Which Subaru Crosstrek years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2025 as the Crosstrek years with the highest complaint indexes (92, 77, 100, and 85 respectively), driven mainly by Visibility & Wipers issues.

Which Acura MDX years should I avoid?

2016, 2020, 2022, and 2025 stand out, with complaint indexes of 93, 79, 86, and 100. Engine problems are the top reported area across most MDX years.

Does the Crosstrek or MDX have more complaints?

The MDX has more total complaints, 1,999 versus 1,174 for the Crosstrek, and more recall campaigns, 22 versus 13. NHTSA does not publish sales data, so these totals are not adjusted per vehicle sold.

Which model gets better fuel economy?

The Crosstrek averages 28.8 MPG combined while the MDX averages 20.7 MPG combined, reflecting the Crosstrek's smaller size and the MDX's three-row SUV format.

What are the top problem areas for each model?

For the Crosstrek, Visibility & Wipers leads at 29% of complaints, followed by Electrical System at 19%. For the MDX, Engine issues lead at 39%, followed by Electrical System and Transmission & Powertrain, each at 20%.

Subaru Crosstrek vs Acura MDX: Which Years to Avoid

Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2025; Acura MDX years to avoid are 2016, 2020, 2022 and 2025. The Crosstrek logs 1,174 total complaints (84 per model year, 13 recalls) versus the MDX's 1,999 total complaints (133 per model year, 22 recalls). Crosstrek averages 28.8 MPG combined; MDX averages 20.7 MPG.

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 ★

Acura MDX

Model years: 2010–2025 (15)
NHTSA complaints: 1,999
Per model year: 133
Recall campaigns: 22
Years to avoid: 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025
Best years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 20.7
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.9 ★

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				MDX
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	—	—	—	—	Best	45	1	18
2011	—	—	—	—	Best	70	0	18
2012	No verdict	2	0	—	Best	76	1	18
2013	Best	26	1	—	Best	29	1	18
2014	Best	16	1	—	Caution	170	8	22
2015	Best	17	1	—	Good	71	8	22
2016	Caution	131	1	—	Avoid	374	7	22
2017	Good	94	1	27.5	Caution	255	8	22
2018	Caution	194	5	27	Caution	165	10	22
2019	Avoid	284	7	29	Caution	188	9	22.5
2020	Good	69	0	30	Avoid	221	8	22.5
2021	Avoid	115	1	29.5	—	—	—	—
2022	Good	31	0	29	Avoid	152	2	21
2023	Caution	34	0	29.5	Good	39	2	21
2024	Avoid	118	2	29	Good	39	2	21
2025	Avoid	43	0	29	Avoid	105	3	21

Complaint Index by year

Subaru Crosstrek

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

Acura MDX

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

Frequently asked questions

Which Subaru Crosstrek years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2025 as the Crosstrek years with the highest complaint indexes (92, 77, 100, and 85 respectively), driven mainly by Visibility & Wipers issues.
Which Acura MDX years should I avoid?: 2016, 2020, 2022, and 2025 stand out, with complaint indexes of 93, 79, 86, and 100. Engine problems are the top reported area across most MDX years.
Does the Crosstrek or MDX have more complaints?: The MDX has more total complaints, 1,999 versus 1,174 for the Crosstrek, and more recall campaigns, 22 versus 13. NHTSA does not publish sales data, so these totals are not adjusted per vehicle sold.
Which model gets better fuel economy?: The Crosstrek averages 28.8 MPG combined while the MDX averages 20.7 MPG combined, reflecting the Crosstrek's smaller size and the MDX's three-row SUV format.
What are the top problem areas for each model?: For the Crosstrek, Visibility & Wipers leads at 29% of complaints, followed by Electrical System at 19%. For the MDX, Engine issues lead at 39%, followed by Electrical System and Transmission & Powertrain, each at 20%.