2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. This model year has 131 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2016 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 37 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 34 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 14 | — | 2 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 131 most recent complaints
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 exhau…
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, s…
Hood latch failed causing hood to fly open, smashing and breaking my windshield.
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…
Full electrical power steering failure
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 un…
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 fr…
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 cert…
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
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.
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 failu…
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 sa…
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 issu…
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 vis…
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 …
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…
See attached document from complainant
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 a…
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.
I have a 2016 Crosstrek. It hestitates when you start after a stop. I have taken it to the dealership. They feel the hesitation but do not know what the problem is. The cost they estimated to fix was over $1,000, BUT with no guarantee they could fix it because they do not know wh…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek.
Recalls for 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has 131 NHTSA owner complaints, 4 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most reported issue is Electrical Faults (37 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (37 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (34 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (18 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has 4 crash-related complaints and 3 fire reports out of 131 total NHTSA complaints. 1 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?▾
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. The largest issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Electrical Faults issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Crosstrek reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.