2016 Subaru Forester
2016 model shown · Photo: Clock38030, CC BY 4.0

Compact SUVs · SJ generation

2016 Subaru Forester: reliability, problems and cost to own

Good choice About average

It scores 53 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact and small SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $12,190 to own, including $2,313 in repairs.

Reliability

53/100

About average

Repairs, 5 years

$2,313

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$7,556

27 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$12,578

$11,069 – $14,088, estimate

Recalls

3

on record

Owner complaints

416

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$1,067
Transmission & drivetrain$562
Electrical system$198
Driver-assist & stability$149
Body, glass & interior$89
Steering$73

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

These links go to independent sites. We don't earn anything from them.

Other years of the Subaru Forester

Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (92/100) and the 2019 worst (24/100).

YearReliability
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202492/100
202385/100
202286/100
202158/100
202028/100
201924/100
201867/100
201751/100
201653/100
201531/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester a year to avoid?

Not especially. It scores 53 out of 100, about average for compact and small SUVs; the 2022, 2023 and 2024 scored better.

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester reliable?

It scores 53 out of 100 against other compact and small SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is about average. Based on 416 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $2,313 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2016 Subaru Forester cost to own?

About $12,190 over 5 years: $2,321 in lost value, $2,313 in repairs and $7,556 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $12,578 today.

What are the best years of the Subaru Forester?

Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (92/100) and the 2019 worst (24/100).

How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Forester have?

3 recalls on record with NHTSA.