What is the worst year for the Subaru XV CrossTrek?

The 2014 model year has the highest complaint index at 100, based on NHTSA owner complaints, making it the worst year in this dataset.

Which Subaru XV CrossTrek years should I avoid?

NHTSA complaint data flags 2013 and 2014 as Avoid years, with complaint indexes of 75 and 100. The 2015 model is rated Caution at an index of 50.

Are there recalls on the 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek?

Yes. The 2013 model has two recall campaigns, including one covering engine valve springs shared with certain Impreza and BRZ models.

Is the 2016 or 2017 XV CrossTrek reliable?

Both years show very few complaints, only 3 each, with complaint indexes of 0 and 25, but the small sample size means this can't be ranked with confidence.

What is the most common problem area across all XV CrossTrek years?

Engine issues top the list at 29% of all 262 complaints, followed by Electrical System at 21% and Transmission & Powertrain at 20%.

Subaru XV CrossTrek Best and Worst Years (2013–2017)

Avoid the 2013 and 2014 Subaru XV CrossTrek, with complaint indexes of 75 and 100, the two worst years on record. 2015 rates Caution at 50; 2016 and 2017 have too few complaints to rank confidently.

Avoid 2013 Avoid 2014

Model years: 5; 2013–2017
NHTSA complaints: 262
Recall campaigns: 3
Crashes reported: 19
Fires reported: 4
Top problem area: Engine

XV 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.

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

Subaru XV CrossTrek problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2013	Avoid	75	97	5	2	2	Engine	26.5	—
2014	Avoid	100	81	8	1	0	Electrical System	28	5★
2015	Caution	50	78	5	1	1	Engine	29	5★
2016	No verdict	0	3	0	0	0	Electrical System	29	—
2017	No verdict	25	3	1	0	0	Engine	—	—

XV CrossTrek years to avoid: what went wrong

2014 Subaru XV CrossTrek Index 100 · 81 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2014 XV CrossTrek has the highest complaint index of any year, 100, despite no recalls being issued. Electrical System complaints lead at 25% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 59,600 miles. Owners reported a steering wheel seizing at 40 mph leading to a crash, unintended acceleration after braking, and a vehicle rolling unexpectedly while in reverse. Eight crashes and six injuries were reported, the highest injury count among all XV CrossTrek years in this dataset.

2014 electrical system problems →2014 engine problems →

2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek Index 75 · 97 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2013 XV CrossTrek carries a complaint index of 75 with 97 total complaints, the second-worst year. Engine problems dominate at 39% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 72,000 miles. Transmission & Powertrain issues follow at 22% (median 65,500 miles). Two recalls apply, including one for engine valve springs shared with the 2012-2014 Impreza and 2013 BRZ. Owners reported engine fires, including one involving smoke filling the cabin, and a steering-related stall tied to a collision. Five crashes and two fires were reported for this year.

2013 engine problems →2013 transmission & powertrain problems →2013 electrical system problems →

Most common Subaru XV CrossTrek problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine76 (29%)
Other58 (22%)
Electrical System56 (21%)
Transmission & Powertrain53 (20%)
Brakes30 (11%)
Steering19 (7%)
Airbags17 (6%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (5%)
Visibility & Wipers12 (5%)
Fuel System10 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What is the worst year for the Subaru XV CrossTrek?: The 2014 model year has the highest complaint index at 100, based on NHTSA owner complaints, making it the worst year in this dataset.
Which Subaru XV CrossTrek years should I avoid?: NHTSA complaint data flags 2013 and 2014 as Avoid years, with complaint indexes of 75 and 100. The 2015 model is rated Caution at an index of 50.
Are there recalls on the 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek?: Yes. The 2013 model has two recall campaigns, including one covering engine valve springs shared with certain Impreza and BRZ models.
Is the 2016 or 2017 XV CrossTrek reliable?: Both years show very few complaints, only 3 each, with complaint indexes of 0 and 25, but the small sample size means this can't be ranked with confidence.
What is the most common problem area across all XV CrossTrek years?: Engine issues top the list at 29% of all 262 complaints, followed by Electrical System at 21% and Transmission & Powertrain at 20%.