How many electrical system complaints does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have?

NHTSA lists 38 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Crosstrek, which is 29% of the 131 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek electrical system?

Yes. Recall 19V149000, reported in February 2019, covers a brake light switch issue on 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles among other Subaru models. Subaru replaces the brake light switch free of charge.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2016 Crosstrek?

The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2016 Crosstrek is 40,000 miles.

What is the most common electrical complaint on the 2016 Crosstrek?

A frequently reported pattern involves the ignition key getting stuck and not being removable from the ignition while the vehicle is in park, sometimes tied to a known service bulletin about a shifter part.

Were there any crashes or fires linked to electrical problems?

NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2016 Crosstrek shows 3 crashes and 1 fire, with no reported injuries.

2016 Subaru Crosstrek Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 38 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, 29% of all 131 complaints filed for the year, at a median 40,000 miles. A related recall (19V149000) covers a brake light switch issue tied to the electrical system.

Electrical System complaints: 38; 29% of 131
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 40,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report the key becoming stuck in the ignition while the car is parked, sometimes requiring the driver to shift out of and back into park several times to remove it.
Some describe the battery draining repeatedly after the car sits parked for several days, requiring jump starts even with no accessories left on.
One owner reported the engine continuing to run after the key was turned off and removed from the ignition, needing multiple attempts to shut it down.
A separate report describes the car catching fire from an apparent electrical issue and becoming engulfed in flames within seconds.
One owner linked warning lights, a malfunctioning horn, and problems with the rear window defroster to what they believed was a faulty clockspring and relay setup.
Another driver reported the electrical system failing while turning, which they said caused a rear-end collision.

When 2016 Subaru Crosstrek electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 19, 2017, latest Nov 5, 2025.

38 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2017 to Nov 2025; peak Sep 2020 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek

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.

Electrical System complaints by Crosstrek model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20121 (50%)
20137 (27%)
20144 (25%)
20151 (6%)
201638 (29%)
201720 (21%)
201836 (19%)
201954 (19%)
202011 (16%)
202117 (15%)
20225 (16%)
20236 (18%)
202421 (18%)
20257 (16%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have?: NHTSA lists 38 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Crosstrek, which is 29% of the 131 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek electrical system?: Yes. Recall 19V149000, reported in February 2019, covers a brake light switch issue on 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles among other Subaru models. Subaru replaces the brake light switch free of charge.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2016 Crosstrek?: The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2016 Crosstrek is 40,000 miles.
What is the most common electrical complaint on the 2016 Crosstrek?: A frequently reported pattern involves the ignition key getting stuck and not being removable from the ignition while the vehicle is in park, sometimes tied to a known service bulletin about a shifter part.
Were there any crashes or fires linked to electrical problems?: NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2016 Crosstrek shows 3 crashes and 1 fire, with no reported injuries.