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2016 Subaru Crosstrek Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2016 Subaru Crosstrek Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has 164 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve electrical system and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.4/ 10

Based on 164 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

36 22%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

34 20.7%

POWER TRAIN

18 11%

STEERING

13 7.9%

ENGINE

13 7.9%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 22% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 21 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has 164 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 22% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (36), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (34), POWER TRAIN (18).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 85 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 Crosstrek complaints2018 Crosstrek complaints2014 Crosstrek complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 21 of 21 systems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

36 Reports22% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TWICE NOW AFTER LETTING MY CAR SIT PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR 3 TO 5 DAYS MY BATTERY HAS DRAINED TO THE POINT THAT MY CAR WILL NOT START AND I WOULD NEED TO JUMP START MY CAR EACH TIME. BOTH TIMES I JUMP STARTED MY CAR I WOULD VERIFY THAT I DIDN'T MAKE AN HONEST MISTAKE OF LEAVING ANYTHING ON LIKE A DOME LIGHT ETC. AND I HAVE NOT LEFT ANYTHING ON. IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT I HAVE THE LIMITED VERSION WITH KEYLESS ENTRY/START THE WHOLE EYESIGHT SYSTEM WITH AN ADDED OEM REMOTE START SYSTEM INSTALLED WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM THE DEALER.

3/19/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

12/12/2017

34 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

34 Reports21% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE DURATION OF TIME THAT IT TAKES TO GO FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE IS UNACCEPTABLE AND DANGEROUS. EVERY MORNING I DRIVE MY CHILD TO DAYCARE AND THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHERE I FEARED THAT WE WOULD GET REAR-ENDED (WHICH WOULD INJURE MY CHILD) DUE TO THE SLOW RESPONSE TIME GOING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. EVERY MORNING I HAVE TO BE 100% SURE TO TIME MY REVERSAL WHEN BACKING OUT AND MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO CARS ANYWHERE NEAR ME SO I DON'T GET CRASHED INTO. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE THERE ARE ANY DEATHS OR INJURIES FROM THIS. ALSO, THIS IS A MINOR INCONVENIENCE BUT THE MOONROOF/SUNROOF DOESN'T OPEN 100% ALL THE WAY WHEN I CLICK THE AUTO OPEN BUTTON/FEATURE...IT OPENS AND THEN STOPS ABOUT 1 INCH BEFORE BEING FULLY OPEN. IN OTHER WORDS, IF YOU PRESS THE AUTO OPEN BUTTON TO OPEN THE MOONROOF, IT WILL STOP AT 90-95% OPEN THEN YOU HAVE TO MANUALLY PRESS IT AGAIN TO GET IT FULLY OPEN ANOTHER INCH TO 100%. WHEN I TOOK MY CROSSTREK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM REPROGRAM MY TELEMATICS FOR THE TELEMATICS/COMPUTER REPROGRAMMING RECALL I HAD THEM TAKE A LOOK AT THE MOONROOF AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS "WORKING AS DESIGNED". WHY WOULD A MOONROOF NOT FULLY OPEN 100% BY DESIGN? IT CAN'T BE A SAFETY ISSUE, SO THIS JUST DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE AND LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS BEING COMPLACENT AND LAZY AND DIDN'T FEEL LIKE HAVING TO ADJUST IT OR SIMPLY DIDN'T KNOW HOW.

5/13/2016

TOXIC SMELL IN THE CAR. I NOTICED IT WHEN THE SALESMAN WAS GOING OVER HOW TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE AND HE SAID HE NOTICED IT, ALSO. I FIGURED IT WAS BRAND NEW AND IT WOULD GET BETTER, BUT IT DID NOT AND I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 6 TIMES. THEY HAVE TRIED MANY THINGS TO GET RID OF THE SMELL. NOTHING WORKS. NOW THEY SAY NOTHING IS MECHANICALLY WRONG, SO I AM STUCK WITH A CAR THAT MAKES ME SICK. THIS IS NOT NEW CAR SMELL, I WISH IT WERE. I HAVE BEEN IN AT LEAST 6 OTHER NEW SUBARU'S, AND NONE OF THEM SMELL LIKE THIS ONE DOES. THE SMELL IS NOT GETTING ANY BETTER OR FADING. IT MAKES ME LIGHTHEADED, GIVES ME HEADACHES, SORE THROATS, BLURRY VISION, POST NASAL DRIP, AND IF IN IT LONG ENOUGH, NAUSEA. MY HUSBAND ALSO HAS THESE ISSUES AND WILL NOT RIDE IN THE CAR.

