2016 Subaru Crosstrek engine problems

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Engine · NY

The Crosstrek has a broken cam carrier. It is a design flaw and known issue of Subaru Crosstrek. A broken or leaking cam carrier is dangerous to the vehicle because it directly compromises engine lubrication, structural integrity, and electrical safety. The cam carrier acts as a structural housing that keeps the camshafts securely in place and seals oil inside the top of the engine. Its liquid sealant fails and is bound to creates several severe operational hazards. The cracked seals has critical oil escaping. If the oil level drops too low, the engine can experience severe internal friction, leading to scored camshaft journals and rod knock while driving. Ultimately can lead to engine failure. Further, it is an immediate fire hazard, especially in the Crosstrek boxer engine design with the oil commonly dripping downward onto high-temperature exhaust components like the catalytic converter or exhaust manifold. Additionally, oil leaking can travel to the spark plug wells and causes misfires, loss of acceleration, and sudden stalling. Moreover, oil leak destroys electronic and sensors including the wiring harness and serpentine belt. Also, toxic cabin fumes from leaking oil burns can pull into the vehicle’s HVAC system and creates an immediate health hazard that can impair driving the vehicle. It is well-documented by Subaru of this issue stemming from factor sealant application (RTV) rather than a wearable maintenance item. Specifically, Technical Service Bulletin TSB 02-192-24 regarding engine oil leak diagnostics. There are 95,000 miles on the Crosstrek only. Subaru Service quoted me $6,101.54 to repair. Please issue a recall on the 2016’s Crosstrek to mandate Subaru to fix the dangers at no charge to the customer. Thank you.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Engine · CA

While driving my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek (VIN: [XXX]) at approximately 70,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic cooling system rupture on the roadway without any prior dashboard warning light. A radiator hose burst, resulting in rapid, complete loss of engine coolant and steam, creating an immediate safety hazard and forcing an emergency roadside stop. A subsequent diagnostic teardown by an independent specialist confirmed the root cause was premature degradation of internal engine seals (the upper oil pan and internal coolant crossover O-rings inside the FB20 engine block). These internal seals failed prematurely, allowing pressurized engine oil and coolant to cross-contaminate. The chemical exposure deteriorated the cooling system hoses from the inside out until structural failure occurred. The failure required an emergency tow, an entire engine-out reseal, cylinder head machining, and replacement of all compromised cooling components at a cost of $5,000 out of pocket. Premature degradation of internal coolant crossover seals in Subaru FB-series engines is a recognized safety defect that causes sudden fluid loss, loss of forward propulsion, and severe hazard on active roadways at relatively low mileage. Subaru of America has declined to issue a recall or assist (Case #XXX). I request a formal the federal safety agency defect investigation into premature internal coolant crossover O-ring failure on 2013–2018 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Engine · IL

Within 24 hours of purchase, the exhaust pipe became detached underneath the vehicle and exhaust fumes and odor were entering the cabin while driving. This created a potential carbon monoxide exposure risk to me and passengers. Subaru inspected the vehicle and confirmed the exhaust issue existed before I purchased the car. The selling dealership did not disclose this safety defect and refused to unwind the sale when notified.

Filed Jan 5, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

In three separate incidents while car only shows 70 in fuel indicator, my 2016 Crosstrek stalled while driving on a highway. I have brought my car to Subaru dealer, but they cannot find anything wrong with my 2016 Crosstrek. In each of the three separate instances after waiting on the side road for 30 minutes, I was able to restart the car and drive home. My car just had a new engine air filter replaced.

Filed Apr 14, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · CA · fire

Car caught fire from what seemed to be an electrical issue. Car became engulfed in flames within a few seconds. Fire department was called to extinguish the fire. I was lucky myself to make it out in time. The fire became so big, so quickly, I was concerned for the safety of the surrounding property. Luckily, no one was injured and no property damage took place. Car was inspected and totaled by insurance. The headlights were constantly needing to be changed. Otherwise the car was fine. I had just replaced the battery and just a few hours later the fire happened. The fire appeared to start somewhere under the hood on the passenger side.

