2016 Subaru Crosstrek Problems

Above Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Part of Generation 1 — 2013–2017.

20152017
Complaints
164
Crashes
6
Fires
5
Injuries
1
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2016 Subaru Crosstrek Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#136 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:87,099 mi
Crash-related:3
Fires:1
#218 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:34,068 mi
Crash-related:1
#313 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:70,118 mi
Fires:2
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek.

Electrical Faults
36
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Avg Miles
87,099
Transmission / Drivetrain
18
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
34,068
Engine Problems
13
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
70,118
Steering Defects
13
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
22,442
Fuel System
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
72,488
Unintended Acceleration
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
36,260
Brakes
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
26,612
Body Structure
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
7,001
Wipers & Visibility
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
23,112
Airbags
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension:Front:Wheel Bearing
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Windshield
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2016 Subaru Crosstrek

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~1,303,530 vehicles.

19V149000Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
~1,303,530 affected

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.

Other Subaru Crosstrek Years

2016 Subaru Crosstrek — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
Verdict: Above Average Complaints. The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has 164 NHTSA complaints, 6 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 36 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (36 complaints, avg 87,099 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (18 complaints, avg 34,068 mi); Engine Problems (13 complaints, avg 70,118 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 55,350 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?
NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek include 6 crash-related reports, 5 fire reports, 1 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 1,303,530 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?
Slightly worse than average. Most owners are fine; problem clusters are concentrated around specific components. Check the issues table below and match against the specific car's mileage.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Subaru Crosstrek reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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