Most common 2020 Subaru Crosstrek problems
Share of the 69 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 →
What 2020 Subaru Crosstrek owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 34 →
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated after entering the vehicle it was discovered that the front windshield had developed a crack extending approximately four inches from the top of the windshield to the rearview mirror attachment. The contact indicated that no object or rocks had made contact with the windshield to cause the crack. The cause of the failure was not determined. The windshield was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 13,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while entering the vehicle she noticed that the front windshield had a 10-inch crack on the driver's side. The contact stated that an object had not struck the windshield to cause the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.
Electrical system
The contact's significant other owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while his significant other was driving from a complete stop, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer replaced the battery, the fuel cap, and cleared the warning lights; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
This vehicle is a plug-in-hybrid. It should not be able to move while plugged in. Problem is attempting to move the vehicle when the charge cable is still attached and the vehicle is on an incline. Subaru does not display a warning message - instead it displays "check engine" and an ambiguous symbol (a red steering wheel). Subaru disables the power to wheels that would have enabled the driver to close the gap to the charging station. Instead the vehicle rolls away from the charging station, breaking power plug at the vehicle port. Even placing the car in Park does not prevent damage, the car will roll down hill until the Parking gear latches. I have now broken my power plug 3 times. I am a professional electrical engineer. …
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while shifting the vehicle into reverse, the vehicle launched forward without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 12,000.
This vehicle is a plug-in-hybrid. It should not be able to move while plugged in. Problem is attempting to move the vehicle when the charge cable is still attached and the vehicle is on an incline. Subaru does not display a warning message - instead it displays "check engine" and an ambiguous symbol (a red steering wheel). Subaru disables the power to wheels that would have enabled the driver to close the gap to the charging station. Instead the vehicle rolls away from the charging station, breaking power plug at the vehicle port. Even placing the car in Park does not prevent damage, the car will roll down hill until the Parking gear latches. I have now broken my power plug 3 times. I am a professional electrical engineer. …
2020 Subaru Crosstrek engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | CVT | AWD | 36 / 35 / 35 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 27 / 33 / 30 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | AWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek a good car?
Based on 69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 Crosstrek rates average: 20% 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 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 34 complaints, 49% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield. Next are the electrical system (11) and transmission & drivetrain (9).
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2020 Subaru Crosstrek problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 5,000 miles; 97% 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.