Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Problems

Crosstrek owners have made 52 complaints over 6 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 11th in overall reliability out of 17 Subaru models, with real interior and suspension concerns.

6 Common Subaru Crosstrek Problems

A list of some of the most common issues Crosstrek owners have to deal with.

  1. Brake Light Switch Defect

    A build-up of chemicals from scented cleaning products containing silicone can disable the brake light switch in millions of Subaru vehicles. This can prevent the brake lights from turning on when pressing the pedal, among other things, and…

    Continue reading article "Brake Light Switch Defect" Close-up of a brake light with a red lens on top, clear lens on bottom.

  2. Cracked Windshields

    Since 2015 there has been a surge in complaints about Subaru windshields that crack spontaneously. Many believe this is due to a design switch to 'acoustic glass.' Owners want compensation from Subaru because windshield replacements come wi…

    Continue reading article "Cracked Windshields" Image from inside the a 2016 Forester cabin showing a large horizontal crack along the bottom of the windshield.

  3. Subaru STARLINK Problems

    STARLINK is Subaru's latest infotainment system. It heavily relies on a touch screen interface that freezes randomly, stops responding to touch inputs, and sometimes requires the car to be shut off for over an hour before it starts working …

    Continue reading article "Subaru STARLINK Problems" An infotainment screen with StarLink's toucnscreen interface loaded.

  4. Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires

    Rodents just can't resist the soy-derived wire coatings used in many Subaru vehicles. The chewed up wires are costing owners hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars in repairs but Subaru, like other automakers, insists this isn't a def…

    Continue reading article "Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires" A very fat mouse.

  5. Subaru EyeSight Problems

    Subaru's EyeSight technology has been known to fall asleep on the job, particularly in bad weather driving. And while newer versions have improved, the system is generally regarded as bulky and an overly expensive upgrade on higher trim lev…

    Continue reading article "Subaru EyeSight Problems" Image looking through the windshield towards a pair of EyeSight cameras flanking the rearview mirror.

What Crosstrek Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

Crosstrek Generations

The Crosstrek has 2 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 2nd generation (2018–2021).

Crosstrek Key Numbers

  1. 52 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 346 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 7 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Crosstrek Class-Action Lawsuits

The Crosstrek has been named as a class vehicle in the following lawsuits.

  • Sampson, et al., v. Subaru of America, Inc., et al.

    1. Case Filed

      A Subaru class action lawsuit includes 2013-2021 vehicles equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB), which includes pre-collision braking and reverse automatic braking. Additionally, the lawsuit includes 2013-2021 Subaru vehicles equipped with lane keep assist (LKA).

  • Partially dismissed

    Powell, et al., v. Subaru of America, Inc.

    1. Partially dismissed

      A Subaru windshield lawsuit has been partly dismissed after a federal judge ruled several claims made by Subaru owners weren't sufficiently pleaded.

    2. Case Filed

      Lawsuit alleges 2017-2019 Subaru Forester and 2017-2019 Subaru Outback vehicles are equipped with windshields that suddenly chip, crack and break. Subaru allegedly refuses to pay for repairs even when the vehicles are under warranties, leaving owners and lessees with paying for windshield replacements.

    Problem
    Cracked Windshields
    Class Vehicles
    • 2017-2020 Forester
    • 2017-2020 Outback
    • 2017-2020 Crosstrek
    • 2017-2020 Legacy
    • 2017-2020 Impreza
    Location
    New Jersey
  • Motion to dismiss

    Leon, et al., v. Subaru of America, Inc.

    1. Motion to dismiss

      In a motion to dismiss the Subaru windshield class action, lawyers for the automaker say the plaintiffs can't support their claims.

    2. Case Filed

      Lawsuit alleges the glass chips, cracks and breaks within weeks or a few months of purchasing these vehicles. According to the plaintiffs, customers say the windshields crack and break from simple and light impacts to the glass, a problem no Subaru owner expects to experience on an expensive vehicle.

    Problem
    Cracked Windshields
    Class Vehicles
    • 2017-2020 Outback
    • 2017-2020 Forester
    • 2017-2020 Crosstrek
    • 2017-2020 Impreza
    • 2017-2020 Legacy
    • 2019-2020 Ascent
    Location
    California

Recent Crosstrek News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  2. The lawsuit against Subaru's crappy windshields will move forward after partially surviving the automaker's motion to dismiss.

    The windhsields crack and chip at an alarming rate, but Subaru doesn't cover replacements under warranty if the issue is due to a defect. According to them the warranty only covers material or workmanship issues. Strange position to take, but ok.

    While a few allegations were removed due to legal technacilities, the judge said dismissing the case entirely at this point would be premature.…

    keep reading article "Subaru Windshield Lawsuit Survives Motion to Dismiss"

  8. A lawsuit filed in New Jersey is tired of waiting around for software updates to Subaru’s STARLINK system to solve any of the wide ranging problems owners are experiencing.

    Subaru customers also complain about turning off the engines with the Starlink screens frozen, resulting in drained batteries that strand drivers. In addition, there is a clear and present safety issue if a driver relies on a frozen backup camera screen believing the image is in real time.…

    keep reading article "Subaru Sued After Multiple STARLINK Updates Have Failed to Make System Usable"

See All Crosstrek News

What Owners Say About Their Crosstrek

Subaru Vehicles Surge Forward When Trying to Shift into Park

Pulling into my garage in my apartment complex. 7 MPH vehicle had unintended acceleration and engine revved and slammed into garage wall. Brakes did not stop the car from accelerating and lunging forwards. Crash was significant and airbags did not deploy. Physically suffered blunt force trauma from hitting steering wheel and fractured, dented and chipped my sternum.

2017 Crosstrek Owner

Subaru Vehicles Surge Forward When Trying to Shift into Park

We have a steep driveway and my car accelerated and the brakes went totally out on my way down to check our mail. Could do nothing to stop it... It was like the car shot forward like a bullet. I headed towards a big tree so I turned wheels slightly and landed in a group of smaller trees. Both side airbags inflated, the front one did not inflate. I was just barely able to get out of the car because of trees blocking the door.

2017 Crosstrek Owner in NC

Too Many Subarus Suffer From Spotaneously Cracked Windshields

Because I have the Eyesight feature, I cannot replace the glass with aftermarket glass. It has to be OEM glass from the dealership. The glass is thin (2 layers sandwiching a thin film for noise reduction) and brittle resulting in the exterior layer cracking easily. Owning a Toyota for 15 years.... no cracked or broken windshields. Owning a Subaru 3 months... 2 cracked windshields.

2019 Crosstrek Owner in FL

Other Subaru Models