6.6

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
10,201 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Subaru Crosstrek steering problems

steering problem

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2016 Subaru Crosstrek Owner Comments

problem #11

Jan 072022

Crosstrek

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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. After being towed to two separate dealerships, the Subaru dealer believes this was caused by a faulty hybrid battery, alternator, or both. An inspection is available by request. The problem did flag multiple error codes (confirmed by the dealer) but it is very frightening that there was absolutely NO warning and I feel unsafe driving this vehicle, even after it will be repaired. Next time, myself or others, may not be so fortunate. The alternator is being recalled in 2017+ Subaru Crosstrek for this very issue, but not the 2016 (my vehicle).

- Bexley, OH, USA

problem #10

Mar 152021

Crosstrek

  • 39,208 miles
No power steering backing up after starting the car. Warning light came on. Turned engine off and back on still no power steering. Parked waited 15 minutes tried again and the steering worked only felt a little loose.

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

problem #9

Oct 012020

Crosstrek

  • 38,000 miles
There is a grinding noise coming from one of my wheels. I'm pretty sure it's a bad wheel bearing. Noticed the noise after braking very hard to avoid a collision.have had the SUV looked at test driven by an independent mechanic. He believes it is the wheel bearing

- Elkview, WV, USA

problem #8

Aug 012016

Crosstrek

  • 3,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Power steering fails when first starting vehicle.has happened on many occasions.loss iof power steering lasts from a few seconds to 10 to 15 seconds, resolves by itself.heard on several occasions from dealer that they can not reproduce problem. Feel it is a serious problem may lead to low speed accident.steering warning light does come on.does generate error codes per dealer.dealer(johnson Subaru dubois pa 15801) has attempted repair X 5 w/O resolution.state they have replaced electronic control module, replaced that with a new and improved ECM and state they have replaced the power steering rack.episodes of loss of steering continue. Have contacted Subaru of America advising them of problem.they suggest returning vehicle to dealer even though the problem has not been corrected in the previous 5 visits

- Dubois, PA, USA

problem #7

Oct 112019

Crosstrek

  • 4 miles
While driving at night around curves at about 15-20 mph the steering wheel kind of locked, and could not go back straight. Had to stop, turn the car off in order to the steering wheel feel normal. It did it a couple of times, also while parking it made like a clicking noise by the front passenger wheel. Had it fix, Subaru replace relief valve, electric oil pump. Even though Subaru is at fault, I had to pay almost $600 to have this fix because my car had a condition that was not covered by their warranty. It isn't fair. I bought this Subaru because of their reliability. It shouldn't have defects. This situation exposed my daughter's life and mine. I hope nobody else goes through this risky situation. Thank you.

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

problem #6

Sep 232019

Crosstrek

  • miles
Experiencing same issues as many others. Key will not pull out unless turned back on and change gears; then when turned back off key will pull out. Started happening in 2019. Again, same as other people, hear clicking when turning left. Taking to dealership tomorrow but seems like it will be the axle from what others are experiencing.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #5

Aug 022019

Crosstrek

  • 32,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When trying to turn off the Crosstrek it would not let the key come out of the ignition. It forces you to take it out of park and put it back into drive then back into park a few times to take the key out. I went to Subaru and they said it was a common problem, which they have a fix for. This problem is seen in many of the older model Subaru I have seen the same problem in many youtube videos. This is a known problem and has not been addressed by Subaru. Subaru dealer told me the problem is a sticky plate cylinder.

- Oxnard, CA, USA

problem #4

Jul 012019

Crosstrek

  • miles
Total power steering failure at 40,076 miles. Deal read code C2532. Dealer replaced full steering system; rack, connectors. Still did not work. Replaced 80 amp fuse on positive terminal. Note that steering failure occurred while vehicle was off. Major concern if it had happened during operation.

- Lynnwood, WA, USA

problem #3

Jul 012019

Crosstrek

  • miles
Put car in park, shut the ignition off, and I am unable to remove the key from the ignition. This has occurred on several occasions. Would have to turn the vehicle back on, move the shifter from park to drive position, then put back in park and by doing this I am sometimes able to remove the key.

- New Hartford, NY, USA

problem #2

May 222019

Crosstrek

  • miles
Car has 67,000 miles, is three years old, the front left and right axles had to both be replaced. There was a loud clicking when steering the vehicle. On both sides of the car. Any turns whether with speed or slow the axle would make a loud clicking noise. I was not in an accident nor hitting potholes etc. Just making basic turns onto roads and highways.

- Carmel, NY, USA

problem #1

Jul 092016

Crosstrek

  • miles
Pulling out of my driveway my staring wheel would not turn so I put it in drive and it still wouldn't turn so I putted in park and turn it off then I started it back up and it worked. I just bought it not even five days ago if Subaru knew there was a recall on the cars they shouldn't sold it to anybody I am very upset with the Subaru company day apollo Subaru in moon township

- Follansbee, WV, USA

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