Does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, the most recent reported on February 28, 2019 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?

Owners have filed 132 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (37 complaints), followed by unknown or other (34).

How many 2016 Subaru Crosstrek complaints mention a crash or fire?

4 of 132 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2016 Subaru Crosstrek recalls and problems

1 recall and 132 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek.

recalls

132

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Subaru Crosstrek recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 19V149000 · reported February 28, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 1,303,530 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The 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.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Electrical system37
Unknown or other34
Power train18
Engine14
Steering13
Fuel/propulsion system8
Vehicle speed control6
Service brakes5
Structure5
Visibility/wiper5

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 29, 2026 · Engine
While driving my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek (VIN: […]) 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…

Dec 10, 2025 · Engine and engine cooling
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…

Nov 5, 2025 · Electrical 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…

May 5, 2025 · Latches/locks/linkages
Hood latch failed causing hood to fly open, smashing and breaking my windshield.

Apr 29, 2025 · Power train
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…

Crosstrek model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2013	1	26	1	2
2014	1	16	2	1
2015	1	17	0	0
2016	1	132	4	3
2017	1	94	5	2
2018	5	195	10	1
2019	7	285	7	3

Across all years, the 2019 Crosstrek has the most complaints (285). All Subaru Crosstrek years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, the most recent reported on February 28, 2019 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?: Owners have filed 132 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (37 complaints), followed by unknown or other (34).
How many 2016 Subaru Crosstrek complaints mention a crash or fire?: 4 of 132 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 29, 2026.