Subaru Crosstrek reliability: common problems by model year

Across 8 model years, the Subaru Crosstrek has 691 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper and electrical system. 2024 drew the most complaints (208), 2013 the fewest (25).

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Subaru Crosstrek vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $17,995–$26,567.

Which Crosstrek years have the most problems?

Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.

Highest: 2024 (208 complaints). Lowest: 2013 (25).

Where owners report problems

What owners say

Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a strong reputation for practicality, safety, and all-weather capability. The vehicle is widely praised for its standard all-wheel-drive system, excellent ground clearance, and suitability for outdoor lifestyles, inclu

• Underpowered base 2.0L engine: described as weak, sluggish, and struggling with highway merging and passing. Owners recommend the 2.5L. Frequency: very frequent.
• CVT transmission concerns: reliability worries beyond 100,000 miles, recommendations for strict fluid change intervals (every 60k miles), laggy throttle response. Frequency: very frequent.
• Infotainment system lag: touchscreen response delays, slow menu navigation, system freezes requiring restart. Climate controls integrated into touchscreen criticized. Frequency: recurrent.
• Windshield cracking: described as an "Achilles' heel" of Subaru vehicles, prone to chips and cracks. Frequency: recurrent.
• Oil consumption: primarily reported in older models (pre-2015), but concerns persist for later FB-series engines. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Crosstrek. Individual model years are broken down above.