Subaru Crosstrek problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The most significant documented Crosstrek problems are engine-related recalls: valve springs that can fracture on the 2013 XV Crosstrek, and an engine computer fault that can damage ignition coils plus a PCV valve that can break apart on 2018–2019 models. The 2013 XV Crosstrek was also in a court-approved oil-consumption settlement.

CarWhere lists 9 documented Crosstrek issues, including 8 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Crosstrek generations at a glance

Subaru Crosstrek generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
First generation (XV Crosstrek)2013–2017Engine valve springs may fracture (recall 18V772) · Brake light switch may fail (recall 19V149) · Oil consumption: 2.0L FB engine class settlement
Second generation2018–2023Engine computer can overheat ignition coils (recall 21V264) · PCV valve can break apart inside the engine (recall 19V744) · Rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen (recall 21V263) · Hybrid 12-volt charging terminal may corrode (recall 23V080)
Third generation2024 onwardInstrument panel wiring may short against a bracket (recall 23V551) · Hybrid fuel cap seal may let fuel spill (recall 26V106)

First generation (XV Crosstrek) Crosstrek problems (2013–2017)

Engine valve springs may fracture (recall 18V772) (2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (XV Crosstrek) (2013–2017)
Years:
2013
Powertrain:
All

Valve springs in certain 2013 XV Crosstreks (and 2012–2014 Imprezas, 2013 BRZs and Scion FR-S) may fracture, causing engine malfunction or a stall. Dealers replace the valve springs free of charge. The 165,534 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 18V772, not just the Crosstrek.

Symptoms

  • Ticking or rough running
  • Engine stalls or misfires

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the valve spring replacement

NHTSA recall: 18V772 (2018-11-01) · 165,534 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Brake light switch may fail (recall 19V149) (2013–2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (XV Crosstrek) (2013–2017)
Years:
2013–2017
Powertrain:
All

On 2013–2017 Crosstreks (and many Forester, Impreza and WRX models), contamination can make the brake light switch malfunction, so the brake lights may not come on, push-button cars may not start and the CVT may not shift out of Park. Dealers replace the switch free of charge. The 1,303,530 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 19V149, not just the Crosstrek.

Symptoms

  • Brake lights not working
  • Car will not start or shift out of Park

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the brake light switch replacement

NHTSA recall: 19V149 (2019-02-28) · 1,303,530 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2]

Oil consumption: 2.0L FB engine class settlement (2013–2015)

Moderate
Generation:
First generation (XV Crosstrek) (2013–2017)
Years:
2013–2015
Powertrain:
2.0L FB20

A federal court approved a class settlement in 2016 over excessive oil consumption in early FB-series engines. Covered vehicles included the 2013 XV Crosstrek and 2013–2015 manual-transmission Crosstrek 2.0L, up to specified VINs. Subaru agreed to cover oil-consumption repairs for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, with free testing. Subaru denied the claims.

Symptoms

  • Oil level low between changes

Check before buying

  • Ask a Subaru retailer whether oil-consumption bulletin repairs were performed on the VIN

Sources: [11]

Second generation Crosstrek problems (2018–2023)

Engine computer can overheat ignition coils (recall 21V264) (2018–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2018–2023)
Years:
2018–2019
Powertrain:
All

The engine control module on 2018–2019 Crosstreks and 2017–2019 Imprezas can keep powering the ignition coil after shutdown, causing a short circuit that can stall the engine. An earlier campaign, 19V743, updated the software; 21V264 also replaces the ignition coils and, if needed, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The 466,205 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 21V264, not just the Crosstrek.

Symptoms

  • Engine stalls or misfires
  • Check-engine light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the ECM update and ignition coil replacement under 21V264

NHTSA recall: 21V264 (2021-04-15) · 466,205 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3][4]

PCV valve can break apart inside the engine (recall 19V744) (2018–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2018–2023)
Years:
2018–2019
Powertrain:
All

The aluminum PCV valve on certain 2018 Crosstreks and 2017–2018 Imprezas, and on 2019 Crosstreks under campaign 19V856, can separate so its pieces enter the engine, causing a loss of power. Dealers replace the valve and replace the engine if the pieces cannot be found, free of charge. The 205,000 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 19V744, not just the Crosstrek.

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of power
  • Check-engine light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the PCV valve replacement

NHTSA recall: 19V744 (2019-10-17) · 205,000 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5][6]

Rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen (recall 21V263) (2018–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2018–2023)
Years:
2018–2019
Powertrain:
All

Rear stabilizer bar bracket bolts on 2018–2019 Crosstreks, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid and 2019 Foresters can loosen and fall out, letting the bracket shift and affecting handling. Dealers retighten the bolts and replace missing ones free of charge. The 408,271 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 21V263, not just the Crosstrek.

