2016 Subaru Forester Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Forester
5
Air Bags complaints Red flag
Check that no airbag warning lights are on, and ask the seller for proof that any airbag recalls were completed. (99 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 99 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (93 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 93 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (60 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 60 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (51 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 51 NHTSA complaints
Vehicle Speed Control complaints Red flag
Test cruise control on the highway and confirm it engages and disengages cleanly. (37 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 37 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
36 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
3
Exterior Lighting Red flag
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Air Bags Red flag
If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Forester–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Forester. The most serious involve Exterior Lighting (19V149000) and Air Bags (19V701000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Forester?
The top complaint areas are Air Bags (99 complaints) and Electrical System (93 complaints), out of 414 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Forester?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Air Bags, which drew 99 complaints for this model-year.