2016 Subaru Wrx Safety Report

2016 Subaru WRX: Low Complaint Volume, Unrated Crash Safety, Recalls for Engine and Lighting Issues

34Complaints
3Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
2Fire Reports
Most reported components: Electrical System (8)Engine (8)Unknown Or Other (4)Power Train (4)Steering (2)Exterior Lighting (2)Unknown Or Other,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes (1)Tires,Equipment,Unknown Or Other,Tether, Lower Anchor (On Car Seat Or Vehicle),I Suspect The Car Seat Is Counterfeit (1)Electrical System,Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Fuel/Propulsion System (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Subaru Wrx

The 2016 Subaru WRX presents a mixed safety picture, with a relatively low number of overall complaints but some concerning patterns and recalls. With 34 total complaints, including 1 crash and 2 fires, the vehicle's incident rate is not excessively high. However, the lack of specific NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A) means its crashworthiness is not officially assessed by this agency, which is a significant gap in its safety profile. The two reported fires are a concern, especially one occurring after a front-end collision with a deer, leading to a total loss of the vehicle. Common complaint patterns revolve heavily around the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE, each accounting for 8 complaints. Specific issues include recurring battery drain, 'Headlights Disabled' warnings leading to inoperable headlights, and various engine problems such as loud rattling, inconsistent oil pressure due to RTV sealant in the oil pickup, and engine stalling. The 'POWER TRAIN' also has 4 complaints, with issues like stiff clutches and transmission hesitation being reported. These patterns suggest potential manufacturing or design flaws in critical vehicle systems. Recall history includes three significant campaigns. One recall addresses the 'EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH' issue (affecting 2015-2021 WRX), where a corroded switch can lead to inoperative backup lights and rearview camera, increasing crash risk. Another recall targets the 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER' (2015-2016 WRX), where an engine stall increases crash risk. A third recall, 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING', though primarily for Legacy/Outback, highlights Subaru's attention to safety systems. The presence of these recalls, particularly the engine-related one, aligns with the high number of engine complaints, indicating known issues that Subaru has attempted to address. The 'Headlights Disabled' complaints also resonate with the exterior lighting recall, even if the specific recall is for backup lights. In summary, while the 2016 Subaru WRX has a low complaint volume, the absence of NHTSA crash test ratings is a notable deficiency. The recurring electrical and engine issues, coupled with relevant recalls, suggest areas of concern for potential buyers. The reported fires, though few, are serious incidents that warrant attention.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Subaru Wrx receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Subaru Wrx

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Subaru Wrx:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Recurring Battery Drain
Multiple complaints of batteries draining prematurely, even after replacement, rendering the vehicle inoperable.		 Medium Common unknown miles
Engine Stalling/Overheating
Reports of engine stalling while driving and overheating issues, increasing crash risk.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Inoperable Headlights
Headlights disabling unexpectedly while driving, leading to reduced visibility and safety concerns.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Clutch Failure/Stiffness
Clutch becoming stiff or unusable, preventing shifting and requiring towing, sometimes deemed 'user wear and tear' by dealers.		 High Occasional 14000-26000 miles
Turbo Charger Intake Duct Cracking
Cracking of the turbo charger intake duct, even after replacement, leading to boost leaks and reduced performance.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Secondary Air Injection Pump Failure
Secondary Air Injection pump staying on for days, burning a hole, and affecting other components.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Sunroof Explosion
Sunroof exploding while driving, causing glass to fly into the car and chip paint.		 Medium Rare 10200 miles
Oil Pickup Screen Clogged With Rtv
RTV sealant clogging the oil pickup screen, leading to loud rattling noises and inconsistent oil pressure.		 High Rare unknown 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 Wrx:

Electrical System 23% of complaints

Frequent issues with battery drain, inoperable headlights, and general electrical malfunctions.

Engine 23% of complaints

Problems including stalling, overheating, rattling noises, and oil pressure inconsistencies.

Power Train 12% of complaints

Complaints related to clutch stiffness, failure, and transmission hesitation.

Steering 6% of complaints

Reports of clunking noises from the steering wheel and power steering fluid leaks.

Exterior Lighting 6% of complaints

Issues with headlights disabling and backup light switch corrosion.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Subaru Wrx

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Subaru WRX has a low number of total complaints (34) but lacks official NHTSA crash test ratings, making its crashworthiness unassessed by the agency. There are 2 reported fires and 1 crash. Several recalls address significant issues like engine stalling and inoperative backup lights, which are critical safety concerns.

What are common problems with the 2016 Subaru WRX?

The most reported issues are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (23% of complaints) and ENGINE (23%), including recurring battery drain, inoperable headlights, engine stalling, and oil pressure problems. POWER TRAIN issues, such as clutch failure, also account for 12% of complaints.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 Subaru WRX?

Yes, there are 3 recalls for the 2016 Subaru WRX. These include recalls for corroding backup light switches (affecting backup lights and rearview camera), engine stalling due to turbo/supercharger issues, and a forward collision avoidance system recall (though primarily for other models, it's listed for this year range).

What should I look out for when buying a used 2016 Subaru WRX?

When buying a used 2016 Subaru WRX, pay close attention to the electrical system for signs of battery drain or headlight malfunctions. Have the engine thoroughly inspected for any unusual noises, overheating, or signs of oil pressure issues. Also, check the clutch and transmission for smooth operation and ensure all recall repairs have been completed.

How reliable is the 2016 Subaru WRX?

The reliability of the 2016 Subaru WRX is questionable given the recurring issues with critical components like the engine and electrical system, as evidenced by the 34 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls. While the overall complaint volume is low, the nature of the problems (stalling, inoperable lights) suggests potential reliability concerns.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the unrated crash safety and recurring issues with the electrical system and engine, a pre-purchase inspection by a Subaru specialist is highly recommended, along with verifying all recall repairs have been completed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Subaru Wrx

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Subaru Wrx. The data includes 34 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

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.