Subaru Crosstrek problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 928 owner complaints and 13 recalls on file for the Subaru Crosstrek (2013–2026). The 2019 Crosstrek has the most serious complaints, most often about visibility & wipers.

Complaints
928
Recalls
13
Model years
14
Worst year
2019

Complaints by model year

2201320142015762016642017141201822420196920201152021312022342023120202444202582026
NHTSA complaints per Subaru Crosstrek model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Subaru Crosstrek years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2019 Subaru Crosstrek — 224 complaints, 7 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Visibility & Wipers
  2. 2021 Subaru Crosstrek — 115 complaints, 8 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Visibility & Wipers
  3. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek — 120 complaints, 10 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Visibility & Wipers
  4. 2018 Subaru Crosstrek — 141 complaints, 6 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Visibility & Wipers
  5. 2020 Subaru Crosstrek — 69 complaints, 6 crashes; top problem: Visibility & Wipers

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2015 (0 complaints).

Every Subaru Crosstrek model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 Crosstrek81010Acceleration & Cruise Control
2025 Crosstrek443030Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2024 Crosstrek12010232Visibility & Wipers
2023 Crosstrek344040Visibility & Wipers
2022 Crosstrek313020Visibility & Wipers
2021 Crosstrek1158261Visibility & Wipers
2020 Crosstrek696030Visibility & Wipers
2019 Crosstrek2247347Visibility & Wipers
2018 Crosstrek1416115Visibility & Wipers
2017 Crosstrek642021Visibility & Wipers
2016 Crosstrek763111Electrical System
2015 Crosstrek00001—
2014 Crosstrek00001—
2013 Crosstrek20001Electrical System

Most common Subaru Crosstrek problem areas (all years)

  • Visibility & Wipers
    290 complaints
  • Electrical System
    151 complaints
  • Engine
    102 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    74 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    73 complaints
  • Steering
    41 complaints
  • Brakes
    39 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    33 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    30 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    30 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Subaru Crosstrek received by NHTSA each month.

Subaru Crosstrek recalls

  • Recall 23V755000Nov 9, 202395,830 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V754000Nov 9, 20234,701 vehiclesModel years 2024

    Risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V551000Aug 4, 202335,357 vehiclesModel years 2024

    Risk: A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V264000Apr 15, 2021466,205 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V263000Apr 15, 2021408,271 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V189000Mar 31, 20204,862 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 19V856000Dec 2, 201951,613 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V743000Oct 18, 2019466,205 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V744000Oct 17, 2019205,000 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V404000May 30, 2019256 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: Improperly tempered glass can shatter into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 19V149000Feb 28, 20191,303,530 vehiclesModel years 2013–2017

    Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

  • Recall 19V065000Feb 6, 201910,417 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 17V701000Nov 7, 20172,367 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: If the floor mat moves out of position and interferes with the accelerator or brake pedal operation, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Other Subaru models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology