general problems of the 2016 Subaru Forester - part 1

I had my foot on the brake, opened the garage door with my garage door opener, and before I took my foot off the brake the car surged, jumped, and smashed into the brick wall next to the garage. I did not put my foot on the gas.

The horn on my Subaru doesn’t work a mechanic told me it happens a lot to Subarus the clock spring broke now nothing works in the steering wheel and I feel this should be a recall since this is happening to many other Subaru it has not been inspected and no lights came on to warn me I have seen it’s been a recall in the past to other years of Subaru so I feel mine should be included.

For a couple years I have been battling with the ignition and my key getting stuck. We have tried switching to the second key we received when we bought the car but that hasn't made a difference. It has gotten worse and I have been stuck a many times in parking lots, unable to remove my key so I can't leave my car safely. I have been late for appointments because of this problem. We did contact the local Subaru dealer today and was told this could be a $700. 00+ repair but after seeing there were 17 complaints on the NHTSA site alone, it appears Subaru needs to do a fix/recall to address this faulty ignition system.

The airbag sensor (ods) malfunctions for front passenger seat. The "airbag off" warning lights up when the seat is occupied. This was fixed by dealer back in 2020 under recall wum-98/NHTSA id 19v-701000. However, this problem recurred intermittently about five months ago. I called capitol Subaru in san jose, CA and spoke with service advisor, dan padilla, who informed me that the recurrence of this safety issue would no longer be covered under this recall. He offered to schedule an appointment for a diagnosis, but I declined since it would cost $300. I also spoke with jorge, case specialist, from Subaru of America who reiterated that the aforementioned recall only covers a one-time repair and cannot be reopened. It is my understanding that safety recalls do not expire and that "federal law often mandates the manufacturer to provide free repairs for safety recalls on vehicles up to 15 yrs old. " how can NHTSA help in resolving this car safety issue with Subaru? the ods system is unreliable and poses a risk to my passengers.

I own a 2016 Subaru Forester. Approximately eight months ago, I began noticing some concerning issues with the vehicle. When applying the brakes from higher speeds, the car experiences significant shaking. Additionally, when coming to a stop, the vehicle shifts down hard, causing a jarring lunge forward. This abrupt transition is quite noticeable and uncomfortable. Moreover, when accelerating from a complete stop, the car tends to lunge forward and exhibits a stuttering sensation accompanied by jerking. These issues have raised concerns about the vehicle's performance and safety.

I was backing up and the way that the sun came through the passenger window, I was unable to see people walking behind my car using the back up camera because of the squiggle lines throughout the screen. When the sun hits the screen, you cannot see anything. Whether it is changing the radio station, or backing up. Had I had only relied on the backup camera ( which most people do) I would’ve hit the pedestrians. I notice in newer models, the issue is not there as the screen is different. This is extremely dangerous. I’m grateful no one was hurt but the radio screen needs replaced. This needs to be a safety recall.

My tire pressure warning light came on even though all tire pressures were correct. My key fobs also stopped working to lock/unlock the car at the same time. There are hundreds of posts online in Subaru forums, people experiencing the same issues. The tpms/keyless entry module fails because moisture get into the area it is mounted due to poor design. I had to spend $800. 00 parts and labor to get this fixed. Subaru should assume responsibility for this issue. They changed the location of the tpms module in later models, but those of us with older cars shouldn't have to pay such an expense. The tire pressure monitoring system was deemed necessary by NHTSA. Subaru should have to ensure is it free from defect and initiate a recall.

On 8/13/23 one of the lift gate struts on my 2016 Forester sheared off at the bolt while I was loading groceries into the back. It crashed onto my shoulder with no warning, no sound, and very quickly. I was unable to reach up to stop it in time and was standing under the gate. While I did not require medical attention it did cause a bruise and muscle soreness for a few days. I should still have the lift gate strut that broke unless the dealer took it from my car. I have photos either way. This situation could be extremely dangerous for a couple reasons, one because it sheared off at all, and also because the other lift gate strut does not support the weight of the gate by itself, and it was 11 days before I could get the broken one replaced. It could have hit me in the head, broken a bone, landed on a child or pet, etc, either when it sheared off initially, or when the gate crashed down onto me or another person during the time I was waiting to get the repair. You also cannot close the gate without removing the broken lift gate strut which is dangerous by itself. I am aware that there is an extended warranty, but Subaru told me it only applies if the lift gate strut breaks or doesn't work, so I could not get them replaced prior to this under the warranty. I feel this should be a recall, not a warranty extension, because if consumers have to wait until the lift gate strut fails, then it's more likely to cause serious injury. On a Forester owner's forum online I looked for similar issues and immediately found a couple other people to whom this happened. I did not look much farther than that, I just wanted to know if it was only me, and it wasn't. So the dealer did replace the one that broke, under the warranty, but they said the non-broken one was not covered. That means I have to either pay them excess money to replace it (vs. Going to my own mechanic, paying less but thereby voiding the warranty) or wait until the second one fails. This needs to be a recall.

