Subaru Xv 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 Xv crosstrek model years
Common Subaru Xv crosstrek problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Subaru XV Crosstrek, here are some common problems associated with this car:
- Dangerous Steering in Slush/Snow/Ice: Owners of the 2013 XV Crosstrek have reported dangerous steering issues in slush, snow, or ice conditions, with an average cost to fix around $200 and an average mileage of 29,000 miles.
- Engine Failure: The 2013 XV Crosstrek has also been associated with engine failure issues, with an average cost to fix around $5,500 and an average mileage of 94,000 miles.
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Models from 2012 to 2015 have been known to have problems with excessive oil consumption, requiring owners to frequently top up their oil levels to prevent engine damage.
- Rust and Corrosion: Premature rust and corrosion have been reported in Subaru models, including the Crosstrek, especially in colder regions where road salt is used, leading to potential structural issues.
- Defective Brake Light Switch: A problem with the brake light switch has been identified, which may prevent it from functioning correctly when the driver presses the brake pedal, affecting safety. This issue led to the recall of 2.3 million vehicles.
These problems can impact the performance, safety, and longevity of the Subaru XV Crosstrek. Owners should be aware of these issues and take necessary precautions to address them promptly to ensure the optimal functioning of their vehicles.
What is the common problem with Subaru XV?
One of the most common issues with the Subaru XV is dirty oil. Dirty oil can cause the engine to overheat and can shorten the lifespan of your engine. Luckily, you can prevent this issue by changing the oil regularly.
What is the common problem of a Subaru Crosstrek?
Inside the plastic. Molding. This issue can cause the EPS light to illuminate in the instrument panel. And in some cases the electric power steering assist can become disabled.
How reliable is a Subaru XV Crosstrek?
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.
Do Subaru Crosstreks 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 Xv crosstrek years
We have researched Subaru problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Subaru Xv crosstrek cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Subaru Xv crosstrek model years:
- Subaru Xv crosstrek 2014
- Subaru Xv crosstrek 2015
- Subaru Xv crosstrek 2013
- Subaru Xv crosstrek 2016
- Subaru Xv crosstrek 2017
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Subaru Xv crosstrek model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Subaru Xv crosstrek years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Subaru Xv crosstrek car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Subaru Xv crosstrek , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Subaru Xv crosstrek vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Xv crosstrek model years
A total of 20 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 Xv crosstrek model years
There were a total of 5 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 Xv crosstrek model years
There were a total of 10 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 280 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Subaru Xv crosstrek . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Subaru Xv crosstrek vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: JF2GPAKCXD2
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: The recall Type: Safety Service Campaign:WTY84 NHTSA Campaign: 18V772000 FB20 Valve Spring Replacement was reported completed by the manufacturer Subaru has no record of it being done. My car is now experiencing symptoms of this recall when I had no issues prior and want me to pay to look into the problem further. Now my vehicle has a check engine light for a recall that was potentially not done as I have no proof that it was completed.
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-10
- VIN: JF2GPBKC3EH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Horn does not work. No warning indicating malfunctioned horn. Unable to signal other vehicles to prevent car crash. The broken horn has been inspected by mechanic.
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-30
- VIN: JF2GPAKC6D2
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The key will not come out of the ignition when turned off and in park. The battery runs with no way to turn it off. This is a known issue with a defective part. Subaru will not cover the repair.
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-09
- VIN: JF2GPBKC9EH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Passenger side seatbelt stopped locked up and stopped retracting from the device that rolls up the strap into the box.
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-28
- VIN: JF2GPAKC4D2
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 2.0L Engine Valve Spring Fracture may Cause Engine stall and excessive oil leaks that migrates in the catalytic converter causing fumes that linger inside the car with a very strong smell.
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-08
- VIN: JF2GPAVC0D2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The electrical harness to the variable fan speed switch overheated melting the harness and switch.
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-17
- VIN: JF2GPAFCXFH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Oil leaking into coolant system. Car has been through several repairs but the problem continues even after multiple repairs of possible source of leakage. Potential hazard or car catching on fire with leaking oil fluid.
