2016 Subaru Crosstrek Problems and Recalls (131 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is Electrical (21% of 131 owner reports). There are 1 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Electrical — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 131 complaints · 1 recalls

What problems show up on the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?

27 of 131 filings named Electrical (21% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Transmission / driveline (14 reports).

There are 1 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Lights. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The previous year is not published here. Use the year list to jump around.

What to check before you buy a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 1 campaigns on file below.
  2. Electrical. Have a shop scan for stored codes and check battery, charging and any warning lights that stay on.
  3. Transmission / driveline. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped.
  4. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Electrical. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Electrical 27 complaints · 20.6% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 4
  • Fires 3
  • Injuries 1
  • Deaths 0
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) appears in 27 of 131 owner complaints (20.6%) in this vehicle snapshot. Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 27 complaints, 20.6% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 3 crash reports 27 · 20.6% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 14 complaints, 10.7% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 1 crash reports 14 · 10.7% Engine (ENGINE): 10 complaints, 7.6% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 1 fire reports 10 · 7.6% Steering (STEERING): 10 complaints, 7.6% of reports Steering (STEERING) 10 · 7.6% Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY): 6 complaints, 4.6% of reports Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 6 · 4.6% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 5 complaints, 3.8% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 5 · 3.8% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 5 complaints, 3.8% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 5 · 3.8% Suspension (SUSPENSION): 4 complaints, 3.1% of reports Suspension (SUSPENSION) 4 · 3.1% Airbags (AIR BAGS): 3 complaints, 2.3% of reports Airbags (AIR BAGS) 1 fire reports 3 · 2.3% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 44 complaints, 33.6% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 1 fire reports 44 · 33.6% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 27 20.6% 3 crashes · 0 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 14 10.7% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 10 7.6% 0 crashes · 1 fires
Steering (STEERING) 10 7.6% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 6 4.6% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 5 3.8% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 5 3.8% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Suspension (SUSPENSION) 4 3.1% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Airbags (AIR BAGS) 3 2.3% 0 crashes · 1 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 44 33.6% 0 crashes · 1 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Apr 2016; the first recall shown was reported in Feb 2019. 2016-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2016-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2016-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2017-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2017-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2018-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2018-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2018-Q4: 10 owner reports 10 2019-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2019-Q2: 11 owner reports 11 2019-Q3: 12 owner reports 12 2019-Q4: 7 owner reports 7 2020-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2020-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2020-Q3: 11 owner reports 11 2020-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2021-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2021-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2021-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2021-Q4: 5 owner reports 5 2022-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2022-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2022-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2023-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2023-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2023-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2024-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2024-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2024-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2024-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2025-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2025-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 Owner reports Apr 2016 Oct 2025 Recall campaign 19V149000 ◆ Recall campaign 19V149000
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2016-Q2 Owner reports 2
2016-Q3 Owner reports 4
2016-Q4 Owner reports 1
2017-Q1 Owner reports 2
2017-Q4 Owner reports 2
2018-Q2 Owner reports 2
2018-Q3 Owner reports 1
2018-Q4 Owner reports 10
2019-Q1 Owner reports 2
2019-Q2 Owner reports 11
2019-Q3 Owner reports 12
2019-Q4 Owner reports 7
2020-Q1 Owner reports 5
2020-Q2 Owner reports 5
2020-Q3 Owner reports 11
2020-Q4 Owner reports 4
2021-Q1 Owner reports 3
2021-Q2 Owner reports 5
2021-Q3 Owner reports 3
2021-Q4 Owner reports 5
2022-Q1 Owner reports 3
2022-Q3 Owner reports 3
2022-Q4 Owner reports 1
2023-Q1 Owner reports 2
2023-Q2 Owner reports 4
2023-Q3 Owner reports 2
2023-Q4 Owner reports 4
2024-Q1 Owner reports 4
2024-Q2 Owner reports 2
2024-Q3 Owner reports 3
2024-Q4 Owner reports 1
2025-Q2 Owner reports 3
2025-Q4 Owner reports 2
Recall campaign 1 19V149000
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (1)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Lights.

