUGH THE SHRUBS AND CAME AROUND BACK INTO THE PARKING LOT. WE CALLED AAA AND I WAITED FOR THEM.

Aug 30, 2019

Crash: 1

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

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 #2 LANE OF TRAFFIC. I WILL NOTE THAT IT HAD JUST STOPPED SPRINKLING AND THE ROAD WAS DAMP. ISSUE 1: DURING MY SKID, THE SKID CONTROL FEATURE NEVER ENGAGED (WHICH IS A MARKETED FEATURE AND A REASON I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE). I HAD TO FIGHT THE SKID ON MY OWN. ISSUE 2: THE ROLL OVER FEATURE NEVER ENGAGED (WHICH IS A MARKETED FEATURE AND ANOTHER REASON I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE). AFTER FIGHTING TO PREVENT MY VEHICLE FROM ROLLING OVER AND SKIDDING OUT OF CONTROL, I ULTIMATELY CRASH ON THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY, HITTING A LIGHT POST. ISSUE 3: UPON HITTING THE LIGHT POST, MY SEAT BELT FLEW OFF. (BOTH MY HANDS WERE ON THE WHEEL AT THE TIME AND THERE WERE NO LOOSE OBJECTS IN THE AREA. UNLESS THIS IS SOME "FEATURE" IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR THE SEAT BELT TO DISENGAGE AUTOMATICALLY.) ISSUE 4: THE CRASH NOTIFICATION FEATURE, THAT I PAID EXTRA FOR, DID NOT DO IT'S JOB. EVEN WITH MY CELL PHONE LINKED TO THE VEHICLE, THE CRASH NOTIFICATION NEVER CALLED 9-1-1 ON MY BEHALF. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED 9-1-1 TO NOTIFY CHP OF MY ACCIDENT BECAUSE I WAS FEARFUL OF ANOTHER VEHICLE ALSO SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL AND HITTING ME. CHP TOOK A REPORT. ** ISSUE 5 **: THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. MY CAR WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND AUTO BODY SHOP. THE AUTO BODY SHOP STATED VEHICLE HIT THE POLE SO HARD ALL BOLTS WERE BENT INTO A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. HOW DOES A CRASH THAT SEVERE NOT ENGAGE THE AIR BAGS? I HAD A SCAR ON MY COLLAR BONE FOR A MONTH AFTER THE CRASH. NONE OF THE MARKETED OR REQUIRED SAFETY FEATURES WORKED TO PREVENT THE CRASH NOR ASSIST AFTER THE CRASH.

Aug 10, 2019

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

BRAKE LIGHTS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE RECALL (WUE-90) WHEN I'M PARKED OR DRIVING, MULTIPLE ALERTS SHOW ON MY DASHBOARD (EYESIGHT OFF, ABS NEEDS TO BE CHECKED, VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CHECKED, HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CHECKED). SOMETIMES WHEN I START MY CAR AND I'M ABOUT TO CHANGE TO DRIVE, IT WON'T LET ME SWITCH OUT OF PARK. I'VE ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN THE ALERTS GO OFF, MY BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T ALWAYS ILLUMINATE. THIS BEGAN HAPPENING IN OCTOBER 2018. I WAS THEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND AFTER MY CAR WAS REPAIRED, THE PROBLEM APPEARED TO BE FIXED UNTIL THE LIGHTS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE AGAIN AT THE BEGINNING OF MARCH 2019. YOU CAN SEE THE WARNING LIGHTS THAT HAVE ILLUMINATED IN THE ATTACHMENTS.

Mar 25, 2019

WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

COULDN'T START CAR FOUND OUT IT WAS BECAUSE MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING HAD TO HAVE REPLACE AT MY OWN EXPENSE. NOW I CANT ALWAYS GET MY KEY OUR OF THE IGNITION. ALSO MY TIRE PRESSURES DON'T STAY UP. I HAVE HAD TO INFLATE THEM ABOUT 3 TIME IN AS MANY MONTHS.