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-17
- VIN: JF2GPAVC2EH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The electrical system and engine flickers on and off or sometimes dies entirely. The trigger is unknown and the underlying cause is unknown. It is unsafe because this has occurred while the vehicle is moving. The problem was confirmed and reproduced by a Subaru service center. They were unable to diagnose the issue. There is no warning when it will happen.
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-06
- VIN: JF2GPAPC9F8
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: While driving on the freeway (no overpasses) my sunroof suddenly exploded. when I was able to stop and look at the damage, the remaining part of the sunroof was arched upward. There was no evidence of an object having hit the glass.
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-01
- VIN: JF2GPACC2E8
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Ignition key keeps intermittently locking into ignition when trying to retrieve key. Putting vehicle in park, key will turn engine off, but then will not turn all the way to release the key. Key has a key fob, vehicle is placed on parking gear. Sometimes restarting vehicle can help, sometimes shifting gears and driving vehicle again can help. Sometimes turning steering wheel helps. Sometimes all you can do is wait a few to five minutes to be able to turn off vehicle and retrieve car. No warning lights. After my warranty expired was when I noticed the problem. Bought vehicle used less than a year ago. It can be a safety risk if I cannot retrieve my key and then anyone could jump in and steal it as their is no other way to lock the vehicle unless I automatically locky myself out.
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-28
- VIN: JF2GPAVC8E8
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I started having issues with my car when I could not turn it off -- the key was stuck in the ignition and I was unable to turn the car fully off. This continued to happen and the only fix I found to get the car off was to turn the car back on, shift the gear into drive, then try to turn it off again. Sometimes it would take repeated tries of turning the car on and trying to turn it off. The problems then got worse when I started to have issues starting the car as well; the car would struggle to start and I lost confidence in the vehicle. Every workday I have to drive my car to a location where I have to turn off my vehicle while a security check is performed -- one day I got stuck at this checkpoint when I could not start my car. I was afraid to drive my car, thinking I could get stuck somewhere with it running or with it unable to start. A certified Subaru repair shop confirmed the issue is a known problem with Subaru parts described in a Technical Service Bulletin [XXX] ). There were no warning lights before these problems began and the Subaru dealer told me when they initially ran a diagnostic on the car it came back as having no issues. Since having the part in the gear shifter replaced at personal expense all problems have been resolved. Since Subaru knew of the faulty part in their vehicles, I think they should have issued a recall or at minimum warned their drivers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-15
- VIN: JF2GPASCXF8
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: During a near collision, attempted to warn other driver of the situation, but the Crosstrek horn did not work. This appears to be a common problem with these vehicles, that the horn does not work reliably in all normal steering wheel positions. Given the horn is an essential piece of safety equipment, this is a significant problem.
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-26
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-27
- VIN: JF2GPASC0F8
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Sunroof spontaneously exploded while driving 65mph on highway.
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-17
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-11
- VIN: JF2GPAGC3E8
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Airbag deployed for no reason, while pulling forward slowly from a parking spot. An airbag that deploys when there is no impact or collision is a clear risk to the safety of the driver, passengers and other drivers on the road.
Subaru Xv crosstrek 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-15
- Date Complaint: 2023-09-15
- VIN: JF2GPAVC7D2
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: For the record I'm going to list the items here I'd rather them go down in writing then for my words to not have a witness. 1- safety : the Bluetooth connection is busted and crackling for both me and the caller 2- Automation: nothing happens automatic in this car the locks do not go down when I get in motion . the sunroof and the windows do not roll up in auxiliary power after the key is off. 3- Oil: every thousand Miles the oil light to show up I cannot live like that carrying oil in my car when I run a thousand miles every 3 weeks. 4- DENT REPAIR : have asked you to schedule the date guy to pull this dent out of the front driver wheel well and that hasn't happened yet 5- locking mechanism: the trunk has to be slammed closed every time. The passenger side seat belt noise comes on even if I put a bag of to go food in the seat. 6- sanitation: these seats are infected with something I have cleaned them multiple times and my passengers are complaining of itching and feeling a bite when they ride. 7- the front passenger seat has obviously some strong stain that resembles body fluid because it will not come up even when i clean up in the seat of the cushion it keeps reappearing to the surface. 8- overhead: when it rains above my head you can hear sounds of rain as though it's literally trickling in at the driver door. More than I have noticed that sound I'm not sure what's going on in the overhead but it shouldn't sound like that. PLEASE AND THANKS
Recalls Subaru Xv crosstrek
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Subaru Xv crosstrek.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Subaru Xv crosstrek 2013
- Report Received Date: 2018-11-01
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
- Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.
