Subaru Crosstrek problems
The Subaru Crosstrek (Japanese: スバル・クロストレック, Hepburn: Subaru Kurosutorekku) (also known as the Subaru XV globally for the first two generations) is a compact crossover SUV produced by Subaru since 2012. It is a successor to the Outback Sport in the United States and Canada, and the Impreza XV globally. Like the Outback Sport, the Crosstrek is a lifted Impreza hatchback with minor differences, though with a more substantial lift than the Outback Sport.
Initially, the vehicle was marketed as the XV globally, and as the XV Crosstrek in the United States and Canada. In 2015, Subaru dropped the XV moniker in the United States and Canada, marketing it simply as the Crosstrek for the 2016 model year and onward. In 2022, Subaru introduced the third-generation model, using the Crosstrek nameplate globally for the first time.
All generations of the Crosstrek are raised versions of the Subaru Impreza hatchback.
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Subaru Crosstrek model years
Common Subaru Crosstrek problems
The Subaru Crosstrek, a popular subcompact crossover SUV, has been praised for its stylish design, off-road capabilities, sedan-like handling, and efficient plug-in hybrid model. However, it is not without its share of issues. Here are the three most common problems reported by real owners:
- Malfunctioning Auto Start-Stop System: The auto start-stop system in the Subaru Crosstrek is designed to improve gas mileage by automatically stopping the engine when idling and then starting it up again when the driver presses down on the accelerator. However, many Crosstrek models have experienced issues with this system, causing it to work intermittently or not at all. This can lead to wear and tear on the engine, and while drivers can disable the system, it may get reactivated once the ignition is turned off.
- Brake Light Switch Failure: Another common issue reported by Crosstrek owners is brake light switch failure. This problem prevents the brake lights from illuminating when the driver presses the brake pedal. The cause of this issue is most likely due to cleaning products clogging up the switches that activate the brake lights. This can create safety concerns, as other drivers may not see the Crosstrek when it brakes or at night.
- Heavy Consumption of Oil: Subaru has acknowledged that some Crosstrek models with the F-series Boxer engine burn oil at a rate of a quart for every 1,200 miles. This is significantly higher than the average for all vehicles, which is around a quart every 3,000 miles. This can lead to the need for frequent oil top-offs, and if the oil gets too low, it can cause damage to the engine and other parts of the crossover SUV.
In addition to these issues, some Crosstrek owners have reported problems with the windshield, head gasket issues (particularly with the 2.5-liter engine), excessive oil consumption, rust and corrosion, and defective brake light switches.
Do Subaru Crosstreks have issues?
Common Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Although the Subaru Crosstrek is overall a reliable vehicle, it has its fair share of reliability issues that every potential buyer should know. Head gasket issue: This is one of the most significant issues of the Crosstrek and may also apply to other Subaru models.
Is a Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 11% for the Subaru XV Crosstrek, compared to an average of 11% for compact SUVs and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
Why is Subaru discontinuing the Crosstrek?
Slow sales are one reason why SOA chose to drop the Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid trim level. The Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid is fuel-efficient, so why doesn't Subaru sell more PHEV models? One problem is the Crosstrek Hybrid was too expensive for subcompact SUV shoppers.
Does the Subaru Crosstrek have transmission problems?
Subaru Crosstrek manual transmission problems top the list of most common issues. Drivers report that the Crosstrek, specifically the model with manual transmission, takes a significant amount of time to get up to 60mph.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Subaru Crosstrek years
We have researched Subaru problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Subaru Crosstrek cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Subaru Crosstrek model years:
- Subaru Crosstrek 2019
- Subaru Crosstrek 2018
- Subaru Crosstrek 2016
- Subaru Crosstrek 2017
- Subaru Crosstrek 2021
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Subaru Crosstrek model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Subaru Crosstrek years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Subaru Crosstrek car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Subaru Crosstrek , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Subaru Crosstrek vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Crosstrek model years
A total of 39 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Crosstrek model years
There were a total of 13 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Crosstrek model years
There were a total of 19 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 895 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Subaru Crosstrek . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Subaru Crosstrek vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Subaru Crosstrek 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-20
- VIN: JF2GTACC6M9
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The USB A outlets under the head unit that allow connection to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Yes it is available for inspection upon request How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The connection when hooked up to a phone is intermittent. This results in driver distraction whenever it disconnects due to trying to get it to reconnect. Especially when using gps apps this means the driver may be "lost" until it can be reconnected, which means they will try to get it reconnected while driving which is dangerous. Sometimes it goes in and out every 60-90 seconds. Sometimes it won't connect at all until the vehicle is power cycled or the head unit is reset but neither of these guarantees a stable connection. The issue is not fixed by replacing the USB cable or the phone with a brand new phone. The cables and phone do not have this issue with any other USB port that they have been used on (in other vehicles). Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not on my vehicle but there are hundreds of reports online for years with multiple Subaru models where it has been. I could get it reproduced easily, just haven't had the time. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No This happens every day, at any speed, and has been happening since I got the vehicle at 20000 miles and there are 35000 miles on it now (approximately).
