2013 Subaru Crosstrek: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Subaru Crosstrek has 25 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag underpowered base 2.0l engine — described as weak, sluggish, and struggling with highway merging and passing. owners recommend the 2.5l. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

25
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
1
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
11
electrical system
5
exterior lighting
3
power train
3
service brakes
2

Recalls affecting the 2013 Crosstrek

exterior lighting:brake lights:switch

Campaign 19V149000

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to ce…

What owners say across generations

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.

Typical used price

Used Crosstrek listings typically run $17,995–$26,567 across 2013 to 2026 model years.

Other Crosstrek model years

2025 Crosstrek2024 Crosstrek2023 Crosstrek2022 Crosstrek2020 Crosstrek2018 Crosstrek2017 Crosstrek
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