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RECALLROADTHE CAMPAIGN RECORD

MODEL-YEAR RECALL REPORT

2016 Subaru Forester recalls

NHTSA's September 21, 2026 snapshot lists 3 safety recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Forester, spanning 3 component groups. A model match does not confirm that a specific VIN is included.

Official source: NHTSA recall campaign file · Snapshot September 21, 2026

Distinct campaigns3not VIN-specific
Component groups3distinct top-level categories
Latest recordOctober 3, 2019report received
VIN resultNot checkeduse official lookup

01 / OFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS

2016 Subaru Forester recall campaigns

The 2016 Subaru Forester report contains 3 distinct NHTSA campaigns; the most recently received record is campaign 19V701000 dated October 3, 2019.
CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 19V701000

Component
AIR BAGS
Report received
October 3, 2019
Potential units
366,282campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.

Why it matters: If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.

Owner notification: February 11, 2020 · Filing manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Report received
February 28, 2019
Potential units
1,303,530campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Why it matters: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

Owner notification: April 15, 2019 · Filing manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 16V162000

Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Report received
March 21, 2016
Potential units
18,187campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.

Why it matters: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.

Owner notification: April 15, 2016 · Filing manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

02 / COMPONENT BREADTH

What defects are listed for the 2016 Subaru Forester?

The most frequent component groups in 2016 Subaru Forester campaign records are Engine And Engine Cooling (1), Exterior Lighting (1), Air Bags (1); these counts describe filed campaigns rather than observed failure rates.
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Exterior Lighting1
Air Bags1