Vehicle report
2016 Subaru Crosstrek
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has 1 NHTSA recall on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is 5 out of 5. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
1
Open recalls
15
Complaints
5
Overall safety
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2016 Subaru Crosstrek recalls (1)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
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.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek safety ratings
5
Overall
4
Front
5
Side
4
Rollover
Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek owner complaints (15)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 exhaust issue existed before I purchased the car. The selling dealership did not disclose this safety defect and refused to unwind the sale when notified.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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, same day, only on 4. Next day took to Subaru service center. When we asked how would replacing parts stop this from happening again, we were told original parts had a “Design Flaw” and was “Defective”. Replacement/New parts wiring system actually corrects the OEM defect.
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Hood latch failed causing hood to fly open, smashing and breaking my windshield.
- STEERING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 was taken to the dealership for a Brake Light Switch recall that has the same simptoms.
- STEERING
Full electrical power steering failure
- STRUCTURE
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 underneath the car. If they had said so, I would not buy the car since it cannot be fixed and at the Subaru dealer where I live, they told me that the car should not have been sold for use on the road due to the degree of correction and rust it presents. In September, when it did not pass the inspection, I came to find out about the situation of the poor condition underneath the car. It had a leaking muffler and they had to repair it so that the car could pass inspection. I present other situations; but the worst is the state of deterioration. BBB and Consumer Protective, I made complaints and nothing was the result; Because they offered through BBB a settlement at a supposedly low price (I did not accept because I did not trust the sale due to bad faith) and through Consumer Protection, they told me to go to court. I went to court because up to $10,000.00usd, they will see the case without legal assistance; I did not qualify because that dealer sold the car for more than $10,000.00usd. The government could veto the law on car sales as it is, because they abuse and continue selling risky cars and the problem falls on the buyer. Please!! I need a help in this situation. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 frequent problem and feels increasingly unsafe to drive, particularly with our 2 small children in the car, because it loses power without warning so it leaves us vulnerable for being rear-ended while changing lanes, taking turns, etc. We have been working with our local dealership (Beyer Subaru in Alexandria, VA) to address the issue, but they have only been able to replicate the issue once in a 4-week period and they have not been able to document it. The one time they were able to replicate the problem the car was not hooked up to any computer/system. I have found this forum that documents similar problems with Crosstreks - [XXX] , as well as a Service Bulletin which references a similar issue in 2018-21MY Crosstrek 2.0L MT - https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10201030-0001.pdf. While the 2nd does refer specifically to Manual Transmissions, I feel like this is indicative of a trend that is not being acknowledged for other Model Year's and transmission types, but presents a serious safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
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 certain amount of time. But for everyone’s safety, it would seem that the Subaru Corporation would implement a recall. As a result of the horn not working, I was involved in a fender bender accident, I was unable to alert a driver that they were merging into my lane of traffic. I’ve searched mechanics and auto parts stores, the cost is exorbitant, especially for a senior on a fixed income. I don’t know to whom these reports are or if they are forwarded, but I certainly hope someone in a decision making capacity will help the loyal owners of Subarus. I still, because I have no other option, drive, however I am so very cautious. And I limit my “outings” to as few as possible. It’s a hindrance, a rather very often at inopportune times. Hopefully there will be a chance for Subaru to do the correct thing.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred frequently whenever the A/C was running. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the throttle body needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure returned, and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the alternator and belt tensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 said the entire transmission needed to be replaced and it would cost $9000! Seriously? At only 64000 miles? Somehow some kind of "snout" broke off and they needed to replace the whole thing. Blue Book on this car is only slightly over $9000 and I need to spend what it is worth to repair? I may never own another subaru ever again if this is what happens at such a low mileage.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 issue, I cannot believe a recall has not been issued. Tried to get it fixed at Subaru today. Still not fixed. We cannot drive until the horn is fixed it is dangerous driving in [XXX] and not having a horn to give a warning when you are about to be hit. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
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 visibility caused me to slam on my breaks almost causing another vehicle to hit my car.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 on the side road for 30 minutes, I was able to restart the car and drive home. My car just had a new engine air filter replaced.
Checking a used Subaru Crosstrek before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2016 Crosstrek in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular Crosstrek's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the Subaru Crosstrek, or browse more Subaru models.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek — questions and answers
Does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?+
Our check found 1 NHTSA recall associated with the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
How many complaints does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have?+
NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek safe?+
The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.
How do I check a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a Subaru free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Subaru dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
Get the full vehicle history report
SPONSOREDAccident & damage records, liens, title brands, ownership history, and odometer verification.
Provided by our vehicle-history partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.