2016 Subaru Crosstrek problems, complaints & recalls

2016 Subaru Crosstrek recalls (1)

• Recall 19V149000Feb 28, 20191,303,530 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

  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.

  Risk: 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.

Recent 2016 Subaru Crosstrek complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026CAEngine

   While driving my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek (VIN: [XXX]) at approximately 70,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic cooling system rupture on the roadway without any prior dashboard warning light. A radiator hose burst, resulting in rapid, complete loss of engine coolant and steam, creating an immediate safety hazard and forcing an emergency roadside stop. A subsequent diagnostic teardown by an independent specialist confirmed the root cause was premature…

   NHTSA complaint #11767861 · source
2. Filed Dec 10, 2025ILEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11704175 · source
3. Filed Nov 5, 2025VAElectrical System

   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 happening again, we were told original parts had a “Design Flaw” and was…

   NHTSA complaint #11697638 · source
4. Filed Apr 29, 2025ILOther / UnknownSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11657595 · source
5. Filed Dec 3, 2024NCBody & Structure

   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 live, they told me that the car should not have been sold for use on the road…

   NHTSA complaint #11628719 · source
6. Filed Sep 6, 2024VAOther / Unknown

   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 loses power without warning so it leaves us vulnerable for being rear-ended while…

   NHTSA complaint #11613015 · source
7. Filed Jul 11, 2024NECrashAirbagsElectrical System

   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 result of the horn not working, I was involved in a fender bender accident, I…

   NHTSA complaint #11601238 · source
8. Filed Jul 10, 2024MIElectrical System

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11600905 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology