2013-2026 model years · 4,030+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
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According to Au7o's analysis of 4,030+ owner reports, the 2013-2026 Subaru Crosstrek has 23 documented known issues, with 8 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder ($200-$8,500 repair), FB20 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption ($0-$4,000 repair), Fuel Spillage from the Filler Neck Due to Insufficient Fuel Cap Seal (Recall 26V106000) ($0-$0 repair), Sudden Loss of Power Steering Assist from Steering Gearbox Failure (DTC C2532) ($0-$2,200 repair), EyeSight Phantom Pre-Collision Braking (2024+ Redesigned Crosstrek) ($0-$600 repair), 2019 Left-Rear Door Window Glass Improper Tempering (NHTSA 19V-404) ($0-$0 repair), Front Driveshaft Quench-Crack Failure (NHTSA 23V-754 / WRP-23) ($0-$0 repair) and Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder with 1,200 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $8,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 4,030+ owner reports, the 2013-2026 Subaru Crosstrek has 23 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder, FB20 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, Fuel Spillage from the Filler Neck Due to Insufficient Fuel Cap Seal (Recall 26V106000). Of these, 8 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2013-2026 Subaru Crosstrek has 23 known issues documented across 4,030+ owner reports. 8 issues are rated critical: CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder and FB20 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption and Fuel Spillage from the Filler Neck Due to Insufficient Fuel Cap Seal (Recall 26V106000) and Sudden Loss of Power Steering Assist from Steering Gearbox Failure (DTC C2532) and EyeSight Phantom Pre-Collision Braking (2024+ Redesigned Crosstrek) and 2019 Left-Rear Door Window Glass Improper Tempering (NHTSA 19V-404) and Front Driveshaft Quench-Crack Failure (NHTSA 23V-754 / WRP-23) and Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Subaru Crosstrek issues range from $0 to $8,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder, typically costs $200-$8,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Reliability varies across model years of the Subaru Crosstrek. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2013-2026 Subaru Crosstrek with 23 documented issues documented across 4,030+ owner reports.
The Lineartronic CVT (TR690) used in Crosstreks develops chain stretch over time, typically between 80,000-130,000 miles. The stretched chain causes slippage, resulting in judder during light acceleration, particularly between 20-45 mph. The issue worsens in cold weather and uphi… Repairs typically run $200-$8,500. Severity: high.
The 2.0L FB20 engine in first-generation Crosstreks (2013-2017) shares the same oil consumption defect as the FB25 used in other Subaru models. Defective piston rings fail to maintain proper oil control, leading to oil burning at rates of 1 quart every 1,500-2,500 miles. Subaru c… Repairs typically run $0-$4,000. Severity: high.
Subaru of America recalled certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid and 2025 Forester Hybrid vehicles under NHTSA campaign 26V106000 because the fuel cap does not seal the filler neck adequately. When the tank is filled at or near capacity and ambient temperature subsequently rises, the fue… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
A smaller but far more serious steering complaint set on the 2024-2025 Crosstrek describes complete, unannounced loss of power steering assist while driving, with dashboard warning lamps illuminating at the same time. Steering remains mechanically connected but requires very high… Repairs typically run $0-$2,200. Severity: high.
2024+ third-generation Crosstrek owners report the redesigned stereo-camera EyeSight system slamming on the brakes with no obstacle present - on empty roads, mid-lane-change, around curves, or under overpasses. A 2024-filed class action (Germano v. Subaru) covers 2024-2026 Crosst… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: high.
