58 complaints reported

2016 Subaru Forester Air Bags

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
58
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
2

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 70 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The information alerted the contact about an SRS issue. The contact stated that there was an audible ding with the warning light flashing on and off. The contact buckled the passenger’s side seat belt to stop the dinging sound. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that, without a warning light being illuminated, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact had taken a picture of the warning light. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the part was on back order. The dealer confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2025
Jul 2025

Multiple times over the last 4 months the passenger airbag has turned off when there is a passenger occupying the seat and the SRS light turns on. The related code is B1650. This seems to be the same issue as a recall from about 5 years ago that was “fixed” and now has come back. The same code and SRS light sometimes comes on when there is no one in the passenger seat as well. It makes it unsafe to have a passenger in the seat as the airbag is turned off and it is very unpredictable.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2025
May 2025

My 2016 subaru forester has Issue with the passenger side front airbag ODS and the. SRS light go on even if my car had been fixed on 2020 after recall. The airbag has a heavy safety an really important on person. Subaru need. to fix it completely and permanently not temporary.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2025
Apr 2025

Currently getting a reoccurring warning, "SRS airbag system needs to be checked" which disables the front passenger airbag. This means if I have a passenger sit in the front seat of my vehicle, they don't have the protection of an airbag in the event of a car accident. In 2021, I had this exact same issue and the Subaru dealership diagnosed the airbag needing to be replaced. I had to pay for this replacement, but it did fix the issue. Now that it is back, I am now working with Subaru of America with Case #251030-2001271 and they are refusing to acknowledge that this second air bag replacement should be covered by them because my car is over 10 years old and over 100k miles. There is no telling how long this new air bag will last since the one replaced in 2021 is already bad.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2025
Jan 2025

The passenger ods is not working right causing an error state of the airbags which is a safety hazard as they will not deploy in the event of a car accident.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2025
Oct 2024

The recall on the occupant detection system was performed in 2019, but the passenger SRS light still lights up intermittently with no obvious indication of what is causing it. Sometimes the front passenger seat has no one in it, sometimes it appears as soon as someone sits in it, sometimes after it has been occupied for some time, and sometimes I can complete a long trip with the light never appearing. The seat has never been soaked and the diagnostic fee alone is $200. All indications are that only replacing the entire seat at a cost of over $1500 will remedy the situation.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2020
Sep 2024

Passenger Airbag occupancy light stays in off position when seat is occupied. When this occurs the airbag system warning light comes on. Took it to the dealership and they said the problem is the seat sensor, which they say is not covered by the earlier wiring harness for the sensor recall. Cost of part is 1,200 and with labor is 2,000. Part is on back order minimum 3 months. Dealer indicated they had three other people waiting for the same part. So basically I can't have anyone in the front passenger seat. Subaru forums are filled with similar stories. How is this not a recall?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2024
Mar 2024

ODS failure on passenger side impacting air bag. Cost to repair is prohibitive, $1922.97. Complete seat needs to be replaced. There was never any damage to the seat.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2024
Nov 2023

My horn stopped working. When I press the lock button three times the horn still sounds the problem is the clockspring on the steering wheel it is broken and this is a safety issue. It controls multiple things on the steering wheel including the Airbag. One evening on my way home a car was trying to enter my lane I tried to sound a warning and my horn didn't work, to avoid being hit I had to move over to on coming traffic lane which was thankfully empty. Subaru should be fixing the the issue. I have since found out the original part has been updated but that update has not been passed on to the consumer unless they need to replace the part. And the replacement cost is the consumers responsibility.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2023
Oct 2023

Occupant Detection Sensor Mat faulty. Intermittent ODS warning while passenger is seated. DTS B1760 and B1650. Seat has never experienced water damage, but shows staining due to age (7 years at this point). This is an obvious safety concern while driving with my loved ones.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jul 2023

