Two problems related to battery dead have been reported for the 2016 Subaru Forester. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2016 Subaru Forester based on all problems reported for the 2016 Forester.
In spite of careful maintenance and use I have had at least 7 instances where the battery had died. In 4 of those instances I was able to jump start the car and continue using it. In 3 instances I was unable to jump start it, so I had to remove and replace the battery 3 times since owning it new in late 2016. I have lost my feeling of confidence in using the car overnight in remote areas, such as when camping or hiking. I brought it to the dealer twice and they have not found any electrical problems to correct, so I think it is a design flaw.
We've had the car from new lease the battery has died at least 4 times. After the 2nd time, we took it to the dealer to be checked. They said battery and charger were fine. It is not fine if the battery can't hold enough power to start car after leaving key on acc for 15 minutes with no lights, no radio, nothing knowingly drawing power. Even when the battery starts the car normally, cranking is slow, almost unable to crank. I have had to rescue my wife, her son-in-law has had to, but what if we aren't available. A car should be generally able to start unless you've left the lights on for hours. The last situation, driven to mcdonald�s, parked and engine off, key was turned to acc to roll down window; nothing else. After 15-20 minutes, car would not start, dead battery. I had to come and jump it.