2016 Subaru Crosstrek: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Subaru Crosstrek? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 131 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has 131 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Crosstrek
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 131
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 131 NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, complaints are concentrated in electrical faults and uncategorized issues. There is one recall and four crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Electrical faults account for the highest number of complaints at 37.
- Uncategorized issues are the second most reported category with 34 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain problems are noted in 18 complaints.
- Electrical faults are the most frequently reported component.
- Uncategorized issues represent a significant portion of complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain problems are a recurring theme.
All 2016 Subaru Crosstrek Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 131 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 131 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.