How common are engine problems in the 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek?

NHTSA lists 38 engine-related complaints for the 2013 XV CrossTrek, which is 39% of all 97 complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2013 XV CrossTrek is 72,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek engine?

Yes. NHTSA recall 18V772000 covers the engine valve springs on the 2013 XV CrossTrek and related Subaru and Toyota models; dealers replace the valve springs free of charge.

Did any 2013 XV CrossTrek engine complaints involve fires or crashes?

Yes. NHTSA records show 2 fires and 3 crashes among the engine-related complaints filed for the 2013 XV CrossTrek.

2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek Engine Problems

Engine complaints make up 39% of all 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek complaints (38 of 97), with a median failure mileage of 72,000 miles. NHTSA also lists a related recall, 18V772000, for engine valve springs. Excessive oil consumption, stalling, and engine fires are the most reported patterns.

Engine complaints: 38; 39% of 97
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 72,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report excessive oil consumption, sometimes needing a quart added every 1,200 to 3,500 miles, with the low-oil warning light not always triggering in time.
Some owners describe unexpected loss of power or stalling at low speeds, such as when slowing toward a stop sign or accelerating from a light, with the engine computer needing to be reflashed.
Several complaints describe engine fires occurring during normal highway driving, in some cases preceded by a check engine light appearing about a week earlier.
One report describes unintended acceleration while slowing to turn, resulting in a crash.
Owners linked some of these issues to NHTSA recall 18V772000, covering engine valve springs, and reported long wait times for parts and repairs under that recall.

When 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 17, 2014, latest Apr 9, 2026.

38 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2014 to Apr 2026; peak Jan 2019 (4).

Engine recalls for the 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek

NHTSA 18V772000Nov 1, 2018Engine165,534 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.

Engine complaints by XV CrossTrek model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201338 (39%)
201416 (20%)
201519 (24%)
20161 (33%)
20172 (67%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek?: NHTSA lists 38 engine-related complaints for the 2013 XV CrossTrek, which is 39% of all 97 complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2013 XV CrossTrek is 72,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek engine?: Yes. NHTSA recall 18V772000 covers the engine valve springs on the 2013 XV CrossTrek and related Subaru and Toyota models; dealers replace the valve springs free of charge.
Did any 2013 XV CrossTrek engine complaints involve fires or crashes?: Yes. NHTSA records show 2 fires and 3 crashes among the engine-related complaints filed for the 2013 XV CrossTrek.