2.8

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
50,857 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #19

May 152022

XV Crosstrek

  • miles
Transmission failure while driving on highway caused it to suddenly stalled. On restarting engine, car kept jerking and stopping, became undrivable. Only 46,700 miles on the clock. No warning lights, no warning of any kind. Subaru issued 10 year extended warranty covering transmission on this car but should have recalled and replaced since failure is catastrophic and dangerous. I took my car to Subaru dealer and they found low transmission fluid. Instead of inspecting the seals, they blamed the problem on oil change by an independent garage, accusing them of erroneously drained out transmission fluid before the car broke down.

- Berkeley, CA, USA

problem #18

Apr 292021

XV Crosstrek

  • miles
I purchased 2013 Subaru crosstrek I am 2nd owner, I never see any problem for engine light check and end up control curise blinking and Subaru will not provided any recall for transmission issue it's not safe to driving they said only will warranty under 100K that unfair this not safe car and so many common issue transmission on Subaru. It's first make 2013 on crosstrek how it's expect under 100K miles... should recall for transmission fix

- Saint Augustine, FL, USA

problem #17

Apr 082021

XV Crosstrek

  • 90,000 miles
Hill descent, sway control, ABS lights came on at the same time on the way to work, I was coming of an exit. I had the codes checked and nothing was showing. Over a month later, the check engine and transmission temp lights came on my to work. I immediately turned around and parked my car. Trans temp light was blinking. A few days later I had it taken to a Subaru dealership for service. I paid for a diagnostic. The result was a $1600 bill for a valve body kit, trans cover gasket, O-ring, trans body wiring harness.

- Woodstown, NJ, USA

problem #16

Jan 032020

XV Crosstrek

  • 115,000 miles
I have maintained my vehicle since purchase, always complete routine maintnence and as I was on a trip, all of my lights came on. I flushed transmission and they came back on. I have researched my issue and it is common with this year. Subaru even extended warranty with these years, yet has recalled any of the parts related to the cvt transmission. I had no issues, no warning, was just driving and everything came on.

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

problem #15

Sep 142020

XV Crosstrek

  • 122,821 miles
Transmission valve body failed, solenoid 2 fail, affects traction control, stability control, ABS, and hill start control. Causes transmission tempts to overheat.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #14

Jan 202019

XV Crosstrek

  • 98,000 miles
Slow starting when turning over from stop/park/cold/hot. Excessive oil use after each 3,000 miles. No light warning for low oil displays. Engine bogs or almost stalls when giving gas. Usually when air conditioning is running. This started to occur after I had the valve spring recall taken care of. And all ignition coils replaced. The ignition coils caused excessive stalling downhill to uphill at various speeds yet usually occurred when applying gas from slow to mid-speed when applying gas. My thought were it was due to the recall but evidently had not relation. As per Subaru dealer on maui. Rear wheel bearing repeatedly replace. 3 times in one 1 and a half years. Start with with winding noise then gets worse very quickly. Within 1 to 2 months. Felt /feels very unsafe. Driving at slower speed okay at the range of 45-60 mph noise is very predominate. Thus requiring to drive at slower speeds than required, I bought this car used. In the course of less than 2 years I have had all these issues. All these issues where in the course of between 2018 and 2020.

- Pukalani, HI, USA

problem #13

Nov 152019

XV Crosstrek

  • 64,400 miles
At approximately 64K miles our Xv crosstrek began emitting a loud hum from the rear and our gas mileage decreased significantly (18 mpg). When we took it into our mechanic, he found that the rear hubs were dangerously degraded and that the rear differential was failing. In his opinion, failure of those systems at only 64K miles suggested a design or part defect.

- South Bend, IN, USA

problem #12

Sep 292019

XV Crosstrek

  • 89,200 miles
I was accelerating while merging onto a freeway when the engine rpms suddenly dropped and the car slowed way down. Fortunately, the traffic was light, and the cars behind me on the on-ramp and on the freeway were able to avoid my car as I pulled to the shoulder. Fortunately there was a wide, clear shoulder to pull onto as I tried to figure out what was happening. I shifted into manual mode and attempted to upshift. I don't know if this had any effect or if the problem resolved spontaneously, but I was able to resume driving.