Certain 2019 Crosstreks were built with left-side rear door window glass that was not properly tempered during the glass manufacturing process, failing FMVSS 205. If the glass breaks, it can shatter into large dangerous fragments rather than safe pebble-sized pieces, increasing i… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
2024 Crosstrek front driveshafts (along with 2024 Impreza, 2023-24 Forester, 2023 WRX) have outer races prone to quench-cracking from a supplier heat-treat defect: a cooling-water pipe leak reduced flow during heat treatment. A cracked outer race can break the shaft, causing sudd… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
2019 Crosstreks (along with various 2013-2020 Subarus) were built with Denso low-pressure in-tank fuel pumps whose plastic impeller absorbs fuel and swells. The swollen impeller binds against the pump body, causing rough running, no-start, and unexpected engine stalls at highway… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
The second-generation Crosstrek's Starlink infotainment system (both 6.5-inch and 8.0-inch units) frequently freezes, goes blank, or becomes unresponsive to touch input. The system can reboot randomly while driving, temporarily disabling the backup camera and Bluetooth. Software… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Crosstreks are prone to premature wheel bearing failure, particularly on the rear wheels, often occurring between 50,000-90,000 miles. The AWD system places additional stress on wheel bearings. Contamination from road salt and water intrusion accelerates bearing wear. Failed whee… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.
The rear brake calipers on Crosstreks are prone to seizing, particularly in regions with road salt and wet climates. The caliper slide pins corrode and bind, causing the brake pads to drag on the rotor. This leads to premature pad and rotor wear on one side, reduced fuel economy,… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
Eleven NHTSA complaints on the 2024 Crosstrek and additional ones on 2025 cars describe two linked defects in the LED headlamp beam pattern. First, the low-beam cutoff is unusually sharp and unusually close to the car: owners report the upper 15-16 inches of the windshield is com… Repairs typically run $0-$200. Severity: medium.
Six NHTSA complaints on the 2024 Crosstrek report original-equipment tire failure at very low mileage, concentrated on the 225/60R17 Yokohama Geolandar fitment used on 17-inch wheels. Owners describe dry rot and cracking on the inside of the tread found during routine service — i… Repairs typically run $400-$1,000. Severity: medium.
The driver-side exterior mirror on the redesigned 2024 Crosstrek vibrates enough at highway speed that the reflected image blurs, in many cases badly enough that the owner cannot resolve a car in the adjacent lane. Ten NHTSA complaints were filed on the 2024 model year and seven… Repairs typically run $0-$450. Severity: medium.
Owners of the redesigned (2024+) Crosstrek report that after roughly 30-60 minutes of continuous driving — typically above 50 mph and once the car is fully warmed up — the electric power steering develops a 'sticky' or notchy dead spot on center. The wheel resists small correctio… Repairs typically run $0-$1,400. Severity: medium.
Subaru of America recalled certain 2021 Crosstrek vehicles because an insufficient weld on the transmission inhibitor (park/neutral start interlock) switch can let water get inside the switch and cause it to fail. On the Crosstrek, that switch is what tells the vehicle the transm… Severity: medium.
2018-2021 Crosstrek 2.0L manual-transmission owners experience noticeable hesitation and lack of power in the 1500-3500 RPM range. Subaru TSB 09-77-21R (revised 8/19/21) traces it to the knock sensor misreading crankshaft vibration as detonation and retarding ignition timing. Fix… Repairs typically run $0-$200. Severity: medium.
2018 Crosstrek models equipped with the Harman-built Gen 3.0 Starlink head unit suffer touchscreen freezes, backup-camera blackouts, audio that comes on at full volume, Bluetooth dropouts, and complete system lockups. Subaru settled a $6.25M class action in 2021 covering 2017-201… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: medium.
The Crosstrek's Lineartronic CVT exhibits a noticeable 1-2 second delay when accelerating from a complete stop, particularly at intersections. The hesitation is dangerous in situations requiring quick acceleration (merging, left turns across traffic). The issue is related to the… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: medium.
The 2nd generation Crosstrek (2018+) has a windshield that is extremely prone to cracking, even from minor stone chips. The windshield's steep rake angle and thin design make it vulnerable to temperature-induced stress cracks. EyeSight-equipped models require dealer recalibration… Repairs typically run $500-$1,100. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
