Owners filed 96 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 2 times.
When it fails
06600066,000 milesMedian miles at failure
51 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Engine
30
0
2
0
Power Train
13
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
11
0
0
0
Electrical System
11
0
0
0
Steering
6
2
0
0
Wheels
5
0
0
0
Service Brakes
4
0
0
0
Air Bags
4
2
0
1
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
3
0
0
0
Visibility/Wiper
2
0
0
1
2 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine18V772000
Filed Nov 1, 2018165,534 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.
Equipment13V061000
Filed Feb 25, 201347,419 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect. Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Risk. The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Engine
Filed Apr 9, 2026CA
I have been working with Subaru of America and Capital Subaru service in San Jose, CA for a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek XV 2.0 CVT automatic engine shortly after we bought it used for multiple faulty known engine problems with this specific make and model. Since we have owned the vehicle, we have not been able to drive it for more than 2 months short distance at a time due to engine, Valve body, major low oil pressure problems, and multiple sensor issues. This vehicle has been very dangerous for us to drive and has left us stranded not to mention paying the bank we financed payments to for a car we have been unable to use since purchasing. Subaru of America and Capital Subaru in San Jose have been awful, insensitive, and unhuman to our concerns and needs. We had to call them several times and were repeatedly ignore both parties for several days without any answers or any solutions. We have spent many sleepless nights worrying about not having a vehicle to get to work and my daughter who drove the car when she could in Nursing school with the burden of having no transportation and all the stress and worrying. There is a long history of defected engines because of the poor way these were built for our specific year, and we were told repeatedly that it was the lack of maintenance from the previous owner being the cause of the issues when that in fact is a lie as we have several maintenance records routinely. I will never buy or recommend these defected and lemon cars again especially
Electrical System
Filed Apr 9, 2026CT
When the car is put in park the key will not come out of the ignition. Sometimes to be removed from ignition. Therefore the key will get stuck. The transmission has to be put back in drive and then back into park for the ignition system to recycle and release the key.sometimes it takes about 2 or 3 times to get the key out. I have had to turn the car on put it in drive then park push the lock switch then turn the car off. I have been told that Subaru knows the problem exists. No recalls have been made.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 9, 2026OR
Within 10 days of purchasing this vehicle a certified Subaru dealership documented the following safety defects. Both front CV axles failing and clicking on turns creating loss of vehicle control risk. EPS electronic power steering fault codes creating safety critical steering concern. CAN bus communication fault U0073 affecting multiple vehicle safety systems simultaneously. CVT transmission fluid critically low at 1 to 2 quarts. These defects were professionally documented by Subaru of Portland certified technicians on [XXX] at 113,494 miles. Repair quote for safety related defects totals $7,516.51. Vehicle was sold by Overland Automotive LLC 2900 SE Cornelius Pass Rd Ste 105 Hillsboro OR 97123 with these defects undisclosed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 18, 2025CA
I was t-boned on 11/7 on the driver side door of the car. My car is totaled and the airbags, knee and curtain did not deploy and I was hit almost dead on on the B pillar. Unknown if the problem has been reproduced by the dealer.My knee is still hurting from the accident and my head smacked the frame.The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, but has by police, insurance, and others. All said the airbags should have deployed. There were no warning lights or otherwise to notify me that the airbags would not work.
Engine
Filed Sep 1, 2025CA
The engine stalled unexpectedly during operation. I noticed a sudden loss of power, and the vehicle shut off without warning. This has happened more than once, posing a safety concern.
Engine
Filed Jun 2, 2025SC
THE ENGIN MALFUNCTIONED. MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS WAS AT RISK BECAUSE WHEN AN ENGIN FAILS WHILE DRIVING IT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS CRASH. THE VALVE SPRING WHICH IS LOCATED INSIDE THE ENGIN OF THE VEHICLE DID FRACTURE WHICH RESULTED IN THE ENGIN STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. AN ENGIN STALL WHILE DRIVING WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH AND SERIOUS INJURY. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS, THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY A SUBARU DEALER SERVICE MANAGER.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 24, 2025WA
The dashboard light says that the airbag is OFF, while it is occupied by a large teenager (over 100lbs) in the Right Front passenger seat. Teenager was buckled into moving vehicle when this concern was observed. Front Right passenger airbag has never been deactivated by owner/driver. Took car to be inspected at a Subaru dealer on 13Aug24, but Subaru techs unable to replicate problem at time of visit and reported no known recall notice for this problem. Since inspection, problem has reoccurred randomly.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Dec 23, 2024NY
The fan in my car, that controls the heat/air-conditioning, went out causing my windows to fog up since it was raining & I couldn't use the dehumidifier. I couldn't see & had to manually wipe my windshield several times & drive with my hazard lights on in order to get the car home. There were no warning lights on the dashboard. I took the car to a mechanic shop on another day, when they could not find the problem through a diagnostic the mechanic took apart the dashboard & that's when he found the wires connected to the control panel were melting/overheating. He said it was very dangerous because it could cause the car to catch fire. He said he had to leave the wires disconnected to prevent the car catching fire until the wires and control panel could be replaced. When I looked up if others were having the same problem, I found other Subaru Crosstrek owners with the same issue and many of them stated it happened again after replacing the affected parts. The control panel is not a wear-and-tear part so I was told I would have to get it from a Subaru dealership. I have not been able to take it to a Subaru dealership yet due to the weather but the car is available for inspection upon request. It has not been inspected yet by anyone besides my mechanic.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 9, 2024NJ
At various times of day or night, the brake lights turn on, while there is no one in the vehicle. The vehicle sits parked and is locked with the security on, and the lights just randomly turn on by themselves. The only way to turn the lights off is to go into the vehicle and step on the brake and then the lights are off after releasing the brake pedal. If the lights stay on, because it’s not noticed, then the battery drains and then needs to be jumped. It is concerning for vehicles traveling behind, because one wouldn’t know if there is an issue happening while traveling and could cause someone to be rear ended.
Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 15, 2024CT
A piece of the sunroof assembly punctured through the headliner into the passenger seat area of the vehicle. The piece is a sharp 10 inch spike with a spring wrapped around it. Had the piece come into the driver side or if there had been a passenger. It would have gone into there head, either causing an accident or severe injury to the driver or passenger.
Engine
Filed Oct 18, 2024MA
The recall Type: Safety Service Campaign:WTY84 NHTSA Campaign: 18V772000 FB20 Valve Spring Replacement was reported completed by the manufacturer Subaru has no record of it being done. My car is now experiencing symptoms of this recall when I had no issues prior and want me to pay to look into the problem further. Now my vehicle has a check engine light for a recall that was potentially not done as I have no proof that it was completed.
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 30, 2024WI
The key will not come out of the ignition when turned off and in park. The battery runs with no way to turn it off. This is a known issue with a defective part. Subaru will not cover the repair.
Engine
Filed Aug 28, 2024WA
2.0L Engine Valve Spring Fracture may Cause Engine stall and excessive oil leaks that migrates in the catalytic converter causing fumes that linger inside the car with a very strong smell.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 8, 2024IL
The electrical harness to the variable fan speed switch overheated melting the harness and switch.
Equipment
Filed Sep 15, 2023NC
For the record I'm going to list the items here I'd rather them go down in writing then for my words to not have a witness. 1- safety : the Bluetooth connection is busted and crackling for both me and the caller 2- Automation: nothing happens automatic in this car the locks do not go down when I get in motion . the sunroof and the windows do not roll up in auxiliary power after the key is off. 3- Oil: every thousand Miles the oil light to show up I cannot live like that carrying oil in my car when I run a thousand miles every 3 weeks. 4- DENT REPAIR : have asked you to schedule the date guy to pull this dent out of the front driver wheel well and that hasn't happened yet 5- locking mechanism: the trunk has to be slammed closed every time. The passenger side seat belt noise comes on even if I put a bag of to go food in the seat. 6- sanitation: these seats are infected with something I have cleaned them multiple times and my passengers are complaining of itching and feeling a bite when they ride. 7- the front passenger seat has obviously some strong stain that resembles body fluid because it will not come up even when i clean up in the seat of the cushion it keeps reappearing to the surface. 8- overhead: when it rains above my head you can hear sounds of rain as though it's literally trickling in at the driver door. More than I have noticed that sound I'm not sure what's going on in the overhead but it shouldn't sound like that. PLEASE AND THANKS
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Aug 21, 2023CA
While slowing to turn into a turn lane, my care unexpectedly accelerated to a very high speed, causing me to crash straight into a signal light post. The light post was knocked over by the force of impact. The car ended up around the corner, facing the opposite direction and having hit another car. Police responded to the scene and inspected the vehicle, which was towed away. An insurance claim has been filed, though I am unaware if they have inspected the vehicle yet. The passenger airbag deployed but driver airbag did not. I had no warning before the sudden acceleration and this is the only time something like this happened.
Engine
Filed Jun 27, 2023NY
MY 2013 SUBARU CROSSTREK stalled on the highway in March 2023 while I was driving home from work. I brought it to Hassett Subaru in Wantagh because a friend told me that there was a recall on the spring valve (from 5 years ago, which I was never notified of). Vlad Oriol wanted to charge me a few thousand dollars to breakdown the engine, even though that was a requirement of the recall. I checked the VIN and found out my car was covered by the spring valve recall. Since the car was unsafe to drive, I then called Subaru headquarters who sent a tech supervisor to investigate the situation. The tech supervisor said the problem was due to the recall so the engine breakdown was covered. The tech supervisor said the "rocker arm had come loose from excessive lash, but was tied to the recall issue," and also added that there was no other damage. Hassett Subaru was forced by Subaru headquarters to preform the recall fix. I picked up my car (we live 2 miles from Hassett) and the very next day the car wouldn't accelerate and was constantly misfiring. I brought the car back to Hassett. The tech supervisor came out again to investigate, this time there was additional damage to the cam shaft (which was not there before Hassett worked on the car). Hassett told Subaru headquarters that there was a preexisting issue with the car (which was totally false). As a result Subaru headquarters would not cover the cost to fix the problem that Hassett caused by attempting to fix the recall issue. Thank
Engine
Filed Dec 20, 2022MI
Driving on the freeway my car lost power i pulled off to the side and tried to restart it. As I have the ignition turned over for 30 to 40 seconds the starter sounded erratic and the oil temperature light was flashing. I sat there for about ten minutes and tried again and it did the same thing but it started. This power loss has happened twice. The erratic noise coming from the ignition, and the hesitation of starting is a regular ongoing issue along with the oil temperature light. Since the first stall at about 117000 miles on the odometer the car has been burning oil at a rate of a full quart about every 3000 miles. #2 Around 120000 miles my key wouldn't come out of the ignition. This happened first on a late night in a high crime area. I actually had to leave my keys in my ignition while going into a gas station to pay for fuel. Since then this happens every time I turn off my vehicle and put it into the park position. Usually I have to wait around ten minutes to be able to remove the keys. Both of these issues cause a great deal of anxiety on the freeway or having to leave the key in the ignition.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 12, 2022IL
Unable to turn off vehicle and remove key from ignition when vehicle is in park.
EngineFire
Filed Aug 11, 2022NJ
Engine burst into flames during normal highway driving. Vehicle was well-maintained with all scheduled maintenance performed during the life of the vehicle. CEL was lit approximately 1 week before fire but driveability was normal.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Nov 1, 2018. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.