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.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Subaru Crosstrek electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek have filed 32 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 40,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Crosstrek (this page) | 32 |
| 2017 Crosstrek | 15 |
| 2018 Crosstrek | 29 |
| 2019 Crosstrek | 44 |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 8 |
3crashes
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 32 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 32 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 10 model years of Subaru Crosstrek in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Electrical problems dominate complaints on the 2016 Crosstrek. The most urgent is HVAC control module connector overheating and melting—one owner experienced this three times despite two separate repairs (module and harness replacement), creating a documented fire hazard each time. A vehicle actually caught fire hours after battery replacement, originating under the hood on the passenger side.
Battery drain is endemic. Multiple owners report 3–5-day parasitic draws that kill the battery, and one owner faced a choice between disconnecting the DCM (which kills navigation and audio) or paying $1,000 for replacement. Dealership diagnostics found excessive 350mAh draw dropping to 15mAh only when the DCM fuse was pulled—a root cause Subaru apparently hasn't fixed across the model line.
The ignition key getting stuck in the ACC position appears in at least nine separate complaints. Subaru issued service bulletin 16-112-18R acknowledging the Park-Range switch contamination problem and redesigned the shifter for 2019, yet 2016 owners get no recall or manufacturer assistance. One owner was quoted $800 for a micro switch plate fix.
Horn electrical failures tied to a faulty clockspring have caused safety incidents—one owner couldn't warn a merging driver and had a fender-bender. Dashboard warning lights cycle on and off with no check engine code, baffling dealers. One vehicle lost all electrical power mid-turn and hit another car. A second stalled without warning on the highway with fuel showing 70.
Backup camera failed on at least one Crosstrek despite Subaru issuing recalls for this on other models.
Same Subaru Crosstrek electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
HVAC control module connector overheating and melting
Heater/air conditioner control module connector (part 72311FJ500) and wiring harness connector become scorched and melted due to excessive electrical current at the connection point. Occurs repeatedly in the same vehicle despite replacements of the module and harness.
When: First occurrence February 2021, second August 2021, third occurrence by late 2021/early 2022; mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent blower fan speed followed by fan speed knob melting into fixed position; Connector and harness visibly scorched and melted; A/C blower malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Control module (72311FJ500) and pigtail connector replaced first occurrence; second occurrence required main wiring harness replacement plus control module replacement; issue recurred a third time
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru dealer diagnosed after two-week evaluation; recommended wiring harness and control module replacement; owner reports plans to ask dealer to contact manufacturer about safety issue
Excessive battery parasitic draw leading to dead battery
Vehicle battery drains to point of being unable to start after 3–5 days of inactivity. Dealership diagnostic found 350mAh draw when all systems powered off; draw dropped to 15mAh when DCM (data control module) fuse disconnected. Occurs even after battery replacement.
When: Multiple occurrences: August 2023, September 2023, November 2023; vehicle has 37,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely drained after 3–5 days of no driving; Vehicle requires jump start to restart; No warning lights or messages prior to failure; With keyless entry/start and EyeSight system with aftermarket remote start installed
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced battery once but drain continued; dealership found excessive 350mAh draw; fuse disconnection dropped draw to 15mAh but disables navigation, front speakers, and Bluetooth; DCM replacement estimated at ~$1,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru dealership performed DCM check and fuse disconnect test; owner reported problem to Subaru of America; owner notes this is an ongoing problem found in online research of other Subaru owners
Key stuck in ignition at ACC position, cannot shift to OFF
Ignition key becomes stuck in ACC (accessory) position and will not rotate fully to OFF for key removal. Affects ability to shut off vehicle and leave it unattended without battery drain risk or theft risk. Occurs frequently but intermittently. Subaru issued service bulletin 16-112-18R acknowledging contamination of Park-Range switch internal components and redesigned shifter for 2019+ models, yet 2016 Crosstrek owners report no recall or manufacturer fix.
