SubaruCrosstrek2016Overview/subaru/crosstrek/2016/base/

2016 Subaru Crosstrek

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2016 Crosstrek.

Body SUVTransmission Automatic (AV-S6)

The 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is an SUV that pairs an Automatic (AV-S6) transmission with an EPA-rated fuel economy of 26/33/29 mpg. Although the vehicle carries only a single recall, it has accumulated 131 total owner complaints predominantly categorized under "Unknown or Other." Viewed against the model's broader 2012–2026 reliability timeline, this model year falls well below the peak of 280 complaints seen in 2019 but far above the low of just two in 2012, meaning researchers should approach the 2016 as a middling entry rather than a beacon of long-term dependability.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192016

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

EPA fuel economy26/33/29 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI NS · NS CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI NS · NS CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP225/55R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.0 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length175.2 in
Overall width70.1 in
Overall height63.8 in
Wheelbase103.5 in
Curb weight3516 lb
Track (front / rear)60.2 / 60.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined26 / 33 / 29 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Crosstrek of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.5–10.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.50 sec — 2021 Limited
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20182.0i Premier 2.0L F-48.80 sec16.70 sec152 hpAWD
20182.0i Limited 2.0L F-49.00 sec16.90 sec152 hpAWD
20182.0i Premium 2.0L F-49.00 sec16.90 sec152 hpAWD
20182.0i Limited 2.0L F-49.20 sec17.30 sec152 hpAWD
20182.0i Premium 2.0L F-49.20 sec17.00 sec152 hpAWD
20182.0i Limited 2.0L F-410.00 sec17.50 sec152 hpAWD
2019Plug-In Hybrid 2.0L F-4 + Elec 8.8-kWh8.30 sec16.60 sec148 hpAWD
2019Plug-In Hybrid 2.0L F-4 + Elec 8.8-kWh8.30 sec16.50 sec148 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine API · GL-5 · 75W-90 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to 31.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidSubaru Lineartronic II CVTF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity12.6
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilAPI · GL-5 · 75W-90
Engine CoolantUse Subaru Super coolant, P/N SOA868V9270
Engine Coolant Capacity8.9 qt
Power Steering FluidATF

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs13.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug31.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts20.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel HubInstall a new nut and torque to 162.0 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel HubInstall a new nut and torque to 140.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)600-800 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerSubaru
Spark Plug Gap.039 - .043 in
Spark Plug Torque13 ft-lbs
Ignition TimingTubo: 10, Non Turbo: 16 degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance10 degrees

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.00-1.15 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type100

Service checks

RPM49-58 @ idle rpm
Engine CompressionTURBO / psi 196-254 / variance 14 psi
Intake Valve Lash0.0039-0.0059 in
Exhaust Valve Lash0.0081-0.0095 in

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 20; Rear: 20 /
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 59; Rear: 49 /; Front: 59; Rear: 48.7
ABS Sensor Torque5.5 / NS
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.059; Rear: 0.059 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 0.870; Rear: 0.335

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
121.4 ft. lbs. Step 2: 73.8 ft. lbs. Step 3: Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing. Step 4: Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing. Step 5: 31 ft. lbs. Step 6: 78-82 degrees. Step 7: Bolts 1, 2; 73-77 degrees. Step 8: 6, 5, 4, 3; in that order turn 28-32 degrees. Apply sufficient engine oil to bolt threads and washer.21.4 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 12,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Differential (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 60,000 miSpark Plugs (replace) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
Every 72,000 miFuel Filter (replace)
At 137,500 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2016 Crosstrek, with 131 complaints and one recall, sits in the early portion of the generation's upward trend, before complaints and recalls peaked sharply in 2018-2019. While it has fewer reported issues than the 2018-2019 models, its complaint count is still significantly higher than the 2012-2013 models and the later, more refined years (2020 onward). The top complaint areas—electrical system, powertrain, and steering—along with four crash and three fire complaints, suggest that the 2016 is not without risk. Compared to the worst years it is a safer choice, but buyers should be aware that later model years (e.g., 2020-2023) show a much lower complaint rate and zero recalls in several years. Given this trend, the 2016 is a passable but not outstanding buy; a later model year within the same generation would offer more reliability based on the federal record.

1
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
343
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
131
Owner complaints
4 involved a crash · 3 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 131 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Unknown Or Other28
Electrical System23
Power Train11
Steering7
Engine6
Visibility/Wiper5
Vehicle Speed Control5
Structure3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V149000Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:SwitchReported 28/02/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to… Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 343 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SubaruNet Annoucement (E2026-06-11Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood…
16-156-25R2026-06-02Power TrainThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which…
01-167-08R2026-05-18Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the…
16-156-25R2026-05-13Power TrainThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which…
SubaruNet Announcement (R2026-05-04Power TrainThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Crosstrek. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2016 Crosstrek have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Crosstrek get?

EPA figures are 26 city / 33 highway / 29 combined mpg.