2016 Subaru Crosstrek recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2016 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns: 1
Park-it warnings: 0
Complaints: 135
Latest campaign: Feb 28, 2019

Recall summary by component1

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

Component	Campaigns	Latest	Campaign IDs
Exterior lighting	1	Feb 28, 2019	19V149000

Safety recalls1

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

0Park-it warnings

0Fixable over the air

Feb 28, 2019Latest campaign


Feb 28, 201919V149000	Exterior lighting: brake lights switch Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash. DetailsHide details for campaign 19V149000 What's wrong 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. Campaign NHTSA 19V149000 · Feb 28, 2019

Feb 28, 201919V149000

Exterior lighting: brake lights switch

Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 19V149000

What's wrong: 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.
Campaign: NHTSA 19V149000 · Feb 28, 2019

To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Subaru recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Owner complaints by component135

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h

135Complaints filed

4Involving a crash

3Involving a fire

1Injuries reported

Component	Complaints	%	Crashes	Fires	Injuries
Electrical system	38	28	3	1	0
Unknown or other	35	26	0	1	0
Power train	19	14	1	0	0
Engine	15	11	0	2	0
Steering	14	10	0	0	0
Fuel/propulsion system	8	6	0	0	0
Vehicle speed control	6	4	0	0	0
Structure	5	4	0	0	0
Suspension	5	4	0	0	0
Visibility/wiper	5	4	0	0	0
Service brakes	5	4	0	0	0
Air bags	4	3	1	1	1
Wheels	3	2	0	0	0
Latches/locks/linkages	2	1	0	0	0
Electronic stability control (ESC)	2	1	1	0	0

4 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number, merged from NHTSA model names Crosstrek, Crosstrek Hybrid, XV Crosstrek.

Latest reports

Engine
“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.”
Filed 09/29/2026 · ODI 11767861
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.”
Filed 12/10/2025 · ODI 11704175
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.”
Filed 11/05/2025 · ODI 11697638

Other Subaru Crosstrek model years

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2016 Subaru Crosstrek recall questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have?

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. The most recent, 19V149000 (reported February 28, 2019), concerns exterior lighting. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?

Electrical system is the most-reported component, named in 38 complaints out of 135 filed with NHTSA (28%). Across all complaints, owners reported 4 crashs and 3 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Subaru recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Subaru dealer.

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