  1. Recall campaign 19V149000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Safety incident filters
Showing 7 of 131 complaints · page 1 of 6
2025-12-10Engine (ENGINE)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11704175
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Within 24 hours of purchase, the exhaust pipe became detached underneath the vehicle and exhaust fumes and odor were entering the cabin while driving. This created a potential carbon monoxide exposure risk to me and passengers. Subaru inspected the vehicle and confirmed the exhaust issue existed before I purchased the car. The selling dealership did not disclose this safety defect and refused to unwind the sale when notified.
2025-11-05Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11697638
CrashFireInjuryDeath
A/C Control Head and connector burned on both ends. Dealer service center stated it was a significant safety/fire hazard if we had not immediately taken in to be checked. No warning, no fuses out. Only indication something was wrong is a/c turned on but only on 1,2 and 4. Then, same day, only on 4. Next day took to Subaru service center. When we asked how would replacing parts stop this from happening again, we were told original parts had a “Design Flaw” and was “Defective”. Replacement/New parts wiring system actually corrects the OEM defect.
2025-05-05Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11658990
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Hood latch failed causing hood to fly open, smashing and breaking my windshield.
2025-04-29Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11657595
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The CVT valve body was diagnosed as defective by the Subaru Dealership service department. The car was taken to the dcealership when the A/T OIL EMP, HILL ASSIST, ABS and TRACTION CONTROL, STABILITY CONTROL lights came up. The valve body is still available for inspection. The car was taken to the dealership for a Brake Light Switch recall that has the same simptoms.
2025-04-15Steering (STEERING)
NHTSA ODI 11654714
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Full electrical power steering failure
2024-12-03STRUCTUREUnclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11628719
CrashFireInjuryDeath
How was your safety or the safety o others put at risk? On [XXX], I bought a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Unfortunately, I fell into the bad and abusive practice of buying a car as is since at no time did that used car dealer in Raleigh inform about the correction and rust that is underneath the car. If they had said so, I would not buy the car since it cannot be fixed and at the Subaru dealer where I live, they told me that the car should not have been sold for use on the road due to the degree of correction and rust it presents. In September, when it did not pass the inspection, I came to find out about the situation of the poor condition underneath the car. It had a leaking muffler and they had to repair it so that the car could pass inspection. I present other situations; but the worst is the state of deterioration. BBB and Consumer Protective, I made complaints and nothing was the result; Because they offered through BBB a settlement at a supposedly low price (I did not accept because I did not trust the sale due to bad faith) and through Consumer Protection, they told me to go to court. I went to court because up to $10,000.00usd, they will see the case without legal assistance; I did not qualify because that dealer sold the car for more than $10,000.00usd. The government could veto the law on car sales as it is, because they abuse and continue selling risky cars and the problem falls on the buyer. Please!! I need a help in this situation. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2024-09-06Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11613015
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Our 2016 Subaru Crosstrek (Automatic Transmission) has had intermittent issues with it losing power despite our foot being on the accelerator. It will typically reengage if we take our foot off the accelerator for a bit and then hit the gas again. However, it has become a more frequent problem and feels increasingly unsafe to drive, particularly with our 2 small children in the car, because it loses power without warning so it leaves us vulnerable for being rear-ended while changing lanes, taking turns, etc. We have been working with our local dealership (Beyer Subaru in Alexandria, VA) to address the issue, but they have only been able to replicate the issue once in a 4-week period and they have not been able to document it. The one time they were able to replicate the problem the car was not hooked up to any computer/system. I have found this forum that documents similar problems with Crosstreks - [XXX] , as well as a Service Bulletin which references a similar issue in 2018-21MY Crosstrek 2.0L MT - https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10201030-0001.pdf. While the 2nd does refer specifically to Manual Transmissions, I feel like this is indicative of a trend that is not being acknowledged for other Model Year's and transmission types, but presents a serious safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?

Owners named Electrical most often — 27 of 131 reports (21%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Lights. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Have a shop scan for stored codes and check battery, charging and any warning lights that stay on. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources