Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid and best years
Newer Subaru Crosstrek years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2019 has the most complaints per year, at 67 (284 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2022 at 6 (from 31 complaints), 2016 at 8 (from 131 complaints), and 2023 at 9 (from 34 complaints). The Subaru Crosstrek 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 106 of 284 complaints name Visibility and wipers.
Data as of .
2022
2016
2023
2025–26
Subaru Crosstrek reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Subaru Crosstrek. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 30.3 |
| 2025 → Too early | 22 | 43 | 0 | Visibility | 28.3 |
| 2024 → | 39 | 118 | 2 | Exterior lighting | 28.3 |
| 2023 → Fewest | 9 | 34 | 0 | Visibility and wipers | 29.8 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 6 | 31 | 0 | Visibility and wipers | 28 |
| 2021 → | 24 | 115 | 1 | Visibility and wipers | 29.8 |
| 2020 → | 15 | 69 | 0 | Visibility and wipers | 30 |
| 2019 → Most | 67 | 284 | 7 | Visibility and wipers | 29.7 |
| 2018 → | 33 | 194 | 5 | Visibility and wipers | 27 |
| 2017 → | 11 | 97 | 1 | Visibility and wipers | 27.5 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 8 | 131 | 1 | Electrical system | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 synthetic (2.5L; 5W-30 if 0W-20 unavailable) · 5.1 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/60R17, 225/55R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 19V404000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that 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.". Improperly tempered glass can shatter into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury. Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side rear-door window glass, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUG-92. When NHTSA lists multiple Subaru nameplates in one campaign, the published unit count is shared across them.
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- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 synthetic (2.5L; 5W-30 if 0W-20 unavailable) · 5.1 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/60R17, 225/55R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 23V551000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit. A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-23. When NHTSA lists multiple Subaru nameplates in one campaign, the published unit count is shared across them.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Crosstrek years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2022 at 6 (from 31 complaints), 2016 at 8 (from 131 complaints), and 2023 at 9 (from 34 complaints).
Which Subaru Crosstrek year has the most owner complaints?
2019 has the most complaints per year, at 67 (284 complaints). On the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 106 of 284 complaints name Visibility and wipers.
How do Subaru Crosstrek owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Subaru Crosstrek years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Subaru Crosstrek years are too early to compare?
The Subaru Crosstrek 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a Subaru Crosstrek use?
Recent US Crosstrek manuals specify 0W-20 synthetic for the FB 2.5L, with temporary 5W-30 only when 0W-20 is unavailable.
What generation is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?
2nd generation (2023-on) on this site's Crosstrek record.
What tire sizes does a Subaru Crosstrek use?
Common US sizes include 225/60R17 and 225/55R18 depending on trim.