Crosstrek (GT)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
NA
2.5L 4-cyl / 182 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Naturally Aspirated
2.0L 4-cyl / 152 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek
That's below the typical rate for PHEVs in this dataset (median 5.7 per year). Battery & propulsion complaints are lower than peer average for this category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 11 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.
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
- [2022] When starting the vehicle in a narrow area, the reverse automatic braking will sometimes activate. This causes the anti-lock brake system to actuate while the car is backing up making a rapid clicking noise. After backing up approximately 6-8 feet, the vehicle will stall, the steering wheel will lock, and all warning dash lights such as "check engine" will be on. Air conditioning codes are trigger
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
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.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Subaru Crosstrek regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (10)
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek problems?
The 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek has accumulated 688 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Subaru Crosstrek engine is most reliable?
The 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek a good used car?
The 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 688 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek have?
The 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek has 688 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek?
There are 10 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Subaru Crosstrek?
Before buying a used Subaru Crosstrek, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Engine, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 688 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.