Most common 2023 Subaru Crosstrek problems
Share of the 35 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 2023 Subaru Crosstrek owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side windshield cracked unexpectedly. The windshield had developed a crack without impact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the front windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.
Overall I'm disappointed in the quality of the manufactured parts and accessories. It leads me to believe low grade materials were used in manufacturing this vehicle. My vehicle is brand new and has 2500 miles on it and the front windshield has a crack that is obvious to the naked eye that it was not caused by a rock hitting it while driving. If low grade quality (thin glass) was used to produce this vehicle and it easily breaks/cracks this is a safety hazard for drivers and passengers.
Electrical system
On the morning of 12/26/24 - I stepped inside my 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and turned on the engine. The vehicle was parked in a commuter parking lot near my home to begin with. When I turned on the vehicle - I noticed a loud roaring sound when the engine turned on which i thought was very strange. Additionally I did NOT have my foot on the gas pedal at all during this time. I proceeded to place the car in drive and all of sudden the car experienced a unintended acceleration straight forward with a sudden burst that i never experienced before. I proceeded to press the brake pedal and tried to turn the steering wheel - but both functions were non-responsive which was incredibly frightening. My car then went straight into a tree with great impact and the vehicle was damaged beyond repair. …
Purchased vehicle 8/27/2025 within 1 day and 1 month of 2 separate class action lawsuits. Purchased from CarMax Wilmington. Car produced electrical shock to my hand first time I attempted to pair the vehicle. Parkway stated at that time I was under an additional warranty but the vehicle would require constant "updates". This was an intentional deception to prevent me from pursuing what is required under the law, which is the replacement of head unit and subsequent by back of the vehicle when those services fail. "I am reporting a severe pre-crash safety module defect and subsequent dealer concealment on a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. Two weeks prior to being rear-ended, Parkway Subaru in Wilmington, NC, executed seven failed EyeSight safety recalibration sequences. …
Engine & cooling
On the morning of 12/26/24 - I stepped inside my 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and turned on the engine. The vehicle was parked in a commuter parking lot near my home to begin with. When I turned on the vehicle - I noticed a loud roaring sound when the engine turned on which i thought was very strange. Additionally I did NOT have my foot on the gas pedal at all during this time. I proceeded to place the car in drive and all of sudden the car experienced a unintended acceleration straight forward with a sudden burst that i never experienced before. I proceeded to press the brake pedal and tried to turn the steering wheel - but both functions were non-responsive which was incredibly frightening. My car then went straight into a tree with great impact and the vehicle was damaged beyond repair. …
Potential safety hazard ? Engine Auto start/stop feature for gas savings and emmisons control works by applying brakes and Engine shuts off, it restarts when brakes released. Normal operation, BUT I have noticed that unbuckeling the seatbelt or OPENING the DOOR will cause it to RESTART even though brakes are applied..this could cause an accident as it's an unexpected RESTART of the Engine in drive. Recommend this feature be disabled until door/seatbelt closed or seatbelt buckled or car in park before restart. Someone thinking car is OFF but actually in a pause restart could accidentally open door and upon getting out the car would start and move potential loss of control. My 2013 VW PASSAT would alarm to place in park if door open or seatbelt not worn.. Subaru starts ! I consider this a potential dangerous condition as it's not expect restart.
2023 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 | 28 / 33 / 30 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 27 / 34 / 29 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | AWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek a good car?
Based on 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2023 Crosstrek rates average: 24% 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 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 7 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield. Next are the electrical system (6) and engine & cooling (5).
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2023 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 2023 Subaru Crosstrek problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 29,000 miles; 100% 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.