2016 Subaru Crosstrek electrical system problems
37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek — 28% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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. Only indication something was wrong is a/c turned on but only on 1,2 and 4. Then, same day, only on 4…”
filed Nov 5, 2025
“I have a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Unfortunately I have had a couple of issues. The main thing being the horn. The location of the problem is affecting my air bag, AND my rear window defroster. I don’t know if Subaru has a faulty clockspring and relays, that malfunction after a certain amount of time…”
filed Jul 11, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This 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.)
16-156-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 2, 2026
Electrical System problems in other Crosstrek years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Crosstrek | 5 | 12% |
| 2024 Crosstrek | 7 | 6% |
| 2023 Crosstrek | 5 | 16% |
| 2022 Crosstrek | 4 | 14% |
| 2021 Crosstrek | 15 | 13% |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 10 | 15% |
| 2019 Crosstrek | 52 | 18% |
| 2018 Crosstrek | 32 | 16% |
| 2017 Crosstrek | 17 | 18% |
| 2013 Crosstrek | 5 | 20% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.