- Model: Subaru Xv crosstrek 2015
- Report Received Date: 2015-06-12
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
- Model: Subaru Xv crosstrek 2013
- Report Received Date: 2013-02-25
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. 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.
- Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
- Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Latest negative Subaru Xv crosstrek car reviews
Latest positive Subaru Xv crosstrek car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2015
I absolutely love driving my 2015 CrossTrek! Despite my long and often frustrating commute, this car handles like a dream and gets great gas mileage. It's also a blast to drive, and the AWD is truly impressive - I've even taken it off-road a few times and it's never let me down. While it's not a luxury vehicle, it still turns heads with its bright orange color. The StarLink set-up could use some improvement, but I just plug in my iPod and let the Bluetooth connect my phone, so it's not a big deal for me. Overall, I'm confident that this car will age well, thanks to Subaru's reputation for quality and rugged performance. It's simply the best car for the money, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
Update: I still stand by everything I said before. Even after 13,000 miles, this car hasn't given me a single issue. The gas mileage did drop a bit during the frigid weather, but the AWD made it easy to handle even record snowfall. It's truly an amazing car. Update #2: I'm still thrilled with this car. I've pushed the MPG to 34.5 at around 24,000 miles, and I can't say enough good things about it. Update #3: Everything I've said before remains true. I've driven this car over 36,000 miles and it's still going strong. Update #4: Approaching 50K miles and this car still rides like it just came off the showroom floor. Update #5: Approaching 65K miles and this car is still amazing. Update #6: This car saved me and my daughter from injury in a serious accident. Even after the accident, I was able to drive it 550 miles home on a single tank of gas. It's truly an incredible car! -
Vehicle year: 2014
My wife and I purchased this car brand new in 2014 and have since driven it for about 38,000 miles. The car has been a reliable companion, handling rain, snow, and gravel roads with ease. We opted for the limited trim with leather seats, which are incredibly comfortable, making long road trips a breeze. The six-speaker sound system is a great addition, providing excellent sound quality. The cargo space in the rear is also a plus, with plenty of room when the seats are down. In terms of fuel efficiency, our Crosstrek has averaged around 27-28 MPG with mostly mixed driving. Maintenance costs have been low, and we have only taken it in for scheduled maintenance. While the transmission and acceleration may not be the car's strongest points, the CVT can be a bit noisy, and the car feels slow when accelerating on the on-ramp. However, I understand that this is not a performance car, and it does not bother me as much. The interior can be a bit noisy, but overall, I love this car, especially in bad weather. It has never let us down.
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Vehicle year: 2013
I've had my Crosstrek for about three weeks now and have already driven around 700 miles. I drive a mix of city and highway and have been averaging between 28.8-29.1 miles per gallon. My mother purchased one a month before me, and she drives only in the city, in a busy shopping area, so she is not the most fuel-efficient driver, with quick starts and stops. I absolutely LOVE this car! It handles so well, feels secure and solid on the road, is very comfortable, and has all the conveniences I need, such as heated seats, a rearview camera, and HD radio. On top of that, both my mother and I receive compliments wherever we go, especially on the wheels! I love driving this car and am excited for the AWD in winter. This car drives much better than my RAV4, and I'm glad I switched to a Sub!