Mar 15, 2019

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

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 OTHER TRAFFIC (E.G., SEMI-TRUCKS, GRAVEL HAULERS, 20+ FOOT TRAILED VEHICLES) CAN PASS THE FORESTER WITH NO PROBLEM AT MUCH HIGHER SPEEDS, THE 2016 FORESTER CANNOT BE DRIVEN OVER 40MPH OR SEVER LOSS OF CONTROL (E.G., EXPRESSWAY); MUCH LIKE LUG NUTS LOOSE ON ONE OR MORE WHEELS. THE 2016 FORESTER IS A DEATH TRAP EVEN AT 40MPH BECAUSE UNKNOWN WHEN IT WILL JUST BREAK TO RIGHT OR LEFT. PUT NEW TIRES ON; SAME PROBLEM (FACTORY SPEC ALIGNMENT OKAY). TOOK TO DEALER, AND REAR WHEELS WERE ADJUSTED WITH IRREGULAR ALIGNMENT TO TRY TO KEEP VEHICLE FROM TRACKING IN A FASHION TO TRY TO PREVENT THE PROBLEM. A LITTLE BETTER WITH IRREGULAR ALIGNMENT BUT NOW 5% TO 10% LOSS MPG AND GREATER TIRE WEAR. I STILL DO NOT TRUST THE VEHICLE. JUST A TERRIBLE RIDE. EVEN ON DRY ROADS, I THOUGHT IT WAS THE WIND; BUT NO WIND; JUST DANGEROUS AND UNACCEPTABLE ENGINEERING BETWEEN STEERING-DRIVETRAIN-WHEELS-VEHICLE SYSTEMS. I HAVE PAID OVER $700 ON THIS PROBLEM PLUS LOSS OF MPG. LOOKING TO TRADE IN BUT I AM NOT COMFORTABLE PASSING ALONG A DEATH TRAP TO SOMEONE ELSE; SO I AM STUCK WITH A $33,000 PIECE OF JUNK.

Mar 12, 2019

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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 THIS PROBLEM IS UNIQUE AND NOT NORMAL FOR ANY CAR. ALSO IT HYDROPLANES EASILY. THE REAR TIRES (ESPECIALLY THE RIGHT REAR TIRE) WEAR UNNATURALLY. I HAVE TO REPLACE TIRES APPROXIMATELY EVERY 18000 MILES. THIS IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND I RARELY HIT THE BRAKES. I DON'T ACCELERATE AGGRESSIVELY AND NEVER SLAM ON THE BRAKES. I USUALLY GET 60000+ MILES FROM MY TIRES. THE FRONT TIRES BY COMPARISON LAST 5-10 TIMES LONGER THAN THE REAR TIRES BASED ON THE AMOUNT OF TREAD WEAR AS COMPARED TO THE REAR TIRES OVER THE SAME AMOUNT OF MILES AS I DO ROTATE THEM REGULARLY. THIS CAR MAKES ME FEEL UNSAFE ON ICE AT ANY SPEED AND IS A LITTLE BIT HAIR RAISING JUST ON WET PAVEMENT. WHY IT WOULD SHIFT TO THE LEFT ON THE SMALLEST OF BUMPS AND EVEN ON DRY PAVEMENT (WORSE ON WET PAVEMENT) IS BEYOND ME. RECENTLY THE CONTROL ARMS AND TIE RODS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 102K MILES. AFTER THAT REPAIR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND AIR SENSORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS CAR SEEMS LIKE A LEMON TO ME. I BOUGHT THIS NEW CAR FIGURING I WOULDN'T HAVE ISSUES I'VE HAD WITH USED CARS. I ENTERED A DATE OF 2016 WHEN THIS HAPPENED SINCE IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR ALTHOUGH IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I'M ON ICE.

