Subarus are known for their safety, reliability, and all-wheel drive capabilities—qualities the Crosstrek embodies perfectly. This model is also the brand’s most affordable SUV, with enough power to go on long drives and comfortable enough for daily commutes.
Since the Subaru Crosstrek’s introduction to the market in 2013, it has remained one of the go-to vehicle options for overall value. While it is versatile and powerful, is the Subaru Crosstrek actually a reliable vehicle?
Are Subaru Crosstreks Reliable?
The Subaru Crosstrek is generally known to be a reliable compact SUV. It has good fuel economy, a comfortable and roomy cabin, and comes with a standard all-wheel drive functionality. With its dependable performance, it’s no wonder it continues to sell well even today.
Like most vehicles, the Subaru Crosstrek has received mixed reviews from Crosstrek owners online. Some are satisfied with its performance, swearing by its versatility as a daily driver and one for nature adventures. Others advise against it as it falls on the pricier side of the market.
As for popular review sites online, here are the various reliability ratings they gave of the Subaru Crosstrek’s latest model:
- Car and Driver: 8.5/10
- JD Power: 84/100
- RepairPal: 4/5
- Edmunds: 7.6/10
RepairPal notes that the Crosstrek’s annual repair cost is only around $492, which means it has average ownership costs. CarEdge notes the Subaru Crosstrek will depreciate 32% after 5 years.
What Are the Most Common Issues with the Subaru Crosstrek?
Although the Subaru Crosstrek is generally dependable, it is not without issues. Its older iterations, specifically when it was still called the Subaru XV Crosstrek, had quite a number of reported complaints online. Below are some of the most common:
Transmission Issues
Transmission failure is one of the most commonly reported problems of Subaru Crosstrek owners. Some report hearing loud thunking and screeching noises coming from the engine compartment. Others complain about their Crosstrek shifting oddly and having the traction control light, check engine light, and AT oil temp light all illuminated on the dash.
For the 2021 Crosstreks, Subaru replaced the 2.0 liter engine with a 2.5 liter version to resolve this issue.
Affected Model Years:
- 2013
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2021
- 2022
Steering Problems
Steering problems are another common cause for concern among Subaru Crosstrek and XV Crosstrek owners. Some owners share that their Crosstrek handled terribly, and it was difficult to keep it stable on the road in slush, snow, ice, or ice water. Others described their Crosstrek as having more torque or rpm in the rear than in the front pushing the back, affecting its overall handling.
For some owners, the problem lies in subpar stock tires. For others, the steering alignment itself was the problem.
Replacing these faulty parts reportedly solved the issue.
Affected Model Years:
- 2013
- 2014
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2020
Engine Failure
Some Subaru XV Crosstrek owners have expressed dismay at their vehicle’s engine dying with no outward signs of trouble. Others have reported hearing rattling noises from the engine compartment.
Subaru recalled certain 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek vehicles to resolve this issue. They found that the engine valve springs in these vehicles can fracture, causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
Affected Model Years:
- 2013
- 2014
- 2016
- 2018
- 2021
Cracked Windshield
Many Subaru Crosstrek owners have reported that their car’s windshield chipped pretty easily. Some said the issue was caused by small to medium rocks hitting their car’s windshield while driving, while others saw no evidence of impact yet still observed cracks on the windshield.
Most of them lament that generally, the windshield should not be this brittle.
Affected Model Years:
- 2018
- 2019
- 2021
Faulty Radio
Some Subaru Crosstrek owners complained about the inconvenience of constantly bringing their vehicle to the dealer to have it looked at due to radio problems. These owners reported that their Crosstrek’s radio turned on by itself, with the volume fading in and out on its own. They also shared that turning the radio off was useless since it would just turn back on by itself.
Affected Model Years:
- 2018
- 2021
Brake Light Switch Issues
Another frequently reported Subaru Crosstrek issue is brake light switch failure. Owners share that the brake lights don’t work even after pressing the brake pedal.
Although the cause varies, this is most likely the result of cleaning products clogging up the switches that activate the brake lights. It was found that exposure to contaminants may cause the brake light to malfunction. To fix this, Subaru recalled certain 2013-2017 Crosstreks to replace the brake light switch.
Affected Model Years:
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
Soy-Based Wiring Attracts Rodents
Subaru and some other automakers have used soy-based wiring insulation on some platforms. This practice started in the early 2000s as part of an effort to reduce dependency on petroleum-based products and promote sustainability. The problem is that soy-based wiring is tempting for rodents who use it for their nests.
Specific year models are difficult to pin down.
Excessive Oil Consumption
There is a recall due to bad PCV valves allowing oil to be drawn into the intake. Sometimes this issue is bad enough that it destroys engines if enough oil trickles into the cylinder after shutdown. If you have a 2013-2018 Crosstrek, make sure the recall has been done.
Excessive oil consumption is a common problem for most Subaru Crosstreks. The brand claims their F-series Boxer engines are assembled with looser tolerances than previous engines. According to Subaru,1/3 quart of oil every 1200 miles is normal. But some owners recount that these models burn oil at a rate of a quart for every 1,200 miles, which means they need to top off their vehicle’s oil more often than other car owners.
Affected Model Years:
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015 (less common after this year)
- 2017
- 2018
What Are the Best Model Years for the Subaru Crosstrek?
Although the Subaru Crosstrek is generally reliable, some model years stand out from the rest, experiencing lesser issues and recalls than other models. These models are known to be the most reliable, with lesser reported issues than most models, making them the best options for value-conscious buyers.
Here are the Subaru Crosstrek model years generally considered to be among the best:
- 2017
- 2020
- 2023
- 2024
FAQ
Where is the Subaru Crosstrek made?
Subaru Crosstreks are made in Subaru’s manufacturing plants located in Japan and the U.S. Most of the Crosstreks sold in the U.S. are made in the Indiana plant, although the Japan plant still primarily supplies global demand for the vehicle.
How long do Subaru Crosstreks last?
You can expect your Subaru Crosstrek to last around 200,000 to 300,000 miles or even more, which translates to 15-20 years of reliable service. This estimate assumes your Crosstrek is regularly maintained and has routine oil changes, tire rotations, and other maintenance services.