2020 Subaru Crosstrek reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has 69 complaints with NHTSA after 7 years, or 15 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Crosstrek years here — under the median of the other years, which is 18. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Subaru Crosstrek
Photo by Alexander-93, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

69

Per year

15

Recalls

0

Years on the road

7

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Visibility and wipers (30 of 69), then Electrical system (11) and Powertrain (9). Those filings include 6 that report a crash and 3 that report an injury.

Next to 2019 and 2021

The 2019 Crosstrek has 284 complaints, 67 per year, and the 2021 has 115 complaints, 24 per year. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2021.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (0)

No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.

Complaints by component (69 total)

Visibility and wipers
30
Electrical system
11
Powertrain
9
Engine
5
Visibility
4
Forward collision avoidance
2
Fuel and propulsion system
2
Seat belts
2
Service brakes
2
Speed control
2
Structure
2
Back-over prevention
1
Fuel system, gasoline
1
Seats
1
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Crash-flagged

6

Fire-flagged

0

Injury reports

3

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

15202018202112202272023320247202572026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "I own a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. While driving on the freeway in heavy traffic, I had to make a hard stop due to traffic ahead. When the vehicle came to a complete stop, the engine automatically shut off as part of the…"
    Electrical system · filed 2026-09-12
  • "DEFECT DESCRIPTION My 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has been diagnosed with diagnostic trouble code P2757 (Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Performance), which my authorized Subaru 802 Subaru…"
    Powertrain · filed 2026-05-14
  • "My 2020 Subaru Crosstrek CVT Valve Body equipment failure and CVT Torque Converter failure. This appears to be a common failure for prior Subaru Crosstrek model - however was not extended for coverage to 2020 and beyond…"
    Powertrain, Engine · filed 2026-05-11
  • "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…"
    Electrical system · filed 2026-05-11
  • "My 2020 Subaru Crosstrek experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalled due to a blown ignition fuse. Diagnostic code P1604 (Startability Malfunction) was stored. Inspection by Wayne Subaru (Invoice #25340)…"
    Electrical system, Engine · filed 2026-05-06

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid SW AWD Not rated Not rated Not rated Not rated
2020 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD 5 stars 4 stars 5 stars 4 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
Crosstrek all-wheel drive 2L, 4-cyl Automatic (AV-S8) All-wheel drive 27 33 30 MPG $2150
Crosstrek all-wheel drive 2L, 4-cyl Manual 6-speed All-wheel drive 22 29 25 MPG $2600
Crosstrek hybrid all-wheel drive 2L, 4-cyl Automatic (variable gear ratios) All-wheel drive 36 35 35 MPG / 480 mi range $1850

Specs and fitment

1st generation, 2016–2022
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)
Towing capacity 2,700 lbs

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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Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has 69 complaints with NHTSA after 7 years, or 15 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Crosstrek years here — under the median of the other years, which is 18. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.

What are common problems with a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?

The complaints owners file most often name Visibility and wipers (30 of 69), then Electrical system (11) and Powertrain (9). Those filings include 6 that report a crash and 3 that report an injury.

Is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2019 Crosstrek has 284 complaints, 67 per year, and the 2021 has 115 complaints, 24 per year. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2021.

Has the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek been recalled?

NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?

Owners have filed 69 complaints about the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is 30 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

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.