Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Outback vs Subaru Crosstrek
How the Subaru Outback and Subaru Crosstrek compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Subaru Outback vs Subaru Crosstrek: The Outback averages 462 complaints per year and has 26 recalls, while the Crosstrek averages about 100 complaints per year with 16 recalls. Both report windshield and electrical issues, but the Outback has more frequent problems overall. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Outback or Subaru Crosstrek more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a popular wagon with a high number of owner complaints—averaging 462 per year over the last decade. The most common trouble spots are the windshield and wiper system, electrical glitches, and forward collision avoidance. While it has no reported deaths in the data, the sheer volume of complaints suggests that living with an Outback may involve frequent visits to the dealer for visibility and electronic issues.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a smaller crossover with far fewer complaints—about 100 per year on average. Owners report windshield cracks, electrical problems like heated seats turning on by themselves, and engine noises. The lower complaint count doesn't mean it's trouble-free, but the pattern points to fewer chronic headaches than the Outback.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Outback | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,621 | 997 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 | 16 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 135 | 58 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 462.1 | 99.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 84 | 34 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Subaru Outback
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER1,454
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,440
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER885
- 04VISIBILITY244
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE228
Owners frequently report windshields that sparkle like diamonds in direct sunlight, making it hard to see, and moonroofs that shatter spontaneously. These issues can be dangerous and costly to fix.
Complaints include batteries that fail to hold a charge, leaving owners stranded, and driver-assist systems (like EyeSight) that malfunction. These glitches can disable safety features and cause no-start situations.
Some owners report problems with the automatic emergency braking system, which may not work as expected. This is a key safety feature, so failures are concerning.
Issues range from a non-working SOS button after a software update to wireless charging pads that overheat phones. These annoyances add up and can affect daily usability.
“When driving east into direct sunshine, the entire windshield sparkles with thousands of diamonds, making it hazardous to drive. Just bought the car June 8, 2023, as a Certified Pre-Owned (it had been a dealer loaner). Had to dealer last week, they claim not…”
“The moon roof shattered. Have not even had the vehicle two days yet. It was fine yesterday (5/26/2023). Went out this afternoon (5/27/2023) and found the moon roof completely shattered and fractured. There is a hole near the rear center and fractures covering…”
Subaru Crosstrek
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER287
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER229
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM154
- 04ENGINE115
- 05POWER TRAIN79
Windshields crack easily, sometimes from the inside, and sunroofs can shatter suddenly. Owners report these failures even on new vehicles with low mileage.
Heated seats may turn on by themselves and get dangerously hot, and some cars make loud roaring noises on startup. These electrical quirks can be both uncomfortable and distracting.
Complaints include unusual noises and concerns about the auto start/stop system, which may not restart smoothly. Engine issues can be expensive if they worsen.
Some owners hear a high-pitched whine at highway speeds, possibly from the drivetrain. While not always a breakdown, it suggests potential long-term wear.
“The component that is compromised on my '23 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is the windshield. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Monday, Jan 13, 2025, a crack formed on my windshield. The crack happened on the inside of the vehicle. It was positione…”
“Overall I’m disappointed in the quality of the manufactured parts and accessories. It leads me to believe low grade materials were used in manufacturing this vehicle. My vehicle is brand new and has 2500 miles on it and the front windshield has a crack that i…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Subaru Outback — 26 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
The risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Suba…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
The risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is W…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Subaru Crosstrek — 16 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing…
The risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of ch…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Outback or Subaru Crosstrek: which should you buy?
The Subaru Crosstrek has far fewer complaints per year (about 100 vs. 462 for the Outback), meaning you're less likely to encounter frequent problems. In practice, the Crosstrek may require fewer dealer visits for the same ownership period, though both have similar types of issues like windshield and electrical faults.
Key differences
- The Outback has over four times as many complaints per year as the Crosstrek, with visibility/wiper issues being the top problem for both.
- Outback owners report more electrical failures, including battery drain and driver-assist malfunctions, while Crosstrek electrical issues often involve heated seats and startup noises.
- Both models have recalls for the park/neutral start interlock switch, but the Outback also has recalls for driveshaft and shift linkage problems.
- Crosstrek complaints include engine noises and power train whines, which are less common in the Outback's top complaint list.
- Check the windshield for any sparkle or distortion in direct sunlight, and inspect the moonroof for cracks or previous repairs.
- Test the battery and electrical system, especially the driver-assist features and SOS button, to ensure they work properly.
- Inspect the windshield for cracks, especially on the inside, and test the sunroof for any signs of shattering or weakness.
- Verify that the heated seats do not turn on by themselves and listen for any unusual engine or drivetrain noises during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the windshield, moonroof, and electrical systems.
- Check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN, and confirm they have been repaired.
- Test all driver-assist features (like EyeSight) and the SOS button to ensure they function correctly.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the engine or drivetrain, especially at highway speeds.
- Review the owner's complaint history for the specific model year to see if common issues have been addressed.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Subaru Outback | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 | 10 |
| 2025 | 81 | 44 |
| 2024 | 2 | 119 |
| 2023 | 89 | 34 |
| 2022 | 464 | 31 |
| 2021 | 296 | 115 |
| 2020 | 899 | 69 |
| 2019 | 1034 | 284 |
| 2018 | 812 | 194 |
| 2017 | 917 | 97 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Subaru Outback or Subaru Crosstrek in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Outback vs Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Outback total complaints
- 4,621
- Subaru Crosstrek total complaints
- 997
- Subaru Outback total recalls
- 26
- Subaru Crosstrek total recalls
- 16
- Subaru Outback avg complaints/year
- 462.1
- Subaru Crosstrek avg complaints/year
- 99.7
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Outback top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Subaru Crosstrek top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER