Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | −29% | 1 | Collision Avoidance | Average |
| 2025 | 45 | 3.0× | — | Collision Avoidance | Avoid |
| 2024 | 120 | 5.6× | 2 | Window & Wiper | Avoid |
| 2023 | 35 | −24% | — | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 2022 | 31 | −56% | — | Window & Wiper | Good |
| 2021 | 115 | 1.5× | 1 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
| 2020 | 69 | −20% | — | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 2019 | 285 | 4.7× | 7 | Window & Wiper | Avoid |
| 2018 | 195 | 7.5× | 5 | Window & Wiper | Avoid |
| 2017 | 94 | 4.2× | 1 | Window & Wiper | Avoid |
| 2016 | 132 | 5.7× | 1 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2015 | 17 | −69% | 1 | Transmission | Good |
| 2014 | 16 | −71% | 1 | Transmission | Good |
| 2013 | 26 | −53% | 1 | Engine | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Crosstrek year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Subaru Crosstrek problems
Latest Subaru Crosstrek recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles. The castle nut on the left-front lower control arm ball joint may be improperly fastened, which can lead to the ball joint separating from the lower control arm.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the left-front lower control arm ball joint assembly, as necessary, free of charge.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Electrical system › Software
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Subaru Crosstrek should you avoid?
2018, 2016, 2024, 2019, 2017 and 2025 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Crosstrek years at the same age, led by windows, wipers & sunroof problems in the 2018.
What is the best year for the Subaru Crosstrek?
2014 has the fewest complaints compared with other Crosstrek years at the same age, followed by 2015 and 2022. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Subaru Crosstrek problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the windows, wipers & sunroof (341), electrical system (199) and engine & cooling (149). Window & Wiper complaints peak in the 2019 model year.
How many recalls has the Subaru Crosstrek had?
14 recalls across 2013–2026. The model year with the most is 2019. See all Subaru Crosstrek recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.