7/18/2016

32 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

18 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE LAG TIME ON THE CVT GOING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE IS BEYOND ANNOYING IT IS DANGEROUS. IT TAKES 1-2 SECONDS FOR THE CAR TO MOVE AND BECAUSE OF THIS LAPSE THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT THE CAR WILL LURCH. FOR EXAMPLE, IF BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND TRAFFIC WARRANTS THAT YOU PULL BACK INTO THE SPACE IT CAN LEAD TO A POTENTIAL OUT OF CONTROL SITUATION.

4/26/2016

THE DURATION OF TIME THAT IT TAKES TO GO FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE IS UNACCEPTABLE AND DANGEROUS. EVERY MORNING I DRIVE MY CHILD TO DAYCARE AND THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHERE I FEARED THAT WE WOULD GET REAR-ENDED (WHICH WOULD INJURE MY CHILD) DUE TO THE SLOW RESPONSE TIME GOING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. EVERY MORNING I HAVE TO BE 100% SURE TO TIME MY REVERSAL WHEN BACKING OUT AND MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO CARS ANYWHERE NEAR ME SO I DON'T GET CRASHED INTO. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE THERE ARE ANY DEATHS OR INJURIES FROM THIS. ALSO, THIS IS A MINOR INCONVENIENCE BUT THE MOONROOF/SUNROOF DOESN'T OPEN 100% ALL THE WAY WHEN I CLICK THE AUTO OPEN BUTTON/FEATURE...IT OPENS AND THEN STOPS ABOUT 1 INCH BEFORE BEING FULLY OPEN. IN OTHER WORDS, IF YOU PRESS THE AUTO OPEN BUTTON TO OPEN THE MOONROOF, IT WILL STOP AT 90-95% OPEN THEN YOU HAVE TO MANUALLY PRESS IT AGAIN TO GET IT FULLY OPEN ANOTHER INCH TO 100%. WHEN I TOOK MY CROSSTREK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM REPROGRAM MY TELEMATICS FOR THE TELEMATICS/COMPUTER REPROGRAMMING RECALL I HAD THEM TAKE A LOOK AT THE MOONROOF AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS "WORKING AS DESIGNED". WHY WOULD A MOONROOF NOT FULLY OPEN 100% BY DESIGN? IT CAN'T BE A SAFETY ISSUE, SO THIS JUST DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE AND LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS BEING COMPLACENT AND LAZY AND DIDN'T FEEL LIKE HAVING TO ADJUST IT OR SIMPLY DIDN'T KNOW HOW.

5/13/2016

16 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

13 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY MY STARING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN SO I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND IT STILL WOULDN'T TURN SO I PUTTED IN PARK AND TURN IT OFF THEN I STARTED IT BACK UP AND IT WORKED. I JUST BOUGHT IT NOT EVEN FIVE DAYS AGO IF SUBARU KNEW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CARS THEY SHOULDN'T SOLD IT TO ANYBODY I AM VERY UPSET WITH THE SUBARU COMPANY DAY APOLLO SUBARU IN MOON TOWNSHIP

7/9/2016

CAR HAS 67,000 MILES, IS THREE YEARS OLD, THE FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT AXLES HAD TO BOTH BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A LOUD CLICKING WHEN STEERING THE VEHICLE. ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. ANY TURNS WHETHER WITH SPEED OR SLOW THE AXLE WOULD MAKE A LOUD CLICKING NOISE. I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT NOR HITTING POTHOLES ETC. JUST MAKING BASIC TURNS ONTO ROADS AND HIGHWAYS.

