Subaru Crosstrek Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Recent Safety Incidents — Last 5 Model Years
Own a Subaru Crosstrek? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Subaru Crosstrek — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026Best | Excellent | — | 1 | — | — | — | Lane Departure | Full report → |
| 2025 | Good | — | 24 | — | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2024 | Caution | 2 | 67 | 5 | 2 | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2023 | Good | — | 36 | 7 | 6 | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2022 | Good | 1 | 21 | 6 | 6 | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2021 | Caution | 2 | 65 | 4 | 5 | — | Visibility/Wiper | Full report → |
| 2020 | Good | 1 | 34 | 5 | 1 | — | Visibility/Wiper | Full report → |
| 2019Worst | Avoid | 4 | 174 | 5 | 6 | — | Visibility/Wiper | Full report → |
| 2018 | Caution | 1 | 117 | 4 | — | — | Visibility/Wiper | Full report → |
| 2017 | Caution | 1 | 63 | 5 | 12 | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2016 | Caution | 1 | 86 | 3 | — | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2015 | Good | 1 | 61 | 2 | 2 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2014 | Caution | 1 | 89 | 12 | 8 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2013 | Caution | 3 | 97 | 6 | 1 | — | Engine | Full report → |
14 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Based on 935 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Recent Safety Recalls — Subaru Crosstrek (2022–2026)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles. The harness terminal that supplies low-voltage power from the converter to the 12-Volt battery may corrode and break, preventing the 12-Volt battery from charging.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the converter terminal mounting bracket. If corrosion is found on the terminals, the 12-Volt output harness and terminals will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 12, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-23.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-23.
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek hybrid, and 2025 Forester hybrid vehicles. When the fuel tank is near full capacity, an increase in ambient temperature may cause the fuel to expand and spill out of the filler neck due to an insufficient seal on the fuel cap.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, and to limit the fuel level to 50% until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the fuel filler cap gasket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 16, 2026.
Showing 4 recalls from 2022–2026 model years. See the full year-specific pages for older recalls.
Recent Owner Complaints
Direct reports filed with NHTSA by Subaru Crosstrek owners — 2022–2026 model years.
See attached document for complaint.
While driving home from the grocery store I heard a shattering sound. I was about 2 miles from home. When i got home I opened the rear hatch to see the rear quarter glass window shattered. I was driving 35 mph with no cars around me. I was shocked to see the window like that. I have read that subaru has had problems in past crosstreks with this same issue. Since it was yesterday and also Saturday I have not been able to talk to the subaru dealership about it.
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle while having the right of way. The contact stated that the other vehicle was making a left turn when the crash occurred. The contact's vehicle T-Boned the other vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy, and the front driver's side seat belt did not tighten as intended. In addition, the contact stated that none of the vehicle safety features were activated such as calling 911. The vehicle sustained damage to the front driver's side and the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. A Police report was filed. The contact was transported to the local medical center. The contact sustained bruising and pain to the chest and stomach area from the seat belt, and neck pain. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,656.
The vehicle is a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek with ongoing and unresolved safety-related defects. The vehicle has been taken in for multiple repair attempts, including a total of five diagnostic inspections, but the issue remains unresolved. The vehicle experiences sudden hesitation, loss of acceleration, and failure to respond properly while driving. Warning lights appear on the dashboard, and in some instances the vehicle fails to restart properly after coming to a stop. These issues create a serious safety risk, especially when driving in traffic or attempting to merge, as the vehicle does not respond as expected. The condition is unpredictable and has occurred multiple times. Despite repeated repair attempts, the manufacturer has been unable to diagnose or repair the defect. The problem continues to occur and significantly affects the safety and reliability of the vehicle. This issue poses a serious safety hazard to the driver, passengers, and others on the road.
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek equipped with Yokohama Tires, Tire Line: Geolandar G91, Tire Size: 225/60/R17, and DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for routine maintenance, the dealer informed the contact that the remaining three original tires were dry-rotted in the middle of the tire. The dealer informed the contact that the tires needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the tires needed to be replaced and that the dealer would send the defective tires to the tire manufacturer for examination and reimbursement consideration. The tires were not yet replaced due to the cost. The tires were original tires. The vehicle and tire failure mileage was 19,200.
On two occasions, the vehicle has activated the forward collision warning although there was no nearby vehicle or obstruction. The date of incident is not precise.
Passenger side valve cover gasket and spark plug seal failure.
Not an 'incident' but seat belt does not adjust low enough for an average short woman (5'1") without draping across lower neck. I have adjusted the slide on side panel to lowest point but seat belt still cuts across neck (not collar bone area). This is standard for all similar cars and I feel a seatbelt across one's neck is a safety concern that needs to be addressed. Adjustments of seat and/or steering wheel make little to no difference on seatbelt across lower neck area. Raising seat makes it difficult to get into vehicle, as it also moves the seat forward when it is raised (and seat position is manual adjustment, not electric anyway - and doesn't make seatbelt much lower - still neck area)....
This a second report following a visit to the dealer for system check. At that service, we were advised that no issues were identified, we were told that sunlight could cause the Subaru “EyeSight” system to disengage. Today, 25 February, the vehicle EyeSight system continues to disable and enable itself seemingly at random. This morning, we travelled on well marked roadways with overcast skies (no sunlight to cause problems). The system repeatedly disabled and enabled itself. In addition, on a street with vehicles parallel parked along the curb, the vehicle reported an obstacle and began braking for no apparent reason. This has been reported to the dealer. We are awaiting a response. It does seem as if there are some faults within the EyeSight system.
Vehicle lane keeping assistance switches itself off and on while driving. After first occurrence, dealer response was that such behavior is not unusual when sun is in front of the vehicle. Second occurred while driving with sun behind the vehicle and on either side of vehicle. This has been reported to dealer but there has been no response.
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle, and the vehicle suddenly caught on fire under the hood. The vehicle had received an oil change three days prior to the failure. Additionally, the contact noticed smoke after the oil change. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the fire. The contact called 911, and the Police and Fire Department responded to the scene. The Fire Department extinguished the fire, and a Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. There were no injuries sustained during the fire. The local dealer was notified, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and the dealer had not offered any assistance. The manufacturer was contacted, and a claim was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.
On 2/5/2026, my "brake booster" failed while trying to leave the parking lot of a restaurant. When I put car in reverse I had my foot on the brake, I heard an usual sound and quickly realized the brake was not holding as I was moving backward. I had to reapply brake pressure HARD in order to stop, once while backing up and once again to pull forward so I wasn't blocking anyone from maneuvering around me. I was towed to Hanania Subaru where they identified the "brake booster" failed. My vehicle is ready today, 2/18/2026 to pick up and I'll return the Subaru loaner vehicle. Apparently the problem was an electronic failure code and replacing the brake booster was all that was needed. Fortunately, I was not driving in traffic when it failed and I'm told this type of failure is extremely rare. I do appreciate the ability to document this potential hazard to NHTSA.
191 total complaints retrieved from NHTSA for 2022–2026. For older model years, see individual year pages.
Crosstrek Years to Avoid
Best Crosstrek Years to Buy
Years with fewest complaints and recalls.
Subaru Crosstrek Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Subaru Crosstrek Reliability
What year Crosstrek has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 174 complaints and 4 safety recalls. See the full 2019 report for specific defects.
Is the Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
The Subaru Crosstrek has accumulated 935 owner-filed complaints and 18 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. The 2026 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Crosstrek.
What are the most common Crosstrek problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (160 reports), Visibility/Wiper (145 reports), Engine (109 reports), Electrical System (107 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Crosstrek has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Subaru Crosstrek VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
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