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.
Social links
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
-
Vehicle year: 2021
Subaru's are well-known for their safety and reliability, and this Crosstrek is no exception. My wife and I are giving our daughter our 2015 Crosstrek, which is still in excellent shape and without any significant issues. This is our 9th Subaru, and we are pleased to say that this 2021 Crosstrek we purchased is every bit as well put-together and solid as other models. We opted for the Sport Model with a stronger engine, and I must say, it feels stronger off the mark and quieter on the highway than our 2015. The seats have better length and improved lumbar support, making longer trips even more enjoyable. The controls are laid out like the 2015, so it was easy to get accustomed to. We were new to the Lane Departure feature on our Crosstrek, and it took a little getting used to, but after some highway miles, the car virtually drove itself as long as it could see the stripes. Certain glare or sun angle issues caused the Eyesight to turn off the Lane Departure feature until it could regain where the stripes were. Back seat comfort was good, and cargo space was adequate for most tasks. Although there is not as much space for cargo as other small SUVs, it is more than enough for my wife. The heated seats reacted quickly, and the heater/AC system has been great in the South Dakota Winter. Rear and side mirror heaters work well too. Overall, this has been a great purchase, and I am confident that this car will be comfortable and safe for my wife over the next several years...probably until it dies, as we have no other children to give our cars to!
-
Vehicle year: 2021
I have only owned this car a week but it has exceeded my expectations. I chose the Limited and highly recommend this indulgence. The leather, BSD, navigation, adaptive cc, x-mode, Eyesight, and on and on. Love it. I have no regrets!
-
Vehicle year: 2018
Congratulations on your new 2018 Crosstrek Limited! It's great to hear that you're already loving it. It can be tough to find the perfect vehicle that meets all of your needs, but it sounds like you made an excellent choice. The Crosstrek is a reliable car that will serve you well for years to come. The design is impressive, and the refreshed interior and gauges are a nice touch. The seats are comfortable, and the back seat is roomy. The Eyesight and driver support systems are well thought out and better than some of your colleagues' vehicles that cost twice as much. The Harmon Kardon sound system is superb, and the air conditioning system works fantastic. The Crosstrek is easy to drive, quiet, and smooth. The doors open wide, and the back storage is adequate. The back seats fold almost flat, and the interior fit and finish are very strong. It's great to hear that you're getting excellent gas mileage, averaging 30.5 mpg with mixed driving. That's impressive! If you have any questions about the app controls or menu options, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help. Thank you for choosing the Crosstrek Limited!The Bluetooth works well and Apple CarPlay is pretty good. Although the music pauses for a split second every once in a while, I think it might be due to my old USB cord or a future CarPlay software update might solve that. Overall, I am very happy with the Crosstrek. Even though we are leasing it, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase it at lease end if it continues to impress. The residual value on the Crosstrek is higher than any comparable Toyota and Honda, which makes us huge Subaru fans.
-
Vehicle year: 2017
I have always driven economy compact and subcompact cars, so the engine performance of the Crosstrek doesn't disappoint me. I find it acceptable. Over the 28K miles, my average fuel economy has been 26 MPG, which is about the same as I had gotten with a Pontiac Vibe, and that is a smaller, lower riding, two-wheel-drive car. I am not disappointed with the Crosstrek's economy. The higher ride height coupled with great outward visibility creates an amazing driving experience. I always want to be driving, even if I don't have anywhere in particular to go, I just love driving this thing. The HVAC system is logically set up with large rotary controls that have a high-quality movement as you twist them. The air-conditioner works well in the desert climate where I live. The heater and windshield defogger work well in winter here, and in the snow up in the mountains. The backup camera displays a very good, clear image of what's behind you, and paired with rear cross-traffic alert, really makes backing up less stressful. I LOVE the Eyesight system! I use it every day commuting to work on the freeway and city streets. Doing my own oil changes is simple with the oil filter on top of the motor, and I installed a Fumoto valve to replace the oil plug. My Crosstrek is Crystal White Pearl, and I have no issues with paint quality. In fact, it is a beautiful pearl when kept washed and waxed. For having a small footprint, the Crosstrek is roomy and airy inside. Negatives are a windshield that chips easily, and headlights that are not great. I replaced my headlights with LEDs, much, much better now. So, just like a favorite pair of jeans, I always want to be in it. I am ready to take on the day, and whatever the weather and road conditions dish out.
