Owners have filed 164 complaints
about the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek with NHTSA between 2016 and 2025.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 74
Against the median year of the Subaru Crosstrek. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 38
7.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 73
43% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other Subaru Crosstrek
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
77.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
66.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1212.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3840.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1617.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
66.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
66.5%
150,000+ miles
22.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2016peak 7Dec 2025
Recalls on the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
19V149000
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024546499,490 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus", "Rims/Jantes", "Front/Avant" and "Rear/Arriere". Canadian regulations require this information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: These small errors do not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. Subaru has corrected the compliance label for all new vehicles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Bellevue, NECrash
AIR BAGS
I have a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Unfortunately I have had a couple of issues. The main thing being the horn. The location of the problem is affecting my air bag, AND my rear window defroster. I don’t know if Subaru has a faulty clockspring and relays, that malfunction after a certain amount of time. But for everyone’s safety, it would seem that the Subaru Corporation would implement a recall. As a result of the horn not working, I was involved in a fender bender accident, I was unable to alert a driver that they were merging into my lane of traffic. I’ve searched mechanics and auto parts stores, the cost is exorbitant, especially for a senior on a fixed income. I don’t know to whom these reports are or if they are forwarded, but I certainly hope someone in a decision making capacity will help the loyal owners of Subarus. I still, because I have no other option, drive, however I am so very cautious. And I limit my “outings” to as few as possible. It’s a hindrance, a rather very often at inopportune times. Hopefully there will be a chance for Subaru to do the correct thing.
NHTSA complaint #11601238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellevue, NECrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Unfortunately I have had a couple of issues. The main thing being the horn. The location of the problem is affecting my air bag, AND my rear window defroster. I don’t know if Subaru has a faulty clockspring and relays, that malfunction after a certain amount of time. But for everyone’s safety, it would seem that the Subaru Corporation would implement a recall. As a result of the horn not working, I was involved in a fender bender accident, I was unable to alert a driver that they were merging into my lane of traffic. I’ve searched mechanics and auto parts stores, the cost is exorbitant, especially for a senior on a fixed income. I don’t know to whom these reports are or if they are forwarded, but I certainly hope someone in a decision making capacity will help the loyal owners of Subarus. I still, because I have no other option, drive, however I am so very cautious. And I limit my “outings” to as few as possible. It’s a hindrance, a rather very often at inopportune times. Hopefully there will be a chance for Subaru to do the correct thing.
NHTSA complaint #11601238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Visalia, CAFire
AIR BAGS
Car caught fire from what seemed to be an electrical issue. Car became engulfed in flames within a few seconds. Fire department was called to extinguish the fire. I was lucky myself to make it out in time. The fire became so big, so quickly, I was concerned for the safety of the surrounding property. Luckily, no one was injured and no property damage took place. Car was inspected and totaled by insurance. The headlights were constantly needing to be changed. Otherwise the car was fine. I had just replaced the battery and just a few hours later the fire happened. The fire appeared to start somewhere under the hood on the passenger side.
NHTSA complaint #11517135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Visalia, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car caught fire from what seemed to be an electrical issue. Car became engulfed in flames within a few seconds. Fire department was called to extinguish the fire. I was lucky myself to make it out in time. The fire became so big, so quickly, I was concerned for the safety of the surrounding property. Luckily, no one was injured and no property damage took place. Car was inspected and totaled by insurance. The headlights were constantly needing to be changed. Otherwise the car was fine. I had just replaced the battery and just a few hours later the fire happened. The fire appeared to start somewhere under the hood on the passenger side.
NHTSA complaint #11517135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Visalia, CAFire
ENGINE
Car caught fire from what seemed to be an electrical issue. Car became engulfed in flames within a few seconds. Fire department was called to extinguish the fire. I was lucky myself to make it out in time. The fire became so big, so quickly, I was concerned for the safety of the surrounding property. Luckily, no one was injured and no property damage took place. Car was inspected and totaled by insurance. The headlights were constantly needing to be changed. Otherwise the car was fine. I had just replaced the battery and just a few hours later the fire happened. The fire appeared to start somewhere under the hood on the passenger side.
