Subaru Crosstrek Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Subaru Crosstrek model year (2013–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Subaru Crosstrek Years to Avoid
4 recalls · 181 complaints
6 reported injuries
Top issue: VISIBILITY/WIPER
Problem score: 205
2 recalls · 120 complaints
Top issue: VISIBILITY/WIPER
Problem score: 126
1 recall · 90 complaints
8 reported injuries
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 109
Best Subaru Crosstrek Years to Buy
3 recalls · 9 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 24
1 recall · 24 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 39
1 recall · 40 complaints
Main area: VISIBILITY/WIPER
Problem score: 45
Found the right year? Verify that specific Crosstrek with a free VIN report.
Subaru Crosstrek — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9 | 3 | — | 24 | Good |
| 2025 | 0 | 38 | 7 | — | 52 | Good |
| 2024 | 1 | 83 | 2 | — | 90 | Caution |
| 2023 | 0 | 39 | 7 | — | 53 | Good |
| 2022 | 1 | 24 | 6 | — | 39 | Good |
| 2021 | 2 | 85 | 5 | — | 101 | Caution |
| 2020 | 1 | 40 | 1 | — | 45 | Good |
| 2019 | 4 | 181 | 6 | — | 205 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 2 | 120 | — | — | 126 | Caution |
| 2017 | 1 | 63 | 12 | — | 90 | Caution |
| 2016 | 1 | 87 | — | — | 90 | Caution |
| 2015 | 2 | 63 | 2 | — | 73 | Caution |
| 2014 | 1 | 90 | 8 | — | 109 | Caution |
| 2013 | 2 | 98 | 1 | — | 106 | Caution |
All 14 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Subaru Crosstrek Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Crosstrek models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 24 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2015Mid-decade Crosstrek units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2015 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Crosstrek should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek if possible. It has 4 recalls, 181 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 205 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Crosstrek to buy?+
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 24. It has only 3 recalls and 9 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Crosstrek has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2022, 2020 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Subaru Crosstrek Research
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Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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