2016 Subaru Impreza power train problems
13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2016 Subaru Impreza — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Hello, I just purchase this vehicle from a dealership, 615 auto sales. After purchasing the vehicle I decided to go and get the recall done that was never done to the vehicle at the repair shop they did the recall but then ask me where did I purchase this vehicle from then I told them. The repair…”
filed Dec 8, 2025
“Engine light came on. Checked it, the failure was the transmission solenoid. It reported that a failure was about to occur. Brought it into the Subaru dealership because the will not sell any transmission parts to repair shops in the Phoenix area. I am not sure if I would have had a bigger problem…”
filed Sep 5, 2023
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. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
16-156-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026This 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, 2026This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
16-156-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 13, 2026This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
SubaruNet Announcement (R · Other · issued May 4, 2026
Power Train problems in other Impreza years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Impreza | 2 | 6% |
| 2019 Impreza | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 Impreza | 4 | 3% |
| 2017 Impreza | 5 | 4% |
| 2015 Impreza | 11 | 14% |
| 2014 Impreza | 9 | 8% |
| 2013 Impreza | 23 | 9% |
| 2012 Impreza | 26 | 11% |
| 2011 Impreza | 6 | 11% |
| 2010 Impreza | 5 | 11% |
| 2009 Impreza | 30 | 29% |
| 2008 Impreza | 59 | 34% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Subaru Impreza
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.