NHTSA holds 1,456 complaints about the Subaru Crosstrek for the 2013 to 2026 model years, and one year stands out: 2019, with 284, is the only year to avoid. Complaints about the 2017 to 2021 models are led by the visibility and wiper category, and 123 complaints mention windshield cracks, 54 of them for 2019. The model has 16 recall campaigns, seven of which cover 2019, including two electrical software recalls shared with 2018. NHTSA has not opened any defect investigation into the Crosstrek.
Subaru Crosstrek Common Problems and Years to Avoid (NHTSA Data)
By the founder of CarWorthItPublished
Short answer
Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid, going by NHTSA owner complaints: 2019 (284 complaints), each at least twice the median model year (115). The components owners report most are visibility/wiper (301), electrical system (252) and engine (205). NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the 2013 to 2026 model years.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls and defect investigations for the 2013 to 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, 1,456 complaints in all, pulled September 28, 2026.
Subaru Crosstrek complaints and recalls by model year
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation and distinct recall campaigns, for every model year with records, counted on September 28, 2026. The median model year up to 2021 drew 115 complaints; a year is marked to avoid when it is one of the three highest and drew at least twice that. Years after 2021 have had less time to collect complaints, so they are judged only if they already pass the same line.
| Model year | Verdict | Complaints | Recalls | Crash / fire / injury reports | Most-reported components |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Too new to judge | 8 | 0 | 1 / 0 / 1 | Vehicle speed control (2), Engine (1), Exterior lighting (1) |
| 2025 | Too new to judge | 43 | 0 | 2 / 0 / 1 | Lane departure (10), Visibility (8), Electrical system (5) |
| 2024 | Too new to judge | 118 | 2 | 10 / 2 / 3 | Exterior lighting (13), Forward collision avoidance (12), Visibility/wiper (12) |
| 2023 | Too new to judge | 34 | 0 | 4 / 0 / 3 | Electrical system (6), Visibility/wiper (6), Forward collision avoidance (5) |
| 2022 | Too new to judge | 31 | 0 | 3 / 0 / 1 | Visibility/wiper (6), Electrical system (4), Service brakes (4) |
| 2021 | Typical | 115 | 1 | 8 / 2 / 4 | Visibility/wiper (29), Electrical system (16), Engine (16) |
| 2020 | Typical | 69 | 0 | 6 / 0 / 3 | Visibility/wiper (30), Electrical system (11), Power train (9) |
| 2019 | Year to avoid | 284 | 7 | 6 / 3 / 4 | Visibility/wiper (113), Electrical system (53), Engine (34) |
| 2018 | Above median | 194 | 5 | 10 / 1 / 1 | Visibility/wiper (64), Engine (32), Electrical system (32) |
| 2017 | Typical | 97 | 1 | 6 / 2 / 2 | Visibility/wiper (23), Electrical system (18), Power train (13) |
| 2016 | Typical | 134 | 1 | 4 / 3 / 1 | Electrical system (38), Power train (19), Steering (14) |
| 2015 | Typical | 99 | 1 | 5 / 1 / 3 | Power train (25), Electrical system (19), Engine (18) |
| 2014 | Typical | 107 | 0 | 11 / 2 / 6 | Electrical system (22), Power train (20), Service brakes (14) |
| 2013 | Typical | 123 | 3 | 6 / 4 / 2 | Engine (46), Power train (25), Electrical system (19) |
Counts are raw totals and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so a big-selling year draws more complaints than a slow one. Crash, fire and injury columns count complaints that report one, as filed by the owner.
