2016 Subaru Crosstrek Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 28%of 132 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, 28% of the 132 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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“My car just has had backup camera issue since a month ago. I called the local Subaru service but they would charge me for a diagnosis which I don't like the idea to pay it. I learned that Subaru recalls other Subaru models (non Crosstrek) for its backup camera issue. I would like to see my backup camera to be fixed which that is a safety concern. Vehicle has not been repaired. Consumer stated Crosstrek was not included in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11297483, filed 2020-01, 67,000 miles“The key mechanism fails to let you remove the key from the switch. It fails to return to the full off position to allow the key removal. I have to turn key off & on anywhere from twice to 20 times to get the key to return all the way to the off position to allow the key removal. Sometimes, I start and stop to assist the operation but still can take up to 10 times for the key position to fully return to the off position to allow for the key removal”
NHTSA complaint #11268948, filed 2019-10, 35,000 miles“My battery keep draining all the time since I bought the car I have changed 3 of them. Two of the battery were still okay but I still changed them. Also, all the warning lights on the dashboard keep on and off without the check engine light. I brought the car to the dealer and they fixed the brake switch recall and I also mention the problem to them but they could not find anything wrong with the car. Few days later, I brought the car back to the dealer because the warning lights were on and off on the dashboard. …”
NHTSA complaint #11348904, filed 2020-08, 15,000 miles“My key gets stuck in the ignition on the acc position, so I can not leave my car with the key in it because the battery is still on. The vehicle is stationary and in park. I turn the key counter clockwise to turn the car off and remove the key, the key will not go further than the acc position, and no, it is not that I'm not pushing it in enough or the steering wheel lock. I am essentially stuck in my car or at risk of it being stolen. It happens frequently (at least once a day) but not every single time I drive the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11242452, filed 2019-08, 41,000 milesRelated service bulletins
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 18% |
| 2025 | 7 | 15% |
| 2024 | 8 | 7% |
| 2023 | 6 | 17% |
| 2022 | 4 | 13% |
| 2021 | 16 | 14% |
| 2020 | 11 | 16% |
| 2019 | 53 | 19% |
| 2018 | 32 | 16% |
| 2017 | 17 | 18% |
| 2016 | 37 | 28% |
| 2015 | 1 | 6% |
| 2014 | 2 | 13% |
| 2013 | 5 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsBrakes
5 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 28, 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