- Mountain View, CA, USA

problem #11

Aug 092019

XV Crosstrek

  • 66,000 miles
The key gets stuck when you turn off the car. You have to turn it on and put it in gear and try again. Sonetimes it takes one try and sometimes up to 20. Please help. We cant leave it in the car because the battery will drain. Is there a recall coming for this? the technician said they see this a lot but ours is the worst they've seen. Its been happening for about a month.

- Swoyersville, PA, USA

problem #10

May 182019

XV Crosstrek

  • 71,000 miles
Took my vehicle in for a recall service for the engine valve spring. After the service was completed and with a little over a hundred miles driven since the service, my engine stopped while at a red. After restarting the car, my engine light has come on.

- Des Plaines, IL, USA

problem #9

Oct 182018

XV Crosstrek

  • miles
65000 miles just over the warranty I had to replace both 2 axels and 2 cv joints and $4000 later I am told we have to now replace the transmission because it stalled out slipped while I was trying to turn onto a busy road with my children in the car. I bought this car used at 46000 miles for 17200 in July 2017. I didn't think these types of problems existed in low mileage cars. I've owned a Volvo I drove for 164,000 miles never had to replace an axel or transmission, my Honda CR-V I drove for over 100,000 miles with no issues at all. I wanted a Subaru because I heard great things about them I thought I did my research didn't think I'd be paying large amounts of money to fix it while I was still paying a car payment on the thing. I'm very disappointed and scared for the safety of myself and my children but who has another $3000 to throw into a car that I already put $4000 into not to mention the $10,000 I still owe on it. Thought I was making an investment instead I am afraid to drive my car and don't have the money to fix it and severely disappointed. I contacted Subaru customer service because I read in for a magazine that they extended the warranty on the continuous variable transmissions in my make and model however I cant find it stated on any Subaru website or when I search the VIN number. Https://www.forbes.com/sites/jensen/2017/07/07/facing-complaints-Subaru-offers-extended-warranties-on-1-5-million-vehicles/#9C54F0E79dc8

- Quakertown, PA, USA

problem #8

May 032018

XV Crosstrek

  • 65,000 miles
My 2013 Subaru Xv crosstrek was purchased brand new in September 2013. Within 65K miles I had to replace the cv joint on both front wheels (issue was indicated by a clicking sound from the wheel when turning right or left). Again, at around 120K miles I had to replace them both, and now, a third time at 182K miles. After doing much research this is a common issue on the Xv crosstrek that is not related to driving conditions, road conditions, or due to physical damage to the part or vehicle. Each of the times the cv joint was replaced the boot was intact, which indicates that it is a faulty part or assembly rather than damage occurring to the wheel. Each of these repairs costs approximately $500 at the dealership (per wheel) and is not covered under warranty. The number of complaints regarding this should require Subaru of America to voluntarily recall or repair this part free of charge. Additionally, if this part fails while the vehicle is in motion, severe transmission damage will result and an accident is likely. My experience with my first Subaru has been nothing but expensive, and burdensome repairs to a car which is supposed to have the "lowest cost of ownership" as they advertise to consumers.

- Brooklyn, MI, USA

problem #7

May 012018

XV Crosstrek

  • miles
When I start my car or randomly while I am driving the warning lights for my automatic braking system, traction control, and hill assist turn on. When this happens, my gear shifter locks up and when I press the brakes the rear lights don't illuminate while these warning lights are active. I have an automatic transmission. The warning lights activate randomly, whether I'm stationary or in motions, regardless of setting.

- Apopka, FL, USA

problem #6

Feb 092018

XV Crosstrek

  • 36,000 miles
Cv joint & front axel I have had to replace my front axels twice now in my crosstrek. Once at 36K miles and again at 59K. Both times I diagnosed the issue when I heard a clicking noise on sharp turns. I brought the vehicle in for repair at the dealership on both occasions as well. The crosstrek online forums have listed many stories like mine, with people reporting the same issue of needing to replace their axels prematurely. The average lifespan of an axel is normally closer to 100K+ miles. I do not off road, I drive city streets at the speed limit. I see no other reason for this issue other than poor design/defect.