Subaru Crosstrek 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-19
- VIN: JF2GTHSC1MH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off unintendedly and failed to restart. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 27,000.
Subaru Crosstrek 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-12
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JF2GTANCXK8
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: I sent my Crosstrek to the dealer for the WRE21 recall. After retrieving the car from the dealership with the recall fix in place, the engine stalled while I was at a red light and I could see smoke coming out from the hood. This occurred after driving less than 4 miles from the dealership. I opened the hood and could see that one of the coil packs on the driver side cylinder bank was on fire. I called 911 and the Fire Department had to extinguish the fire. The fire has rendered the vehicle inoperable and smoke damaged.
Subaru Crosstrek 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 4S4GUHL63R3
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: I have noticed an issue with Driver side mirror housing, vibrates, and shakes while driving at any speed since I took delivery on September 27, 2024 from Subaru Of Clear Lake. It is making it hard to observe anything in that mirror, making it almost useless. Took it to Team Gilman Subaru north. They said that they tighten the mirror/ housing and that are confident that it is secure, but once I pull off lot it is still doing it! But I also was told that they would get me out quick and not have to do anything paperwork makes me wonder.
Subaru Crosstrek 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: JF2GTANC4KH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact called on behalf of her husband who owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact's husband stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a cracking sound was coming from the center-right of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The contact referenced an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number relating to the transmission as possibly being related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 74,000.
Subaru Crosstrek 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: JF2GUADC2RH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: My 2024 Subaru Crosstrek was stopped at a red light behind a car. My cruise was disengaged after the car stopped and my foot was on the brake. Suddenly, the car lurched forward on its own and only stopped when I pressed hard on the brake and moved transmission from drive to park.
Subaru Crosstrek 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
- VIN: JF2GTHSC4MH
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Check engine light came on while idling. "Eyesight" tech turned off along with certain associated safety features. Next day, vehicle struggled to ignite. Came to a complete stop at an intersection, released brake, stepped on gas, and the car rolled forward as if in neutral and bucked up and down like a rodeo bull.
Subaru Crosstrek 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 4S4GUHT62R3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I purchased the vehicle used on 8/7/24 with 4,507 miles on it. On 8/13/24 while stopped at a red light in the fast lane, the car failed to accelerate and all the warning lights on the dashboard illuminated including the AT oil temp light which according the to owner's manual indicates the transmission. It stands for automatic transmission oil temperature. After turning on my hazard lights, I put the car in park and turned off the car and restarted it and I was able to pull into a parking lot. I had it towed to Subaru who said it was code p1868 and was the transmission. They drained and refilled the transmission and said the fluid was dirty and contained metal debris. When I asked them why a car with such low mileage would have dirty fluid containing metal debris, I was told it could have had low fluid from the factory or the factory could have used "crappy" fluid. I was also told the reason so many warning lights come on is because those systems become disabled when there is a problem. I got the car back on 8/17/24 and then on 9/7/24 while driving, all the lights came on again including the AT oil temp light which was noted to be yellow and flashing. Subaru of America towed it to Subaru again. They said it was the same code and this time they're replacing the valve body. Today is 10/1/24 and Subaru still has my car. They said if it happens again, then they will finally replace the transmission. When it was towed to Subaru on 9/7/24, it had less than 6,000 miles on it. I will upload the invoice from the first incident but I don't have the invoice from the second incident since my car is still at Subaru being repaired.
Subaru Crosstrek 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-30
- VIN: JF2GTACCXJH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My car randomly blows white smoke put of the exhaust and supposedly had the PCV valve replaced in Jan 2020 by the Subaru service center. I am noticing drastically lower mileage as more white smoke seems to be coming out of the exhaust and cannot help but feel these are all related.
Subaru Crosstrek 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-27
- VIN: 4S4GUHM62R3
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: Driver side exterior mirror vibrates and blurs / distorts the visibility at higher speeds when on the freeway or interstate. This is on a brand new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek purchased less than a month ago. Dealer recreated the issue but will not fix because they said other new crosstreks do this as well and is a design flaw issue that does not have a repair???