Steering rattle sound / steering wheel vibration this is a potential safety issue especially when driving free way at 60 or 65k mph. I would like to request if the lower control arm bushing can be part of a recall for Subaru Forester. Please see attached service bulletin.

While stopped at a “stop” sign, the Subaru Forester unintentionally accelerated into a tree although the brake pedals were repeatedly utilized; it was totaled.

The potential safety issue is with my 2016 Subaru Forester. I'm aware of a recall on the 2017 & 2018's for the a/c condenser assembly. My vehicle has the same issue. The passenger side output is cold, as it should be. The drivers side output is hot air. I've also been made aware that the 2015 Forester's with a sunroof & navigation (which my vehicle also has) had a recall for a wiring harness in the a/c system which apparently could lead to a fire. Knowing that there have been recalls for the Foresters made the year prior to, and for the 2 years after my own. . . . . And experiencing the exact same issue, has me greatly concerned. I would be curious to know if there is any chance they are preparing to recall the 2016's for the a/c condenser. And if not, how can my concern be added to other 2016 Forester owners complaints for the same problem, so it can be brought to the attention of those who are in charge of issuing recalls. Thank you, rebecca clark.

I purchased on March 18, 2023 at hgreg west palm beach dealership. The salesperson did not disclosure the previous car incident information, I found it later that car has 2 car incidents. After purchasing a car on April 30, after I parked my car, its started unprovoked alarms. I have no control over my car for about 15 min. I knew that my car has an anti theft device so I contacted magnishield and road vantage- the companies affiliated with hgreg dealership where I purchased my car. I spoke with the magnishiled representative- edter but they refuse to explain what is the service installed in this car and refuse to cancel this service by my request. During this time, I have been contacting dealership almost every week trying to get any clear explanation but they refused to give me any information or cancel the warranty contract. The fact that the car had several severe safety issues. On April 3, 2023 I was driving my kids from school and my car started to burn on the road. Heavy smog and explosions started coming from under the hood - inside the car. I had to do an emergency stop on the side of the road, quickly grab my two boys and run away from the car. I called 911. The police came and they called the fire station. Police officer made a police report, I have a case number. Same day my car was taken to the midas. Midas specialist explained to me that this car was under the risk of fire to drive and can start burning at any time. The air conditioner exploded because it was under very high pressure. The mechanic found another safety issue - suspension was not attached properly and it was very loose. It might have caused a loss of control over the car, while driving, ultimately resulting in a severe accident also, less than a week before, on March 28, 2023 I had to do another major service at midas for the same car. This was just 10 days after the purchase. I changed oil, all filters and did wheel alignment, because they were heavily misaligned.

The driver seat lumbar suddenly broke while driving, which caused a sudden unplanned shit of my driving position. There was also a loud hardware breaking or snapping apart, which caused a certain degree of panic and distraction while driving. I fixed the broken lumbar seat approximately less than two years ago and now the incident I mentioned previously, has happened again. I paid for the first repairs through an extended warranty I bought, I explained this to Subaru corporate customer service, and they refuse to take responsibility for the inferior nature of the lumbar system and thus refuse to cover the cost of fixing it.