NHTSA complaint #11517135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tacoma, WA1 injured
AIR BAGS
On 3/30 my steering column started to make a grinding sound when I turned my steering wheel over 90 degrees to make a turn. On 3/31 the airbag light went on and I made an appointment to bring it in to get looked at by my nearest Subaru dealership (Tacoma Subaru). I was told the light meant the airbags would not deploy if I got into a car accident so I didn’t drive my car until I needed to pick up grocery order on 4/2. On 4/2 I was making a slow right hand turn into the parking lot and my airbag deployed as I turned and hit/burned my forearm through a heavy sweatshirt. I didn’t bump it, experience an impact or accident of any kind. It simply deployed while I was turning without any warning.
NHTSA complaint #11515282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Chicago, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Within 24 hours of purchase, the exhaust pipe became detached underneath the vehicle and exhaust fumes and odor were entering the cabin while driving. This created a potential carbon monoxide exposure risk to me and passengers. Subaru inspected the vehicle and confirmed the exhaust issue existed before I purchased the car. The selling dealership did not disclose this safety defect and refused to unwind the sale when notified.
NHTSA complaint #11704175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suffolk, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A/C Control Head and connector burned on both ends. Dealer service center stated it was a significant safety/fire hazard if we had not immediately taken in to be checked. No warning, no fuses out. Only indication something was wrong is a/c turned on but only on 1,2 and 4. Then, same day, only on 4. Next day took to Subaru service center. When we asked how would replacing parts stop this from happening again, we were told original parts had a “Design Flaw” and was “Defective”. Replacement/New parts wiring system actually corrects the OEM defect.
NHTSA complaint #11697638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Presque Isle, WI
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Hood latch failed causing hood to fly open, smashing and breaking my windshield.
NHTSA complaint #11658990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
POWER TRAIN
The CVT valve body was diagnosed as defective by the Subaru Dealership service department. The car was taken to the dcealership when the A/T OIL EMP, HILL ASSIST, ABS and TRACTION CONTROL, STABILITY CONTROL lights came up. The valve body is still available for inspection. The car was taken to the dealership for a Brake Light Switch recall that has the same simptoms.
NHTSA complaint #11657595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
STEERING
The CVT valve body was diagnosed as defective by the Subaru Dealership service department. The car was taken to the dcealership when the A/T OIL EMP, HILL ASSIST, ABS and TRACTION CONTROL, STABILITY CONTROL lights came up. The valve body is still available for inspection. The car was taken to the dealership for a Brake Light Switch recall that has the same simptoms.
NHTSA complaint #11657595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The CVT valve body was diagnosed as defective by the Subaru Dealership service department. The car was taken to the dcealership when the A/T OIL EMP, HILL ASSIST, ABS and TRACTION CONTROL, STABILITY CONTROL lights came up. The valve body is still available for inspection. The car was taken to the dealership for a Brake Light Switch recall that has the same simptoms.
NHTSA complaint #11657595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Glacier, MT
STEERING
Full electrical power steering failure
NHTSA complaint #11654714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
How was your safety or the safety o others put at risk? On [XXX], I bought a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Unfortunately, I fell into the bad and abusive practice of buying a car as is since at no time did that used car dealer in Raleigh inform about the correction and rust that is underneath the car. If they had said so, I would not buy the car since it cannot be fixed and at the Subaru dealer where I live, they told me that the car should not have been sold for use on the road due to the degree of correction and rust it presents. In September, when it did not pass the inspection, I came to find out about the situation of the poor condition underneath the car. It had a leaking muffler and they had to repair it so that the car could pass inspection. I present other situations; but the worst is the state of deterioration. BBB and Consumer Protective, I made complaints and nothing was the result; Because they offered through BBB a settlement at a supposedly low price (I did not accept because I did not trust the sale due to bad faith) and through Consumer Protection, they told me to go to court. I went to court because up to $10,000.00usd, they will see the case without legal assistance; I did not qualify because that dealer sold the car for more than $10,000.00usd. The government could veto the law on car sales as it is, because they abuse and continue selling risky cars and the problem falls on the buyer. Please!! I need a help in this situation. