2026 Subaru Crosstrek Problems & Complaints

Average29% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Crosstrek at the same age

Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Crosstrek at the same age. The most reported problem area is the driver assistance (2 complaints). One recall covers this model year, including one with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.

9complaints
1recalls
1crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2026 Subaru Crosstrek problems

  • Driver assistance
    222%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    222%
  • Other / not specified
    222%
  • Seat belts
    111%
  • Steering
    111%
  • Brakes
    111%
  • Electrical system
    111%
  • Engine & cooling
    111%
  • Lights
    111%
  • Body & structure
    111%

Share of the 9 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Subaru Crosstrek complaints by model year

2013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025202626161713294195285691153135120459
Owner complaints per model year, Subaru Crosstrek. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Crosstrek years: 2014, 2015, 2022. Years to avoid: 2018, 2016, 2024, 2019, 2017. Compare all years →

2026 Subaru Crosstrek recalls (1)

Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

NHTSA recall 26V-685 · Oct 19, 2026 · 8 vehiclesDo not drive

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.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.5L 4-cyl hybridCVTAWD36 / 36 / 36
2.5L 4-cylCVTAWD26 / 33 / 29

EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek a good car?

Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2026 Crosstrek rates average: 29% 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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek?

The driver assistance — 2 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about blind spot detection. Next are the speed control & acceleration (2) and seat belts (1).

How many recalls does the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek have?

There is 1 recall for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, the most recent from October 19, 2026 (lower ball joint). 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.

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.