Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Subaru Crosstrek Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns across the Subaru Crosstrek, 2012–2026. Owners have filed 1,186 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 10 model years with settled counts, the 2019 drew the most (284) and the 2012 the fewest (2).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Subaru Crosstrek complaints by model year

1,186 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2012 · 2 complaints
  • 2014 · 16 complaints
  • 2015 · 17 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2019 · 284 complaints
  • 2018 · 195 complaints
  • 2016 · 132 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2017–2026. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Subaru Crosstrek owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component2017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Visibility/wiper 22641133029661240
Unknown or other 334149925131133132
Electrical system 173253111646851
Engine 10323451635601
Power train 13142491410310
Visibility 391144011080
Forward collision avoidance 033214451251
Steering 561503101031

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Subaru Crosstrek recalls (13)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one Crosstrek model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Subaru Crosstrek
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
23V755000Nov 9, 2023Switch Failure May Cause Loss of Rearview Image202190.4%
23V754000Nov 9, 2023Front Driveshaft Assemblies May Crack and Break202497.1%
23V551000Aug 4, 2023Instrument Panel Harness Damage202493.9%
21V263000Apr 15, 2021Rear Stabilizer Bracket Bolts May Detach2018, 201995.9%
21V264000Apr 15, 2021ECM Software May Cause Stall2018, 201993.9%
20V189000Mar 31, 2020Rear Seat Belt Assemblies May Not Lock As Intended201992.2%
19V856000Dec 2, 2019PCV Valve Can Separate201995.8%
19V743000Oct 18, 2019ECM Software May Cause Stall2018, 201993.2%
19V744000Oct 17, 2019PCV Valve May Separate201892.5%
19V404000May 30, 2019Window Glass Improperly Tempered/FMVSS 205201982.8%
19V149000Feb 28, 2019Brake Lights May Not Illuminate2013–201778.3%
19V065000Feb 6, 2019Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist2019100%
17V701000Nov 7, 2017Incorrect Floor Mat Retention Bracket201890.6%

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗

Crash-test stars by model year

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the Subaru Crosstrek (most-tested body style each year)
Model yearOverallFrontalSideRolloverTested as
2025★★★★★5★5★4★sw awd
2024★★★★★5★5★4★sw awd
2023★★★★★4★5★4★sw awd
2022★★★★★4★5★4★sw awd
2021★★★★★4★5★4★sw awd
2020★★★★★4★5★4★sw awd
2019★★★★★4★5★4★sw awd
2018★★★★★4★5★4★sw awd
2017★★★★★4★5★4★sw awd
2016★★★★★4★5★4★suv awd

Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Source: NHTSA NCAP, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy by model year

201430 mpg
201531 mpg
201631 mpg
201726–29 mpg
201825–29 mpg
201925–35 mpg
202025–35 mpg
202125–35 mpg
202225–30 mpg
202325–35 mpg
202427–29 mpg
202527–29 mpg
202626–36 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

Subaru Crosstrek FAQ

How many recalls has the Subaru Crosstrek had?

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns that cover at least one Subaru Crosstrek model year from 2012 to 2026. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Subaru Crosstrek year has the most complaints?

Among the last 10 model years with settled counts, the 2019 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (284) and the 2012 the fewest (2). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Subaru Crosstrek problems?

Across the 2017–2026 model years, owners most often name the visibility/wiper, unknown or other, electrical system in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Subaru Crosstrek get?

EPA rates the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek at 26 to 36 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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