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2016 Subaru Crosstrek
Solid pick. The complaint record is strong for its age. It does carry safety recalls, so confirm every one shows "remedy completed" on the VIN before money changes hands.
131 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 12, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Electrical system problems dominate (28% of complaints, typically reported near 37k miles).
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
Complaint reports have faded. Early issues appear resolved or aged out.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Transmission & drivetrain (18) · Steering (13) · Engine (13) · Fuel system (8)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Electrical system
28%37 complaints · typically near 37k mi · 1 in the last 2 years
“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 Pleas…”
Transmission & drivetrain
14%18 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“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 …”
Steering
10%13 complaints · 2 in the last 2 years
“NO POWER STEERING BACKING UP AFTER STARTING THE CAR. WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TURNED ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON STILL NO POWER STEERING. PARKED WAITED 15 MINUTES TRIED AGAIN…”
Engine
10%13 complaints
“In three separate incidents while car only shows 70 in fuel indicator, my 2016 Crosstrek stalled while driving on a highway. I have brought my car to Subaru dealer, bu…”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Exterior Lighting · 19V149000
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.
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.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2016 Subaru CROSSTREK beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2016? See how every Crosstrek model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.