2016 Subaru Crosstrek
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 131 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 14 Crosstrek model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 4 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 1 person was injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchFeb 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.
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
Campaign 19V149000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
131 reports, newest first.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 9, 2023
My car has stopped working while driving 70 mph on the interstate in so separate occasions. Both times it has been driving fine, with fuel in the tank, and all of the sudden it shuts off and completely loses power. All of the warning lights on the dash light up and the only thing to do is to coast to the shoulder of the highway. Couldn’t start the car back up (cranked, no start). Battery is fine. Fuel level is fine. First time it happened it had to be towed. Towed to mechanic who ran diagnostics on it the next day but nothing threw a code. It started fine the next day. I’ve had certified Subaru mechanics tear this thing apart trying to figure out what causes the issue but they can’t find anything wrong. I’m scared this is going to happen again and will put me in a dangerous situation in the middle of a highway or on the side of the road. This is definitely an issue putting myself and others at risk. It seems similar to other issues Subaru crosstreks have had in close model years to mine (20 where recalls have been issued for fuel pump malfunctions etc. Please look into this, this could cause a terrible wreck and needs to be resolved ASAP.
Visibility, Jan 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that the windshield had cracked without impact. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 72,885.
Engine, Oct 30, 2022
My friend and I drove from Minneapolis to Duluth for a two-day short trip (Oct 20 - 21, 2022). On our way back, my car suddenly slowed down (from 70 m/h to 40 m/h and was non-responsive), and shut down completely at the intersection between Highway I-35 W and Lino Lake, MN 55038, about 30 miles away from TC around 8:30 pm, Friday night. And then I cannot start my car at all. Originally I thought it was the gas issue but the screen indicated there were at least 100miles to drive. Therefore, I called 911 right after (see EXHIBIT 1) and asked for help as well as Subaru roadside service (see EXHIBIT 2 ). Fortunately, my car stopped at the shoulders and we were not involved in a crash. This happened three days AFTER I had my car maintenance (Oct 17 at 10:15 am, Morrie's Minnetonka Subaru, 12520 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305), and according to the report from that maintenance, the car was functioning well and had no red flag (see EXHIBIT 3). My car is currently located at Morrie's Minnetonka Subaru for further inspection. However, as far as I know so far (from the dealership mechanics), they have no clue what happened and they need to ask for additional help to figure out why the car engine suddenly lost power. In addition, I saw this is not a solo accident, many other Subaru Crosstrek Owners have encountered similar situations (i.e., lost power completely on the highway or freeway after regular car maintenance). Please see EXHIBIT 4 for detailed information.
Suspension, Sep 29, 2022
Premature rear wheel bearing failure, both rear wheels at 29,000 miles. Dealer service technician states vehicle is unsafe to drive.
Engine, Jul 26, 2022
At 89,000 the transmission was replaced because of a “known issue” and I was having problems. The car would lurch and hesitate coming off traffic stops. This prompted me to go to the dealer who called Subaru who offered to replace transmission, no further questions asked. Less than 20,000 miles later, this new transmission is causing problems again to the tune of $12,000! They refuse to replace it at no charge when they KNOW the CVT transmissions have issues
Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2022
My horn does not works when wheels are straight. If I turn the steering wheel to either side horn works. No fuse or solenoid problem; I replaced both.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2022
I was driving on the highway and my hood opened and flew back into the windshield. This caused my windshield to break. It was very dangerous and scary since I was driving on the highway. I was very lucky that I did not hit anything or anyone and also that no one else hit me. The tow truck driver said that the hood latch was broken. I have never had any issues with my hood closing prior to this and had no idea it was broken. There were no warning lights and the hood appeared to be closed, it looked the same as the hood always does, not lifted up or anything. The vehicle is still being fixed so I would think it could be further inspected if needed. The damage to my car is extensive. It needs a new hood, new windshield, fenders, and roof. The hood hit so hard that it caused the above mentioned parts to be distorted and bent. The part that failed on the car is the back up hood latch to prevent this from happening if the hood does open without warning like this.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 1, 2022
Windshield spontaneously cracked
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 11, 2022
On Jan 7th, during rush-hour traffic on the highway, without any warning all of my vehicle lights began to dim. The power steering and brakes went out. I was able to steer to the side of the road. Then, all of the lights went out and the car shut off. I was unable to shift the vehicle into park, and as I was going up a hill at the time, I was forced to roll backwards slowly and engage the emergency brake. Only luck prevented a serious, perhaps fatal accident. It was also below freezing in Ohio so I had to sit in the frigid temperatures until a tow truck arrived. After being towed to two separate dealerships, the Subaru dealer believes this was caused by a faulty hybrid battery, alternator, or both. An inspection is available by request. The problem did flag multiple error codes (confirmed by the dealer) but it is very frightening that there was absolutely NO warning and I feel unsafe driving this vehicle, even after it will be repaired. Next time, myself or others, may not be so fortunate. The alternator is being recalled in 2017+ Subaru Crosstrek for this very issue, but not the 2016 (my vehicle).
Electrical system, Dec 15, 2021
I have had three occurrences with my vehicle where I discovered a dangerous situation in the manual heater and air conditioner control module connector that resulted in the module connector and the wiring harness connector both becoming scorched and melted due to excessive heat. I believe that this is probably occurring due to high electrical current at the connector. In all occurrences, the first symptoms of the problem are intermittent blower fan speed followed by the fan speed knob becoming melted into a fixed position. The first occurrence was in February 2021 and the damaged control module (part number 72311FJ500) and the pigtail connector were replaced by a trained auto body tech. The second occurrence was in August 2021 and I took the vehicle to the Subaru dealership given it was a repeat occurrence and because we were concerned it might be a problem that could impact other vehicles. The service department at Subaru kept the vehicle for 2 weeks to diagnose the problem and eventually recommended we replace the vehicle's main wiring harness as well as again replace the damaged heater and air conditioning control module. We authorized the required repairs. The issue has now occurred for a third time and I will be taking the vehicle to Subaru again. I will be asking the service department to contact the manufacturer about this safety issue. I believe the primary risk to safety the potential of a fire in the vehicle in the right circumstances due to excessive current at the connector of the module. There is a secondary but less acute risk that the heater becomes inoperable during the winter and puts occupants at risk which is the situation we are facing as we travel frequently in rural areas.
Suspension, Dec 11, 2021
THE WHOLE CONTROL ARM BROKE AND THE CAR ONLY HAD 44 000 MILES ON IT HAD TO REPLACE IT AND THE RADIATOR CRACKED TOO WITH SO MANY LITTLE MILES CONTACTED SUBARU NO ANSWER THEY WONT EVEN REIMBURSE ME PAID OVER 2 GRAN TO FIX IT VERY UNRELIABLE CAR
Other or unspecified, Nov 15, 2021
The key will not come out of the ignition when placing the car in park! We have to fiddle with the shifter to get the key to release. Contacted the dealer and Subaru of America to see if this could be fixed as a recall, unfortunately it is a service bulletin as of now and costs >$500 to fix this known problem that occurred on a vehicle with 50K miles! This is unacceptable and would like it fixed at no charge.
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 10, 2021
Ignition Key stuck in the ignition cannot be removed from ignition after parking. This problem never occurred in previous 5 years of ownership. It happens nearly every time the car is driven, and has been reported widely on the internet by Subaru owners. In many cases, owners have not been able to remove the keys at all, and have had to call for assistance. On the advice of a repair tech, we replaced our battery, which, at 5 years old, was probably due to be replaced. This has not solved the problem.
Structure, Oct 27, 2021
Engine Hood-Latch disengaged while driving at speed. The secondary (emergency) latch failed to keep the hood down, causing it to fly open, shattering the windshield, and completely blocking a view of the highway. (The hood latch had an issue where it would not close 10 months prior, and it was serviced by Subaru at that time)
Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2021
Key gets stuck in ignition when vehicle is in park. The key will go to the on position but cannot be pulled out. You must turn the car back on and go into drive and reverse and park again to try and get the key to come out. Sometimes this does not work and you must do so again.
Electrical system, Jul 23, 2021
I had to have it be jump-started first on 7/20/21 and again on 7/23/21, the battery had been replaced with a new manufacturer's battery in Feb. of 2020. When the battery didn't start on 7/23 there were several warning lights concerning all the electrical safety systems. AAA came again this time jumped it and it started and I had it towed to the dealership. Since it was towed to the dealership I have learned that this is a documented problem with this car and that there was even a service bulletin put out by Subaru about how to deal with the problem, their fix is to replace the battery but that is fixing the symptom but not a cure. I was told that I should report this to your agency.
