2016 Subaru Forester Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 93about this part
- Share
- 22%of 416 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,794miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 93 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Subaru Forester, 22% of the 416 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,794 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Intermittent ignition issue will not always release key when auto is turned off. The position of the steering wheel seems to affect it.does not allow rotation to the release key position.sometimes I have to turn auto back on, back out, and pull in with wheels and steering wheel in perfect straight alignment, which seems to allow me to turn key to release key position.”
NHTSA complaint #11229533, filed 2019-07, 39,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11129391, filed 2018-09, 12,000 miles“The key will not come out of the ignition when the car is stopped and in park, intermittently. I need to restart the car, readjust the shifter out and then back into park, until the vehicle senses that I am actually in park and allows me to remove the key.”
NHTSA complaint #11307806, filed 2020-02, 50,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11048323, filed 2017-11, 30,000 miles“My car was parked in my garage and had not been started for one day. The battery would not start the car, I had to call for a jump. I waited approximately one hour for someone to come through Subaru road side assist. The battery was relatively new, as the original was replaced 1/2019. We took it to the dealer and they tested the battery and alternator, which were fine. They recharged the battery. I paid for the battery inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #11282979, filed 2019-11, 43,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the…
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11034242Jun 2, 2026This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the…
- 11033063May 13, 2026This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
- 11030560Mar 26, 2026This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 25% |
| 2025 | 9 | 9% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 34 | 16% |
| 2020 | 103 | 17% |
| 2019 | 134 | 16% |
| 2018 | 71 | 14% |
| 2017 | 106 | 18% |
| 2016 | 93 | 22% |
| 2015 | 82 | 13% |
| 2014 | 42 | 10% |
| 2013 | 3 | 4% |
| 2012 | 10 | 9% |
| 2011 | 11 | 7% |
| 2010 | 13 | 5% |
| 2009 | 22 | 12% |
| 2008 | 5 | 10% |
| 2007 | 5 | 7% |
| 2006 | 7 | 8% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
| 1998 | 6 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2016 Subaru Forester
100 complaintsOther or unknown
70 complaintsEngine
60 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
51 complaintsVehicle speed control
37 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsSeats
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsWheels
17 complaintsSuspension
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology