2016 Subaru Impreza Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 18 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Subaru Impreza, 24% of its 75 total complaints for the year. A related recall (19V149000) covers a faulty brake light switch, with median failure mileage at 38,000 miles.
- Electrical System complaints
- 18
- 24% of 75
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 38,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Power steering assist can shut off entirely while driving, sometimes preceded by a lit warning light.
- The ignition key gets stuck and won't release from the ignition switch, even after shifting the gear selector back and forth.
- The brake light switch can fail intermittently, triggering hill assist, stability control, and ABS warning lights and sometimes killing the brake lights.
- Some owners report dim headlights and a battery that drains repeatedly despite testing normal at a parts store.
- One owner reported the passenger headlight assembly separating from the car after hitting a pothole.
When 2016 Subaru Impreza electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 5, 2017, latest Nov 18, 2023.
Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Subaru Impreza
- 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 Impreza model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Subaru Impreza?
- NHTSA lists 18 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Impreza, which is 24% of the 75 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2016 Impreza electrical system?
- Yes. Recall 19V149000, reported in 2019, covers a brake light switch defect on 2008-2016 Impreza sedans and 2012-2016 Impreza wagons among other Subaru models. Subaru dealers replace the brake light switch free of charge.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically appear on the 2016 Impreza?
- The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2016 Impreza is 38,000 miles.
- Did the 2016 Impreza's electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 fires reported among the Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Impreza.
- Is the ignition key sticking a common complaint?
- Multiple sample complaints describe the key getting stuck in the ignition, requiring the driver to shift the gear selector back and forth before it releases.