2013 Subaru Crosstrek Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
23/100
#11 most-complained of 14 Crosstrek years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2013 Subaru Crosstrek ranks 11th out of 14 model years, with a Complaint Index of 23 and a "Best" verdict relative to other Crosstrek years. NHTSA lists 26 complaints, 1 recall, and 2 fire reports, with Engine issues topping the list at 46% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 26
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2013 Subaru Crosstrek problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine12 (46%)
- Electrical System7 (27%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (15%)
- Brakes2 (8%)
- Other2 (8%)
- Airbags1 (4%)
- Fuel System1 (4%)
- Seat Belts1 (4%)
- Structure & Body1 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report the passenger door catching fire near the door panel wiring at a median mileage of 51,300 for electrical issues, with smoke and sparks continuing even after the engine was shut off.
- Some describe a parked vehicle catching fire from a wiring fault in the rear hatchback area, with melted plastic and burnt papers found nearby.
- Brake light switch failures are reported, sometimes preceded by intermittent hill assist, ABS, and traction control warning lights before the switch failed completely.
- Low-beam headlight bulbs reportedly burned out repeatedly on the same side of the vehicle without any accident history.
- Front CV joint failures are described, producing a loud clicking noise during turns at 66,100 miles.
- Owners report CVT solenoid valve cracking followed by a full transmission replacement, occurring during acceleration from a stop or highway speed.
2013 Subaru Crosstrek recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V149000Feb 28, 2019Electrical System1,303,530 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
2013 compared with other Crosstrek years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
- Relative to other Crosstrek model years, the 2013 has a Complaint Index of 23 and is rated "Best," ranking 11th out of 14 years, with only 26 complaints and 1 recall on file with NHTSA.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek?
- Engine issues make up 46% of complaints, followed by Electrical System problems at 27% and Transmission & Powertrain issues at 15%, according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek have a fire risk?
- NHTSA has 2 fire reports for the 2013 Crosstrek, both tied to Electrical System complaints, out of 26 total complaints filed.
- Does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Crosstrek, covering the brake light switch, which Subaru dealers replace free of charge.
- At what mileage do 2013 Crosstrek problems typically show up?
- Median mileage at failure across all complaint categories is 68,050 miles, with Engine problems showing a lower median of 48,500 miles and Transmission & Powertrain issues at 74,141 miles.