Subaru · Known Issues
2020 Subaru Crosstrek Problems: 7 Known Issues
2020 model year · 3,080+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2020 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2020 model year · 3,080+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2020 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today
According to Au7o's analysis of 3,080+ owner reports, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has 7 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder ($200-$8,500 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:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
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.
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.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's analysis of 3,080+ owner reports, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder, Starlink Infotainment System Freezing and Unresponsive Touchscreen, Premature Wheel Bearing Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has 7 known issues documented across 3,080+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder. 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.