2016 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Report
2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (131) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 7 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2022 | Compare against the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek with 28 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Crosstrek Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Crosstrek years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Subaru Crosstrek | 97 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | 192 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | 274 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Subaru Crosstrek | 64 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Subaru Crosstrek | 100 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Subaru Crosstrek | 28 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Subaru Crosstrek Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
28 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyElectrical System
23 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Subaru onlyPower Train
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Subaru onlySteering
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Subaru onlyEngine
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Subaru onlyVisibility/Wiper
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
Reliability Score
The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake Light Switch Failure Subaru is recalling certain 2014-2016 Foresters and 2008-2016 Imprezas for brake light switch failures that could lead to poor visibility. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Cvt Valve Body Defect A CVT valve body defect has been diagnosed by Subaru dealerships, potentially leading to power loss while driving. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Clutch Failure A 2016 Subaru Crosstrek with a 5-speed manual transmission experienced a clutch failure at 64,000 miles. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Hood Latch Failure A hood latch failure resulted in the hood flying open, smashing and breaking the windshield. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek:
23% of reported issues involve exterior lighting problems, particularly brake light switch failures.
17% of reported issues are related to engine and power train, including CVT valve body defects.
23% of reported issues are electrical system problems, such as full electrical power steering failures.
3% of reported issues involve structural integrity, such as hood latch failures.
Recall Details for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek by NHTSA:
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.
Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 u...
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 happe...
Hood latch failed causing hood to fly open, smashing and breaking my windshield.
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.
Full electrical power steering failure
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...
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 los...
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 ...
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
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.
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 vehi...
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 k...
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 driv...
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.
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 r...
I own a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek with only 37,000 miles. There is a problem with my battery being drained after not driving the car for several days. I have had to call for a jump start 3 times, Aug. 8, 2023, Sept. 5, 2023 and Nov. 14, 2023, each time after returning from vacation. I replaced the battery when it happened the second time, but the problem continued to occur. I have taken my car to ...
See attached document from complainant
Driving down the freeway I had cruise control set. All of the sudden the cruise control shut off and it was like the car was in neutral. When I pushed on the gas it just revved I was able to coast to an exit and right before the top of the hill, all the indicator lights went on and the car shut off. I had the vehicle towed to a Subaru dealership the next morning when they went to work on the car, ...
While at posted highway speeds through twisting roads, the vehicle developed a wheel vibration. Stopped to inspect the wheels, found right rear wheel missing 4 of 5 lug bolts. Lug bolts were sheared off. Vehicle has 81,000 miles, tires rotated 7 months prior to this event.
I have a 2016 Crosstrek. It hestitates when you start after a stop. I have taken it to the dealership. They feel the hesitation but do not know what the problem is. The cost they estimated to fix was over $1,000, BUT with no guarantee they could fix it because they do not know what the problem is. It is not the fuel. After looking online Subaru problems, this seems to be a problem with Subaru. The...
Showing 20 of 131 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
Has the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK have?
The 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK has 131 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 4 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
The 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK involve unknown or other (28 complaints), electrical system (23 complaints), power train (11 complaints). Other affected components include steering, engine, visibility/wiper.
How many crash reports does the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK have?
There are 4 crash reports associated with the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK out of 131 total complaints (3.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK have?
There are 3 fire reports for the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK out of 131 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK is acceptable with caveats. It has 131 complaints, 1 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (28 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (23 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN (11 complaints), 4. STEERING (7 complaints), 5. ENGINE (6 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 28 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
Be cautious of electrical system and engine issues, as they are the most frequently reported problems. Check for recalls and service your vehicle regularly. The 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK has 131 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
The 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 131 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 7 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Brake Light Switch Failure and CVT Valve Body Defect.
What are the known issues with the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
Known issues with the 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK include: Brake Light Switch Failure, CVT Valve Body Defect, Clutch Failure, Hood Latch Failure. These are based on patterns found across 131 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What safety issues have been reported for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?
Issues include brake light switch failures, CVT valve body defects, and hood latch failures.
How can I prevent electrical system failures?
Regular maintenance and keeping up with recalls can help prevent electrical system failures.
What should I do if I experience clutch failure?
Take your vehicle to a Subaru dealership for diagnosis and repair as soon as possible.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of electrical system and engine issues, as they are the most frequently reported problems. Check for recalls and service your vehicle regularly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. The data includes 131 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16