Which years should I avoid on the Subaru Crosstrek and GMC Acadia?

For the Crosstrek, NHTSA data flags 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2025 as years to avoid. For the Acadia, the flagged years are 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Which model has more reported problems overall?

The GMC Acadia has 3,937 total complaints across 16 model years (246 per model year), compared to the Subaru Crosstrek's 1,174 complaints across 14 model years (84 per model year). These totals are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.

How do the two compare on recalls?

NHTSA lists 31 recall campaigns for the Acadia versus 13 for the Crosstrek across their respective model years covered.

Which is more fuel efficient?

The Crosstrek averages 28.8 mpg combined versus the Acadia's 20.7 mpg combined. Individual year figures range up to 30 mpg combined for the 2020 Crosstrek and up to 23 mpg combined for several Acadia years.

What are the top problem areas for each model?

The Crosstrek's largest complaint category is Visibility & Wipers at 341 complaints (29% share). The Acadia's largest category is Electrical System at 952 complaints (24% share).

Subaru Crosstrek vs GMC Acadia: Which Years to Avoid

Subaru Crosstrek owners should avoid 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2025, while GMC Acadia owners should avoid 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Crosstrek averages 84 complaints per model year against Acadia's 246, and Crosstrek gets better fuel economy (28.8 vs 20.7 mpg combined), but totals aren't sales-normalized.

Head to head

Subaru Crosstrek

Model years: 2012–2025 (14)
NHTSA complaints: 1,174
Per model year: 84
Recall campaigns: 13
Years to avoid: 2019, 2021, 2024, 2025
Best years: 2013, 2014, 2015
Top problem area: Visibility & Wipers
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 28.8
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 5.0 ★

GMC Acadia

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 3,937
Per model year: 246
Recall campaigns: 31
Years to avoid: 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019
Best years: 2013, 2020, 2022, 2023
Top problem area: Electrical System
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 20.7
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 5.0 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	Crosstrek				Acadia
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	—	—	—	—	Caution	342	4	19
2011	—	—	—	—	Caution	269	5	19
2012	No verdict	2	0	—	Caution	296	5	19
2013	Best	26	1	—	Best	135	3	18.5
2014	Best	16	1	—	Avoid	462	6	18.5
2015	Best	17	1	—	Good	243	4	19
2016	Caution	131	1	—	Good	236	4	17.5
2017	Good	94	1	27.5	Avoid	703	4	20.5
2018	Caution	194	5	27	Avoid	395	2	22
2019	Avoid	284	7	29	Avoid	386	2	21.5
2020	Good	69	0	30	Best	104	6	23
2021	Avoid	115	1	29.5	Good	149	2	23
2022	Good	31	0	29	Best	49	3	23
2023	Caution	34	0	29.5	Best	43	4	23
2024	Avoid	118	2	29	Good	60	0	22
2025	Avoid	43	0	29	Caution	65	0	22

Complaint Index by year

Subaru Crosstrek

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

GMC Acadia

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which years should I avoid on the Subaru Crosstrek and GMC Acadia?: For the Crosstrek, NHTSA data flags 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2025 as years to avoid. For the Acadia, the flagged years are 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Which model has more reported problems overall?: The GMC Acadia has 3,937 total complaints across 16 model years (246 per model year), compared to the Subaru Crosstrek's 1,174 complaints across 14 model years (84 per model year). These totals are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.
How do the two compare on recalls?: NHTSA lists 31 recall campaigns for the Acadia versus 13 for the Crosstrek across their respective model years covered.
Which is more fuel efficient?: The Crosstrek averages 28.8 mpg combined versus the Acadia's 20.7 mpg combined. Individual year figures range up to 30 mpg combined for the 2020 Crosstrek and up to 23 mpg combined for several Acadia years.
What are the top problem areas for each model?: The Crosstrek's largest complaint category is Visibility & Wipers at 341 complaints (29% share). The Acadia's largest category is Electrical System at 952 complaints (24% share).