5/28/2019

11 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

13 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. COLONIAL SUBARU (761 E CHESTER ST, KINGSTON, NY 12401, (845) 339-3330) ADVISED THE CONTACT TO GO TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE OIL ADDED TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO SENT A LETTER TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER. THE DEALER CHANGED THE OIL AND A 1,000 MILE TEST WAS TO BE PERFORMED TO CHECK THE STATUS. AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, IT FAILED TO START WHILE IT WAS RAINING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER UNKNOWN DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION AND THE BATTER WAS REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,700.

12/18/2018

THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING POWER AND GETTING CLOSE TO THE POINT OF STALLING BUT NEVER STALLED. IT WOULD PERIODICALLY NOT SWITCH GEARS AS WELL. SEEMS LIKE IT COULD HAVE BEEN A FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. APPARENTLY I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL PUT OUT EARLIER FOR THIS ISSUE. SO I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET.

12/12/2019

11 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

8 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO DISPLAY THE PROPER READING AND THE VEHICLE CEASED. THE CONTACT CALLED DELLENBACH SUBARU (LOCATED AT 3103 S COLLEGE AVE, FORT COLLINS, CO 8052, (970) 226-3100) AND WAS WAITING TO SCHEDULE A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

5/6/2019

VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF DRIVEWAY. AFTER BACKING INTO STREET THE VEHICLE CANE TO A COMPLETE STOP THEN THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. I PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN QUICKLY ACCELERATED AT A VERY FAST SPEED. THIS WAS ON A BUSY ROAD AND THE VEHICLE APPROACHING MY REAR HAD TO SLAM ON ITS BRAKES TO AVOID A COLLISION. LATER IN THE SAME EVENING IN A PARKING LOT THE SAME GEAR CHANGE PROBLEM HAPPED AGAIN. AFTER GOING FROM REVERSE THEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED TO THE DRIVE POSITION. THE GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED THEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A NEAR STALL. AFTER A LONG DELAY THE VEHICLE JOLTED FORWARD. A PERSON WALKING THROUGH THE LOT NOTICED MY HESITATION AND THOUGHT I WAS LETTING THEM CROSS IN FRONT OF ME. MY VEHICLE CAME WITHIN A COUPLE FEET OF ALMOST STRIKING THE PEDESTRIAN.

7/8/2019

6 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE DURATION OF TIME THAT IT TAKES TO GO FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE IS UNACCEPTABLE AND DANGEROUS. EVERY MORNING I DRIVE MY CHILD TO DAYCARE AND THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHERE I FEARED THAT WE WOULD GET REAR-ENDED (WHICH WOULD INJURE MY CHILD) DUE TO THE SLOW RESPONSE TIME GOING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. EVERY MORNING I HAVE TO BE 100% SURE TO TIME MY REVERSAL WHEN BACKING OUT AND MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO CARS ANYWHERE NEAR ME SO I DON'T GET CRASHED INTO. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE THERE ARE ANY DEATHS OR INJURIES FROM THIS. ALSO, THIS IS A MINOR INCONVENIENCE BUT THE MOONROOF/SUNROOF DOESN'T OPEN 100% ALL THE WAY WHEN I CLICK THE AUTO OPEN BUTTON/FEATURE...IT OPENS AND THEN STOPS ABOUT 1 INCH BEFORE BEING FULLY OPEN. IN OTHER WORDS, IF YOU PRESS THE AUTO OPEN BUTTON TO OPEN THE MOONROOF, IT WILL STOP AT 90-95% OPEN THEN YOU HAVE TO MANUALLY PRESS IT AGAIN TO GET IT FULLY OPEN ANOTHER INCH TO 100%. WHEN I TOOK MY CROSSTREK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM REPROGRAM MY TELEMATICS FOR THE TELEMATICS/COMPUTER REPROGRAMMING RECALL I HAD THEM TAKE A LOOK AT THE MOONROOF AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS "WORKING AS DESIGNED". WHY WOULD A MOONROOF NOT FULLY OPEN 100% BY DESIGN? IT CAN'T BE A SAFETY ISSUE, SO THIS JUST DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE AND LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS BEING COMPLACENT AND LAZY AND DIDN'T FEEL LIKE HAVING TO ADJUST IT OR SIMPLY DIDN'T KNOW HOW.

