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
5 recalls · 174 complaints
6 reported injuries
Top issue: VISIBILITY/WIPER
Problem score: 201
2 recalls · 117 complaints
Top issue: VISIBILITY/WIPER
Problem score: 123
1 recall · 88 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 105
Best Subaru Crosstrek Years to Buy
0 recalls · 1 complaint
Main area: LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Problem score: 1
0 recalls · 21 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 21
1 recall · 21 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 36
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 | 0 | 1 | — | — | 1 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 21 | — | — | 21 | Good |
| 2024 | 2 | 69 | 4 | — | 83 | Caution |
| 2023 | 0 | 36 | 6 | — | 48 | Good |
| 2022 | 1 | 21 | 6 | — | 36 | Good |
| 2021 | 2 | 65 | 5 | — | 81 | Caution |
| 2020 | 1 | 34 | 1 | — | 39 | Good |
| 2019 | 5 | 174 | 6 | — | 201 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 2 | 117 | — | — | 123 | Caution |
| 2017 | 1 | 63 | 12 | — | 90 | Caution |
| 2016 | 1 | 87 | — | — | 90 | Caution |
| 2015 | 2 | 61 | 2 | — | 71 | Caution |
| 2014 | 1 | 88 | 7 | — | 105 | Caution |
| 2013 | 2 | 94 | 1 | — | 102 | 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 1 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 5 recalls, 174 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 201 — 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 1. It has only 0 recalls and 1 complaint on record with NHTSA.
Which Crosstrek has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2025, 2022 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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