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Vehicle year: 2013
A few nights ago, I unfortunately hit a deer with my 2013 Subaru Crosstrek and it might be totaled. However, I am grateful for how safe this car is! Even though I was going about 55 mph, both the steering wheel airbag and an airbag at knee-calf level deployed, which I didn't even know existed. The car felt solid upon impact and I felt completely secure in the driver's seat. My Subaru provided me with the ultimate protection from the accident and I will forever rave about how safe and amazing this car is. As a 17-year-old with my first car, I highly recommend this car to parents who want the safest car on the road.
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Vehicle year: 2013
I really missed my Saturn Vue, but I wanted better gas mileage. I checked out the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CRV, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox, and Subaru Forester. Unfortunately, no car had everything on my wish list. However, I stumbled upon the Crosstrek at the last minute when I went to buy the Forester. The Crosstrek caught my attention with its cool wheels and sleek design. This SUV had everything on my list except for auto headlights and a navigational mirror that shows the direction in the rearview mirror. Luckily, my dealer was pretty cool and agreed to trade out the mirrors. The way around the lack of auto headlights is to leave them on, as they turn off when you turn the car off. I absolutely love it so far!
Are you having problems with your Subaru Xv crosstrek?
Rahul Crooks 2025-02-01
Vehicle year: 2014
Subaru's reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance is no longer accurate. The front CV axles failed at 65,000 miles, and the air conditioner stopped working at 55,000 miles due to a known defect that Subaru has not addressed. The cost of the part alone is over a thousand pounds. The brake light switch also failed within the first year of ownership, and I had to pay for the replacement myself. Although a recall was issued in 2019, it was too late for me. Additionally, the car consumes oil at an alarming rate. It is clear that Subaru's build quality has significantly declined.
Benjamin Bernier 2025-01-21
Vehicle year: 2014
I was initially drawn to this car due to its appearance and Subaru's reputation. However, my experience with it was rather disappointing. The battery would die every few months, and despite taking it to Subaru, they were unable to find any issues. If they had informed me that this was a common problem caused by a low-quality battery, I may have been more understanding and kept the car. Additionally, they suspected a faulty remote start, which they had installed when I purchased the car. It was at the dealership for about two weeks, and it wasn't until I asked them what they would offer me for it that they really started to try and fix it. (It's worth noting that I had only driven the car for two years and it had only 7600 miles on it.) The other minor issues included poor radio quality when the heat or air conditioner was running due to the loud noise from the blower. While I didn't care much about having a great sound system, the noise from the blower was so loud that I couldn't hear any sound from the radio at all when the heat or air was on. Additionally, I had to put the heat/air at full blast to get a comfortable temperature inside the car. The most concerning issue was the strange delay when shifting from reverse into drive, which I had never experienced in another car. When it was ready, it would
Justen Homenick 2024-11-29
Vehicle year: 2013
2013 XV Crosstrek - 109k miles. The axle shafts on both the right and left have been replaced multiple times. The passenger airbag light is on and the dealership is requesting $900 to replace the passenger side seat bottom. It would be beneficial for the company to consider a recall for this issue. I have had a negative experience with this car and will not be purchasing another Subaru in the future.
Gunnar Hoppe 2024-11-13
Vehicle year: 2014
After purchasing my 2014 Crosstrek from a local Subaru dealer, I noticed that the Low Oil Indicator light would come on every 2,500 miles. When I contacted the dealer, they informed me that the 2013 and 2014 Crosstreks may experience oil consumption issues during the break-in period. Unfortunately, even when the car had 30k miles, it would still be down 1 quart or more between changes. As a result, I decided to trade it in for a more reliable Toyota.
Taurean Little 2024-11-07
Vehicle year: 2015
Thanks for sharing your feedback on the car. It seems like there are a few areas that could use some improvement, such as the welds and interior door panels. It's understandable to feel concerned about the quality of the car when you notice these issues. Additionally, it's unfortunate that the wires to the rear view mirror were not concealed and that the seats rattled on bumpy roads. I hope that these issues can be addressed and resolved for you. Thank you for bringing them to our attention.