5/13/2016

APRIL 2018 WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE GAS PEDAL SUDDENLY STOPPED FUNCTIONING BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AT IDLE. RESTARTING THE CAR FIXED THE ISSUE BUT IT HAPPENED AGAIN 10MIN LATER. BOTH INSTANCES ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. AFTER THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT AND RETURNED THE VEHICLE, NOW ONE MONTH LATER THE ACCELERATOR STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER.

5/31/2018

4 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

5 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WAS STANDING IN THE LINE OF OTHER CARS ON THE STOP SIGN FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, BRAKE PEDAL LOST IT'S HEIGHT AND DEPRESSED BY ITSELF, CAUSING MY FOOT TO SLIP FROM BRAKE TO DRIVE PEDAL AND SUBSEQUENTLY CAUSED A DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND A CAR IN FRONT OF MINE. I WAS LUCKY THAT THERE WERE NO PEDESTRIANS AT THE TIME.

8/9/2016

HAD TO HAVE REAR BRAKES REPLACES ON VEHICLE AT 36,000 MILES. FRONT BRAKES SHOULD WEAR OUT BEFORE REAR BRAKES. ROTORS WERE RUSTED OUT. ALSO THE DOWNHILL ALERT LIGHT WOULD COME ON RANDOMLY ON FLAT SURFACES WHICH CAUSES REAR BRAKES TO ENGAGE. BECAUSE THE LIGHT IS SPORADIC, DEALER WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING.

4/18/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

5 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING MY 2016 SUBARU ON A HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN, THE SUN ROOF UNEXPECTEDLY EXPLODED OUTWARD. THERE WASN'T ANY SIGN OF BEING HIT BY DEBRIS TO CAUSE THE GLASS TO SHATTER. BROKEN GLASS FLEW ALL OVER. I TOOK PHOTOS OF THE GLASS ROOF THAT CLEARLY SHOWS THE SHATTERED ROOF BROKE UPWARD.

11/15/2016

Engine Hood-Latch disengaged while driving at speed. The secondary (emergency) latch failed to keep the hood down, causing it to fly open, shattering the windshield, and completely blocking a view of the highway. (The hood latch had an issue where it would not close 10 months prior, and it was serviced by Subaru at that time)

10/27/2021

3 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

5 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED AS THE DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED RECENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. ...UPDATED 03/13/17 *BF *CN

1/23/2017

WHEN DRIVING TO WORK THIS MORNING ON THE HIGHWAY, TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH (APPROX 10 MILE DRIVE, MOSTLY HIGHWAY) I HEARD AND FELT A LOUD CRACK ON MY ROOF, AS IF SOMETHING HEAVY HAD HIT THE ROOF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I IMMEDIATELY LOOKED BEHIND ME TO SEE IF THE CARS NEARBY HAD BEEN AFFECTED, BUT DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING UNUSUAL. WHEN I ARRIVED AT WORK APPROX 3 MINUTES LATER I DISCOVERED MY SUNROOF WINDOW WAS SHATTERED, WITH PIECES OF GLASS SCATTERED ACROSS THE ROOF OF MY CAR AND A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF SHARDS COLLECTED ON THE SUNROOF FABRIC COVER. I ASSUMED IT WAS A ROCK THROWN FROM ABOVE BUT COULD NOT SEE WHERE IT HAD LANDED OR BOUNCED ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE ROOF OF MY CAR, ESPECIALLY AS THERE WAS ONLY THE ONE LOUD BANG AND NO OTHER REACTION FROM CARS IN TRAFFIC. THE POLICE HAD NO RECORD OF ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROCKS BEING THROWN FROM THE HILL ABOVE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I DISCOVERED SEVERAL CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ABOUT SUBARU SUN AND MOONROOFS EXPLODING FROM THE INSIDE DUE TO FLUCTUATIONS IN TEMPERATURE, AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHER CAR MANUFACTURERS INVOLVED IN CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. IT WAS APPROX. 30 DEGREES THIS MORNING AND I HAD THE DEFROST/FOOT HEAT SELECTION ON, SET TO LOW. WHEN I RETURNED TO MY CAR TO INVESTIGATE I NOTICED THAT THE GLASS IS BOWED OUT ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE, CONSISTENT WITH AN INTERNAL EXPLOSION. THE GLASS IS EXTREMELY FRAGILE AND CRUMBLES UPON TOUCH.

