2016 Subaru Crosstrek Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
54/100
#7 most-complained of 14 Crosstrek years
The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has a complaint index of 54 and ranks 7th worst out of 14 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Electrical System problems dominate at 29% of complaints, with 1 recall on file and a median failure mileage of 38,000.
- Complaints
- 131
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2016 Subaru Crosstrek problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System38 (29%)
- Other34 (26%)
- Engine20 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain18 (14%)
- Steering13 (10%)
- Fuel System8 (6%)
- Structure & Body8 (6%)
- Brakes7 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers6 (5%)
What owners report
- Owners report the electrical system failing suddenly during driving, in one case causing a rear-end collision while turning.
- Some describe long delays of one to two seconds when shifting from reverse to drive, causing the car to lurch or nearly get rear-ended.
- Several report the steering wheel briefly locking up and not turning, especially soon after purchase.
- Battery drain issues recurred repeatedly, with owners replacing batteries multiple times and dashboard warning lights cycling on and off.
- One owner reported the brake pedal losing height and depressing on its own while stopped, leading to a collision.
- A small number describe an electrical fire that spread quickly through the vehicle.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
- Compared to other Crosstrek model years, 2016 carries a Caution verdict with a complaint index of 54, ranking 7th worst out of 14 years tracked. Electrical System issues make up 29% of its 131 complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 38 complaints (29% of the total), including 3 crashes and 1 fire, with a median failure mileage of 40,000.
- Does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Crosstrek, campaign 19V149000, covering brake light switch replacement due to a wiring exposure issue; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2016 Crosstrek compare to other years?
- The 2016 model's complaint index of 54 is worse than 2013-2015 and 2017, which were rated Best or Good, but better than 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2025, which carry Avoid verdicts with higher indexes up to 100.