2016 Subaru Crosstrek

132 federal complaints (165 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 339 service bulletins · 2 Canadian recalls
See all 15 model years of the Subaru Crosstrek →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
AWD
EPA economy
23 city / 30 hwy
Federal complaints
132
Recall campaigns
1
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Electrical system
37
Other
34
Power train
18
Engine & cooling
15
Steering
13
Fuel system
8
Glass & wipers
6
Speed control
6
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 9 complaints01 years old: 4 complaints2 years old: 13 complaints3 years old: 35 complaints4 years old: 23 complaints5 years old: 16 complaints56 years old: 9 complaints7 years old: 11 complaints8 years old: 7 complaints9 years old: 4 complaints10 years old: 1 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 132 of 132 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 14 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 25 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 16 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 9 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 4 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 1 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 3 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 0 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 73 of 132 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Electrical system

37 complaint records1 fire report3 crash reports
"MY IGNITION KEY GETS STUCK SOMETIMES. I BELIEVE IT IS THIS ISSUE: HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2018/MC-10153178-9999.PDF..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Power train

18 complaint records1 crash report
"THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING IS FAILING FOR THE THIRD [3RD] TIME AT 40K MILES. BEARING FAILURE APPEAR TO BE INCREASING IN FREQUENCY...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

15 complaint records2 fire reports
"KEY IS UNABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM IGNITION AFTER SHIFTING TO PARK. SOMETIMES REQUIRES YOU TO SHIFT IN AND OUT OF PARK SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THE KEY TO RELEASE. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT AND A DEFECTIVE PARK POSITION SENSOR...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
19V149000Exterior LightingSubaru 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2024546
2024-08-15
Label499,490Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus",...
2019104
2019-03-01
Brakes135,814Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake lamp switch could fail. This would cause the brake lamps not to turn on when the brakes are applied.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
SubaruNet Announcement (M
Oct 2026
Electrical SystemThis announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
13-109-26
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
SubaruNet Announcement (C
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
15-304-22R
Sep 2026
Electrical SystemThis bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
15-333-25R
Sep 2026
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
15-308-23R
Aug 2026
Electrical SystemThis Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised version of the...
16-156-25R
Aug 2026
Power TrainThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
15-304-22R
Aug 2026
Electrical SystemThis Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
Article Locator
Aug 2026
Electrical SystemTechtips newsletter locator index.
15-333-25R
Aug 2026
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin
SubaruNet Annoucement (E
Jun 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
16-156-25R
Jun 2026
Power TrainThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)
01-167-08R
May 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
16-156-25R
May 2026
Electrical SystemThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
SubaruNet Announcement (R
May 2026
Power TrainThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
18-230-26
May 2026
EngineThis bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs B1571(REFERENCE CODE INCOMPATIBILITY IMMOBILIZER CM TO ECM) and B1572(IMM CIRCUIT EXCEPT ANTENNA CIRCUIT) are detected by Keyless Access with Push Button Start(KACM).
07-240-26R
Apr 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.
01-167-08R
Apr 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
03-97-26
Apr 2026
Power TrainThis bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
05-97-26
Apr 2026
WheelsThis Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.
01-167-08R
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
10-105-25R
Mar 2026
Electrical SystemThis bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
15-219-18R
Mar 2026
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully
SubaruNet Announcement (A
Mar 2026
Electrical SystemThis announcement provides information on the use of aftermarket services or tools for programming immobilizer keys/fobs.
07-240-26R
Feb 2026
Electrical SystemThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics.
10-105-25R
Feb 2026
Electrical SystemThis bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
Subaru Tech Tips Special
Jan 2026
Electrical SystemThis Subaru service and technical support line newsletter provides information on the next phase of TechShare.
Subarunet Announcement (E
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis announcement has been created to address difficulties with software updates on Subaru Select Monitors with DST-010 interface firmware has been updated.
15-300-22R
Jan 2026
EngineThis Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
18-226-25R
Dec 2025
EngineThis Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
15-333-25
Dec 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
Subaru Tech Tips (Article
Nov 2025
Unknown Or OtherSubaru service article locator.
16-156-25R
Nov 2025
Power TrainThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which enhancement was implemented to prevent abnormal operations. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
15-130-08R
Oct 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin provides information on the load carrying capacity reduced label when a port-installed or retailer-installed accessory exeeds 1.5 percent of the GVWR or 100 pounds, which ever is lower.
Subaru Tech Tips (Article
Oct 2025
Unknown Or OtherSubaru tech tips newsletter article locator.
15-308-23R
Oct 2025
Electrical SystemThis Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.
07-233-25R
Oct 2025
Electrical SystemThis Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory.
07-236-25
Oct 2025
Electrical SystemThis Bulletin outlines a comprehensive update to the dark current/parasitic draw diagnosis & testing procedures.
16-156-25
Sep 2025
Power TrainThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
15-219-18R
Sep 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin addresses cases when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully.
07-235-25
Sep 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceIn the interest of customer satisfaction Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage in the models listed.
10-105-25R
Sep 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
07-233-25
Sep 2025
Electrical SystemThis Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory wjhich must be tested and reported every 30 days.
15-266-20R
Aug 2025
Electrical SystemThis Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru.
15-320-24R
Aug 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
SubaruNet Announcement
Aug 2025
Electrical SystemSubaru of America, Inc. will release an OTA to perform a software update to the DCM. This is a preventive OTA.
13-108-25
Aug 2025
StructureThis bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
Subaru Service Technical
Aug 2025
Power TrainSubaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
SubaruNet Announcement
Jul 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceThis announcement provides information about a Subaru of America, Inc. preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding the EyeSight system in certain Subaru vehicles.
07-235-25
Jul 2025
Electrical SystemIn the interest of customer satisfaction Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage in the models listed for the selected EyeSight & Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) components.
10-105-25R
Jul 2025
Electrical System"This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
SubaruNet Annoucement
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis announcment provides information on the release of the latest software updates to the Subaru Midtronics DSS-5000 Battery Diagnostic tool.
15-251-19R
Jun 2025
Electrical SystemThis Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
SubaruNet Announcement (S
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is to bring attention to the OTA for In-vehicle service appointment scheduler and In-vehicle message center.
10-105-25R
Jun 2025
Electrical SystemThis Service Information bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
01-168-09R
May 2025
Unknown Or OtherThe purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
10-105-25R
May 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
15-251-19R
Apr 2025
Electrical SystemThis Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
02-192-24R
Apr 2025
EngineThis Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
14-31-25
Mar 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Bulletin announces availability of a User Guide and an informative video to supplement the recent releases to retailers of the SOA321152 and SOA321153 Terminal Test Kits.

Showing 60 of 339 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Subaru Crosstrek →