11/13/2018

3 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

This is a suspected problem with the side airbags located in the driver/front passenger seats. The seat upholstery has two straps that guide the airbag into the upholstery seam when the airbag deploys. Over time, the straps chafe on the sharp edges of the seat frame and wear through. As a result, there is a risk that the seat airbag will not deploy correctly. I discovered this problem when I was performing the following procedure https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10140486-9999.pdf.To be clear, my airbag has not deployed and I do not know what would happen had the airbag deployed. I'm attaching some photos. The photos show the two straps, one of which is mostly worn through. They also show the straps in their intended install location. There is a photo with some arrows and comments. Another thing to note is that I have seen multiple seats with this problem from cars with much lower mileage. I have another set of seats from a Subaru WRX that also has this issue. Subaru seats share a common architecture and the airbags are the same on Crosstrek/Impreza/WRX/Forester. In addition, a fix seems rather simple. This would involve applying some strong tape to the sharp edges of the seat frame to cover the sharp edges.

6/10/2021

On 3/30 my steering column started to make a grinding sound when I turned my steering wheel over 90 degrees to make a turn. On 3/31 the airbag light went on and I made an appointment to bring it in to get looked at by my nearest Subaru dealership (Tacoma Subaru). I was told the light meant the airbags would not deploy if I got into a car accident so I didn’t drive my car until I needed to pick up grocery order on 4/2. On 4/2 I was making a slow right hand turn into the parking lot and my airbag deployed as I turned and hit/burned my forearm through a heavy sweatshirt. I didn’t bump it, experience an impact or accident of any kind. It simply deployed while I was turning without any warning.

4/3/2023

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CAR HAS 67,000 MILES, IS THREE YEARS OLD, THE FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT AXLES HAD TO BOTH BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A LOUD CLICKING WHEN STEERING THE VEHICLE. ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. ANY TURNS WHETHER WITH SPEED OR SLOW THE AXLE WOULD MAKE A LOUD CLICKING NOISE. I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT NOR HITTING POTHOLES ETC. JUST MAKING BASIC TURNS ONTO ROADS AND HIGHWAYS.

5/28/2019

THE WHOLE CONTROL ARM BROKE AND THE CAR ONLY HAD 44 000 MILES ON IT HAD TO REPLACE IT AND THE RADIATOR CRACKED TOO WITH SO MANY LITTLE MILES CONTACTED SUBARU NO ANSWER THEY WONT EVEN REIMBURSE ME PAID OVER 2 GRAN TO FIX IT VERY UNRELIABLE CAR

12/11/2021

1 more complaint is available in this category.

WHEELS

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN TURNING CLICKING NOISE WAS COMING FROM WHEEL AREA. CAR HAS ONLY 50,000 MILES. WHEN I TOOK CAR IN FOR OIL CHECK MECHANIC CHECKED IT OUT FOR ME. THEY ENDED UP REPLACING THE PASSENGER CV AXLE.

7/26/2020

THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM ONE OF MY WHEELS . I'M PRETTY SURE IT'S A BAD WHEEL BEARING . NOTICED THE NOISE AFTER BRAKING VERY HARD TO AVOID A COLLISION .HAVE HAD THE SUV LOOKED AT TEST DRIVEN BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC . HE BELIEVES IT IS THE WHEEL BEARING

11/21/2020

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT 70 MPH ON A FREEWAY IT SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT. QUICK ACTION ON MY PART KEPT THE CAR FROM RUNNING OFF THE ROAD ONTO THE SHOULDER. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALER AT THE FIRST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT. THEY INSPECTED THE CAR AND FOUND THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER SHOWED AN INDICATION OF A STEERING ANGLE SENSOR FAULT. THEY KEPT THE CAR OVERNIGHT AND ROAD TESTED IT BUT BECAUSE THEY COULD TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM THEY MADE NO REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. AT A MINIMUM, I FEEL THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR AND ASKED THEM TO DO SO AND THEY REFUSED. I CONSIDER THIS CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

