Subaru Crosstrek Years to Avoid
We analyzed 989 owner complaints and 18 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Subaru Crosstrek model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2019 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in visibility & wipers.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Visibility & Wipers
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Subaru Crosstrek Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Subaru Crosstrek Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Subaru Crosstrek | 26 | 1 | 21/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2014 Subaru Crosstrek | 0 | 1 | 6/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2015 Subaru Crosstrek | 0 | 1 | 6/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2016 Subaru Crosstrek | 132 | 1 | 44/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2017 Subaru Crosstrek | 97 | 1 | 39/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | 195 | 5 | 78/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | 286 | 7 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Subaru Crosstrek | 71 | 0 | 20/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2021 Subaru Crosstrek | 115 | 1 | 45/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2022 Subaru Crosstrek | 31 | 0 | 9/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2023 Subaru Crosstrek | 36 | 0 | 12/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
Buying a Used Subaru Crosstrek: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Subaru Crosstrek model years to avoid are 2018, 2019. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring visibility & wipers issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Subaru Crosstrek?
The most reliable used model year for the Subaru Crosstrek is 2014 (as well as 2013, 2014, 2015, 2020, 2022, 2023), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Subaru Crosstrek?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Subaru Crosstrek are Visibility & Wipers, Unknown Or Other, Electrical System. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Subaru Crosstrek?
Between 2013 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 18 safety recall campaigns and recorded 989 official owner complaints for the Subaru Crosstrek.