Subaru Crosstrek 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-15
- VIN: 4S4GUHU65R3
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The SRH headlight system has a Dark square at the top of each side light pattern that is extremely distracting to the driver. As the vehicle is in motion and the headlights are moving back and forth due to steering inputs the dark spots appear almost as if an animal or object is running out in front of you. This constantly moving distraction is an accident waiting to happen
Subaru Crosstrek 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-06
- VIN: JF2GPABC1G8
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Our 2016 Subaru Crosstrek (Automatic Transmission) has had intermittent issues with it losing power despite our foot being on the accelerator. It will typically reengage if we take our foot off the accelerator for a bit and then hit the gas again. However, it has become a more frequent problem and feels increasingly unsafe to drive, particularly with our 2 small children in the car, because it loses power without warning so it leaves us vulnerable for being rear-ended while changing lanes, taking turns, etc. We have been working with our local dealership (Beyer Subaru in Alexandria, VA) to address the issue, but they have only been able to replicate the issue once in a 4-week period and they have not been able to document it. The one time they were able to replicate the problem the car was not hooked up to any computer/system. I have found this forum that documents similar problems with Crosstreks - [XXX] , as well as a Service Bulletin which references a similar issue in 2018-21MY Crosstrek 2.0L MT - https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10201030-0001.pdf. While the 2nd does refer specifically to Manual Transmissions, I feel like this is indicative of a trend that is not being acknowledged for other Model Year's and transmission types, but presents a serious safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Subaru Crosstrek 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2GUADC0RH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owned a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH on the slow lane in the snow, he lost control. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact veered to the side of the road, off a slope, and then fell and crashed into a tree. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries or fire. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the event data recorder was retrieved. The manufacturer was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Subaru Crosstrek 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-05
- VIN: JF2GUADC0RH
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
- Summary: 1. The headlights in this vehicle have shadows and this is exceedingly disconcerting and actually dangerous. Subaru insists the headlights are fine and yet other owners of this same model complain of the same issue which I discovered in doing internet research. AND 2. Due to the use of soy based materials in the engine of this 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, it has literally been assailed by rodents. This has caused extensive and very costly damage. It has become a job in essence trying to find solutions to this problem in order to try to prevent it happening again. In all the 28 years at my location and two previous vehicles, this Subaru Crosstrek has had INCOMPARABLE rodent attacks to the engine materials. Apparently, this vehicle had rodents getting into the engine right away once it came to my location and it had to be taken in twice, having been out here around a little over one month. It was unknown to me rodents were getting into the engine until the first incident of something not working. The second time it had to be towed in as it would have been dangerous to try to drive it due to the damage. Additionally, the loaner, another 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, was out here less than a week and suffered damage from rodents. This despite the fact that multiple rodent repellents, baits, bait traps, poisons, live traps, snap traps, etc., were used by myself personally and a professional pest control agency having been hired in addition. Using such attractants in vehicle manufacture is unethical, unprofessional, irresponsible, dangerous, constituting a hardship in several ways for customers and unconscionable. Naturally Subaru does not want to take accountability, despite it undeniably being their fault for choosing to use these materials while being fully aware they are rodent attractants. It also affects insurance rates adversely. Often you would not realize what damage and how much damage has been done to these vehicles until it might cause a breakdown on the road or worse.
Subaru Crosstrek 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-23
- VIN: 4S4GUHF60R3
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: My steering feels loose to the point it is pulling to the right when you drive excess 35mph. It is to the point where it doesn’t feel very safe because if sometimes if you hit a pothole, it will want to turn the wheel to the right and pull you in that direction. I had the issue repaired once at the Subaru dealer where they did an alignment and tire rotation and the issue returned after about 1000 miles. There is no warning lights but the vehicle steering is not correct in any means.
Latest 5 recalls Subaru Crosstrek
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 20 recalls for different components of the Subaru Crosstrek.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Subaru Crosstrek 2021
- Report Received Date: 2023-11-09
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- Consequence: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
- Model: Subaru Crosstrek 2024
- Report Received Date: 2023-11-09
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
- Consequence: 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. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
- Model: Subaru Crosstrek 2024
- Report Received Date: 2023-08-04
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit.
- Consequence: A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-23.
- Model: Subaru Crosstrek 2019
- Report Received Date: 2021-04-15
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
- Consequence: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
- Model: Subaru Crosstrek 2019
- Report Received Date: 2021-04-15
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
- Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
Latest negative Subaru Crosstrek car reviews
Latest positive Subaru Crosstrek car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2020
I really like everything about this car, except for the steering wheel controls. They feel too crowded and I often hit buttons unintentionally. However, the sport model has some nice wheels and a better spoiler. Some pros keep saying it needs more power, but I disagree. For 90% of people, the power is just fine. As someone who has owned 41 cars so far, I can confidently say that this one is a winner.