Jan 17, 2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

2016 SUBARU FORESTER XT WITH 57000 MILES. THE CEL CAME ON DURING A 5 MINUTE DRIVE AND STARTED TO STALL. AFTER STOPPING AND STARTING THE CAR, THE ENGINE CONTINUOUSLY SPUTTERED. CEL CAME ON, STABILITY CONTROL DISABLED, TRACTION CONTROL DISABLED, CRUISE CONTROL DISABLED. TO KEEP THE CAR FROM DYING, DRIVER HAD TO REV ENGINE. DRIVER TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE (STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS). CEL WAS RESET AFTER DEALERSHIP CHANGED THE O2 SENSOR. CAR RAN FINE FOR 50 MILES. CEL CAME ON, STABILITY CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL AND CRUISE CONTROL WERE ALL DISABLED. CAR WOULD SKID ON WET SURFACES. CAR WOULD STALL. CAR WOULD LAG ON THE THROTTLE RESPONSE AND THEN ACCELERATE AT A VERY HIGH-RATE, RESULTING IN NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS. RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP. BRAKE-LIGHT SENSOR WAS REPLACED FIRST AND CEL RESET. ISSUE APPEARED IMMEDIATELY AFTERWORDS AND ALL FUEL INJECTORS HAD TO REPLACED. DROVE CAR FROM DEALERSHIP AND 1 DAY LATER, SAME PROBLEM APPEARED. DEALERSHIP REPLACED EGR VALVE. DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. AS OF AUGUST 20, 2018, THE CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE AND WITH THE DEALERSHIP UNDERGOING DIAGNOSTICS. ALL INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DRIVING ON BOTH A HIGHWAY, CITY STREET, AND MAKING TURNS. THE FAULT HAS NOT BEEN SUCCESSFULLY IDENTIFIED BUT ALL ATTEMPTS AT RESOLUTION HAVE BEEN ON THE FUEL, THROTTLE, AND EXHAUST SYSTEMS.

Oct 01, 2018

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

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 UP TO ABOUT 5500 RPMS, BECAUSE THE CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON. WE WOULD PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE AND THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS. THREE OF THE FIVE TIMES, THE CAR WOULD START AFTER SITTING FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. THE THIRD TIME THE BATTERY DIED AFTER TRYING TO START IT A FEW TIMES WHILE IT WAS COLD OUT. THE FIFTH TIME THE CAR LEFT US STRANDED ON THE INTERSTATE FOR TWO HOURS WHILE WE WAITED FOR A TOW TRUCK. WE HAVE NOTIFIED SUBARU EVERY TIME THAT THE CAR WOULD DO THIS. ON THE THIRD TIME IT HAPPENED, SUBARU HAD US REMOVE THE REMOTE STARTER WE HAD PURCHASED AND INSTALLED AT BEST BUY. AFTER HAVING BEST BUY REMOVE THE REMOTE STARTED, I INSTALLED A DASHCAM BEHIND THE DRIVER TO RECORD THE DRIVER, DASHBOARD AND THE SHIFTER BECAUSE SUBARU COULD NOT FIND ANY EVIDENCE OF THIS ISSUE HAPPENING. THE FOURTH AND FIFTH TIME HAPPENED WHILE WE WERE ON A FAMILY VACATION OUT OF STATE. THE CAR WAS LEFT AT A DEALERSHIP OUT OF STATE AND FOUR WEEKS AFTER THE INCIDENT THEY DETERMINED IT WAS A FAULTY FUEL PUMP. I WAS TOLD ON THE PHONE THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO TEST IF THE FUEL PUMP THEY REMOVED WAS IN FACT FAULTY. SUBARU TOLD ME THEY HAD A TECHNICIAN DRIVE IT FOR 500 MILES AND THEY DIDN'T EXPERIENCE THE SAME ISSUE. INCIDENTS WERE AT THE FOLLOWING MILEAGES - DATES: 31190 - MAY 27TH, 2017 34383 - AUGUST 27TH, 2017 APPROXIMATELY 42300 - FEBRUARY 2ND, 2018 51778 - AUGUST 9TH, 2018 52129 - AUGUST 14TH, 2018