-
Vehicle year: 2020
I bought the 2019 Crosstrek Plug in hybrid to do my part for the environment. It has good clearance and is great for trailer pulling, which are two things I need for work and fun. Although I wish the electric range was longer, I can usually go all electric around town for 40 to 45 miles by plugging in the middle of the day, which is considerably farther than the EPA estimates. I even added a 240 volt plug and purchased a second charger to make it more convenient. Even an hour of charging at home gives me another 10 miles. However, the electric range drops if you drive on the freeway at 65. The steering wheel has a few too many buttons, but I will get used to them or learn to ignore them. The interior is spacious for passengers, especially compared to my old Forester. The seats fold down easily for carrying tools or gear and make up for the decreased cargo space.
Are you having problems with your Subaru Crosstrek?
Fernando Halvorson 2025-02-15
Vehicle year: 2024
I have experienced some issues with my '24 premium where it has unexpectedly braked for invisible obstacles, which can be quite jarring. Unfortunately, the dealer has been unable to fix the issue as the car is functioning as programmed and there are no adjustments to be made. Turning off the system requires navigating through several layers of the menu on the touch screen, which can be unresponsive, and can result in multiple orange lights on the dash. Additionally, the car has some rattling from the dash and the exterior b pillar trim has started melting, with parts on order for 5 months now. It's important to note that the car has an always-on cellular connection that cannot be controlled, and pulling the fuse for it will disable the front speakers. Despite these issues, I find that the car runs and drives nicely, gets better mileage than my Kia Soul ever did, and is acceptably comfortable. However, I must admit that this experience has left me feeling disappointed as this is my first and last Subaru. It's worth noting that the car may qualify for the lemon law in my state.
Ashton Kessler 2025-01-16
Vehicle year: 2018
My wife owns a Forester which she absolutely loves, and I must say, I enjoy driving it too. The vehicle is solidly built, and surprisingly peppy for its size. The engine runs quietly, making for a smooth and peaceful ride. Her car is so reliable and hassle-free. When I was looking for a car, I considered a new Forester, but I wanted something smaller and more fuel-efficient. After checking reviews of both the Foresters and Crosstreks, I found that the Crosstreks always seemed to come out slightly ahead. I was particularly drawn to the heated seats and windshield (on the premium trim) and the monster gas tank for long-distance driving. The X-Mode, which was standard on Crosstreks, was also a big plus. Although it's now available on all Foresters and Outbacks, they weren't yet available when I bought my car 6 weeks ago. During my test drives, I enjoyed the minimal wind noise and the quiet motor around my suburban test loops. However, after driving the car for several weeks and 2,000 miles, I have a different opinion of the vehicle. When the car is cold, the transmission seems to not shift or operate correctly, but once warmed up, it seems to shift in a way that feels right. The car, overall, doesn't seem to have ample power and can be quite noisy on the road. Even with just me aboard, the car seems to lack power going at highway speed and often has to shift to maintain 65 - 70 mph when I encounter the slightest incline or a head or side wind. On a positive note, I absolutely love the convenience of the apple car play, although it can be a bit finicky at times.The encore delivery service was great! However, the gentleman who was re-reviewing the entertainment system had some difficulty getting the bluetooth to connect, both with my phone and his phone. The system seems to be slow to connect and work, and sometimes it connects instantly while other times it doesn't work at all. I've read online reviews that indicate other people have experienced this problem. The instrument lights are also quite dim, and adjusting them also affects the entertainment screen, making it blinding while the speedometer and tachometer are barely visible in dim lighting. Overall, the car seems smaller inside and larger on the outside compared to my wife's car, which feels huge inside relative to the outside. I replaced our water heater several months ago and just threw the new one in the back of her Forester with tons of room to spare, but it doesn't seem like a water heater would fit in my Crosstrek. Two large suitcases are a tight fit without putting the seats down. Despite these issues, I'm hopeful that the vehicle will improve as I drive it more. While the mileage is mixed, the vehicle seems to do best going about 50. I'm looking forward to seeing how it performs in the long run!3 Camrys, 2 Accords, a Honda Fit, a Mazda3 hatchback and several Suzuki Samurais and Geo Trackers when I was much younger. UPDATE: I traded the strange little Crosstrek for a new Outback. The Outback is much more satisfactory. It is huge on the inside, smooth on the highway, and has ample, smooth power. I am getting better mileage in 7000 miles than I got on my Crosstrek in the 4000 miles I owned the thing. I remarked that it’s hard to believe the same company makes the Crosstrek, Forester and Outback. Others may love the Crosstrek but I don’t. The Outback - and Forester - offer so much more power, space and versatility, it makes the Crosstrek seem irrelevant. FURTHER UPDATE: In October of 2018, I traded the Outback on a new Honda CRV. The Outback averaged 29.2mpg over the 9,900 miles I owned it. The driver's seat began squeaking and the infotainment system stopped working -- the entire screen just blacked out. My Subaru experience is over. My wife still has her Forester and loves it; no more Subarus for me.
Fritz Gusikowski 2024-11-29
Vehicle year: 2020
I leased my Crosstrek Hybrid 6 months ago and have been disappointed with the fuel efficiency. My niece bought a new Crosstrek Sport around the same time and we've both taken our cars on long road trips, used for moderate commutes, and in town driving at lower speeds/more stops. Her fully gas engine has consistently gotten slightly better gas mileage than my hybrid, particularly on longer distance highway trips. I do quite a bit better on short in town trips, but still average below Subaru's claims. The absolute best gas mileage I have ever achieved in the car is 50mpg, doing urban driving in Portland, OR. Although the mpg on the window sticker and Subaru website claims the vehicle gets between 35-90mpg, I never expected to get 90mpg, we all know those claims are exaggerated. However, I never expected that my combined highway/city mpg would be less than 35mpg. The rest of the car is fine. It looks nice, it's comfortable, the safety features are fantastic, and the handling is actually a little better than expected. The drivetrain feels inconsistent though, sometimes runs smoothly and pleasantly unremarkable but other times it sounds and feels like it is working way too hard. I have reached out to Subaru with my concerns and they have been helpful in trying to resolve the issue. Although they were not able to find any defects, they have provided me with some tips on how to improve my fuel economy. I appreciate their assistance and hope to see an improvement soon!The staff at the dealership were very friendly and well-intentioned. However, I was surprised that they thought I didn't know that a plug-in hybrid needs to be charged. Additionally, I use an auto insurance app that monitors my driving, and even when I'm intentionally trying to get the best mpg with gradual starts/stops and consistent moderate speeds, I can't achieve better than 35mpg. That's with a lot of focus on how I'm driving, which isn't sustainable. On average, I get 27mpg, while my niece's Sport averages 34mpg. In this case, the hybrid seems to be worse for the environment, as it uses more gas and the materials used in a lithium battery are not exactly eco-friendly. I believe it involves mining and special disposal precautions, among other things. I reached out to Subaru corporate, but unfortunately, they declined to comment or respond, other than reiterating my lease terms. I'm quite disappointed.
Miller Block 2024-11-20
Vehicle year: 2021
I've been driving my Subaru cross trek hybrid for a little over a year now, and unfortunately, I have not had the best experience with it. The gas mileage average is 20mpg if I don't plug it in, and 40mpg plugged in, which is not as good as I expected. Additionally, I have had some issues with the check engine light, eyesight system, and radio, which have been frustrating. I have noticed that many others have had similar issues when I look them up online. While I cannot recommend this car, I encourage you to do your research and find a car that suits your needs and preferences.
Jarod Cummings 2024-11-20
Vehicle year: 2021
I really want to like this car, but unfortunately, I find it uncomfortable. The driver's seat is very hard and even though the seat can be raised, the angle cannot be adjusted, which makes it feel like sitting in a concrete hole. I have tried every seat cushion available, but nothing seems to help. Additionally, I find it irritating that I cannot open the hatch from the inside. Despite these issues, I must say that the car looks nice and has good safety features and headlights. As an average-sized female (135#, 5'6