The Lemon Index2016 Subaru Crosstrek.
The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is better than average by owner complaints: 59 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 62, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 1 recall, and it gets 26 to 31 mpg combined. The best Subaru Crosstrek year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 135 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Crosstrek year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 18K to 55K miles on the car (79 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 25K–53K miles
Recalls 1
- lights 2019
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 …
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 353 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- ONLY 2016-2017MY: Those Models equipped with STARLINK Telematics
- Only those models equipped with Starlink Telematics
- This bulletin announces availability of a new HVAC blower motor unit assemblies developed to…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Crosstrek SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2050–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The left rear wheel bearing is failing for the third [3rd] time at 40k miles. Bearing failure appear to be increasing in frequency.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek owner · NHTSA complaint 11141799
More owner reports
Transmission in park. Key is in ignition and turned off. However the engine continues to run. Requires several on off attempts to shut engine off.
NHTSA complaint 11229923
Today we had the third wheel bearing replaced on this car. At 43k miles the right rear bearing has been replaced twice and the left rear bearing once.
NHTSA complaint 11162593
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 62; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Crosstrek year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2016 Subaru Crosstrek problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (24%), transmission & drivetrain (20%) and steering (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have?
1 safety recall (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek get?
26 to 31 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Subaru Crosstrek problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 18,000 and 55,000 miles. The middle report was at 37,200 miles, from 79 complaints.
Does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 20% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek cost in fuel a year?
About $2050 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Crosstrek year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2013 and 2014.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works