2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 96 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek has 96 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Xv Crosstrek
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 96
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 28
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 25 / 32
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek?
The 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially engine and transmission.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection focused on electrical and steering systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially engine and transmission.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection focused on electrical and steering systems.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 96 NHTSA complaints for the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek, the data suggests that engine problems and transmission/drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported concerns. However, with low confidence and only one model year analyzed, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints (35 out of 96).
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are the second most reported component (21 complaints).
- There are 2 recalls associated with this model year.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
All 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 35 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I have been working with Subaru of America and Capital Subaru service in San Jose, CA for a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek XV 2.0 CVT automatic engine shortly after we bought it used for multiple faulty known engine problems with this specific make and model. Since we have owned the vehic…
When the car is put in park the key will not come out of the ignition. Sometimes to be removed from ignition. Therefore the key will get stuck. The transmission has to be put back in drive and then back into park for the ignition system to recycle and release the key.sometimes …
Within 10 days of purchasing this vehicle a certified Subaru dealership documented the following safety defects. Both front CV axles failing and clicking on turns creating loss of vehicle control risk. EPS electronic power steering fault codes creating safety critical steering co…
I was t-boned on 11/7 on the driver side door of the car. My car is totaled and the airbags, knee and curtain did not deploy and I was hit almost dead on on the B pillar. Unknown if the problem has been reproduced by the dealer.My knee is still hurting from the accident and my he…
The engine stalled unexpectedly during operation. I noticed a sudden loss of power, and the vehicle shut off without warning. This has happened more than once, posing a safety concern.
THE ENGIN MALFUNCTIONED. MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS WAS AT RISK BECAUSE WHEN AN ENGIN FAILS WHILE DRIVING IT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS CRASH. THE VALVE SPRING WHICH IS LOCATED INSIDE THE ENGIN OF THE VEHICLE DID FRACTURE WHICH RESULTED IN THE ENGIN STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND W…
The dashboard light says that the airbag is OFF, while it is occupied by a large teenager (over 100lbs) in the Right Front passenger seat. Teenager was buckled into moving vehicle when this concern was observed. Front Right passenger airbag has never been deactivated by owner…
The fan in my car, that controls the heat/air-conditioning, went out causing my windows to fog up since it was raining & I couldn't use the dehumidifier. I couldn't see & had to manually wipe my windshield several times & drive with my hazard lights on in order to get the car hom…
At various times of day or night, the brake lights turn on, while there is no one in the vehicle. The vehicle sits parked and is locked with the security on, and the lights just randomly turn on by themselves. The only way to turn the lights off is to go into the vehicle and step…
A piece of the sunroof assembly punctured through the headliner into the passenger seat area of the vehicle. The piece is a sharp 10 inch spike with a spring wrapped around it. Had the piece come into the driver side or if there had been a passenger. It would have gone into t…
The recall Type: Safety Service Campaign:WTY84 NHTSA Campaign: 18V772000 FB20 Valve Spring Replacement was reported completed by the manufacturer Subaru has no record of it being done. My car is now experiencing symptoms of this recall when I had no issues prior and want me to pa…
The key will not come out of the ignition when turned off and in park. The battery runs with no way to turn it off. This is a known issue with a defective part. Subaru will not cover the repair.
2.0L Engine Valve Spring Fracture may Cause Engine stall and excessive oil leaks that migrates in the catalytic converter causing fumes that linger inside the car with a very strong smell.
The electrical harness to the variable fan speed switch overheated melting the harness and switch.
For the record I'm going to list the items here I'd rather them go down in writing then for my words to not have a witness. 1- safety : the Bluetooth connection is busted and crackling for both me and the caller 2- Automation: nothing happens automatic in this car the locks do n…
While slowing to turn into a turn lane, my care unexpectedly accelerated to a very high speed, causing me to crash straight into a signal light post. The light post was knocked over by the force of impact. The car ended up around the corner, facing the opposite direction and ha…
MY 2013 SUBARU CROSSTREK stalled on the highway in March 2023 while I was driving home from work. I brought it to Hassett Subaru in Wantagh because a friend told me that there was a recall on the spring valve (from 5 years ago, which I was never notified of). Vlad Oriol wanted to…
Driving on the freeway my car lost power i pulled off to the side and tried to restart it. As I have the ignition turned over for 30 to 40 seconds the starter sounded erratic and the oil temperature light was flashing. I sat there for about ten minutes and tried again and it did…
Unable to turn off vehicle and remove key from ignition when vehicle is in park.
Engine burst into flames during normal highway driving. Vehicle was well-maintained with all scheduled maintenance performed during the life of the vehicle. CEL was lit approximately 1 week before fire but driveability was normal.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek.
2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 96 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek?▾
#1: Engine Problems (35 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (21 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (19 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 96 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek?▾
The 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Xv Crosstrek reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.