What is the 2013-2017 Subaru Crosstrek FB20 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption?

The 2.0L FB20 engine in first-generation Crosstreks (2013-2017) shares the same oil consumption defect as the FB25 used in other Subaru models. Defective piston rings fail to maintain proper oil control, leading to oil burning at rates of 1 quart every 1,500-2,500 miles. Subaru c… Repairs typically run $0-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek EyeSight Phantom Pre-Collision Braking (2024+ Redesigned Crosstrek)?

2024+ third-generation Crosstrek owners report the redesigned stereo-camera EyeSight system slamming on the brakes with no obstacle present - on empty roads, mid-lane-change, around curves, or under overpasses. A 2024-filed class action (Germano v. Subaru) covers 2024-2026 Crosst… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek 2019 Left-Rear Door Window Glass Improper Tempering (NHTSA 19V-404)?

Certain 2019 Crosstreks were built with left-side rear door window glass that was not properly tempered during the glass manufacturing process, failing FMVSS 205. If the glass breaks, it can shatter into large dangerous fragments rather than safe pebble-sized pieces, increasing i… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Front Driveshaft Quench-Crack Failure (NHTSA 23V-754 / WRP-23)?

2024 Crosstrek front driveshafts (along with 2024 Impreza, 2023-24 Forester, 2023 WRX) have outer races prone to quench-cracking from a supplier heat-treat defect: a cooling-water pipe leak reduced flow during heat treatment. A cracked outer race can break the shaft, causing sudd… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall?

2019 Crosstreks (along with various 2013-2020 Subarus) were built with Denso low-pressure in-tank fuel pumps whose plastic impeller absorbs fuel and swells. The swollen impeller binds against the pump body, causing rough running, no-start, and unexpected engine stalls at highway… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek Starlink Infotainment System Freezing and Unresponsive Touchscreen?

The second-generation Crosstrek's Starlink infotainment system (both 6.5-inch and 8.0-inch units) frequently freezes, goes blank, or becomes unresponsive to touch input. The system can reboot randomly while driving, temporarily disabling the backup camera and Bluetooth. Software… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2022 Subaru Crosstrek Premature Wheel Bearing Failure?

Crosstreks are prone to premature wheel bearing failure, particularly on the rear wheels, often occurring between 50,000-90,000 miles. The AWD system places additional stress on wheel bearings. Contamination from road salt and water intrusion accelerates bearing wear. Failed whee… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2023 Subaru Crosstrek Rear Brake Caliper Seizing?

The rear brake calipers on Crosstreks are prone to seizing, particularly in regions with road salt and wet climates. The caliper slide pins corrode and bind, causing the brake pads to drag on the rotor. This leads to premature pad and rotor wear on one side, reduced fuel economy,… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2021 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0L Manual Transmission Hesitation/Lack of Power at 1500-3500 RPM (TSB 09-77-21R)?

2018-2021 Crosstrek 2.0L manual-transmission owners experience noticeable hesitation and lack of power in the 1500-3500 RPM range. Subaru TSB 09-77-21R (revised 8/19/21) traces it to the knock sensor misreading crankshaft vibration as detonation and retarding ignition timing. Fix… Repairs typically run $0-$200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Starlink Gen 3.0 Head Unit Freezing, Reboots and Audio Lockup?

2018 Crosstrek models equipped with the Harman-built Gen 3.0 Starlink head unit suffer touchscreen freezes, backup-camera blackouts, audio that comes on at full volume, Bluetooth dropouts, and complete system lockups. Subaru settled a $6.25M class action in 2021 covering 2017-201… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2023 Subaru Crosstrek CVT Hesitation and Delay From Stop?

The Crosstrek's Lineartronic CVT exhibits a noticeable 1-2 second delay when accelerating from a complete stop, particularly at intersections. The hesitation is dangerous in situations requiring quick acceleration (merging, left turns across traffic). The issue is related to the… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2025 Subaru Crosstrek Windshield Stress Cracking?