Filed Mar 9, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · MT

My car has stopped working while driving 70 mph on the interstate in so separate occasions. Both times it has been driving fine, with fuel in the tank, and all of the sudden it shuts off and completely loses power. All of the warning lights on the dash light up and the only thing to do is to coast to the shoulder of the highway. Couldn’t start the car back up (cranked, no start). Battery is fine. Fuel level is fine. First time it happened it had to be towed. Towed to mechanic who ran diagnostics on it the next day but nothing threw a code. It started fine the next day. I’ve had certified Subaru mechanics tear this thing apart trying to figure out what causes the issue but they can’t find anything wrong. I’m scared this is going to happen again and will put me in a dangerous situation in the middle of a highway or on the side of the road. This is definitely an issue putting myself and others at risk. It seems similar to other issues Subaru crosstreks have had in close model years to mine (20 where recalls have been issued for fuel pump malfunctions etc. Please look into this, this could cause a terrible wreck and needs to be resolved ASAP.

Filed Oct 30, 2022 · Engine · MN

My friend and I drove from Minneapolis to Duluth for a two-day short trip (Oct 20 - 21, 2022). On our way back, my car suddenly slowed down (from 70 m/h to 40 m/h and was non-responsive), and shut down completely at the intersection between Highway I-35 W and Lino Lake, MN 55038, about 30 miles away from TC around 8:30 pm, Friday night. And then I cannot start my car at all. Originally I thought it was the gas issue but the screen indicated there were at least 100miles to drive. Therefore, I called 911 right after (see EXHIBIT 1) and asked for help as well as Subaru roadside service (see EXHIBIT 2 ). Fortunately, my car stopped at the shoulders and we were not involved in a crash. This happened three days AFTER I had my car maintenance (Oct 17 at 10:15 am, Morrie's Minnetonka Subaru, 12520 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305), and according to the report from that maintenance, the car was functioning well and had no red flag (see EXHIBIT 3). My car is currently located at Morrie's Minnetonka Subaru for further inspection. However, as far as I know so far (from the dealership mechanics), they have no clue what happened and they need to ask for additional help to figure out why the car engine suddenly lost power. In addition, I saw this is not a solo accident, many other Subaru Crosstrek Owners have encountered similar situations (i.e., lost power completely on the highway or freeway after regular car maintenance). Please see EXHIBIT 4 for detailed information.

Filed Jul 26, 2022 · Engine · FL

At 89,000 the transmission was replaced because of a “known issue” and I was having problems. The car would lurch and hesitate coming off traffic stops. This prompted me to go to the dealer who called Subaru who offered to replace transmission, no further questions asked. Less than 20,000 miles later, this new transmission is causing problems again to the tune of $12,000! They refuse to replace it at no charge when they KNOW the CVT transmissions have issues

Filed May 11, 2021 · Engine · 118,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 subaru crosstrek. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the high temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dch subaru of thousand oaks (3725 auto mall dr, thousand oaks, ca 91362) where it was diagnosed with the engine short block needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, upon retrieving the vehicle, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate correctly with a loud knocking sound was coming from the engine. The contact took the vehicle back to the same dealer 4 months later to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the valves needed to be adjusted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact back to the same dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Filed May 1, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 133,000 miles · OH

Had been driving for about 15 minutes, majority of it had been on the highway, and I exited off the highway. I waited at a stop light and then turned onto a secondary road. The car all of a sudden gave all warning lights with the hybrid system and I lost acceleration in the vehicle. It made it very hard to steer, and when stepping on the gas it barely had any power to accelerate the vehicle. Felt like I lost the main power a d was using only the hybrid battery to power the vehicle. I pulled off on a side street put the car in park and shut the vehicle off. I waited a few minutes and then turned the car back on and everything was fine. This occurred while driving and if it had happened two minutes earlier I would've been on the highway and in real trouble.