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11628719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Annandale, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Our 2016 Subaru Crosstrek (Automatic Transmission) has had intermittent issues with it losing power despite our foot being on the accelerator. It will typically reengage if we take our foot off the accelerator for a bit and then hit the gas again. However, it has become a more frequent problem and feels increasingly unsafe to drive, particularly with our 2 small children in the car, because it loses power without warning so it leaves us vulnerable for being rear-ended while changing lanes, taking turns, etc. We have been working with our local dealership (Beyer Subaru in Alexandria, VA) to address the issue, but they have only been able to replicate the issue once in a 4-week period and they have not been able to document it. The one time they were able to replicate the problem the car was not hooked up to any computer/system. I have found this forum that documents similar problems with Crosstreks - [XXX] , as well as a Service Bulletin which references a similar issue in 2018-21MY Crosstrek 2.0L MT - https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10201030-0001.pdf. While the 2nd does refer specifically to Manual Transmissions, I feel like this is indicative of a trend that is not being acknowledged for other Model Year's and transmission types, but presents a serious safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11613015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellevue, NECrash
AIR BAGS
I have a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Unfortunately I have had a couple of issues. The main thing being the horn. The location of the problem is affecting my air bag, AND my rear window defroster. I don’t know if Subaru has a faulty clockspring and relays, that malfunction after a certain amount of time. But for everyone’s safety, it would seem that the Subaru Corporation would implement a recall. As a result of the horn not working, I was involved in a fender bender accident, I was unable to alert a driver that they were merging into my lane of traffic. I’ve searched mechanics and auto parts stores, the cost is exorbitant, especially for a senior on a fixed income. I don’t know to whom these reports are or if they are forwarded, but I certainly hope someone in a decision making capacity will help the loyal owners of Subarus. I still, because I have no other option, drive, however I am so very cautious. And I limit my “outings” to as few as possible. It’s a hindrance, a rather very often at inopportune times. Hopefully there will be a chance for Subaru to do the correct thing.
NHTSA complaint #11601238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellevue, NECrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Unfortunately I have had a couple of issues. The main thing being the horn. The location of the problem is affecting my air bag, AND my rear window defroster. I don’t know if Subaru has a faulty clockspring and relays, that malfunction after a certain amount of time. But for everyone’s safety, it would seem that the Subaru Corporation would implement a recall. As a result of the horn not working, I was involved in a fender bender accident, I was unable to alert a driver that they were merging into my lane of traffic. I’ve searched mechanics and auto parts stores, the cost is exorbitant, especially for a senior on a fixed income. I don’t know to whom these reports are or if they are forwarded, but I certainly hope someone in a decision making capacity will help the loyal owners of Subarus. I still, because I have no other option, drive, however I am so very cautious. And I limit my “outings” to as few as possible. It’s a hindrance, a rather very often at inopportune times. Hopefully there will be a chance for Subaru to do the correct thing.
NHTSA complaint #11601238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling Heights, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery drain Bought new battery Got dcm update Pulled dcm fuse Still battery goes dead Thousands of vehicles involved Suburu knows the cause To expensive to fix Please help3/3
NHTSA complaint #11600905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tigard, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Horn failed to sound. It sounds when hitting the lock button three times, but doesn’t when the steering wheel is pressed. This was identified during a near miss accident when we tried to alert another driving that was weaving into our lane and couldn’t.
NHTSA complaint #11594555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesMount Pleasant, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while coming to a stop at a traffic signal, the vehicle was idling roughly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred frequently whenever the A/C was running. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the throttle body needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure returned, and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the alternator and belt tensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
NHTSA complaint #11584403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek 5 speed manual transmission and it only has 64000 on it. The clutch went out and I took it to the dealership to have the car worked on and hopefully repaired. At first they said it was the clutch and master cylinder. Then they called me back and said the entire transmission needed to be replaced and it would cost $9000! Seriously? At only 64000 miles? Somehow some kind of "snout" broke off and they needed to replace the whole thing. Blue Book on this car is only slightly over $9000 and I need to spend what it is worth to repair? I may never own another subaru ever again if this is what happens at such a low mileage.
