2016 Subaru Crosstrek problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 131 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, filed between 2016-04-26 and 2025-12-10. The most common problem areas are the electrical system (37, 28%), power train (18, 14%) and engine (13, 10%). Owners reported 4 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury in these complaints. NHTSA lists 1 recall for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Subaru Crosstrek complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 37 | 28% | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 34 | 26% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 18 | 14% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 13 | 10% | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 13 | 10% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 5 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 3% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Suspension | 4 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 2 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Electrical system: 37 complaints
- 37 complaints of 131 (28%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 5 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 crashes and 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek covers this system.
Power train: 18 complaints
- 18 complaints of 131 (14%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 3 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek covers this system.
Engine: 13 complaints
- 13 complaints of 131 (10%) name the engine.
- 5 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek covers this system.
Steering: 13 complaints
- 13 complaints of 131 (10%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 3 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 8 complaints
- 8 complaints of 131 (6%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 4 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 6 complaints
- 6 complaints of 131 (5%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 5 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names CROSSTREK, CROSSTREK HYBRID, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek's most common problem areas are the electrical system (37 of 131 complaints), power train (18 of 131 complaints) and engine (13 of 131 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA has 131 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, including 4 reported crashes and 3 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek's problems?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek; 0 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.