Subaru

Crosstrek (GT)

2018-2023 · Compact SUV · 2 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.5)
688 NHTSA Complaints
10 Recalls
6 Fire Reports
35 Crash Reports
Includes data from: CROSSTREKCROSSTREK HYBRID
View all 3 generations of the Subaru Crosstrek → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

NA

2.5L 4-cyl / 182 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.5)
92 complaints 30.3 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
48
safety systems
18
engine
11
electrical
6
brakes
5

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (18 complaints)
Engine Issues (11 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (6 complaints)

Naturally Aspirated

2.0L 4-cyl / 152 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.1)
545 complaints 90.8 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
299
electrical
91
engine
68
transmission
47
safety systems
21

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (91 complaints)
Typical onset: 32,500–50,540 mi Est. repair: $750–$1,200 (5 reports)
Engine Issues (68 complaints)
Typical onset: 15,500–47,250 mi
Transmission Issues (47 complaints)

1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Subaru Crosstrek regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (97 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (79 complaints)
engine critical
Transmission Issues (48 complaints)
transmission critical
Safety Systems Issues (18 complaints)
safety_systems critical

Recalls (10)

23V755000Sep 10, 2023serious
Powertrain

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.

21V263000Apr 14, 2021serious
Suspension

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.

21V264000Apr 14, 2021serious
Electrical System

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.

20V189000Mar 30, 2020serious
Seat Belts

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.

19V404000May 29, 2019serious
Visibility

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."

19V743000Oct 17, 2019serious
Electrical System

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.

19V744000Oct 16, 2019serious
Engine & Cooling

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.

19V065000Jun 1, 2019serious
Steering

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.

19V856000Feb 11, 2019serious
Engine & Cooling

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.

17V701000Jul 10, 2017serious
Service Brakes

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.

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.

Does the Crosstrek have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 688 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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