2016 Subaru Crosstrek reliability

Is it reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek holds 131 complaints after 11 years, a rate of 8 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Crosstrek years here — under the median of the other years, which is 20. NHTSA has 1 recall on file, including Switch.

Complaints

131

Per year

Recalls

Years on the road

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (37 of 131), then Powertrain (18) and Engine (13). Those filings include 4 that report a crash, 3 that report a fire, and 1 that reports an injury.

Next to 2017

The 2017 Crosstrek has 97 complaints, 11 per year. The 2016 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. How we count. Data as of 2026-10-16.

Recalls (1)

Recall exterior lighting, brake lights, switch 2019-02-28 · NHTSA campaign 19V149000

Summary 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.

Complaints by component (131 total)

Electrical system

Powertrain

Engine

Steering

Fuel and propulsion system

Speed control

Service brakes

Structure

Visibility and wipers

Air bags

Suspension

Wheels

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Latches, locks, and linkages

Seats

Engine and engine cooling

Exterior lighting

Visibility

Show 10 more Show less

Crash-flagged

Fire-flagged

Injury reports

Death reports

Complaints filed per year

Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings

"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…"
Engine and engine cooling · filed 2025-12-10
"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…"
Electrical system · filed 2025-11-05
"Hood latch failed causing hood to fly open, smashing and breaking my windshield."
Latches, locks, and linkages · filed 2025-05-05
"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…"
Steering, Powertrain, Unknown or other · filed 2025-04-29
"Full electrical power steering failure"
Steering · filed 2025-04-15

NHTSA crash ratings

Version	Overall	Front	Side	Rollover
2016 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid SUV AWD	5 stars	4 stars	5 stars	4 stars
2016 Subaru Crosstrek SUV AWD	5 stars	4 stars	5 stars	4 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Specs and fitment

1st generation, 2016–2022

Body styles SUV

Oil 0W-20 synthetic (2.5L; 5W-30 if 0W-20 unavailable) , 5.1 qt capacity

Tire size 225/60R17, 225/55R18 (trim dependent)

Towing capacity 2,700 lbs

Known issues for this generation

NHTSA safety recall 19V404000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The driver's side rear-door window glass may be improperly tempered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials.". Improperly tempered glass can shatter into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury. Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side rear-door window glass, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUG-92. When NHTSA lists multiple Subaru nameplates in one campaign, the published unit count is shared across them.

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Next year 2017 Subaru Crosstrek See every Subaru Crosstrek model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

What are common problems with a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?

Is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2017 Crosstrek has 97 complaints, 11 per year. The 2016 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017.

Has the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek been recalled?

The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has 1 recall on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?

Owners have filed 131 complaints about the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek with NHTSA.

What engine oil does a Subaru Crosstrek use?

Recent US Crosstrek manuals specify 0W-20 synthetic for the FB 2.5L, with temporary 5W-30 only when 0W-20 is unavailable.

What generation is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?

2nd generation (2023-on) on this site's Crosstrek record.

What tire sizes does a Subaru Crosstrek use?

Common US sizes include 225/60R17 and 225/55R18 depending on trim.