Subaru Crosstrek Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Subaru Crosstrek options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Subaru Crosstrek has 968 owner complaints and 16 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is VISIBILITY/WIPER. 2019 drew the most complaints; 2022 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Crosstrek
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 968
- Safety recall campaigns
- 16
- Crash-related complaints
- 54
- Fire-related complaints
- 10
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2019 (281 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2022 (29 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Subaru Crosstrek: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe SUBARU CROSSTREK has 968 NHTSA complaints and 16 recalls on record. 54 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 968 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 16 federal recall campaigns
- 54 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
16 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
SERVICE BRAKES
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
SUSPENSION:REAR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
SUSPENSION:REAR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 968 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
968 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
I was advised to file a report for a known problem with Subaru 2022 Crosstrek.It involves the infotainment system failures. These are listed in a Subaru service bulletin dated 1/28/25- head unit warranty extension. My issues primarily involve carplay but there have been other issues associated with Starlink system as well. The dealer has refused to fix this even though I have an extended warranty and the service bulletin covers the repair. I have replaced the cable and the phone and there are still ongoing problems. I am aware there is a class action lawsuit in process.
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a formal dispute and safety complaint regarding my 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Limited. On November 12, 2025, while driving at approximately 70 mph on the highway, the vehicle suddenly stopped operating automatically without warning. This was a terrifying and dangerous event for me and my family. We could have been seriously injured or worse. The service department later claimed that the issue might be related to the battery, but I am not convinced that this explanation is accurate or acceptable. A vehicle with only around 41,000 miles should not suddenly lose power or stop at highway speed. This is a serious safety defect and raises strong concerns about the vehicle’s reliability, engineering, and overall safety. I request that Subaru of America open a formal investigation into this incident and document it as part of my ongoing complaints. I also ask that this matter be reviewed under the Florida Lemon Law and BBB Auto Line programs, since this issue demonstrates a clear and dangerous failure of the vehicle’s systems that should not occur under normal operation. Please confirm receipt of this dispute and provide a case reference number and next steps for resolution. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] 786-718-0305 [XXX] et 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Limited VI [XXX] 29 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was driving on the highway in stop-and-go traffic when suddenly I found myself depressing the brake pedal to the floor and the car would not stop. Additionally, the eyesight function that prevents forward collisions did not alert for obstruction or stop the vehicle. I was able to put the vehicle in park and then tried to reengage the vehicle, but the brakes failed to respond. I was in the middle lane of a major highway. My vehicle could have harmed someone else, in addition to myself, and I was also at risk by being stopped in the middle of traffic. I could have died, had I been traveling at actual highways speed. No lights or warnings were on in the vehicle before, during, or after the incident. As of now, the dealership has been unable to replicate the issue, thought they still have the vehicle. They have not been able to identify the cause of the issue, but have also been unwilling to put the tests they have done in writing for me at this point. At this point, I have little confidence in my vehicle, despite it being a 2022 with low miles. I am terrified that this intermittent issue could happen again. The week prior, I had an experience where the acceleration and braking were not functioning as expected, but I had just pulled out of a parked position and this resolved after putting the vehicle in park and reengaging the vehicle.
Vehicle will randomly break while driving when there is nothing in the way. This worries me that it will happen while driving on the highway. It seems to be happening more frequently.
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start and was jumpstarted several times by a dealer’s mobile technician. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was determined that the battery was in good condition, and the failure could be related to the manual transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that a AAA technician who assisted in jumpstarting the vehicle confirmed that the alternator and the battery were in good condition. The technician informed the contact that the vehicle was experiencing a parasitic battery drain; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
1. Subaru 2022 Crosstrek accelerated on its own when foot is on the brake and trying to move the shifter knob to park, instead the car thursted into the parked car in front with such force that ran into the garage. 2. Towed car to Subaru dealer informed to escalate to Subaru of America, opened a case #250402-1600810, please see attached email communication. 3. Subaru will not respond unless I signed a consent to extract EDR (event data recorders) for inspection but denied me to be onsite or a copy of the files, The data retained from EDR is the property of the owner, per section 563.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. 4. 4 weeks later, Subaru issued the results of this vehicle indicate it has no brake, accelerator or throttle abnormalities. Also quoting the police report that I provided. 5. There was no EDR saved in the accident, Subaru cannot provide any summary or why the computer did not capture any of the events, the brake pedal, gas pedal, etc. 6. There has been over $12,000 damage on the Subaru, over $7,000 on the parked car, and the garage door. The insurance repair for the vehicles only address body work and no mention of the EDR testing, engine and throttle, eyesight, etc. 7. Subaru should be more transparent and issue the summary of the inspection from the team, not the Adovcacy (advocating for Subaru). The car battery went completely dead on March 14, 2025 and was told there is nothing wrong with it after the dealer service center look at it on March 15. The inspector was going to determine if the vehicle is drivable. 8. The car is under 3 year warranty with extended warranty for 7 years. I want a response from Subaru of America states that the Crosstrek 2022 is safe to drive and does not have an unintended acceleration issue since Subaru conducted the inspection.
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving in the parking lot and attempting to park, a sudden unintended acceleration occurred. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who informed the contact about the release of the EDR data. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
The front windshield has cracked all the way across the bottom without a reason, while I was parked at work. There were no prior chips or dings that would cause the windshield to crack all the way across. There were no outside factors that would have caused this either since the stop was only a few minutes and was in a completely empty parking lot. I’ve read online, and also heard from the glass repair shop while they seen if it would be fixable, that a large amount of people have experienced this same exact issue with the 2022 Crosstrek windshield spontaneously cracking. Never have I ever experienced this type of issue before with any of the cars i’ve owned previously.
The windshield in our 2022 Subaru Crosstrek has gained 2 cracks for no apparent reason. The windshield has cracked under normal stress/strain over a prolonged period of time. There was no incident that caused this unacceptable cracking. Furthermore it is unsafe. I do not look forward to paying replacement costs associated with eye-sight recalibration and winshield repair.... not sure why this vehicle isn't the class action lawsuit against Subaru of America with Powell et al... And of course we first noticed the cracks at about 40,000 miles. They just showed up one day, indicated that after prolonged strain they reached their breaking point.
The windshield cracks if you spit at it. It has had the original one, one from safelite and one from bright glass and it is now cracked again. To top it off, when it cracks, unless I put clear nail polish on it right away it splits the length of the window. The 2005 Crv has had a crack in its windshield for years. Not one cm bigger. The windshield is garbage.
can not see speedometer or RPM at night very dimly lit and the brightness control dose not work on these two instrument and also very hard to see in the rain you have to take your eyes off the road for 10 to 15 seconds to see how fast your going.I went off the road the other night because of this. Subaru said this is normal ???
See attached document for complaint
A pebble flew at the windshield with less than 1800 miles on it and chipped it. By the next morning the chip had spread to a crack spanning the length of my windshield. Replaced windshield. Several months later, same thing happened. Replaced windshield again. I am on my 3rd windshield in less than 36k miles.
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while his wife was idled in inclement weather, and the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle accelerated violently without warning. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a brick building. The air bags did not deploy. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for two months where the failure was not able to be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
my back-up camera is not working properly- very blurry/foggy01
I reached out to a local dealership to trade in my car. Upon getting there, they told me that I am in need of new tires. The car has only been driven 25k miles and they stated that new tires are needed. I have gone to this dealership prior and not once have they stated otherwise indicating or checking the issue as to why this is happening to this car. If it was something due to an alignment, then why was this not checked and indicated before the car’s tires are being worn out? Or, is this a manufacturer defect? Now, I have to get new tires on a car that has barely made it past 25k miles.
Car was pulled in to a parking spot in front of the store and stopped and suddenly moved forward over the curb, onto the sidewalk and then crashed into the doors and building.
Recall for LV terminal corrosion was sent. Dealerships had no appointments for 2 weeks. Made appointment at a dealer one week later, dropped off car. Dealer called and stated that parts would not be in for another week. They stated they did not have tools or parts for the repair yet. Not fixed in timely manner.
While driving the car down an open paved highway the moon roof exploded outward. There was no impact with anything.
The windshield is weak and cracks at a small piece of gravel going less than 40mph. I have had this 2022 crosstrek for less than a year and it has received a crack. My 2019 crosstrek received 4 windshield replacements due to cracking windshields. As a driver, I feel that Subaru has a weak windshield that cannot sustain any amount of trauma which feels unsafe. If one pebble can crack my windshield that blocks my visibility, I cannot see when I drive. This is dangerous. Subaru needs to address these issues.
Showing 20 of 968 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Subaru Crosstrek
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Subaru Crosstrek, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Subaru Crosstrek has 968 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Subaru Crosstrek has 16 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 54 of the Subaru Crosstrek's 968 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Subaru Crosstrek vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Subaru Crosstrek vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Subaru Crosstrek has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Subaru Crosstrek by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Subaru Crosstrek.
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Keep researching before you buy
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Subaru Crosstrek reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
Poor. The Subaru Crosstrek has 968 NHTSA owner complaints and 16 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is VISIBILITY/WIPER. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2019 (281 complaints), 2018 (194 complaints), 2021 (111 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Subaru Crosstrek problems?
Top reported issues: VISIBILITY/WIPER (286 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (224 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (148 complaints).
Does the Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?
Yes — 16 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Subaru Crosstrek. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.