2016 Subaru Crosstrek problems and complaints

Owners have filed 131 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. The most-reported areas: Electrical System (37), Unknown Or Other (34), Power Train (18).

Key takeaways

  • 131 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 4 involve a crash, 3 a fire, 1 reported injury.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3728%
Unknown Or Other3426%
Power Train1814%
Steering1310%
Engine1310%
Fuel/Propulsion System86%
Vehicle Speed Control65%
Structure54%
Visibility/Wiper54%
Service Brakes54%
Air Bags43%
Suspension43%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2016 Subaru Crosstrek SUV AWD5/54/55/54/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Engine And Engine Cooling - filed 2025-12-10

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 ...

Electrical System - filed 2025-11-05

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 Sub...

Latches/Locks/Linkages - filed 2025-05-05

Hood latch failed causing hood to fly open, smashing and breaking my windshield.

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More for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.