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Vehicle year: 2018
I leased a 2018 model in September 2017 and have driven it for 22 months and 17,000 miles. I am happy to report that I have not experienced any negative issues with the car. It has plenty of power for normal driving and the paddle shifters are available if you want to zoom in lower gears, but they are not necessary. The car has been great in the snow with all-season tires. I get low to mid 20's mpg on daily short trips and over 32 mpg on the freeway. The car easily cruises at any legal speed up and down hills without any major effort. I leased the car as a new revised model and wanted to make sure there were no major kinks. I am happy to say that there have been absolutely none. The fake shift points feel like any other transmission shifting, very subtle. This is the best vehicle I have had in 50 years of driving. After 20,500 miles, there were several recalls, but they were taken care of. The brake lines were the most concerning, but they were fixed. I love the all-wheel drive in Minnesota snow and ice. I get low 20's mpg with warming up and fairly short trips, and low 30's on freeway driving. The balance of the 42-month lease will determine if I buy it at the end or not. Since I generally own a car for over 5 years, the low depreciation, dependability, and rust prevention are very important to me. After 34,000 miles, I have had no problems with the car. I love it! I have owned it since September 2017 and have driven it for 42,000 miles now. I replaced the rear brake pads and front pads, although the front pads had quite a bit left. I have had zero other issues. I replaced the tires before winter as I live in Minnesota and need good tires for winter. The 2-litre engine is a benefit on slippery roads as it is less likely to over-accelerate inadvertently.
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Vehicle year: 2017
My wife recently purchased a new car during the end of year clearance. She had to opt for the Premium model to get all the features she wanted. I was pleasantly surprised by the car's performance, despite reading some mixed reviews on Edmunds. The car has great acceleration and handles merging onto California freeways with ease. The interior is also stunning. The only downside we've encountered is that we can't add ceramic film to the windshield due to the Eyesight cameras. However, even without the film, the car still performs well in the hot California sun. After a year of driving, I am still completely satisfied with our choice of the 2017 Crosstrek. It's a fun car to drive and handles beautifully. Subaru has definitely won my heart over Toyota.
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Vehicle year: 2016
Over the past 16 years, my wife and I have owned a variety of cars, including BMWs, Audis, Toyotas, Hondas, Minis, and VWs. Recently, we had a daughter and wanted a car that could handle driving on the beach without getting stuck. After looking at several vehicles with all-wheel drive, we decided to purchase a 2014 Subaru Outback. Although I never thought I would own an Outback, we found ourselves really liking it and disliking our Mini Cooper more and more each month. The Outback may be slower than anything we've owned, but it is quiet, smooth, and most importantly, trouble-free - something we couldn't say for the Mini Cooper. So, we traded both cars for a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek at the end of the Mini's lease. The Crosstrek is smooth, quiet, and takes corners better than the Outback. It may be a little slower, but our gas mileage is much better, with mixed driving at 31-32 MPG. It's much smaller, but the cargo area is the right size for our beach stuff. We got ours for $1300 under MSRP, and this car is great. No more luxury cars, premium gas, and expensive repairs (our last maintenance repair on the Mini Cooper S was $405 with only 25k miles). We will take that money and pay off our mortgage. If you're in the market, check out Subaru - you can't beat the quality and resale value with AWD.
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Vehicle year: 2023
Great driving vehicle with all the safety features. If you're a larger person, you might find the driver seat a little uncomfortable during long trips. However, it's a great looking vehicle that's great on gas, with a larger fuel tank at 16 1/2 gallons compared to midsize SUVs that only have a 14 gallon gas tank. It's also easy for older people to get in and out of, with plenty of legroom in both the front and back seats. Additionally, it offers great visibility when driving in traffic.
Are you having problems with your Subaru Crosstrek?
Craig Smitham 2025-11-28
Vehicle year: 2016
After a year and a half of owning the vehicle, I'm still pleased with the gas mileage. We average 30 mpg on a daily basis and 33 when we travel to the city 250 miles away. However, getting in and out of the car while my sciatica is acting up is very painful. We almost traded for a Buick Oncore just a few months into ownership, but we would have taken too much of a loss on the trade. Now, I'm in a better position to look for a different vehicle. Day to day driving can be frustrating due to the manual transmission between first and second gear. The car jerks from being in too low of a gear in first and needs to be shifted very soon after getting in motion to second gear to have any smoothness. Yet, the car is too weak to start off in second gear. As we prepare for the second winter of driving the Crosstrek, we've found that the defrosters and heater leave much to be desired. However, the vehicle's handling and traction are its high points.
