2016 Subaru Crosstrek: engine stalls while driving

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 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 Sep 7, 2023 · FL

I have a 2016 Crosstrek. It hestitates when you start after a stop. I have taken it to the dealership. They feel the hesitation but do not know what the problem is. The cost they estimated to fix was over $1,000, BUT with no guarantee they could fix it because they do not know what the problem is. It is not the fuel. After looking online Subaru problems, this seems to be a problem with Subaru. The safety issue, I am afraid of, when you are at a busy intersection and start to pull out in traffic what if the car stalls. It hasn't stalled yet, so far just hesitating upon initial acceleration.

Filed Jan 4, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 92,000 miles · ME

Vehicle turned off/stalled at highway speeds on 2 occasions, 2 months apart. Needed to be towed. Significant safety issue. Both times, dealer stated no issues were found. First time they said it may be the brake light switch which was repaired under recall. Second time they said it might be the fuel pump overheating but said pump looked fine. I do not trust the car and will not drive it.

Filed Dec 12, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 65,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed Jul 8, 2019 · Fuel system, Transmission · 40,000 miles · IN

Vehicle was placed in reverse to back out of driveway. After backing into street the vehicle cane to a complete stop then the manual transmission was shifted into drive. I pressed on the gas pedal and the vehicle stalled for a few seconds then quickly accelerated at a very fast speed. This was on a busy road and the vehicle approaching my rear had to slam on its brakes to avoid a collision. Later in the same evening in a parking lot the same gear change problem happed again. After going from reverse then coming to a complete stop the vehicle was shifted to the drive position. The gas pedal was pressed then the vehicle came to a near stall. After a long delay the vehicle jolted forward. A person walking through the lot noticed my hesitation and thought I was letting them cross in front of me. My vehicle came within a couple feet of almost striking the pedestrian.

Filed Dec 18, 2018 · Engine · 5,700 miles · NY · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2016 subaru crosstrek. The contact stated that vehicle would not start. Colonial subaru (761 e chester st, kingston, ny 12401, (845) 339-3330) advised the contact to go to an independent mechanic to have oil added to the vehicle. The contact called the manufacturer who sent a letter to schedule a service appointment with the dealer. The dealer changed the oil and a 1,000 mile test was to be performed to check the status. After the vehicle had been parked for an extended period of time, it failed to start while it was raining. The vehicle was towed to another unknown dealer for a second opinion and the batter was replaced. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled and smoke and flames appeared. A police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed destroyed by the insurance company. The vehicle was towed. There were no injuries. The failure mileage was 5,700.

Filed Nov 3, 2017 · Transmission · 38,000 miles · DE

I was driving on the interstate highway for approximately 110 miles. I slowed down to pay a toll and the vehicle stalled and would not restart. This was the second time this vehicle has stalled during interstate highway driving. The first time was around 17,000 miles and this time 38,000 miles. It took approximately 2 1/2 hours before the vehicle would restart. Had it towed to the dealer.