2016 Subaru Forester parts and specs

What changed for the 2016 Subaru Forester

• 2016New touchscreen-based infotainment interface across the lineup, with a standard 6.2-in touchscreen on the base 2.5i trim

Known problems with the 2016 Subaru Forester

4 of the 6 issues we track for the 2014–2018 generation are documented against the 2016 model year, and 2 carry a recall or service bulletin.

• Turbo oil starvation from a restricted oil-feed banjo bolt (2.0XT)

  major

  The FA20DIT's turbocharger oil-feed line uses a banjo bolt with a fine mesh filter screen that can become clogged with sludge or debris, restricting oil flow to the turbo bearings. Left unaddressed, this leads to premature turbo bearing wear or outright turbo failure. It's a widely documented issue in the Forester XT/WRX community; some owners proactively remove the mesh screen or clean it at every oil change.

  Typical cost: $50 (inspect/clean) to $2,500–$4,000 for a turbo replacement if failure occurs

• Front passenger airbag occupant-detection sensor recall

  majorNHTSA 19V701000 (Subaru campaign WUM-98)

  An electrical connection under the front passenger seat cushion, part of the Occupant Detection System (ODS) that decides whether to deploy the passenger airbag, can loosen. If it loosens the passenger airbag may be deactivated even with an adult occupant, or an intermittent airbag warning light appears. Subaru recalled roughly 350,000 affected Foresters; dealers repair the wiring connection free of charge.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

• CVT chain slip, shudder, or failure

  majorTSB 16-95-15; Subaru CVT customer support program (10-yr/100k extension)

  Owners report intermittent shudder, hesitation, RPM flare without a matching speed increase, or outright CVT failure on 2.5i models, most often traced to chain slip (Subaru TSB 16-95-15). Subaru's CVT customer-support program extended coverage to 10 years/100,000 miles on many affected VINs. Check eligibility with Subaru before paying for a CVT repair out of pocket.

  Typical cost: Free if within the 10-yr/100k CVT warranty extension; $3,500–$5,500 for a CVT replacement otherwise

• Starlink infotainment freezes and reboots

  minor

  The touchscreen freezes, reboots, loses Bluetooth pairing, or shows a delayed backup camera image. Software updates fix most cases; persistent freezing can require a head-unit reflash or replacement at the dealer.

  Typical cost: $0 (software update) to $1,500+ (head unit replacement)

Full detail, costs and sources on the Subaru Forester problems and years to avoid guide.