YearToAvoid

2016 Subaru Crosstrek Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 20 engine-area complaints for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, 15% of its 131 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 37,240 miles. No related recall is listed for this engine issue, and two fire reports appear in the complaint data.

Engine complaints
20
15% of 131
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
37,240 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of acceleration or throttle response at highway speeds, sometimes between 30 and 75 mph, that resolves after coasting or restarting.
  • Some drivers describe the vehicle stalling or losing power unexpectedly at highway speed, requiring the car to be towed.
  • Several owners report the ignition key will not release from the ignition switch after shifting into park, sometimes requiring multiple attempts.
  • One owner reported the vehicle would not start and needed oil added by an independent mechanic before the dealer performed an oil change.
  • A gas pedal reportedly stopped functioning while driving on the highway while the engine continued idling, with the issue recurring minutes later.

When 2016 Subaru Crosstrek engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 13, 2016, latest Dec 10, 2025.

2016 Subaru Crosstrek engine complaints: complaints filed per month2May 2016Dec 2018Dec 2019Jan 2021May 2021Mar 2023Dec 2025
20 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2016 to Dec 2025; peak May 2021 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Crosstrek model year

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

  1. 20122 (100%)
  2. 201312 (46%)
  3. 20143 (19%)
  4. 20156 (35%)
  5. 201620 (15%)
  6. 201713 (14%)
  7. 201842 (22%)
  8. 201942 (15%)
  9. 20207 (10%)
  10. 202119 (17%)
  11. 20225 (16%)
  12. 20236 (18%)
  13. 202411 (9%)
  14. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists 20 engine-area complaints for the 2016 Crosstrek, which is 15% of the 131 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek engine problems?
No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for the engine complaints on the 2016 Crosstrek.
At what mileage do 2016 Crosstrek engine problems typically appear?
The median mileage at failure for engine-area complaints on the 2016 Crosstrek is 37,240 miles.
Are the engine problems dangerous?
NHTSA records two fire reports among the 2016 Crosstrek engine-area complaints, though no crashes or injuries are listed.
Is 2016 worse than other Crosstrek years for engine complaints?
The 2016 Crosstrek's engine complaints make up 15% of its total complaints, lower than the 22% share seen in 2018 and similar to the 14% share in 2017.

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.