Most common 2013 Subaru Crosstrek problems
Share of the 26 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru Crosstrek complaints by model year
Best Crosstrek years: 2014, 2015, 2022. Years to avoid: 2018, 2016, 2024, 2019, 2017. Compare all years →
2013 Subaru Crosstrek recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
What 2013 Subaru Crosstrek owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. While driving 20 MPH, the contact pumped the brake pedal several times, but the vehicle would not brake or stop. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle eventually came to a complete stop after multiple attempts. The contact took the vehicle to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed and repaired, but the failure continued. The unknown dealer is no longer in business and the repair specifics were not disclosed. The vehicle was then taken to star Subaru (206-26 northern blvd, bayside, ny 11361, [phone]) where the brake pads were replaced. Afterwards, all the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel while driving various speeds. The contact took the vehicle to east hills Subaru (1039 northern blvd, roslyn, ny, [phone]), but the cause of the failure could not be determined. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. While driving 65 MPH, the check engine indicator illuminated and the contact heard a knocking sound in the engine. The rpms were registering high, the traction control indicator illuminated, and the cruise control stopped working with the indicator flashing on and off. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The dealer was called and wanted to diagnose the failure for a fee. The contact researched the failure and found NHTSA campaign number: 18V772000 (engine and engine cooling) related to the engine valve stem. The dealer (ramsey Subaru, 9625 hickman rd, urbandale, ia 50322, [phone]) stated that they could not cover the repair without the contact having a recall letter. The contact was in the military and had moved several times, which was why he did not receive the recall letter dated October 31, 2018. …
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after refueling with the fuel tank at 3/4 tank full, the fuel gauge failed to provide the correct fuel level. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the fuel sending tank, but the failure continued to occur. The contact indicated that the failure had caused fuel leakage and spillage while adding fuel to the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,000.
2013 Subaru Crosstrek(70K miles) passenger door caught on fire. Within 3 minutes of smelling smoke inside door panel was engulfed in flames. Went to the shoulder of the freeway, turned engine off, put out the flames, waited for the smoke to clear and the plastic to cool off. Upon restarting vehicle sparks and smoke visible so turned vehicle off. Cut the red(+) wires, restarted vehicle(no smoke), drove to dealership for repairs. Obviously a short in the electrical system, none of the fuses popped. Had a passenger been in the passenger seat I'm sure they would have been hurt. Picked up the vehicle yesterday and paid 2K over insurance estimate. Now having to squeeze the insurance for the difference since I didn't take it to their suggested repair shop and Subaru of America would not pay for damage due to poor workmanship/faulty parts. Anyone else have problems such as this?
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission seized, causing the vehicle to come to a sudden stop. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a transmission solenoid and valve body failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer for regular maintenance 3,000 miles prior to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.
The car would lose a quart of anti freeze every 7500 miles.I brought it in at least 8 times telling them there was a problem. They pressure tested the vehicle at least 8 times and 2 service managers said I was nuts they are both fired. My 20 year old daughter drives from new york to florida. I asked a service manager when the car had approx, 55K to give this car to a mechanic, service writer or him self to go on vacation with a free car. The service manager declined saying there is nothing wrong with the car and would not let anybody take the car. I was in touch with Subaru customer care many times . Finally the car hit 74K in virginia when the transmission went bad. Towed to a Subaru dealer in virginia at about 6 am. Thankfully my oldest son was in the car with her coming to florida. They at the dealer said it would be $8000 to fix the car. …
2013 Subaru Crosstrek engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 25 / 32 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | AWD | 23 / 29 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek a good car?
Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Crosstrek rates better than average: 53% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Crosstrek at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek?
The engine & cooling — 11 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (5) and transmission & drivetrain (4).
How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek have?
There is 1 recall for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek, the most recent from February 28, 2019 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Subaru Crosstrek?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2015 and 2022. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2018, 2016, 2024, 2019 and 2017. See the full Subaru Crosstrek years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Subaru Crosstrek problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.