Cory Jakubowski 2025-11-28
Vehicle year: 2021
I had a 2019 Crosstrek and put about 21,000 miles on it with no issues at all. Although I loved the car, I did find the acceleration a bit sluggish. Recently, I got a great deal on a 2021 Crosstrek Sport and bought it about 2 months ago. On my way back from Colorado, the car had about 3000 miles on it when the dash suddenly lit up with errors. The AT Transmission Oil light was blinking, check engine light came on and eyesight quit working. It was a very scary experience, especially since there was no warning. After pulling over for a while and restarting the car, all the warning lights were off and we continued on our trip. We did make it home safely, but when I took the car in to get it looked at, they said it was a solenoid that triggered the error message PO977. Although I was disappointed, the service team was very helpful and explained the issue to me. I'm still a huge Subaru fan, but I may consider trading it in for a Honda or a Toyota if the issue persists.
Demetrius Greenfelder 2025-11-27
Vehicle year: 2017
Hi there! We leased a 2017 XV Crosstrek Premium trim and wanted to share our experience with you. While the driving can be hit and miss with the CVT, we found that it can be quick off the line at times. However, passing can be a bit slow. We did notice that the 4 cylinder can be a bit noisy. Unfortunately, the tech features were lacking, as there is no Apple CarPlay and what is available requires a subscription. Additionally, there is no remote start and the backup cam is small and lacks resolution. On the bright side, the hatchback comes in handy and the fuel economy is mixed, ranging from 25-27. The best we had with 90% highway driving was 32. While it may not be the most comfortable for long drives, it is a great city commuter. We did experience 2 recalls during our time with the car - one for the brake switch and one for the ignition switch (key would get stuck in the ignition). Currently, the car has 32,000 miles and there are only 2 months left on the lease. Thanks for reading!
Kareem Hill 2025-11-21
Vehicle year: 2016
The paint used by Subaru is of poor quality and scratches easily, which is a common issue reported by many Subaru owners. I deducted a star from my overall rating due to this issue. Additionally, my other cars can brush against the shrubs on my driveway without any damage, but the Subaru is not as resilient.
Immanuel Rutherford 2025-11-14
Vehicle year: 2019
I have the 2019 Crosstrek Premium Limited, which comes with leather seats, premium sound, a moonroof, heated seats, and EyeSight. This is my third Subaru, and my first brand new one. Unfortunately, I experienced some issues with the radio not being able to remember presets and forgetting radio stations, which was quite annoying given that I paid for premium sound. After two visits to the Subaru dealership, it was discovered that the radio unit had an open circuit and needed to be replaced under warranty. I also experienced a rubbing noise at highway speed, which was diagnosed as a problem with the transmission. The transmission was replaced under warranty, but unfortunately, the noise returned and the new transmission overheated twice during a weekend road trip. I had to pull over to let it cool down, which was frustrating. The dealership has now informed me that I need a new transmission cooler, which is like a radiator. While these issues have been a major inconvenience, I appreciate that the dealership has been able to fix them under warranty. I disabled the safety feature that pulls at your steering when you change lanes without signaling, as well as the annoying chime that constantly flashes and blinks at you from the dash. I wish Subaru had put more money into the power of the car, as it feels underpowered to me.Compared to my Outback, it's not as spacious and requires a different accessory for each sport, which can be expensive. Unfortunately, the interior only comes in black, which can get uncomfortably hot in the summer. I always dreamed of a cream interior, especially for my yellow dog (have you noticed that Subaru commercials always feature Golden Retrievers?). While Subaru did put rubber everywhere, they missed the carpet that holds dog hair on the back of the rear seat, making it difficult to keep clean. Additionally, the bottom half of the rear seats don't fold forward, so the back isn't completely flat and has many rubber corrugated folds and edges that can be uncomfortable. The rear light is poorly designed and doesn't light up anything, making it difficult to see at night. The car only has ventilation in the front, which can be uncomfortable for your furry friend. The steering wheel and dash layout are easy to read, and you can set them to display different things. However, the heating controls require you to turn three different knobs, which is a worse design than earlier models. Some of these issues may not be noticeable during a test drive. Keyless entry only works on the front doors, so you have to manually push the button to unlock the rest. The buttons on the inside of the door don't light up unless the car is on with headlights on, which can be frustrating. Overall, the car has some minor issues, but it's still a great choice for those who prioritize safety and reliability.It's disappointing to hear about the issues you've had with your Subaru. It seems like the solution they offered didn't quite meet your needs. We understand how frustrating that can be. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.