Subaru Crosstrek Best and Worst Years (2012–2025)
Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2025, based on NHTSA complaint index scores of 92, 77, 100, and 85. The best years are 2013, 2014, and 2015, with complaint index scores of 23, 15, and 8. Visibility & Wipers issues dominate complaints across most model years.
Avoid 2019Avoid 2021Avoid 2024Avoid 2025Best 2013Best 2014Best 2015
- Model years
- 14
- 2012–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,174
- Recall campaigns
- 13
- Crashes reported
- 61
- Fires reported
- 16
- Top problem area
- Visibility & Wipers
Crosstrek Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Subaru Crosstrek problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | No verdict | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | — | — |
| 2013 | Best | 23 | 26 | 1 | 2 | 1 | Engine | — | — |
| 2014 | Best | 15 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | — | — |
| 2015 | Best | 8 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Engine | — | — |
| 2016 | Caution | 54 | 131 | 4 | 3 | 1 | Electrical System | — | 5★ |
| 2017 | Good | 38 | 94 | 5 | 2 | 1 | Visibility & Wipers | 27.5 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 69 | 194 | 10 | 1 | 5 | Visibility & Wipers | 27 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Avoid | 92 | 284 | 6 | 3 | 7 | Visibility & Wipers | 29 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Good | 46 | 69 | 6 | 0 | 0 | Visibility & Wipers | 30 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Avoid | 77 | 115 | 8 | 2 | 1 | Visibility & Wipers | 29.5 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Good | 31 | 31 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Visibility & Wipers | 29 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Caution | 62 | 34 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Visibility & Wipers | 29.5 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Avoid | 100 | 118 | 10 | 2 | 2 | Visibility & Wipers | 29 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Avoid | 85 | 43 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Visibility & Wipers | 29 | 5★ |
Crosstrek years to avoid: what went wrong
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Index 100 · 118 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2024 Crosstrek has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, with 118 complaints, ranking worst overall. Visibility & Wipers issues lead at 19% (median 16,100 miles), followed by Electrical System problems at 18% (median just 60 miles) and Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues at 11%. Two recalls apply: cracking front driveshaft outer races and an instrument panel wiring harness that can rub against the steering beam bracket. Owners reported sudden acceleration, brake failure while driving in snow, and unwanted adaptive cruise control intervention.
2024 visibility & wipers problems →2024 electrical system problems →
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Index 92 · 284 complaints · 7 recalls
The 2019 Crosstrek carries a complaint index of 92 and 284 complaints, the second-worst rank among all years. Visibility & Wipers issues make up 43% of complaints at a median mileage of 12,000, followed by Electrical System problems at 19% (median 8,202.5 miles) and Engine issues at 15% (median 9,771 miles). NHTSA lists seven recalls for this year, including an ignition coil ECM issue, loose rear stabilizer bracket bolts, and a rear seat belt locking defect. Owners also reported unexpected vehicle movement and acceleration incidents.
2019 visibility & wipers problems →2019 electrical system problems →2019 engine problems →
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Index 85 · 43 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2025 Crosstrek has a complaint index of 85, ranking third-worst despite having no recalls yet. Visibility & Wipers complaints lead at 28% (median 6,000 miles), followed by Lane Departure issues at 23% and Electrical System problems at 16% (median 11,000 miles). Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in a side-impact crash, sudden unexpected acceleration events, and problematic headlights with dark spots and dim illumination.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Index 77 · 115 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2021 Crosstrek has a complaint index of 77, ranking fourth-worst. Visibility & Wipers problems account for 29% of complaints (median 4,080 miles), with Engine issues at 17% (median 1,300 miles) and Electrical System complaints at 15% (median 27,000 miles). One recall addresses a faulty inhibitor switch weld that can let water in and cause failure. Owners described unexpected acceleration events, brake response problems, and one report of an engine compartment fire.
2021 visibility & wipers problems →2021 engine problems →2021 electrical system problems →
Most common Subaru Crosstrek problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Visibility & Wipers341 (29%)
- Other277 (24%)
- Electrical System228 (19%)
- Engine188 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain114 (10%)
- Steering58 (5%)
- Brakes56 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras54 (5%)
- Structure & Body52 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires43 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Subaru Crosstrek should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the Crosstrek years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2025, with complaint index scores of 92, 77, 100, and 85 respectively.
- What are the best Subaru Crosstrek years?
- The 2013, 2014, and 2015 Crosstrek model years score best, with complaint index values of 23, 15, and 8 based on NHTSA owner complaints.
- Does the Subaru Crosstrek have a transmission recall?
- Yes. The 2021 Crosstrek was recalled for an inhibitor switch weld defect that can let water in, and the 2024 Crosstrek was recalled for cracking front driveshaft outer races.
- What is the most common Crosstrek complaint?
- Visibility & Wipers issues are the top problem area across all Crosstrek years, accounting for 341 complaints, or 29% of the 1,174 total complaints.
- Is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
- The 2024 Crosstrek has the highest complaint index of any model year at 100, based on NHTSA owner complaints, making it the year with the most reported problems relative to other Crosstrek years.