YearToAvoid

2014 Subaru Crosstrek Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

15/100

#12 most-complained of 14 Crosstrek years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2014 Subaru Crosstrek ranks 12th of 14 model years for reported problems, with a Complaint Index of just 15 and a "Best" verdict. NHTSA lists 16 complaints, 1 recall, 2 crashes, and 1 fire for this year, far fewer than later model years like 2019 or 2024.

Complaints
16
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
2 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2014 Subaru Crosstrek problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Transmission & Powertrain7 (44%)
  2. Electrical System4 (25%)
  3. Engine3 (19%)
  4. Other3 (19%)
  5. Brakes2 (13%)
  6. Structure & Body1 (6%)
  7. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (6%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle catching fire while parked and turned off, with fire department findings pointing to mechanical failure rather than arson, at a median 60,000 miles.
  • Some drivers describe the engine suddenly revving while parking, leading to a crash into a barrier, with no diagnosis found afterward.
  • Brakes reportedly failed to stop the vehicle in time during slowing maneuvers, causing rear-end collisions, at a median 60,000 miles for brake complaints.
  • Owners describe repeated headlight failures requiring multiple replacements, tied to the electrical system recall.
  • Transmission complaints include winding noises during acceleration, delayed acceleration response, and needing two front axle replacements before 100,000 miles, at a median 69,000 miles.
  • Multiple dashboard warning lights (ABS, traction control, check engine) reportedly illuminate together along with sluggish acceleration and cruise control malfunction near 100,000 miles.
2014 Subaru Crosstrek complaints: complaints filed per month4Jul 2017Nov 2017Oct 2018Dec 2018Apr 2019Jun 2019
21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2017 to Jul 2019; peak May 2019 (4).

2014 Subaru Crosstrek recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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.

2014 compared with other Crosstrek years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2012No verdict020—
2013Best23261—
2014Best15161—
2015Best8171—
2016Caution541311—

All Subaru Crosstrek years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2014 Crosstrek ranks 12th out of 14 model years, with a low Complaint Index of 15 and a "Best" verdict relative to other Crosstrek years.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek?
NHTSA data shows the top problem area is Transmission & Powertrain, accounting for 7 of 16 complaints (44%), followed by Electrical System issues at 25%.
Does the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 19V149000) covering the electrical system, related to exposure that could affect brake light switch function.
At what mileage do 2014 Crosstrek problems typically appear?
The median mileage at failure across all reported issues is 60,000 miles, though transmission complaints show a median of 69,000 miles.
How does the 2014 Crosstrek compare to the 2019 or 2024 model years?
The 2014 model has a Complaint Index of 15, much lower than the 2019 (92) and 2024 (100) model years, which both carry "Avoid" verdicts.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.