Check the value and recall status of a specific Subaru Crosstrek
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Windshield and visibility complaints on the 2017 to 2021 models
Visibility/wiper is the top NHTSA complaint component for every Crosstrek model year from 2017 to 2021, and it is the largest category for the whole model, with 301 complaints. The peak is 2019 with 113, followed by 2018 with 64. Complaints that mention windshield cracks follow the same curve: 54 for 2019, 26 for 2018 and 14 for 2021, out of 123 in total. None of the 16 recalls covers the windshield; the one glass recall, 19V404000, covers side and rear glass on certain 2019 models. These counts are raw totals, not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
The 2019 model: most complaints and most recalls
The 2019 Crosstrek has 284 complaints, more than twice the median of 115 per model year, and 2018 is next with 194. Beyond visibility, 2019 leads for electrical system complaints (53) and for complaints that mention electrical faults or battery drain (20), and it ties with 2013 for complaints describing stalling or loss of power while driving (18). It also carries seven recall campaigns, the most of any Crosstrek year. Two of them, 19V743000 and 21V264000, are electrical system software recalls for 2018 and 2019 models. Others cover the rear suspension (21V263000, 2018 to 2019), rear seat belts with a dual-mode locking mechanism (20V189000), the electric power assist steering system (19V065000) and the crankcase PCV emission control (19V856000).
Engine and transmission complaints on the 2013 model
The earliest year in the record draws a different mix. Engine is the top component for 2013 (46 complaints), ahead of power train (25), and 2013 is the leading year for complaints that mention transmission problems (17). It also shares the top spot with 2021 for complaints mentioning the check-engine light (10 each). Recall 18V772000 covers the engine on certain 2013 XV Crosstrek models.
The 2024 model: a newer year to watch
With 118 complaints, 2024 has more than 2022 and 2023 combined (65). Its complaints are led by exterior lighting (13), forward collision avoidance (12) and visibility/wiper (12), and it is the top year for complaints mentioning steering (17) and the infotainment screen, radio or backup camera (17). Two recalls apply: 23V754000 for the driveshaft and 23V551000 for the instrument cluster. The year is too new to judge against older ones.
What to check on a used Subaru Crosstrek
- Inspect the windshield closely for chips and cracks on any 2017 to 2021 model, and on a 2019 in particular.
- On a 2018 or 2019, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup, which lists any recall not yet repaired on that car (see what else a free VIN check shows) and confirm software recalls 19V743000 and 21V264000 and rear suspension recall 21V263000 were completed.
- On a 2019, also confirm 20V189000, 19V065000 and 19V856000 were done, and check that each rear seat belt locks and releases.
- Ask whether the battery has gone flat or been replaced on a 2018 or 2019, the two years that lead complaints mentioning electrical faults or battery drain.
- On a 2013, make sure the check-engine light is off, watch for stalling or transmission problems on the test drive, and confirm recall 18V772000 was completed.
- On a 2024, confirm recalls 23V754000 and 23V551000 were done.
- Before you settle on a price, check the seller's asking price against the Subaru Crosstreks for sale near you with the used car price check.
Before you make an offer, check what a specific Subaru Crosstrek is worth by VIN. The CarWorthIt valuation, from $2.99, prices that VIN at its mileage near your ZIP code against cars for sale.
What Subaru Crosstrek owners report most
NHTSA files each complaint under one or more component categories. Across all 1,456 Subaru Crosstrek complaints, these are the most common:
| NHTSA component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 301 | 20.7% |
| Electrical system | 252 | 17.3% |
| Engine | 205 | 14.1% |
| Power train | 168 | 11.5% |
| Steering | 78 | 5.4% |
| Service brakes | 77 | 5.3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 66 | 4.5% |
| Visibility | 58 | 4.0% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 50 | 3.4% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 46 | 3.2% |
The categories are broad, so the owners' own descriptions were also searched for specific symptoms. These are counts of complaints whose text mentions each one, not diagnoses, and one complaint can mention several.
