Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% | — |
| 2025 | 6 | 13% | 11,000 miles |
| 2024 | 8 | 7% | — |
| 2023 | 6 | 17% | — |
| 2022 | 4 | 13% | 34,000 miles |
| 2021 | 16 | 14% | 60,000 miles |
| 2020 | 11 | 16% | 1,000 miles |
| 2019 | 53 | 19% | 9,000 miles |
| 2018 | 32 | 16% | 9,000 miles |
| 2017 | 17 | 18% | 38,000 miles |
| 2016 | 37 | 28% | 40,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 6% | 45,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 13% | 100,000 miles |
| 2013 | 5 | 19% | 33,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, an advertisement for a product that the contact had never purchased suddenly took over the infotainment system, which required the driver to interact with the infotainment screen and to return the screen to normal functionality. The contact was concerned that the issue was a distraction for the driver and was temporarily preventing access to the infotainment system safety features. Upon investigation, the contact learned that the manufacturer had enabled product advertisement on the infotainment screen of the vehicle while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
Since purchasing the vehicle, I have had numerous problems with the lane departure warning. It is inconsistent on a daily basis. The only time it responds the way it is supposed to, is if there is average light and very vivid road/lane markings. It sometimes does not respond to yellow lines in the road unless they are very vivid. It often misses white lines unless there is a strong contrast to the road. When it rains, all systems on my dashboard show that they are off and the word "EYESIGHT" has a slash through it. There have been some instances where the car has not turned off, despite pushing the control repeatedly...and not allowing me entrance to the car despite the key in my hand and trying to open the locked car.
While driving on the [redacted] my car lost power while in drive. I coasted onto the should. I could not get the car out of gear or put the car in park. I chocked the rear tire. I opened the hood. The positive cable had popped off the battery post. I got a piece of paper and created a temporary shim. The car drove home to where i found out on line i needed a battery shim. I purchased the shim at autozone for $6.00 and addressed the problem. I'm glad I did not end up like [redacted] on the LIE. FYI, I replaced my factory battery with a new AGM battery yesterday. When I tightened the negative terminal tight the clamp was still loose. It is weird designed clamp that when tightened slides on a tapered "V" to clamp. I thought maybe it was the new battery post but it measured the same diameter and height. …
went in for the WRL-23 recall in sept 2023 a very short time after getting notice, the servicing dealer. found the work needed to replace the dash wire harness as per the instructions, we were told the harness had to be ordered, days later we got a phone call advising the harness was being back ordered, as of 01/19/2024 we again were advised it was still on back order, a call to subaru of america asking why the part for a recall could be back ordered for FOUR months did not give much help other than being told it would take a week to investigate the issue. being a retired service manger for another brand auto i felt being lead around how can a recall be made and zero parts available in a reasonable time to make a repair ,which in this case could cause a fire
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. …
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start and was jumpstarted several times by a dealer's mobile technician. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was determined that the battery was in good condition, and the failure could be related to the manual transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that a AAA technician who assisted in jumpstarting the vehicle confirmed that the alternator and the battery were in good condition. The technician informed the contact that the vehicle was experiencing a parasitic battery drain; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
When starting the vehicle in a narrow area, the reverse automatic braking will sometimes activate. This causes the anti-lock brake system to actuate while the car is backing up making a rapid clicking noise. After backing up approximately 6-8 feet, the vehicle will stall, the steering wheel will lock, and all warning dash lights such as "check engine" will be on. Air conditioning codes are triggered U0401 (confirmed - invalid data received from ECM/PCM "A"), and U0416 (Invalid Data Received from Vehicle Dynamics Control Module). Powering off the vehicle for a minute or two and starting the vehicle will return normal operation. This is a safety hazard if the car stalls when backing out from a driveway into a busy intersection. …
Related recalls (3)
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.
Electrical system › Software
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Crosstrek years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2019 (53), 2016 (37), 2018 (32), 2017 (17) and 2021 (16) model years. Electrical complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2019.
Is there a recall for Subaru Crosstrek electrical problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 23V-551 (instrument cluster/panel, Aug 4, 2023); 21V-264 (software, Apr 15, 2021); 19V-743 (software, Oct 18, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru Crosstrek electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 26,000 miles; 78% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the 12v/24v/48v battery (3 mentions), followed by the instrument panel › fuel gauge › fuel level float/sensor/sending unit (1).
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.