NHTSA complaint #11577815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centreville, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Since at least 2009 all Subaru models have a faulty air bag Clockspring. The horn doesn’t work due to this. Subaru knows about this issue. Even 2018 Forester is still using the faulty clock spring. We almost had an accident because the horn didn’t work. After researching the issue, I cannot believe a recall has not been issued. Tried to get it fixed at Subaru today. Still not fixed. We cannot drive until the horn is fixed it is dangerous driving in [XXX] and not having a horn to give a warning when you are about to be hit. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11575075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spencer, NY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Driving at 55 miles per hour and the hood safety latch failed. Hood smashed the windshield and rained glass down inside the car. The hood hyper extended damaging the fenders on the right and left. It also damaged the plastic around the wipers. Terrifying experience. Zero visibility caused me to slam on my breaks almost causing another vehicle to hit my car.
NHTSA complaint #11570698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spencer, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
Driving at 55 miles per hour and the hood safety latch failed. Hood smashed the windshield and rained glass down inside the car. The hood hyper extended damaging the fenders on the right and left. It also damaged the plastic around the wipers. Terrifying experience. Zero visibility caused me to slam on my breaks almost causing another vehicle to hit my car.
NHTSA complaint #11570698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mahwah, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In three separate incidents while car only shows 70 in fuel indicator, my 2016 Crosstrek stalled while driving on a highway. I have brought my car to Subaru dealer, but they cannot find anything wrong with my 2016 Crosstrek. In each of the three separate instances after waiting on the side road for 30 minutes, I was able to restart the car and drive home. My car just had a new engine air filter replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11563783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mahwah, NJ
ENGINE
In three separate incidents while car only shows 70 in fuel indicator, my 2016 Crosstrek stalled while driving on a highway. I have brought my car to Subaru dealer, but they cannot find anything wrong with my 2016 Crosstrek. In each of the three separate instances after waiting on the side road for 30 minutes, I was able to restart the car and drive home. My car just had a new engine air filter replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11563783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mahwah, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
In three separate incidents while car only shows 70 in fuel indicator, my 2016 Crosstrek stalled while driving on a highway. I have brought my car to Subaru dealer, but they cannot find anything wrong with my 2016 Crosstrek. In each of the three separate instances after waiting on the side road for 30 minutes, I was able to restart the car and drive home. My car just had a new engine air filter replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11563783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Antioch, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I own a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek with only 37,000 miles. There is a problem with my battery being drained after not driving the car for several days. I have had to call for a jump start 3 times, Aug. 8, 2023, Sept. 5, 2023 and Nov. 14, 2023, each time after returning from vacation. I replaced the battery when it happened the second time, but the problem continued to occur. I have taken my car to the Subaru dealership for diagnostic. They checked the draw level in the vehicle electric system found excessive draw of 350MAH when everything was turned off. The performed DCM (data control module) check and disconnected the fuse. The draw dropped down to 15MAH. I was told I could leave the fuse disconnected, which would leave me with a useless navigation system, loss of front speakers and bluetooth, or replace the DCM that would cost me around $1000. I have done research online and found this is an ongoing problem with Subaru. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure each time. This poses a safety risk if I am in a public parking late at night and I cannot get my car started. I have reported the problem to Subaru of America.
NHTSA complaint #11559145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Little Neck, NY
SUSPENSION
See attached document from complainant
NHTSA complaint #11551572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilbert, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving down the freeway I had cruise control set. All of the sudden the cruise control shut off and it was like the car was in neutral. When I pushed on the gas it just revved I was able to coast to an exit and right before the top of the hill, all the indicator lights went on and the car shut off. I had the vehicle towed to a Subaru dealership the next morning when they went to work on the car, the car started fine. They were unable to find anything wrong with the vehicle when they plugged it into the computer. My gas levels were low, but I still showed 90 miles to empty.
NHTSA complaint #11549936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spirit Lake, ID
WHEELS
While at posted highway speeds through twisting roads, the vehicle developed a wheel vibration. Stopped to inspect the wheels, found right rear wheel missing 4 of 5 lug bolts. Lug bolts were sheared off. Vehicle has 81,000 miles, tires rotated 7 months prior to this event.
NHTSA complaint #11548933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.