The accident with my 2016 Subaru Forester happened on 07-07-2022. It happened in daylight on our farm. I was the only person in the car and was wearing my seatbelt. I had slowly pulled into a parking spot, had my foot on the brake and had essentially stopped at the 6x6 piece of lumber that was marking the spot. As I was stopping the car accelerated out of control and sped down a very narrow path on a hill diagonally to the right of the parking spot. I struggled to control the car as I sped down the hill toward the gravel driveway. I was able to avoid hitting a large spruce tree and avoid turning over in the deep ditch on the hill. I was going so fast, I ran over a sapling and ran into a large apple tree, tipping it over, damaging my right front passenger side, pushing the wheel back into the wheel well. My brakes were not responding. When I reached the gravel driveway at the bottom of the hill, I lifted my foot slightly and stomped on the brake, skidding to a stop just before going down another steep hill which leads to a creek. I was parallel to a road/driveway which often has many cars driving on it that time of the day. It is also used as a walking path. Luckily I did not hit anyone. I was able to barely turn the wheel and move the car out of the road/driveway. Since it was on our farm there was no police report necessary. I hurt my ribs, shoulder, back and neck. The accident had potential for injuring me much more severely if I had rolled over, hit a tree head on or been unable to stop, continuing down another hill toward a creek. I could have hit another car or people walking on the road no warning lights, it surged slightly when slowing to turn a corner the day before. Unknown component failed the car is presently at masters auto body in charlottesville va. They are completing the repairs and will take it to the Subaru dealer in staunton, va to have them check for the cause of the unintended acceleration.

I arrived at work. I was placing my car in park with foot on the brake. The car took off and the brakes took time to stop the car. I tried to stop the car as we hit a fence and was headed through it it and into a pond. Pumping the brakes throwing car in reverse stopped us from ending up in the pond. Major car damage incurred. Thank goodness noone was seriously hurt. The car just accelerated with my foot on the brake and with me attemtping to put it in park.

When I stop the vehicle and put in park, I cannot not turn car off or pull out key. I put car back in drive and drive a few feet forward or back. After putting in park again, I can then turn car off and pull key out. It is now happening more frequently, like every time I drive it. Also sometimes have trouble turning the key to start the car. Have had problems periodically for several years. Now its getting to be a regular problem. Very dangerous when you cannot turn the car off. And it will probably get worse with snowy weather. A safety issue. I see there is a NHTSA safety bulletin #10155220 that lists this problem. It looks like an existing problem with Subarus. Not sure why there is no recall?.

At least a couple of times a week, the key gets stuck in the ignition. I can turn the car off, but I can't remove the key. If I start the car back up and shift it into drive, and then slam it back into park, after several tries, I can remove the key. I searched the Subaru forum and found this is a long-existing issue for all Subaru models with the key ignition. All with the stuck key issue here is the TSB 16-112-18r info https://static. Nhtsa. Gov/odi/tsbs/2018/mc-10153178-9999. Pdf and the p/n for the select lever (shifter) mechanism 3511al00c.

I was into hour 6 of a 7 hour drive. I had 2 bars left on the gas meter. I was on the highway driving about 70 mph on a major interstate. Suddenly the car acted like it shifted into neutral (though I did not) and could not accelerate and all the lights on the dashboard lit up. Luckily I was in the left lane and could get to the side quickly, but the car essentially suddenly quit without any warning. If I were in the middle lane I fear I could have been in a terrible accident since I was decelerating quickly and have no idea if my brake lights or anything was working properly while this happened. No engine lights on the dash came on prior and the car was running just fine the entire trip up until that moment. After I pulled over I opened the hood and nothing seemed overtly wrong. I tried to start up car at least 3 times and when I did it acted like it was trying to do something and lights flashed on dashboard as it was trying to turn over, but I could not get it started again. Had it towed to a Subaru dealership and they are telling me it started right up after sitting overnight there and they can't find anything wrong when they run diagnostics. I don't feel comfortable driving the vehicle again knowing this happened and could happen again without warning. It could have been in a terrible accident involving myself (and my kids) and other people on the highway.

Key often will not rotate to the lock position so the key may be removed after vehicle iis stopped. The transmission is set for park and the parking brake is also set at the time. This happens regularly now and has been for over a month. At times, I've been successful when rotating the key to start and turn off the engine several times, but results are not consistant.

I was preparing to park my car ,in the parking lot of the giant parking lot my foot was on the brake and the car was almost at a complete stop when the car suddenly accelerated . Upon acceleration, the car hit the steel construction unit that is built to store the customer shopping carts and dragged this forward before crashing into the side of a vehicle that was in the next aisle.

The key is getting stuck in the ignition after parking. This issue is happening several times.