Electrical system, Jul 7, 2021
2016 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0 LTD (CVT) When placing vehicle in park, occasionally, will not allow me to remove ignition key when transmission is placed in park position. Safety issue is that I am not able to exit vehicle because if they remains in the car, it will be an easy vehicle to steal. Especially an issue if I am in a parking lot at night or during severe weather conditions. The car dealer and Subaru of America feel that it is my financial responsibility even though there are numerous other Subaru Crosstrek owners that have voiced the same complaint. Subaru has issued several service bulletins acknowledging that there is a defect and that the shifter was redesigned for model year 2019. Subaru Service Bulletin 16-112-18R states "The cause is contamination if the Park-Range switch internal components.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 14, 2021
While driving on the highway with a quarter tank of gas, without warning, my vehicle's engine turned off. As I was in the left lane at the time, I was forced to pull over onto the small shoulder. There were two other occupants in the car and the nearest roadside assistance was an hour away. There were no warning lights or messages prior, and my gas gauge said I had 80 miles until empty. This is the third time this has occurred. I believe this is related to a faulty fuel pump, because my gas tank was not empty. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance.
Air bags, Jun 10, 2021
This is a suspected problem with the side airbags located in the driver/front passenger seats. The seat upholstery has two straps that guide the airbag into the upholstery seam when the airbag deploys. Over time, the straps chafe on the sharp edges of the seat frame and wear through. As a result, there is a risk that the seat airbag will not deploy correctly. I discovered this problem when I was performing the following procedure https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10140486-9999.pdf.To be clear, my airbag has not deployed and I do not know what would happen had the airbag deployed. I'm attaching some photos. The photos show the two straps, one of which is mostly worn through. They also show the straps in their intended install location. There is a photo with some arrows and comments. Another thing to note is that I have seen multiple seats with this problem from cars with much lower mileage. I have another set of seats from a Subaru WRX that also has this issue. Subaru seats share a common architecture and the airbags are the same on Crosstrek/Impreza/WRX/Forester. In addition, a fix seems rather simple. This would involve applying some strong tape to the sharp edges of the seat frame to cover the sharp edges.
Engine, May 11, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HIGH TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DCH SUBARU OF THOUSAND OAKS (3725 AUTO MALL DR, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91362) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE ENGINE SHORT BLOCK NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, UPON RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE CORRECTLY WITH A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME DEALER 4 MONTHS LATER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VALVES NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE SAME DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 118,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 1, 2021
HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES, MAJORITY OF IT HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY, AND I EXITED OFF THE HIGHWAY. I WAITED AT A STOP LIGHT AND THEN TURNED ONTO A SECONDARY ROAD. THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN GAVE ALL WARNING LIGHTS WITH THE HYBRID SYSTEM AND I LOST ACCELERATION IN THE VEHICLE. IT MADE IT VERY HARD TO STEER, AND WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS IT BARELY HAD ANY POWER TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE. FELT LIKE I LOST THE MAIN POWER A D WAS USING ONLY THE HYBRID BATTERY TO POWER THE VEHICLE. I PULLED OFF ON A SIDE STREET PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. I WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND THEN TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AND IF IT HAD HAPPENED TWO MINUTES EARLIER I WOULD'VE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND IN REAL TROUBLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 24, 2021
KEY IS UNABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM IGNITION AFTER SHIFTING TO PARK. SOMETIMES REQUIRES YOU TO SHIFT IN AND OUT OF PARK SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THE KEY TO RELEASE. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT AND A DEFECTIVE PARK POSITION SENSOR.
Steering, Mar 19, 2021
NO POWER STEERING BACKING UP AFTER STARTING THE CAR. WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TURNED ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON STILL NO POWER STEERING. PARKED WAITED 15 MINUTES TRIED AGAIN AND THE STEERING WORKED ONLY FELT A LITTLE LOOSE.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 12, 2021
ON FREEWAY, CAR SUDDENLY DID NOT WANT TO ACCELERATE WHEN PUSHING ON THE GAS. CAR THEN DECELERATED UNTIL I PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, ALMOST COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, AND THEN I PUSHED ON GAS AND IT ACCELERATED AGAIN.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 4, 2021
VEHICLE TURNED OFF/STALLED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON 2 OCCASIONS, 2 MONTHS APART. NEEDED TO BE TOWED. SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. BOTH TIMES, DEALER STATED NO ISSUES WERE FOUND. FIRST TIME THEY SAID IT MAY BE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WHICH WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL. SECOND TIME THEY SAID IT MIGHT BE THE FUEL PUMP OVERHEATING BUT SAID PUMP LOOKED FINE. I DO NOT TRUST THE CAR AND WILL NOT DRIVE IT.