While driving, the passenger airbag system would initiate an alert that it needed service, at which time the passenger airbag would turn off with somebody sitting in the seat. My, and my passengers', safety was at risk by the airbag turning off with a full-grown adult sitting in the seat. A Subaru dealership confirmed the alerts and reset them. The code they captured was 'occupant detection sensor malfunction'. The alerts persisted, as did the airbag turning off. There is a previous recall related to this issue - the dealership made it clear that they would do nothing beyond the NHTSA required 'solution', which had already been done and did not solve the problem. They said the only way to positively fix it would be to replace the seat, and quoted me $1500 to do so. I contacted Subaru of America multiple times regarding this issue. They agreed to cover the cost of the seat replacement.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: May 2023
Jun 2023

With car engine running and adult sitting in passemger seat, the passenger airbag on-off orange warning light will flicker between "on" and "off".

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2023
Jun 2023

I took my vehicle in for one of the recalls to replace the sensor mat for the passenger airbags. About a year went by and a warning came on and said problem with the SRS System Airbag and to get the issue checked out. This happens when a passenger is in the front passenger seat and the airbag is turned off when this alert comes on. I brought it back to the dealership, only for them to say that it wasn’t the recall and the mat go wet. The mat has not gotten wet. However, the recall is for the same issue the sensor is having. The dealership said it would be $1300 to replace. I feel this is an issue that should have been resolved in the recall. Maybe if I didn’t take it in then I wouldn’t have this issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
Jun 2023

The SRS Airbag light is coming on and off due to a manufacturer defect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2023
Mar 2023

There was a recall for an airbag problem which would cause the front passenger airbag to not deploy because it did not sense there was a person in the passenger seat. The problem supposedly was repaired in 2021. Recently, the airbag light came on again and I brought it in to the Subaru dealer, who diagnosed an improper sensor under the passenger seat. They said that the airbag could not be fixed presently as a necessary part was on back order. They have no estimate for when it can be completed. Until the repair can be made, the front passenger has no airbag protection at all! When completed, the repair will cost me over $1300. Subaru of America has told me that I have to pay for this because the airbag system, supposedly fixed on the 2021 recall, is not on warranty. This is a hardship for us, retired senior citizens relying on Social Security. Even worse, until the part becomes available, the airbag system cannot be repaired! Subaru actually told me that no one should sit in the front passenger seat until this back ordered part becomes available at some unknown time in the future! It just is not possible in our family situation to have no one sit in the front passenger seat, as we frequently take our daughter and her two small children on outings and doctor visits. The man who told me this is named Grant and can be reached at 1-800-subaru3 with the case number 230314-1300095. Incidentally, I earlier spoke with "Sam" at that phone number and extension 119839, who told me that there is no expiration on this airbag recall and that he would recommend that I be given a loaner car until Subaru can finally fix the problem and make the car safe again. Apparently, Grant overruled Sam and Subaru is now taking a much more dangerous position.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2023

The vehicle constantly shows a warning that passenger seat air bag is OFF while I am sitting in the car riding in that passenger seat. The issue was brought to manufacturer attention multiple times. Videos and pictures of the issue have been recorded for years. The manufacturer refuses to fix the issue and continues to ignore it which places my life at risk every time I drive in that passenger seat of the vehicle.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2018
Jul 2022

I’m 2016 Subaru Forester owner [XXX]. I know there was a recall for airbag. My passenger seat has Defective airbag sensor. The SRS lights comes ON even when the passenger is sitting on the seat. Hopefully there is a repair for the problem. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2022
Jun 2022

The front passenger airbag sensor is faulty. It is a known issue and can be found in the owners manual to not have any electronics or clothing on the seat. Subaru wants to charge over a grand to replace the entire seat bottom whenever this issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
Oct 2020

INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT TO RH DOOR AND FENDE. CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED, SEAT BELT TRIGGERED, NO OTHER AIRBAG SYSTEM ISSUES. AFTER REPAIR INCLUDING CURTAIN AIR BAG REPLACEMENT AND MODULE RESET AS WELL AS ALL SENSORS REPLACED, AIR BAG LIGHT STILL ON. ISSUE TRACED TO RH SEAT BACK AIR BAG. APPARENTLY WHILE IT WAS TRIGGERED BUT IT DID NOT DEPLOY. QUESTION IS THIS AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN UP WITH THE MANUFACTURER SINCE THE AIR BAG WAS TRIGGERED BUT DID NOT DEPLOY BUT NEVER THE LESS IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. CANNOT TELL IF VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AS IT WAS PURCHASED AT AN AUCTION.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2020
Aug 2020 Crash