The 2nd generation Crosstrek (2018+) has a windshield that is extremely prone to cracking, even from minor stone chips. The windshield's steep rake angle and thin design make it vulnerable to temperature-induced stress cracks. EyeSight-equipped models require dealer recalibration… Repairs typically run $500-$1,100. Severity: low.

What is the 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek Sunshine Orange (Code AK) Thin Paint Chipping on Hood and Roof?

2018-2019 Crosstreks painted in Sunshine Orange (Code AK) develop chips and clearcoat failure on the hood, A-pillars, and roof leading edge within the first few thousand miles. CarComplaints averages failure mileage at ~4,700 miles. Subaru issued TSB 12-256-19R (revised 05/30/19)… Repairs typically run $200-$1,500. Severity: low.

Subaru · Known Issues

2013-2025 Subaru Crosstrek Problems: 14 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2013-2025 model years · 4,030+ owner reports · Updated July 2026

Share:@au7o.io

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,030+ owner reports, the 2013-2025 Subaru Crosstrek has 14 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder ($200-$8,500 repair), FB20 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption ($0-$4,000 repair), EyeSight Phantom Pre-Collision Braking (2024+ Redesigned Crosstrek) ($0-$600 repair), 2019 Left-Rear Door Window Glass Improper Tempering (NHTSA 19V-404) ($0-$0 repair), Front Driveshaft Quench-Crack Failure (NHTSA 23V-754 / WRP-23) ($0-$0 repair) and Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder with 1,200 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $150 to $8,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Crosstrek problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,030+ owner reports, the 2013-2025 Subaru Crosstrek has 14 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder, FB20 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, EyeSight Phantom Pre-Collision Braking (2024+ Redesigned Crosstrek). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

The 2013-2025 Subaru Crosstrek has 14 known issues documented across 4,030+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder and FB20 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption and EyeSight Phantom Pre-Collision Braking (2024+ Redesigned Crosstrek) and 2019 Left-Rear Door Window Glass Improper Tempering (NHTSA 19V-404) and Front Driveshaft Quench-Crack Failure (NHTSA 23V-754 / WRP-23) and Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Crosstrek problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Crosstrek issues range from $0 to $8,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder, typically costs $200-$8,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Subaru Crosstrek is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Subaru Crosstrek. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2013-2025 Subaru Crosstrek with 14 documented issues documented across 4,030+ owner reports.

All 14 Known Issues

Other Subaru Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Crosstrek problems?

Is the Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Crosstrek problems?

What year Subaru Crosstrek is the most reliable?

What is the 2013-2021 Subaru Crosstrek CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder?

When Issues Typically Appear

2024 Subaru Crosstrek: EyeSight Phantom Pre-Collision Braking (2024+ Redesigned Crosstrek)#

2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek: Starlink Infotainment System Freezing and Unresponsive Touchscreen#

2018 Subaru Crosstrek: Starlink Gen 3.0 Head Unit Freezing, Reboots and Audio Lockup#

2013-2021 Subaru Crosstrek: CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder#

2013-2023 Subaru Crosstrek: CVT Hesitation and Delay From Stop#

2013-2017 Subaru Crosstrek: FB20 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption#

2018-2021 Subaru Crosstrek: 2.0L Manual Transmission Hesitation/Lack of Power at 1500-3500 RPM (TSB 09-77-21R)#

2019 Subaru Crosstrek: 2019 Left-Rear Door Window Glass Improper Tempering (NHTSA 19V-404)#

2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek: Sunshine Orange (Code AK) Thin Paint Chipping on Hood and Roof#

2024 Subaru Crosstrek: Front Driveshaft Quench-Crack Failure (NHTSA 23V-754 / WRP-23)#

2013-2022 Subaru Crosstrek: Premature Wheel Bearing Failure#

2019 Subaru Crosstrek: Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall#

2016-2023 Subaru Crosstrek: Rear Brake Caliper Seizing#

2018-2025 Subaru Crosstrek: Windshield Stress Cracking#