Crosstrek (GT)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Naturally Aspirated
2.0L 4-cyl / 152 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
NA
2.5L 4-cyl / 182 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Subaru Crosstrek Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
2.0-I4-Hybrid
2.0L 4-cyl / 137 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek
That's near the typical rate for PHEVs in this dataset (median 2.8 per year). Within the normal range for the category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 12 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Charge port, cable, mobile connector, or session failures.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Battery & propulsion recalls (1)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles. The harness terminal that supplies low-voltage power from the converter to the 12-Volt battery may corrode and break, preventing the 12-Volt battery from charging.
Consequence: A 12-Volt battery that is unable to recharge can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Sample complaint excerpts
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2019] The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the vehicle decelerated and lost drive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road, where the vehicle completely shut off and lost power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with battery failure. The battery was
- [2019] The car's hybrid system failed. The problem was a poorly protected electrical cable and connector that is exposed under the car. It corroded and failed. The dealer cleaned it and it works again, but they think the issue will be ongoing. May be related to Manufacturer Recall Number: WRD23 / NHTSA Recall Number:23V080000
- [2020] While driving 2020 Crosstrek Hybrid, the dashboard lights suddenly flashed and then engine stalled, leaving me with no brakes and no steering. I rolled through straight through an intersection with four stop signs and I could not stop. Luckily no one was driving or walking at the time. I couldn't start car, even with a jump start. I bought a new Interstate battery with higher specs. Three days
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2019] The manufacturer has failed to repair an open recall in a timely manner. Our Crosstrek Hybrid's 12-volt battery frequently needs charging and has been jumped a half dozen times in as many months and replaced twice since November.
- [2019] I'VE HAD REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH THE 12V BATTERY IN MY 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK HYBRID. THE VEHICLE HAS SOME SORT OF ELECTRICAL "LEAKAGE" ISSUE THAT DRAINS THE BATTERY AFTER SITTING FOR A FEW DAYS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE; CAR WILL NOT START, YOU CANNOT EVEN UNLOCK THE DOORS. IN 18 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP, THE CAR HAS STRANDED ME SEVERAL TIMES. ONE INCIDENT JUST REQUIR
- [2019] THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER, AND THE BATTERY FAILED IN APRIL AFTER MULTIPLE DEAD BATTERIES AND JUMP STARTS. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AS 'DEFECTIVE.' THE CAR WAS JUMPED AGAIN FOR A DEAD BATTERY IN JUNE. THE BATTERY DIED AGAIN IN JULY, AND THE TECH SAID THAT THE REASON WAS THAT THE CAR HAD TO BE DRIVEN EVERY 5 DAYS OR THE BATTERY WOULD BE DEAD. IN AUGUST, THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN AND AGAIN THE DIA
Charging System
- [2019] I PURCHASED A NEW 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE FROM OCEAN SUBARU OF FULLERTON CA ON JULY26, 2019. A CHARGING CABLE W/ CHARGING CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING DEVICE CAME STANDARD EQUIPMENT W/ MY VEHICLE. WHEN I USED THE CABLE TO CHARGE MY VEHICLE, I WAS GOING TO INSERT THE CHARGER PLUG (3 PRONG PLUG) INTO MY 110V OUTLET. BUT IN ORDER TO DO IT, I WOULD NEED TO TWIST THE CORD THAT EXTENDS FROM
- [2020] This vehicle is a plug-in-hybrid. It should not be able to move while plugged in. Problem is attempting to move the vehicle when the charge cable is still attached and the vehicle is on an incline. Subaru does not display a warning message - instead it displays "check engine" and an ambiguous symbol (a red steering wheel). Subaru disables the power to wheels that would have enabled the driver to
- [2020] Car is a Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Car was connected to its electrical charge cable The connector is a type SAE J1772 When the connector is connected to the car, the ignition is supposed to be disabled, and the car is not supposed to be able to be removed from Park. Neither safety system was operable. When the car was moved, it broke the connector, exposing the bare pins. Hazard - potential exposur
High-Voltage Battery
- [2019] The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the vehicle decelerated and lost drive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road, where the vehicle completely shut off and lost power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with battery failure. The battery was
- [2019] 2 battery failures in 2 years of purchasing vehicle. I am on my third battery in less than two years. Incidents occurred 15, 19, 23 and 24 months into car ownership. 4 battery / electrical related dealer service visits in 2 years. 2 times the car was immobilized due to battery failure, would not start and required a tow to dealership service. On 3 occasions lost car audio - no audio map di
Electric Propulsion
- [2019] I own a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid with recurring fuel-system and EVAP failures that I believe present a serious safety risk. On 12/9/2025, the vehicle experienced a total loss of motive power while I was driving in dense traffic on a busy expressway. The vehicle suddenly lost propulsion in the middle lane and slowed down to a near crawl, creating an immediate risk of being struck. The event wa
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Subaru Crosstrek, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek
On a used 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (125), the engine (98) and the transmission and drivetrain (61). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 125 owner complaints on the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 98 owner complaints on the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 61 owner complaints on the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 48 owner complaints on the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Recalls (11)
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles. The harness terminal that supplies low-voltage power from the converter to the 12-Volt battery may corrode and break, preventing the 12-Volt battery from charging.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
Show 6 older recalls
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The driver's side rear-door window glass may be improperly tempered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Crosstrek vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect floor mat retention bracket, allowing the floor mat to move out of position and interfere with the accelerator or brake pedal operation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek complaints?
Owners have filed 728 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the engine and the transmission.
Is the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 728 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA has 728 owner complaints on file for the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek?
NHTSA lists 11 recalls covering some 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Subaru Crosstrek?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the engine and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Crosstrek?
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.6% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 728 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.