6/11/2018

MY BATTERY KEEP DRAINING ALL THE TIME SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR I HAVE CHANGED 3 OF THEM. TWO OF THE BATTERY WERE STILL OKAY BUT I STILL CHANGED THEM. ALSO, ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD KEEP ON AND OFF WITHOUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY FIXED THE BRAKE SWITCH RECALL AND I ALSO MENTION THE PROBLEM TO THEM BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. FEW DAYS LATER, I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON AND OFF ON THE DASHBOARD. THEY DIAGNOSED THE CAR AND SAID THE CAR NEED TO REPLACE THE VALVE BODY TRANSMISSION WHICH I DOUBT THAT MY CAR HAS PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I ALSO HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO OWN THE SUBARU HAVE THAT SAME ISSUE. I PERSONALLY USED TO OWN THE SUBARU BRZ AND THAT CAR ALSO HAS THE PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY AND THE DEALER JUST REPLACED IT FOR ME.

8/12/2020

SEATS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

LEVER TO ADJUST DRIVER SEAT HEIGHT HAS TIP AT FRONT EDGE OF DRIVER SEAT. LEVER LOOSENS AND TIP PROTRUDES SUCH THAT ON EXITING CAR IT OFTEN TRAPS PANTS CUFF AND HAS NEARLY DUMPED ME ONTO HIGHWAY IF I AM DISTRACTED AND NOT CONCENTRATING ON AVOIDING THIS. SUBARU CORRECTED ON LATER MODELS BY MOVING TIP 3 INCHES BACK OUT OF CUFF RADIUS, WHICH DOES NOT HELP WITH MY 2016. AXLE OF LEVER FURTHER BENDS OR GOES OFF AXIS TO EXACERBATE PROBLEM. FOR WARRANTY CORRECTION DEALER CLAIMS 'THAT IS THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED, NOTHING WE CAN DO. THEY COULD PUT IN THE SEAT WITH CORRECTED LEVER POSITIONING. TO NOTE BELOW: PROBLEM IS ON EXITING PARKED CAR. PROBLEM IS POSITION AND DESIGN OF MANUAL DRIVER SEAT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER. THAT IT BENDS AWAY FROM ORIGINAL POSITION OF FLUSH AGAINST SEAT BASE AND THE TIP PROTRUDES JUST AT THE EDGE WHERE THE LEFT LEG DRAGS BY ON EXITING, AND THE PANTS CUFF GETS CAUGHT BETWEEN THE LEVER AND THE MOLDED SEAT BASE. AS THE RIGHT LEG IS SWINGING OUT IN EXPECTATION THAT THE LEFT IS HEADING TOWARD THE ROAD, I TRIP AND START TO FALL TOWARD THE ROAD. THIS HAS GOTTEN WORSE AS EACH TIME IT BENDS THE AXLE OF THE LEVER A BIT FURTHER OUT, INCREASING THE GAP BETWEEN LEVER AND SEAT BASE.

5/31/2019

TRACKING NUMBER 11217079:THIS IS TO ADD PHOTOS SHOWING THAT SEAT HEIGHT ADJUST LEVER AFTER WEAR PROTRUDES FROM SEAT BASE CASTING, AND CATCHES PANTS CUFF ON EXITING CAUSING TRIPPING.

6/5/2019

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

2/8/2024

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

5/5/2025

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

EVERY 4 MONTHS I'M CHANGING HEAD LAMP LOWER BEAM,,

11/28/2019

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Premature rear wheel bearing failure, both rear wheels at 29,000 miles. Dealer service technician states vehicle is unsafe to drive.

9/29/2022

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that the windshield had cracked without impact. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 72,885.

1/17/2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

4/22/2024

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

12/10/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?

The most reported complaint category for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, with 36 owner reports. That is about 22% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN.

Are complaints about the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 85 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek severe?

85 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Subaru Crosstrek: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
164
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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