On November 7, 2020 around 630pm, I was driving on city street going NW on sunset in fair oaks, CA in a far right lane. I was driving about 35 to 40 mph with one other cars infront or besides me. Certainly while I was driving, I heard a loud boom. Immediately after the loud boom, I could not see and realized my steering wheel airbag deployed. Then I looked to my right I saw a deer limping. So I immediately knew I just hit a deer from my front left corner bumper after I pulled over to the side street. After I pulled over to the side street I notice all airbags in the car deployed including the seats, dashboard, roof and side airbags. I took my car to get estimate for the repair. I was told that base on the damage of the vehicle hit by the deer, there is no way that the entire airbags in the car shouldn't be deployed. So I comaint to Subaru. It is still under investigation. I believe hitting the deer should have not made the airbags to deployed especially the entire airbags system. The estimate came out to be over $15000 to fix. More than the value of the car.

This car will suddenly lose power when underway without any warning or predictability. Extremely dangerous if entering traffic or even when moving on congested roads. No ability to accelerate at all, the car just dies without warning. The problem is intermittent and has happened months and even years apart. All attempts by the Subaru service team have failed to replicate the problem and fixing guesses at to what might be wrong have failed. I am the second owner and have come to find that the first owner returned this as a lemon for the same problem. Now Subaru of America is refusing to acknowledge there is a problem and won't agree to take the car back and get it off the road permanently before someone dies or gets killed as a result of this issue. Since it is intermittent and the service people can't replicate the problem it must not exist and yet three drivers in my family have experienced it and a prior owner (I have no idea who this is) returned the car with the same independent experience. Do not buy this car under any circumstance. I am sure when this car was first returned as a lemon they couldn't isolate the problem since they couldn't recreate it. I suspect that they fixed what they 'thought' was the problem. Because the problem is intermittent a test drive of even a thousand miles might not reveal the problem. They put it back out there as fixed and like new. Now that the same problem has recurred it is unconscionable to not take this car back as a two time lemon and destroy it before a major accident occurs.

I took my 2016 Subaru Forester in for service and mentioned a sticky ignition. I was told the shifter plate assembly needed to be replaced at a repair of $600. 00. The car has 45,000 miles. I questioned the service department about how often this happens with it being a relatively low miles car and he stated that he is repairing 3 others in the dealership just today. I also read that Subaru replaced the assembly due to problems with their last iteration. I am concerned there is another issue with this assembly and it needs to be recalled.

Ignition key gets stuck and cannot be removed from car after driving and the car is turned off.

My Forester had an issue where I could not get the key out of the ignition once I was stopped and in park. I had to repeatedly turn the car on and off and move the shifter back into and out of gear to get the key out. I had my car repaired at the dealership at a cost of $419. I first heard about an issue like this while waiting in the dealership lobby listening to another forster owner who had this issue. Since then our friend and our daughter have also had this issue with their Subaru crosstreks. Therefore, since this seems to be a systemic problem, is it possible to have them issue a recall for this defect?.

2016 Subaru Forester. Key gets stuck in ignition. Can not be removed. All electrical power still on. This happened after I pulled my SUV into a parking spot. Place in park. Turned off and key was stuck in ignition. This is the 5th time in 2 weeks this has happened.

Key does not release from the ignition when car is stopped, transmission is in park and foot brake is applied.

Vehicle was traveling on highway around 70 mph. Lost power to wheels/vehicle stalled with no warning. Engine revved to high rpm's when I hit gas, as I coasted into the grassy median. I turned off engine, waited for a few minutes. Tried to start again, starter would crank, but engine would not start. Towed vehicle to dealer they were able to start car next day. No error codes in computer. Have noticed this issue on the Subaru message boards, dealership unable to diagnose issue now. Very serious problem, could have been a fatal accident on highway.

Key gets stuck in ignition or aux position and would not come over after shifting the lever to park position.

Key is stuck in ignition after I come to a stop and put car in park and firmly apply emergency brake. I can sometimes start the car again, put it in park and pull the brake and the key will come out. This is not an acceptable solution.

The key ocasionally gets stuck in the ignition so that you can't leave and lock the car. It happened several times over a month before I paid to have it fixed.

The eyesight has turned off several times recently and won't turn back on until I stop and restart car. I have had the car for 3. 5 years and this has never happened before. There was no sunlight and very light mist this last time. There was nothing blocking the eyesight camera at all. This is not the safety feature that I paid extra for.

When I place the vehicle in park I cant remove my key without turning it on and back off a couple times. This has been going on for a month now since if owned it.

Key stuck in ignition when car is in park.