When: Intermittent, occurring at least once per day on some vehicles; affects 2013–2018 Subaru lineup (Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek, Forester, WRX)
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not rotate counterclockwise past ACC position; Cannot remove key from ignition; Battery remains on, draining while parked; Temporary workaround: shifting in and out of gears (Drive/Reverse/Neutral back to Park) may eventually release key, but not always reliable; Occurs intermittently, sometimes requiring 2–20 on/off cycles
Repairs/costs cited: Service bulletin 16-112-18R describes design change to CVT select lever; one owner quoted $800 for micro switch plate replacement; most owners report no recall issued and manufacturer refusing to address as warranty claim
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru issued Service Bulletin 16-112-18R (dated 2018 in narratives); acknowledges Park-Range switch contamination and implemented shifter redesign for 2019 model year; no recall issued for affected 2013–2018 models; dealer communication regarding bulletin apparently not emphasized to service departments
Horn electrical failure (clockspring/relay)
Horn becomes inoperative or functions only via lock button (not steering wheel press). Suspected faulty clockspring and/or relay malfunction. One owner attributes combined failure affecting horn, airbag indicator, and rear window defroster, suggesting shared electrical circuit issue. Owner states Subaru has known about this on multiple model years but has not issued recall.
When: No specific mileage or timeline provided; described as affecting 2009+ model years across multiple Subaru models
Symptoms owners cite: Horn does not sound when steering wheel pressed; Horn may sound only when lock button pressed three times; Safety incident: unable to alert other drivers to hazardous merging, resulting in fender-bender accident; May coincide with airbag warning light and rear defroster malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Cost cited as 'exorbitant' by one senior owner; repair involves clockspring and/or relay replacement; no specific part numbers or costs provided in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite owner claiming Subaru awareness of problem affecting 2009+ models; one owner reports unsuccessful dealer attempt to identify or fix issue
Warning lights illuminating intermittently without check engine light
Dashboard warning lights cycle on and off continuously without active fault codes. Owner changed battery three times due to suspected battery drain, though two batteries were reportedly still serviceable. Dealership could not identify cause after multiple visits and brake switch recall completion.
When: No specific mileage or date provided; owner notes problem ongoing after multiple dealer visits
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights flashing on and off dashboard; No check engine light despite other warnings; Battery draining causing repeated replacements; Dealership initially unable to diagnose cause
Repairs/costs cited: Three batteries replaced (two reportedly still good); dealership performed brake switch recall but could not address warning lights; one dealer suggested valve body transmission replacement (owner skeptical); owner notes online research shows many Subaru owners with same issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Brake switch recall performed; transmission repair suggestion made by dealer but not confirmed as factory issue; no manufacturer communication regarding warning light cycling
Rough idle during braking (A/C compressor load related)
Vehicle idles roughly at traffic lights, particularly when A/C is running. Failure is intermittent but recurring. Initially diagnosed and repaired as throttle body carbon buildup, but issue returned shortly after. Second diagnosis recommended alternator and belt tensioner replacement, which was not performed.
When: Approximately 32,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle at traffic stops; Worsens when A/C compressor is running; Intermittent but recurring; No warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: First repair: throttle body cleaning; second diagnosis: alternator and belt tensioner replacement recommended but not completed; vehicle not repaired at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was informed of failure by dealership; no factory recall or service bulletin mentioned
Electrical system failure during driving causing power loss and loss of steering assist
Complete electrical system failure while vehicle in motion, resulting in loss of propulsion power (relying only on hybrid battery per owner perception), loss of power steering assist, and illumination of all warning lights including hybrid system warnings. Issue resolved after shutting vehicle off and restarting.
When: No mileage provided; occurred after 15 minutes of highway and secondary road driving
Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Loss of engine acceleration/power; Severely reduced steering assist making steering very difficult; Vehicle felt as though running on hybrid battery only; Sudden onset with no prior warning
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; issue self-resolved after restart
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer communication documented
Engine stalling while driving with fuel indicator showing 70
Vehicle stalls without warning while driving on highway with fuel indicator showing approximately 70 (assumed 70% or 70 km range). Occurs in three separate incidents. Dealership unable to diagnose cause after inspection. Vehicle restarts normally after 30-minute wait on roadside.
