YearToAvoid

2016 Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has a complaint index of 54, ranking 7th worst out of 14 model years, with a Caution verdict. Electrical System issues lead at 29% of complaints, followed by Engine at 15% and Transmission & Powertrain at 14%, alongside one recall.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
54/100
#7 of 14 Crosstrek years
Verdict
Caution
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
131
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
4
reported in complaints
Fires
3
Injuries
1
Top issue
Electrical System
Best nearby year
2015
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
—
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Top 2016 Subaru Crosstrek problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System38 (29%)
  2. Other34 (26%)
  3. Engine20 (15%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain18 (14%)
  5. Steering13 (10%)
  6. Fuel System8 (6%)
  7. Structure & Body8 (6%)
  8. Brakes7 (5%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (5%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers6 (5%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report the electrical system failing suddenly while driving, including one case where it failed during a turn and led to a rear-end collision.
  • Some describe the vehicle failing to start, with dealers attributing the issue to low oil rather than an electrical fault.
  • Drivers report a delay of one to two seconds when shifting the CVT transmission from reverse to drive, which they say creates a risk of lurching or being rear-ended.
  • Owners describe the steering wheel becoming temporarily locked or unresponsive when trying to pull out of a driveway.
  • Some report the brake pedal losing height and depressing on its own while stopped, causing the foot to slip and resulting in a collision.
  • A few owners describe electrical issues leading to a fire that spread quickly through the vehicle.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek complaints: complaints filed per quarter122016 Q22018 Q22019 Q32020 Q42022 Q12023 Q32024 Q4
131 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q2 to 2025 Q4; peak 2019 Q3 (12).

2016 Subaru Crosstrek recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 19V149000Feb 28, 2019Electrical System1,303,530 vehicles

    Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch

    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.

    Risk: 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.

2016 compared with other Crosstrek years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2014Best15161—
2015Best8171—
2016Caution541311—
2017Good3894127.5
2018Avoid77194527

All Subaru Crosstrek years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 Crosstrek carries a complaint index of 54 and ranks 7th worst among 14 model years, earning a Caution verdict. It has fewer reported problems than the 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024 model years, which are rated Avoid.
What is the top problem area for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?
The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 29% of complaints (38 of 131), with a median failure mileage of 40,000 miles.
Does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (campaign 19V149000) covers the Electrical System, involving a brake light switch that Subaru dealers replace free of charge.
What year Subaru Crosstrek should I avoid instead of 2016?
According to complaint index data, the 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024 Crosstrek model years are rated Avoid, all with higher complaint indexes (77, 92, 85, and 100 respectively) than the 2016's 54.
How many complaints does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists 131 complaints for the 2016 Crosstrek, including 4 crashes, 3 fires, and 1 injury.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.