- Mission Viejo, CA, USA

problem #5

Mar 252016

XV Crosstrek

  • 58,223 miles
I bought my 2013 Subaru Xv crosstrek in Nov 2012 as a result of reviewing Subaru's high safety rating and reading their symmetrical all-wheel drive system. I still enjoy the car very much and have driven about 86,640 miles. I serviced my car at my local Subaru dealer to stay on top of the manufacturer' recommended maintenance schedule. However, I am concerned about 2 problems I encountered.in the last 9 months. At 58,223 miles (June 2015) I took my car to into the dealer for its routine oil change and tire rotation. I explained I've been hearing a clicking noise in the front when turning left. After their inspection of the problem, they explained that the left front axle has a torn boot. Fortunately, my warranty covered the replacement axle. In Mar 2016 (at approximately 86K miles on the odometer) I heard a similar clicking sound coming from the front of the car when turning right or left. I took it to the dealer for service. This time it was my right axle that had to be replaced due to a worn out joint at the wheel end of my right axle. I have never had an issue with a broken axle and especially 2 broken axles. I used to drive a Toyota 4 runner 2 wheel drive and drove it about 310K miles. I passed it to my son since it still runs well and never broke an axle. I decided to review my service record back in June 2014 again for the left broken axle and it states "verified concern found noise coming from left front axle no boots torn. Prior to this, I texted my service person and asked what boot was torn, not knowing my service records says no boots were torn. I was told he would check and get back to me. Meanwhile, I am disappointed that both axles broke on a new car and now learned that other drivers experienced simiilar axle replacements. The 2nd issue is that the rear end of the car abruptly kicks to the right when driving over ice above 45mph.

- Castaic, CA, USA

problem #4

Oct 072015

XV Crosstrek

  • 60,434 miles
Recently, with only 60,434 miles (and actually a little before this), the axle had to be replaced on my 2013 crosstrek Subaru. I was told that this was due to bad roads. But, after having owned many cars, never has an axle had to be replaced. I am writing because there is another owner of a 2013 crosstrek who had the same issue, noted on this website and was given the same excuse that I was. Clearly, there is a problem mechanically with these axles. In fact, their advertisement for the crosstrek shows the vehicle on a bumpy dirt road. There is a problem here.

- Chepachet, RI, USA

problem #3

Feb 212015

XV Crosstrek

  • 29,700 miles
This car is absolutely scary on ice or snow. It may have a design flaw or something like that, but is extremely unstable on ice or snow. When you hit a patch of ice, the AWD system pushes the tail out and makes the car feel like it will spin out. On roads where others are progressing in complete control, this car is going 40 with flashers on with the driver hanging on for dear life. This needs to be investigated before someone gets killed.

- Painted Post, NY, USA

problem #2

Jan 012015

XV Crosstrek 4-cyl

  • miles
2013 Subaru Xv crosstrek. Customer says vehicle has numerous issues and can't get them fixed because vehicle is not under warranty. The consumer stated the vehicle lacked power, the steering pulled severely to the right, the brakes felt spongy and it often felt as though, the vehicle would not stop. When the windshield wipers were on, the brakes vibrated.

- Chimacum, WA, USA

problem #1

Oct 082013

XV Crosstrek 4-cyl

  • 500 miles
The vehicle has a continuously variable transmission. When approaching a stop light or stop sign I remove my foot from the gas pedal and then the vehicle starts to slow down. When the engine RPM's reach around 1400 RPM the vehicle quits slowing down and continues forward at what ever speed it is at. The car may not be accelerating but it feels like it is because it quits slowing down. If I touch the brake a bit the engine again slows down until it reaches the idle RPM of about 750. On several occasions I have had to quickly hit the brakes to avoid hitting the vehicle in from of me. I purchased the vehicle in Minnesota and noticed the problem within the first week but didn't pursue it until I got to Texas as this is where the vehicle will be kept. The Texas Subaru service found no diagnostic codes and drove the vehicle with me and noticed what I did. The Texas Subaru service manager had me drive a 2014 and it does the same thing but seems to start slowing down again once it has done the acceleration at 1400 RPM for a second or two. They opened a tech line case file but say there is nothing else they can do. I feel this is a safety issue that will cause an accident, maybe not for me as I now keep my foot on the brake whenever slowing down, but certainly for others.

- Saint Cloud, MN, USA