When: Three separate incidents; recent air filter replacement performed but did not resolve issue
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine stall while driving on highway; No warning lights or symptoms prior to stall; Vehicle restarts normally after waiting 30 minutes; Fuel indicator shows approximately 70
Repairs/costs cited: New engine air filter installed; dealership unable to identify cause; no permanent repair made
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership inspected but unable to diagnose; no manufacturer communication or service bulletin mentioned
Backup camera failure
Backup camera stopped functioning. Owner notes Subaru has issued recalls for backup camera issues on other Subaru models but not on Crosstrek, creating potential safety concern.
When: Issue started approximately one month prior to complaint; no mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera display failure; Safety concern when reversing
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; local dealer wanted to charge for diagnosis; owner not willing to pay
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2016 Crosstrek backup camera issue despite other Subaru models receiving recalls for same issue
Loss of electrical power while turning causing loss of steering and collision
Electrical system failed during a right turn maneuver, causing loss of power/steering control and resulting in rear-end collision with another vehicle. No warning indicators illuminated before or after failure.
When: Approximately 24,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete electrical system failure; Loss of steering control during turn; Loss of propulsion power
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired; no police report filed; no injuries occurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer not notified by owner
Vehicle continues running after key turned to OFF and engine should shut down
Engine continues running after key is turned to OFF position. Requires multiple on/off cycles to actually shut down the engine. Suggests ignition switch or engine control module not properly recognizing OFF command.
When: No mileage or date provided
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues running after key turned to OFF; Requires several on/off attempts to shut engine down; Vehicle in Park position
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer communication or recall mentioned
Vehicle fire originating from electrical system
Vehicle caught fire under the hood on passenger side, becoming fully engulfed in flames within seconds. Fire started shortly after battery replacement. Owner suspects electrical fault. Vehicle totaled by insurance. Owner notes headlights were constantly failing prior to fire.
When: Fire occurred hours after battery replacement; headlight failures were ongoing prior to fire
Symptoms owners cite: Fire visible under hood on passenger side; Rapid spread—engulfed within seconds; Headlights requiring frequent replacement prior to fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; no repair possible; fire department extinguished fire
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer communication documented; insurance declared vehicle total loss
Alternator and belt tensioner wear
Dealership diagnosed need for alternator and belt tensioner replacement in response to rough idle complaint, though this diagnosis was not confirmed by owner as root cause and repair was not completed.
When: Approximately 32,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle (see separate rough idle failure mode)
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator and belt tensioner replacement recommended but not performed by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership provided diagnosis but repair not completed
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Key is sticking in ignition. Was informed that there is a known fix for a known problem that happens but it will cost over $400 to fix. This is a known design flaw with a known service bulletin that makes a change to a piece of plastic in the shifter.
I have had three occurrences with my vehicle where I discovered a dangerous situation in the manual heater and air conditioner control module connector that resulted in the module connector and the wiring harness connector both becoming scorched and melted due to excessive heat. I believe that this is probably occurring due to high electrical current at the connector. In all occurrences, the…
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Subaru crosstrek. While making a right turn, the electrical system failed and caused the contact to rear end another vehicle. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. There were no warning indicators illuminated before or after the failure. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was unknown.…
I own a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek with only 37,000 miles. There is a problem with my battery being drained after not driving the car for several days. I have had to call for a jump start 3 times, Aug. 8, 2023, Sept. 5, 2023 and Nov. 14, 2023, each time after returning from vacation. I replaced the battery when it happened the second time, but the problem continued to occur. I have taken my car to…
2016 Subaru crosstrek, 27,500 miles. Unable to remove key from the ignition when vehicle is in park. When this happens the only way to remove key is to put the car in and out of gear and then back to park. Has occurred 1/2 dozen times, most recently today 11/13/2018. I am concerned that I may not be able to get the key out at some point in the future. Obviously, I cannot leave the car unlocked…
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek?
It's a meaningful issue. 32 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 30,000 and 55,000 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 55,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Subaru/Crosstrek.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.