2013 Subaru Crosstrek: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 26 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Feb 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission seized, causing the vehicle to come to a sudden stop. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a transmission solenoid and valve body failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer for regular maintenance 3,000 miles prior to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2026
“My vehicle was recalled. I contacted the local subaru dealership and subaru directly and they both stated that due the the volume of cars affected they were not taking any new appointments until 2020 and to call them back in 2020. The issue is with the valve springs in the engine. A fracture in the spring could cause engine failure. I want subaru to replace it now, pay me to have it fixed somewhere else or replace my current subaru with a fair value trade-in. This is unacceptable and avoid be illegal. On top of that, the responses from both the local and corporate offices is also unacceptable. They should be embarrassed.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2019
“After replacing valve springs at the subaru dealership due to a recall, now oil is mixed in the coolant. Problem appeared same day as we picked the car from dealership upon completion off recall issue. After explained the problem to them they replace coolant again to test see if the problem continues. The problem continues but now they claim preexisting condition!!! Imagine that! Please is there any advise before we sick legal action. We are afraid car will over heat nad burn engine or catch fire!”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Called el paso, tx subaru dealership to schedule fix of safety recall wty-84. First time on 1/14/19 and 1/16/19. Told both times someone would get back with me to schedule the recall repair. Called today, 3/7/19 and was told that there is a list, approximately 15 people ahead of me on this list, for the safety recall and that I am not on that list and it could take an additional 1 to 2 weeks to get my vehicle in for the repair and that wasn't a guarantee. I have not taken my vehicle on any long distance trips in fear that the engine may stall and I'd be responsible for an accident. Asked to speak to service manager to address my concerns, but he wasn't in.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2013 subaru crosstrek. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v772000 (engine and engine cooling). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Ocean subaru (1100 s euclid st, fullerton, ca 92832, (888) 428-2419) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was unknown.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2019
“Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 , , xv crosstrek the engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall. Its been months and still no response from any subaru dealership regrding my subaru.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2018
“I recieved a recall notice in dec. 2018. I called my dealer to make an appointment. I was told the next appointment would be december 2020. I was told the appointment would be moved up but that has not happened. The only way to get it done earlier would be to take it to the dealer and use a loaner or rental car until fixed, approximately one month. I live 80 miles from the closest dealer. I don't feel it is safe to drive it to the dealer.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2018
“The sensor on the passenger seat turns in the air bags and seat belt sensor for well under the designed threshold. As an example it triggered for two 20 ounce bottles of soda. The vehicle was in motion on a city street.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2018
“Solenoid valve in cvt cracked after 6.5 years of use (roughly 140k - 160k miles). Got it fixed, then 1 year later (another 40k - 20k miles), it went out again. This time the whole transmission needed to be replaced. Both times I was accelerating. The first time from a stop, and second time I was on the freeway going about 70 mph.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2018
“Pulling into parking space at work, going no more than 5 mph. Vehicles lunged forward and hit tree. The engine seemed to slow down and then revved suddenly. Although I hit the brakes, vehicle did not stop.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Crosstrek years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Crosstrek by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
NHTSA has 26 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.