What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2016–2017) Crosstrek?

Crosstrek owners have made 17 complaints about the 2016–2017 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 17th out of 38 Subaru generations in overall reliability, with some steering and transmission concerns.

Compare With Other Crosstrek Generations

Common 2016-2017 Subaru Crosstrek Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation Crosstrek owners have to deal with.

  1. Cracked Windshields

    Since 2015 there has been a surge in complaints about Subaru windshields that crack spontaneously. Many believe this is due to a design switch to 'acoustic glass.' Owners want compensation from Subaru because windshield replacements come wi…

    Continue reading article "Cracked Windshields" Image from inside the a 2016 Forester cabin showing a large horizontal crack along the bottom of the windshield.

  2. Subaru EyeSight Problems

    Subaru's EyeSight technology has been known to fall asleep on the job, particularly in bad weather driving. And while newer versions have improved, the system is generally regarded as bulky and an overly expensive upgrade on higher trim lev…

    Continue reading article "Subaru EyeSight Problems" Image looking through the windshield towards a pair of EyeSight cameras flanking the rearview mirror.

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2016–2017) Crosstrek Key Numbers

  1. 2 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 17 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 17th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 38 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 1st Generation Crosstrek Owners

  • Sampson, et al., v. Subaru of America, Inc., et al.

    1. Case Filed

      A Subaru class action lawsuit includes 2013-2021 vehicles equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB), which includes pre-collision braking and reverse automatic braking. Additionally, the lawsuit includes 2013-2021 Subaru vehicles equipped with lane keep assist (LKA).

  • Partially dismissed

    Powell, et al., v. Subaru of America, Inc.

    1. Partially dismissed

      A Subaru windshield lawsuit has been partly dismissed after a federal judge ruled several claims made by Subaru owners weren't sufficiently pleaded.

    2. Case Filed

      Lawsuit alleges 2017-2019 Subaru Forester and 2017-2019 Subaru Outback vehicles are equipped with windshields that suddenly chip, crack and break. Subaru allegedly refuses to pay for repairs even when the vehicles are under warranties, leaving owners and lessees with paying for windshield replacements.

    Problem
    Cracked Windshields
    Class Vehicles
    • 2017-2020 Forester
    • 2017-2020 Outback
    • 2017-2020 Crosstrek
    • 2017-2020 Legacy
    • 2017-2020 Impreza
    Location
    New Jersey

Recent 1st Generation (2016–2017) Crosstrek News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. The lawsuit against Subaru's crappy windshields will move forward after partially surviving the automaker's motion to dismiss.

    The windhsields crack and chip at an alarming rate, but Subaru doesn't cover replacements under warranty if the issue is due to a defect. According to them the warranty only covers material or workmanship issues. Strange position to take, but ok.

    While a few allegations were removed due to legal technacilities, the judge said dismissing the case entirely at this point would be premature.…

    keep reading article "Subaru Windshield Lawsuit Survives Motion to Dismiss"

What Crosstrek Owners Say About This Generation

Subaru Vehicles Surge Forward When Trying to Shift into Park

Pulling into my garage in my apartment complex. 7 MPH vehicle had unintended acceleration and engine revved and slammed into garage wall. Brakes did not stop the car from accelerating and lunging forwards. Crash was significant and airbags did not deploy. Physically suffered blunt force trauma from hitting steering wheel and fractured, dented and chipped my sternum.

2017 Crosstrek Owner

Subaru Vehicles Surge Forward When Trying to Shift into Park

We have a steep driveway and my car accelerated and the brakes went totally out on my way down to check our mail. Could do nothing to stop it... It was like the car shot forward like a bullet. I headed towards a big tree so I turned wheels slightly and landed in a group of smaller trees. Both side airbags inflated, the front one did not inflate. I was just barely able to get out of the car because of trees blocking the door.

2017 Crosstrek Owner in NC