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2016 Subaru Crosstrek

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Crosstrek years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek are substantially higher than the model-year median of 43.

About this comparison →
131Owner complaints

Model-year median: 43

1Recall campaigns

View recall details →

0Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
26
201316
201417
2015131
201694
2017194
2018284
2019
Compare all Crosstrek years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Electrical System
37Unknown Or Other
34Power Train
18Engine
13Steering
13
All reported categories
Fuel/propulsion System
8Vehicle Speed Control
6Service Brakes
5Structure
5Visibility/wiper
5Air Bags
4Suspension
4Wheels
3Electronic Stability Control (esc)
2Latches/locks/linkages
2Seats
2Engine And Engine Cooling
1Exterior Lighting
1Visibility
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

78 reports with mileage · 53 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports3 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

131 reports
384 miles · Apr 26, 2016
Power Train

THE LAG TIME ON THE CVT GOING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE IS BEYOND ANNOYING IT IS DANGEROUS. IT TAKES 1-2 SECONDS FOR THE CAR TO MOVE AND BECAUSE OF THIS LAPSE THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT THE CAR WILL LURCH. FOR EXAMPLE, IF BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND TRAFFIC WARRANTS THAT YOU PULL BACK INTO THE SPACE IT CAN LEAD TO A POTENT…

Read full complaint

THE LAG TIME ON THE CVT GOING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE IS BEYOND ANNOYING IT IS DANGEROUS. IT TAKES 1-2 SECONDS FOR THE CAR TO MOVE AND BECAUSE OF THIS LAPSE THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT THE CAR WILL LURCH. FOR EXAMPLE, IF BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND TRAFFIC WARRANTS THAT YOU PULL BACK INTO THE SPACE IT CAN LEAD TO A POTENTIAL OUT OF CONTROL SITUATION.

NHTSA ODI #10861492

Official recalls

1

19V149000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Feb 28, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.