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

The Lineartronic CVT (TR690) used in Crosstreks develops chain stretch over time, typically between 80,000-130,000 miles. The stretched chain causes slippage, resulting in judder during light acceleration, particularly between 20-45 mph. The issue worsens in cold weather and uphi… Repairs typically run $200-$8,500. Severity: high.

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 2024-2025 Subaru Crosstrek Sudden Loss of Power Steering Assist from Steering Gearbox Failure (DTC C2532)?

A smaller but far more serious steering complaint set on the 2024-2025 Crosstrek describes complete, unannounced loss of power steering assist while driving, with dashboard warning lamps illuminating at the same time. Steering remains mechanically connected but requires very high… Repairs typically run $0-$2,200. 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 2024-2025 Subaru Crosstrek LED Low-Beam Sharp Cutoff and Moving Shadow Artifacts Causing Phantom-Animal Braking?

Eleven NHTSA complaints on the 2024 Crosstrek and additional ones on 2025 cars describe two linked defects in the LED headlamp beam pattern. First, the low-beam cutoff is unusually sharp and unusually close to the car: owners report the upper 15-16 inches of the windshield is com… Repairs typically run $0-$200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek OE Yokohama Geolandar 225/60R17 Tires Cracking and Failing Below 15,000 Miles?

Six NHTSA complaints on the 2024 Crosstrek report original-equipment tire failure at very low mileage, concentrated on the 225/60R17 Yokohama Geolandar fitment used on 17-inch wheels. Owners describe dry rot and cracking on the inside of the tread found during routine service — i… Repairs typically run $400-$1,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2024-2025 Subaru Crosstrek Driver-Side Mirror Housing Vibration Blurring the Blind-Spot View at Highway Speed?

The driver-side exterior mirror on the redesigned 2024 Crosstrek vibrates enough at highway speed that the reflected image blurs, in many cases badly enough that the owner cannot resolve a car in the adjacent lane. Ten NHTSA complaints were filed on the 2024 model year and seven… Repairs typically run $0-$450. Severity: medium.

What is the 2024-2025 Subaru Crosstrek Sticky / Notchy On-Center Electric Power Steering After Extended Highway Driving?

Owners of the redesigned (2024+) Crosstrek report that after roughly 30-60 minutes of continuous driving — typically above 50 mph and once the car is fully warmed up — the electric power steering develops a 'sticky' or notchy dead spot on center. The wheel resists small correctio… Repairs typically run $0-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Inhibitor Switch Water Intrusion — No Reverse Lights or Backup Camera (NHTSA Recall 23V755000 / WRQ-23)?

Subaru of America recalled certain 2021 Crosstrek vehicles because an insufficient weld on the transmission inhibitor (park/neutral start interlock) switch can let water get inside the switch and cause it to fail. On the Crosstrek, that switch is what tells the vehicle the transm… 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.

Subaru · Known Issues

2013-2026 Subaru Crosstrek Problems: 23 Known Issues

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

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According to Au7o's analysis of 4,030+ owner reports, the 2013-2026 Subaru Crosstrek has 23 documented known issues, with 8 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), Fuel Spillage from the Filler Neck Due to Insufficient Fuel Cap Seal (Recall 26V106000) ($0-$0 repair), Sudden Loss of Power Steering Assist from Steering Gearbox Failure (DTC C2532) ($0-$2,200 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 with 1,200 owner reports. at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Crosstrek problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,030+ owner reports, the 2013-2026 Subaru Crosstrek has 23 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder, FB20 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, Fuel Spillage from the Filler Neck Due to Insufficient Fuel Cap Seal (Recall 26V106000). Of these, 8 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

The 2013-2026 Subaru Crosstrek has 23 known issues documented across 4,030+ owner reports. 8 issues are rated critical: CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder and FB20 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption and Fuel Spillage from the Filler Neck Due to Insufficient Fuel Cap Seal (Recall 26V106000) and Sudden Loss of Power Steering Assist from Steering Gearbox Failure (DTC C2532) 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 2013-2026 Subaru Crosstrek with 23 documented issues documented across 4,030+ owner reports.

All 23 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?

When Issues Typically Appear

Fuel Spillage from the Filler Neck Due to Insufficient Fuel Cap Seal (Recall 26V106000)#

Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall#

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

Starlink Infotainment System Freezing and Unresponsive Touchscreen#

Starlink Gen 3.0 Head Unit Freezing, Reboots and Audio Lockup#

Full-Screen SiriusXM Pop-Up Ads Locking the Starlink Infotainment Screen While Driving#

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

LED Low-Beam Sharp Cutoff and Moving Shadow Artifacts Causing Phantom-Animal Braking#

Driver-Side Mirror Housing Vibration Blurring the Blind-Spot View at Highway Speed#

Sunshine Orange (Code AK) Thin Paint Chipping on Hood and Roof#

CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Judder#

Inhibitor Switch Water Intrusion — No Reverse Lights or Backup Camera (NHTSA Recall 23V755000 / WRQ-23)#

CVT Hesitation and Delay From Stop#

FB20 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption#

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

Sudden Loss of Power Steering Assist from Steering Gearbox Failure (DTC C2532)#

Sticky / Notchy On-Center Electric Power Steering After Extended Highway Driving#

Front Driveshaft Quench-Crack Failure (NHTSA 23V-754 / WRP-23)#

Premature Wheel Bearing Failure#

Rear Brake Caliper Seizing#

OE Yokohama Geolandar 225/60R17 Tires Cracking and Failing Below 15,000 Miles#

Windshield Stress Cracking#

Incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating on the Certification Label (Recall 26V436000)#