VehicleVerdict

2016 Subaru Crosstrek problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 164 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median Crosstrek year — the 2016 model ranks #3 of 15 Crosstrek years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (39), other (34), and transmission (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

164

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Crosstrek years?

Crosstrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted355 complaints2012: 3 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 22 complaints2015: 27 complaints2016: 164 complaints2017: 132 complaints2018: 253 complaints2019: 355 complaints2020: 82 complaints2021: 151 complaints2022: 41 complaints2023: 51 complaints2024: 130 complaints2025: 57 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Crosstrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Crosstrek years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Subaru Crosstrek problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3924%
Other3421%
Transmission1811%
Engine149%
Steering138%
Fuel System85%
Speed Control64%
Visibility & Wipers64%
Body & Structure53%
Brakes53%
Airbags42%
Suspension42%
Tires & Wheels32%
Latches & Locks21%
Seats21%
Lighting11%

Does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V149000LightingFebruary 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE DEALER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 12, 2017 · crash

“I MADE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CAR NOT STARTING, TOO MUCH OIL CONSUMPTION ETC...THEN ON NOVEMBER 11, 2018, AT 3.42PM I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 87 WHEN CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY, SMOKE CAME OUT AND FLAMES. IT BURNED DOWN IN 15 MINUTES. POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME TO TURN THE FIRE DOWN. THE CAR IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 11, 2018 · fire

“SUBARU CROSSTREK 2016 CAR HAS HAD POWER TRAIN FAILURE 3 TIMES. THE LATEST CAUSED A REAR END COLLISION INTO MY CAR ON 2/28/2020. VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE TRAVELING APPROX 35 MPH ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE REMAINED ON AND POWER STEERING ALSO WORKED. CAR WAS IN DRIVE BUT NO POWER TO THE WHEELS. REAR ENDED BY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 28, 2020 · crash

“Car caught fire from what seemed to be an electrical issue. Car became engulfed in flames within a few seconds. Fire department was called to extinguish the fire. I was lucky myself to make it out in time. The fire became so big, so quickly, I was concerned for the safety of the surrounding…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 27, 2023 · fire

“CAR HAS 67,000 MILES, IS THREE YEARS OLD, THE FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT AXLES HAD TO BOTH BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A LOUD CLICKING WHEN STEERING THE VEHICLE. ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. ANY TURNS WHETHER WITH SPEED OR SLOW THE AXLE WOULD MAKE A LOUD CLICKING NOISE. I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT NOR HITTING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 22, 2019

2016 Subaru Crosstrek — common questions

Is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 164 complaints put the 2016 model at #3 of 15 Crosstrek years. It is one of the Crosstrek years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Crosstrek problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (39 complaints), other (34 complaints), transmission (18 complaints).

Does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Crosstrek years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Crosstrek years to avoid are 2019, 2018, 2016, 2021, 2017, 2024. The cleanest record among Crosstrek years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.