2016 Subaru Crosstrek Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 132 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, 4% of the 132 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vehicle was losing power and getting close to the point of stalling but never stalled. It would periodically not switch gears as well. Seems like it could have been a faulty brake light switch. Apparently I was told that my vehicle was not covered under the recall put out earlier for this issue. So I had to pay out of pocket.”
NHTSA complaint #11288735, filed 2019-12, 65,000 miles“Was standing in the line of other cars on the stop sign for several minutes, brake pedal lost it's height and depressed by itself, causing my foot to slip from brake to drive pedal and subsequently caused a damage to my car and a car in front of mine. I was lucky that there were no pedestrians at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #10894419, filed 2016-08, 5,450 miles“Had to have rear brakes replaces on vehicle at 36,000 miles. Front brakes should wear out before rear brakes. Rotors were rusted out. Also the downhill alert light would come on randomly on flat surfaces which causes rear brakes to engage. Because the light is sporadic, dealer would not do anything.”
NHTSA complaint #11197144, filed 2019-04, 36,000 miles“On Jan 7th, during rush-hour traffic on the highway, without any warning all of my vehicle lights began to dim. The power steering and brakes went out. I was able to steer to the side of the road. Then, all of the lights went out and the car shut off. I was unable to shift the vehicle into park, and as I was going up a hill at the time, I was forced to roll backwards slowly and engage the emergency brake. Only luck prevented a serious, perhaps fatal accident. It was also below freezing in Ohio so I had to sit in the frigid temperatures until a tow truck arrived. …”
NHTSA complaint #11446983, filed 2022-01“This is a complaint about Subaru dealers not responding to a recall in what I would call a timely manner. I cannot tell where on your website to submit this. It is very confusing. It says to submit a complaint of this type, but doesn't tell where. I got a recall for the brake light issue. I consider this a very high priority. The dealer said they could see me in a week. That seems unreasonable considering the nature of the recall. I am very disappointed in Subaru, and in your call-in system which seemed to provide not help.”
NHTSA complaint #11205801, filed 2019-05Related recalls
- 19V149000Feb 28, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans…Covers: Subaru Crosstrek 2013–2017, Impreza 2008–2016, WRX 2008–2014 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11002725Jun 25, 2024This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been…
- 10202832Oct 19, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the…
- 10202821Oct 14, 2021(Subaru Retailers) As part of Subaruâs dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing an extension to the Basic New Car Limited Warranty for…
- 10202817Oct 14, 2021(Owner Letter) As part of Subaru of Americaâs dedication to customer satisfaction, this letter is to inform you of an extension to the Basic New Car Limited Warranty for your…
- 10187307Feb 1, 2021This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new front brake pad shim kit to specifically address customer concerns of a squeaking or squealing sound on the…
- 10185064Dec 2, 2020This bulletin announces a design change made to the rear wheel / brake backing plates.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 9% |
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 11 | 9% |
| 2023 | 4 | 11% |
| 2022 | 4 | 13% |
| 2021 | 4 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 3% |
| 2019 | 7 | 2% |
| 2018 | 3 | 2% |
| 2017 | 6 | 6% |
| 2016 | 5 | 4% |
| 2015 | 3 | 18% |
| 2014 | 2 | 13% |
| 2013 | 2 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
37 complaintsOther or unknown
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology