2016 Subaru Crosstrek
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 132
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2016
None on file
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 132 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 25 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2016 | 132 |
| 2017 | 94 |
| 2018 | 195 |
| 2019 | 286 |
| 2020 | 71 |
| 2021 | 115 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 36 |
| 2024 | 119 |
| 2025 | 47 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
28% · 37 reportsMost commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-11
Also filed under Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. While making a right turn, the electrical system failed and caused the contact to rear end another vehicle. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-12
Power train
14% · 18 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The duration of time that it takes to go from reverse to drive is unacceptable and dangerous.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-05-13
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-04-26
Engine
11% · 14 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that vehicle would not start.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-18
While driving my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek (VIN: [XXX]) at approximately 70,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic cooling system rupture on the roadway without any prior dashboard warning light.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-29
Steering
10% · 13 reportsFuel/propulsion system
6% · 8 reportsSafety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2016Complaint volume 132 complaints filed for this model year.
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2019-04-15Exterior lighting19V149000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Subaru Crosstrek — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 37 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 14 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V149000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.