The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact SUV produced by Japanese automaker Subaru. It was first introduced in 2012 as a 2013 model and under the XV nameplate. It is based on the popular Subaru Impreza.
The Crosstrek is available with either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It’s offered with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission.
All models of the Crosstrek are considered reliable vehicles. If you’re in the market for one, you may be better off opting for particular model years. We’ve isolated some Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid.
2013 Model Year Subaru XV Crosstrek (1st Generation)
The 2013 model year Subaru XV Crosstrek was initially marketed as the XV. It is a small crossover SUV that is available in either a 2-door or 4-door version. The basic specs include all-wheel drive, a 148 horsepower engine, and a 5-speed manual transmission.
There have been three NHTSA safety recalls associated with this model year Crosstrek for exterior lighting, engine and engine cooling, and electrical system/equipment.
The average cost to fix the exterior lighting issue is $50, the engine and engine cooling issue is $500, and the electrical system/equipment issue is $200.
If you are considering purchasing a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek, be aware of these potential problems and associated costs. You may want to consider avoiding this model year altogether and opt for other Subaru Crosstek of other model years instead.
2016 Model Year Subaru XV Crosstrek (1st Generation)
The 2016 model year Subaru XV Crosstrek is another compact crossover SUV in the first generation family. It comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that makes 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
It has a 5-speed manual or CVT transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The EPA estimated fuel economy is 27 MPG city and 33 MPG highway.
No recalls were issued in 2016, but there are some common complaints, chief among them being steering wheel concerns. Here, the steering wheel pulls to one side. This can seriously affect your safety when driving.
The good news is that the repair bill for this isn’t significant. So if you’re considering a 2016 Crosstrek, be sure to have this issue fixed right away if it’s present.
2018 Model Year Subaru Crosstrek (2nd Generation)
The second generation Subaru Crosstrek has impressed so far. The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a great car and is sure to be a favorite among drivers and passengers alike. It’s got all of the features you could want, including a roomy interior, great fuel economy, and impressive performance.
However, as with any car, it does have its share of problems, mostly to do with the engine. On top of that, five recalls were issued for the 2018 Crosstrek, two of which have to do with the engine.
The most common problem with the 2018 Crosstrek is that the engine’s crankcase pressure sensor can fail, causing the engine to lose power or stall. This Subaru Crosstrek problem has been reported by dozens of drivers and has an average repair cost of $1,200.
A faulty ignition is another recall. If the Engine Control Module (ECM) continues to power the ignition coil after the engine has been shut off, it could cause a short circuit and blow the fuse. The cost to repair this issue is between $800 and $1,500.
Suspension issues started developing for many 2018 Crosstrek owners, also resulting in a recall. This problem tends to arise after just 18,000 miles. And fixing this will set you back an average of $3,000.
If you’re thinking of buying a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, be aware of these potential problems and their associated costs. You may want to consider opting for a different model year.
2019 Model Year Subaru Crosstrek (2nd Generation)
The 2019 model year Subaru Crosstrek is the second generation of the vehicle. It has a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine and is all-wheel drive. It has a CVT transmission and gets 28 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
The biggest complaint associated with the 2019 Crosstrek has to do with its windshield which can crack relatively easily. This can set you back about $1,500 to get it resolved.
However, due to the sample size of this model year, the 2019 Crosstrek stands out as one to consider if you need a reliable used vehicle. At least the issues present are minor in the grand scheme of things and have been reported less frequently than other model years.
Common Problems
The three most common problems across all Subaru Crosstrek model years reported by owners include:
Excessive Oil Consumption
The Subaru Crosstrek is known for using more oil than necessary. This isn’t a huge problem if you stay on top of your maintenance and check your engine oil levels regularly, but it can become an issue if you let it go too long.
Windshield Cracking/Chipping
Another common problem with the Subaru Crosstrek is cracking or chipping of the windshield. This can be caused by rocks or other debris hitting the windshield while driving. If you live in an area with a lot of gravel roads or if you frequently drive on unpaved roads, this is something to keep in mind.
Transmission Issues
Some owners have reported transmission issues with their Subaru Crosstrek. These can range from minor problems like hard shifts or slipping to major problems like complete failure. If you’re experiencing any type of transmission issue, it’s best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Do Your Homework Before You Buy
The Subaru Crosstrek, like many from Subaru’s lineup, is generally a great vehicle. But like any car, it has its pros and cons. If you’re thinking about buying a used vehicle, there are certain Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid. The 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2019 Subaru Crosstrek model years all have been known to have problems.
If you’re set on buying a used Subaru Crosstrek, do your research and make sure you’re getting a car from a reputable dealer. Avoid private sellers, as you won’t have any recourse if there are problems with the vehicle. And be sure to get a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic.