Symptoms

  • Clunk or rattle from the rear over bumps

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the rear stabilizer bracket retorque

NHTSA recall: 21V263 (2021-04-15) · 408,271 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7]

Hybrid 12-volt charging terminal may corrode (recall 23V080) (2019–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2018–2023)
Years:
2019–2022
Powertrain:
Crosstrek Hybrid (plug-in)

On 2019–2022 Crosstrek Hybrids, the harness terminal that feeds low-voltage power from the converter to the 12-volt battery can corrode and break, so the battery stops charging and the car can lose drive power. Dealers replace the terminal bracket and, if corroded, the harness, free of charge. NHTSA lists 8,413 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Repeated 12-volt battery warnings
  • Loss of power or no-start

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the converter terminal bracket replacement

NHTSA recall: 23V080 (2023-02-14) · 8,413 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8]

Third generation Crosstrek problems (2024 onward)

Instrument panel wiring may short against a bracket (recall 23V551) (2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2024 onward)
Years:
2024
Powertrain:
All

On certain 2024 Crosstreks and Imprezas, the instrument panel wiring harness can rub against the steering beam bracket, damaging the insulation and causing a short that can cut drive power. Dealers add a clamp and tape or replace the harness as needed, free of charge. The 35,357 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 23V551, not just the Crosstrek.

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of power
  • Multiple warning lights at once

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the instrument panel harness inspection

NHTSA recall: 23V551 (2023-08-04) · 35,357 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9]

Hybrid fuel cap seal may let fuel spill (recall 26V106) (2026)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2024 onward)
Years:
2026
Powertrain:
Crosstrek Hybrid (2.5L)

On 2026 Crosstrek Hybrids and 2025 Forester Hybrids, an inadequate fuel cap seal can let fuel expand and spill from the filler neck when the tank is nearly full and temperatures rise, creating a fire risk. Until repaired, owners were told to park outside and keep the tank at no more than half full. Dealers replace the fuel cap gasket free of charge. The 69,870 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 26V106, not just the Crosstrek.

Symptoms

  • Fuel smell near the filler door

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the fuel filler cap gasket replacement

NHTSA recall: 26V106 (2026-02-23) · 69,870 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10]

Related Crosstrek research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a Crosstrek was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Subaru build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Subaru build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What year Crosstrek has engine problems?

The 2013 XV Crosstrek is covered by valve spring recall 18V772 and the 2016 oil-consumption settlement. 2018–2019 Crosstreks are covered by ignition-coil recalls 19V743 and 21V264 and PCV valve recalls 19V744 and 19V856, all repaired free by dealers.

Does the Crosstrek have a brake light switch recall?

Yes. Recall 19V149 covers 2013–2017 Crosstreks whose brake light switch can fail from contamination, leaving the brake lights off and possibly preventing push-button starting or shifting out of Park.

Is there a recall on the Crosstrek Hybrid?

Yes. Recall 23V080 covers 2019–2022 Crosstrek Hybrids whose 12-volt charging terminal can corrode and break, and 26V106 covers 2026 Crosstrek Hybrids whose fuel cap seal can let fuel spill when the tank is nearly full.

Was the Crosstrek in the Subaru oil consumption settlement?

Yes. The 2013 XV Crosstrek and 2013–2015 manual Crosstrek 2.0L, up to specified VINs, were covered. Subaru agreed to pay for oil-consumption repairs for 8 years or 100,000 miles and to test oil use for free.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Recall 18V772: Engine And Engine Cooling — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  2. Recall 19V149: Exterior Lighting — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  3. Recall 21V264: Electrical System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  4. Recall 19V743: Electrical System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  5. Recall 19V744: Engine And Engine Cooling — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  6. Recall 19V856: Engine And Engine Cooling — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  7. Recall 21V263: Suspension — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  8. Recall 23V080: Electrical System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  9. Recall 23V551: Electrical System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  10. Recall 26V106: Fuel System, Gasoline — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  11. Yaeger v. Subaru of America, No. 1:14-cv-04490 (D.N.J.), opinion granting final approval of oil-consumption settlement (Aug. 31, 2016) — U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (via GovInfo)

More Subaru tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru of America, Inc. or Subaru Corporation. Subaru and the model names are trademarks of their owners.