2016 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED SHORTLY AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A TREE. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JS

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: May 2020
May 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V701000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2019
Jan 2020

WHEN DRIVING WITH NO ONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND SOMETIMES WHEN THERE IS SOMEONE IN THE SEAT I GET AN SRS AIRBAG FAULT BUT IT NEVER STAYS ON AFTER I SHUT DOWN THE SUV. SOMETIMES WHEN I RESTART THE SUV AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES IT WILL COME BACK ON AND IT STAYS ON UNTIL I SHUT OFF THE SUV. THEN NOTHING FOR WEEKS. I'VE WANTED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER BUT EVERY TIME I START TO HEAD OVER TO THEN THE FAULT GOES OUT OR NEVER COMES ON? I'M SURE IF I JUST HEAD OVER I'M JUST WASTING MY TIME. THE LAST TWO MONTHS IT'S BEEN MUCH MORE ACTIVE WITH THE FAULT HAPPENING. I'M LISTING THE LAST TIME IT HAS HAPPEN AS 01/10/2020. I KEEP NOTHING ON THE PASSENGERS SEAT AND I AM UNSURE IF THE AIR BAG LIGHT (YELLOW LIGHT ON THE DASH) SHOWS THAT IT IS ON OR OFF WHEN IT COMES ON. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ABOUT A WEEK AGO AND I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT (6' 225 LBS) AND THE SRS FAULT COME ON AND THE YELLOW AIRBAG LIGHT SHOWED IT WAS STILL ON. I HAVE A TRIP TO PITTSBURGH PA FROM ALLENTOWN PA AND I'M WORRIED THAT IF I'M IN AN ACCIDENT THEY WON'T GO OFF AND PROTECT US. THIS CAR IS JUST OUT OF WARRANTED AND I HAVE ABOUT 44K ON THE VEHICLE. PURCHASED IT NEW FEB 12 2016 STEVE MOYER SUBARU

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2020
Dec 2019

2016 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2019
Dec 2019

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOES NOT FUNCTION. THE SENSOR CANNOT TELL WHEN A PASSENGER IS PRESENT. THIS BEGAN HAPPENING INTERMITTENTLY, SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. IN THE PAST MONTH, THE AIRBAGS HAVE NOT BEEN ON AT ALL.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2019
Dec 2019

FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSORS ERRATICALLY REPORT A MALFUNCTION AND SUGGEST AN INSPECTION. THIS HAS HAPPENED BOTH WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AS WELL AS STATIONARY. IT HAS HAPPENED BOTH WITH AND WITHOUT A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT. I CALLED SUBARU AMERICA AND BROUGHT THE CAR INTO NAPLETON SUBARU ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL ON JULY 24, 2019. ON THAT DATE I COULD NOT RECREATE THE ERROR MESSAGES. NAPLETON INSPECTED AND TOLD ME SYSTEM NEEDED A RESET WHICH THEY DID FREE OF CHARGE. SINCE THERE WAS NO ERROR MESSAGE EITHER IMMEDIATELY BEFORE OR AFTER THE VISIT, I HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING WHETHER RESET WAS EFFECTIVE. THE NEXT DAY THE ERROR MESSAGE WAS BACK. PICTURES ATTACHED AS WELL AS RECEIPT FROM NAPLETON DESCRIBING WORK PERFORMED. *TT CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER TWICE AND IS CURRENTLY WORKING PROPERLY, BUT CANNOT DETERMINE WHETHER THE AIR BAG ERROR MESSAGE HAS BEEN FALSELY ACTIVATED. OR IF THERE IS A REAL MALFUNCTION.*JB

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 SUBARU FORESTER, Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2019

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Subaru Forester has 58 Air Bags complaints on file. 4 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.