2016 Subaru Forester Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 3%of 416 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the suspension of the 2016 Subaru Forester, 3% of the 416 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11266559, filed 2019-10, 42,660 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11291954, filed 2019-12, 43,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11318332, filed 2020-03, 37,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11323214, filed 2020-05, 38,000 miles“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”
NHTSA complaint #11252753, filed 2019-09, 13,888 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11016210Mar 24, 2025Due to incomplete repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the…
- 11008259Sep 4, 2024This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
- 11005593Jul 8, 2024This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
- 10225740Oct 3, 2022This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.
- 10216969Jul 5, 2022This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.
- 10205927Dec 21, 2021This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.
- 10189693Mar 31, 2021This bulletin announces a design change made to the forward bushing used in the front lower control arm to address customer concerns of a rattle-type sound and / or a possible…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 | 15 | 3% |
| 2017 | 13 | 2% |
| 2016 | 14 | 3% |
| 2015 | 66 | 11% |
| 2014 | 94 | 23% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 6 | 3% |
| 2008 | 11 | 22% |
| 2007 | 12 | 16% |
| 2006 | 12 | 14% |
| 2005 | 21 | 23% |
| 2004 | 25 | 11% |
| 2003 | 22 | 12% |
| 2002 | 9 | 10% |
| 2001 | 15 | 11% |
| 2000 | 19 | 25% |
| 1999 | 25 | 19% |
| 1998 | 17 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2016 Subaru Forester
100 complaintsElectrical system
93 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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