Sep 13, 2018

TIRES,WHEELS

1 complaint

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 CAN BE USED ON CROSSOVER AND SUV BUT TALKED WITH SEVERAL TIRE SHOPS THAT ALL RECOMMEND USING SUV SPECIFIC TIRES AS THEY SEE THE SAME ISSUE OVER AND OVER WITH CERTAIN MULTI CATEGORY TIRES LIKE THIS WHERE BECAUSE OF RIDE HEIGHT, VEHICLE WEIGHT AND CENTER OF GRAVITY WHEN ROUNDING CORNERS THESE TIRES GET WORN DOWN REALLY QUICKLY BECAUSE OF IT BEING MORE PASSENGER VEHICLE CENTRIC BECAUSE THE EDGES ARE MORE ROUNDED WHERE AS SUV SPECIFIC TIRES HAVE MORE OF A FLAT BOTTOM AND SQUARE EDGES SO THEY DON'T SLIP. I ALSO BELIEVE THIS IS WHY A LOT OF COMPLAINTS TALK ABOUT POOR PERFORMANCE IN WET WEATHER AS THE SLIP IN CORNERS. THESE ARE STANDARD ON FORESTER AND YOKOHAMA WON'T COVER OEM TIRES AT ALL. I BELIEVE THIS NEEDS INVESTIGATED ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY JUST STARTED SELLING THEIR NEW ASCENT 3 ROW SUV NOT SURE IF IT HAS SAME TIRES. IF YOU WISH TO CONTACT ME MY EMAIL IS [XXX] I WOULD BE WILLING TO HELP RESEARCH AND SEND PROOF FROM USER REVIEWS AND TIRE DEALERS PLUS CAN TAKE PHOTOS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Aug 08, 2018

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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 DYNAMIC CRUISE CONTROL, CRASH AVOIDANCE, AND LANE MONITORING SYSTEM. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO OUR SUBARU DEALER/MAINTENANCE TEAM BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DISCOVER THE SOURCE OF THE ISSUE.

May 29, 2018

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

FRONT END TOTAL COLLISION TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30MPH ON A RESIDENTIAL SECTION OF A MAIN STREET. HIT, AND BROKE, A TELEPHONE POLE. CAR DEEMED TOTALED. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.

Jun 02, 2017

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Apr 27, 2017

Crash: 1

TIRES

1 complaint

2016 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXCESSIVE WEAR ON VEHICLE TIRES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE OUTER EDGES OF THE VEHICLE'S TIRES WERE EXCESSIVELY WORN. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE WORN OUT IN LESS THAN 20,000 MILES. *JS

Apr 18, 2017

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

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 SHOOT UP AND IT FEELS LIKE MY CAR FALLS OUT OF GEAR. THE CAR ESSENTIALLY SHUTS DOWN AND FAILS TO ACCELERATE AND SLOWS DOWN QUICKLY, WHILE TOTALLY UNRESPONSIVE. WE HAVE TO QUICKLY PULL OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID BEING HIT. SEVERAL LIGHTS SHOW ON THE DASH (HAVE PHOTO) AND THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATION. WE HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF COMPLETELY AND TURN IT BACK ON - NO RESPONSE TO ACCELERATION OR ANYTHING. IT DID NOT RESPOND UNTIL THE 2ND TIME TURNING IT OFF AND BACK ON. UPON BRINGING TO DEALERSHIP, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO PULL ANY CODES OR DUPLICATE THE ERROR (EITHER TIME). THEY ALSO HAD A SUBARU FIELD ENGINEER LOOK AT IT AND FOUND NOTHING. I AM CONTINUOUSLY SENT AWAY WITHOUT A SOLUTION OTHER THAN TO "CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE" IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, WHICH PUTS MYSELF AND OTHERS IN SERIOUS DANGER. THE MOST RECENT TIME THEY PUT 300 MILES ON IT AND FOUND THAT IT "FELL OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL", BUT AREN'T OFFERING TO FIX IT AND DIDN'T ACTUALLY DUPLICATE THE SAME ERROR AS I HAD. I'M AFRAID I'M GOING TO GET INTO A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT AND HURT MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE THE NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS. IT FEELS LIKE SUBARU (OR DEALER) ISN'T OWNING UP TO THIS PROBLEM OR POSSIBLY TRYING TO COVER IT UP TO KEEP THEIR GOOD SAFETY RATINGS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME THAT I'M "THE ONLY PERSON IN THE WHOLE UNITED STATES REPORTING THIS ISSUE", WHICH I FIND VERY DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE.

Feb 27, 2017

STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

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 INTERSTATE ON CHRISTMAS DAY. EVEN AT VERY LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING IS UNRESPONSIVE TO THE FORCE THAT FEELS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE REAR END. THE MAXIMUM SPEED AT WHICH WE COULD KEEP THE VEHICLE SOMEWHAT UNDER CONTROL WAS AROUND 25-30 MPH WHICH CAUSED US TO BE ANOTHER TYPE HAZARD ON THE INTERSTATE. DURING CITY DRIVING, THIS VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN SINGLE LANE PRESENCE IN MILD TO MODERATE WINTER CONDITIONS. TIRE PRESSURE WAS EQUAL ON ALL 4 WHEELS. VEHICLE WAS WITHIN ALIGNMENT SPECS. THE DEALER HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THERE IS A PROBLEM (4 OTHER CARS IN THE SAME DEALERSHIP WITH THE SAME ISSUE) AND STATES THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO MAKE A DIAGNOSIS. THEY HAVE HAD MY CAR IN THEIR POSSESSION FOR 3 WEEKS AS IT IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. THE SUBARU CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVE HAS SUGGESTED THAT WE "TRY" SEVERAL PROPOSED SOLUTIONS (TO A PROBLEM WHICH THEY CANNOT IDENTIFY) AND CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE IF THE PROBLEM IS FIXED. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. IT IS EXTREMELY IRRESPONSIBLE FOR SUBARU TO INSIST THAT MY FAMILY AND I BE USED AS AN EXPERIMENT IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIGURE OUT WHY THEIR PRODUCT PUT ME AND MY FAMILY IN GRAVE DANGER. *TR

Jan 17, 2017

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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 ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LATER RECURRENCES PRODUCED THE SAME PROBLEM DURING RIGHT TURNS ALSO. WE RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND PURCHASED A 2017 OF THE SAME MODEL HOPING THIS PROBLEM WILL BE SOLVED.

Dec 08, 2016

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

"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 CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE.

Oct 24, 2016

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

WE GOT OUR 2016 SUBARU FORESTER PREMIUM 2.5I FROM BAY RIDGE DEALER IN BROOKLYN ON JUNE 7,2016.

Sep 03, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

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 IMMEDIATELY RE-START. THIS HAS OCCURRED SIX TIMES SINCE NEW; DEALER HAS NOT FIXED PROBLEM, BUT HAS SEEN VIDEO OF THE CAR STALLING IN TRAFFIC THAT MY WIFE TOOK WHILE I WAS DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS IN GEAR, MOVING AT LOW TO MODERATE SPEED EACH TIME, WITH AC OPERATING AND NO OTHER ACCESSORIES OR UNUSUAL SITUATIONS.

Jul 21, 2016

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

IN A CLOSED PARKING LOT, I WAS GETTING READY TO PARK IN A SPACE. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, I CUT THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND THEN EASED MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO MANEUVER INTO THE PARKING SPOT. I PUSHED THE BRAKE AGAIN IN PREPARATION TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEELS AND FINISH PARKING, NO SPEED REGISTERING ON THE GAUGE. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND JUMPED. I LIFTED MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, AND SLAMMED IT BACK DOWN ON THE BRAKE ATTEMPTING TO HALT THE VEHICLE. INSTEAD, WITH MY FOOT STILL FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AGAIN, AND FASTER, RIGHT INTO A WALL. I HAD BEEN UNABLE TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEELS, SO THE IMPACT WAS NOT HEAD-ON, BUT RATHER CONTINUING THE RIGHT-TURN'S ANGLE, AND IMPACT OCCURRED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, FRONT-END. 2 AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH A SLIGHT DELAY, CAUSING SEVERE BRUISING TO MY LEGS WHICH AFFECT MY WALKING, AND MUSCLE TEARS CAUSING SEVERE NECK AND SPINE PAIN. THOUGH I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT DURING THE COLLISION, IT RETRACTED WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR, AND WE WERE UNABLE TO DISLODGE IT WHEN WE HAD TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FOR TOWING. TO REITERATE, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE AT MINIMAL SPEED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY PRESSING THE BRAKE.

Jan 30, 2016

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. THE DRIVER STOPPED TO MAKE A U-TURN THEN SLOWLY STARTED TO TAKE HER FOOT OFF THE BRAKE WHILE MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO THE RIGHT (OPPOSITE DIRECTION). THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED ONLY AFTER COLLIDING INTO A STREET POLE.

Dec 14, 2015

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

2016 SUBARU Forester Problems & Complaints

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