2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 91 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
91
owner complaints
1
fire reports
48,734
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★★
5-star NHTSA overall safety ratingNo recall campaignsWeak spot: electrical system (22%)1 fire report
Common problems
Computed from 91 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)22% · 17 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)15% · 12 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)9% · 7 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)9% · 7 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)8% · 6 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)8% · 6 complaints
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek on May 22, 2026. The sale was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was recorded at 77,441. The contact later purchased a CARFAX report which was reported at 214,767 in February 2026. The contact reported the information to the local authorities.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2026
“Brake light switch failure. Triggering traction control warning light, hill assist warning light, and abs warning light, and disables cruise control. There was previously a recall (NUMBER: WUE-90 NHTSA ID: 19V-149) for the brake light switch for Subaru models with my production date included, but because Hybrid Crosstrek models were not included, it will not be replaced under recall. I am still experiencing the same issues and cause, but it is not covered.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2026
“Metal Frame of side torso area of seat wore through foam. very sharp and painful could possibly cut skin and impact in crash could be medically dangerous.”Owner report · Seats · Aug 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“When attempting to put the car in park, the key will not release and is stuck. Incident happens often in recent past days. Key will not release from ignition.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2025
“Horn does not work. No warning indicating malfunctioned horn. Unable to signal other vehicles to prevent car crash. The broken horn has been inspected by mechanic.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2024
“The electrical system and engine flickers on and off or sometimes dies entirely. The trigger is unknown and the underlying cause is unknown. It is unsafe because this has occurred while the vehicle is moving. The problem was confirmed and reproduced by a Subaru service center. They were unable to diagnose the issue. There is no warning when it will happen.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2024
“Airbag deployed for no reason, while pulling forward slowly from a parking spot. An airbag that deploys when there is no impact or collision is a clear risk to the safety of the driver, passengers and other drivers on the road.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2023
“The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly, and then decelerated. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while reversing into a parking spot the following day. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 102,600.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2023
“I was driving to a job sight from Houston to Corpus Christi. About 10 min from the job sight I here a loud pop on top of my roof. I opened up my sunroof viser to see what had happened. The glass broke. Nothing hit the glass. It just broke! Luckly I had the roof viser closed when it happened.There are thousands of forums stating the same exact thing. For reference, https://www.subaruxvforum.com/”Owner report · Visibility · Feb 2023
“Started the car and a warning light came on and the steering froze. I turned it off for the day. The next day I started it and it didn't freeze again. I'm concerned that while driving the steering will lock up and cause an accident and possible injury or kill me. My uncle reached out to Subaru of America. They didn't offer any help. They just said take it in at your own expense. We were quoted over the phone approximately $2000 to repair.My uncle researched this issue. This locking steering problem has been a big problem with the Subaru Crosstrek subjecting it to recalls. I believe Subaru should repair this safety issue.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2014 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines2.0L
Cylinders4
FuelGasoline
Body stylesSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
How other years compare
Check your exact XV Crosstrek by VIN
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Is the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek reliable?
NHTSA has 91 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek. The most complained-about area is electrical system (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 48,734 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.