| What the complaint describes | Complaints | Share | Model years with the most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 161 | 11.1% | 2021 (20), 2024 (19), 2015 (18) |
| Windshield cracks | 123 | 8.4% | 2019 (54), 2018 (26), 2021 (14) |
| Steering | 104 | 7.1% | 2024 (17), 2016 (16), 2014 (14) |
| Stalling or loss of power while driving | 94 | 6.5% | 2013 (18), 2019 (18), 2018 (16) |
| Transmission problems | 84 | 5.8% | 2013 (17), 2016 (12), 2015 (11) |
| Electrical faults or battery drain | 72 | 4.9% | 2019 (20), 2018 (11), 2016 (8) |
| Infotainment screen, radio or backup camera | 69 | 4.7% | 2024 (17), 2018 (11), 2019 (10) |
| Air bags | 64 | 4.4% | 2014 (14), 2013 (7), 2015 (7) |
| Hesitation, jerking or surging | 58 | 4.0% | 2019 (12), 2018 (11), 2021 (10) |
| Sunroof | 53 | 3.6% | 2018 (7), 2015 (6), 2016 (6) |
Subaru Crosstrek recalls (16 campaigns)
Every recall campaign NHTSA lists for the Subaru Crosstrek, newest first, with the model years it covers and NHTSA's own description of the defect, shortened. A recall on the model is not proof a given car was affected or left unrepaired: check a specific car by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or in the free CarWorthIt VIN report.
| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | The defect, in NHTSA's words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V755000 | November 9, 2023 | 2021 | Power train | An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail. An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 23V754000 | November 9, 2023 | 2024 | Power train | The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break. A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. |
| 23V551000 | August 4, 2023 | 2024 | Electrical system | Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit. A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V264000 | April 15, 2021 | 2018 to 2019 | Electrical system | The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit. A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V263000 | April 15, 2021 | 2018 to 2019 | Suspension | The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach. Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V189000 | March 31, 2020 | 2019 | Seat belts | The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended. In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 19V856000 | December 2, 2019 | 2019 | Engine and engine cooling | The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving. |
| 19V743000 | October 18, 2019 | 2018 to 2019 | Electrical system | The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse. If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V744000 | October 17, 2019 | 2018 | Engine and engine cooling | The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving. An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 19V404000 | May 30, 2019 | 2019 | Visibility | The driver's side rear-door window glass may be improperly tempered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials." |
| 19V149000 | February 28, 2019 | 2013, 2016 to 2017 | Exterior lighting | Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park. |
| 19V065000 | February 6, 2019 | 2019 | Steering | A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance. Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V772000 | November 1, 2018 | 2013 | Engine and engine cooling | The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 17V701000 | November 7, 2017 | 2018 | Service brakes | These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect floor mat retention bracket, allowing the floor mat to move out of position and interfere with the accelerator or brake pedal operation. |
| 15V366000 | June 12, 2015 | 2015 | Forward collision avoidance | If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function. If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Show the other 1 Subaru Crosstrek recall
| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | The defect, in NHTSA's words |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13V061000 | February 25, 2013 | 2013 | Electrical system | Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button. |
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigation file lists no defect investigations covering these Subaru Crosstrek model years.
How these numbers were counted
Complaints: NHTSA's complaints API for NHTSA model names CROSSTREK, CROSSTREK ICE, CROSSTREK WILDERNESS, CROSSTREK WILDERNESS ICE, XV CROSSTREK, each complaint counted once per model year; hybrid and plug-in versions, which NHTSA files separately, are not included. Recalls: distinct campaign numbers from NHTSA's recalls databasefor the same names and years. Investigations: NHTSA's defect investigation file. All pulled September 28, 2026. These are counts of reports, not failure rates, and they say nothing about any individual car. For that, check the VIN.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the Subaru Crosstrek?
The top NHTSA complaint components are visibility/wiper (301 complaints), electrical system (252), engine (205) and power train (168), out of 1,456 in total. The most frequent themes are complaints that mention brakes (161) and windshield cracks (123).
What Subaru Crosstrek years should I avoid?
2019 is the one year to avoid, with 284 complaints, more than twice the median of 115 per model year. The next highest are 2018 (194) and 2016 (134), and no 2022 or newer model has reached twice the median.
How many recalls does the Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the Crosstrek and no defect investigations. 2019 has the most recalls of any year, seven, including electrical software recalls 19V743000 and 21V264000, which also cover 2018.
Do Subaru Crosstrek windshields crack?
In all, 123 Crosstrek complaints mention windshield cracks: 54 for the 2019 model, 26 for 2018 and 14 for 2021. Visibility/wiper is the top complaint component for every year from 2017 to 2021, and none of the 16 recalls covers the windshield.