2013 Subaru Crosstrek
Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 25 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2016 | 131 |
| 2017 | 94 |
| 2018 | 194 |
| 2019 | 279 |
| 2020 | 68 |
| 2021 | 108 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 32 |
| 2024 | 104 |
| 2025 | 41 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 25 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
11 of 25 total reports mention: engine.
4 of 25 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ECO-WIRING MADE OF MATERIALS THAT ATTRACT ANIMALS. A RODENT CHEWED THROUGH MY WIRING HARNESS. $800 WORTH OF DAMAGE THAT COULD BE PREVENTED. CAR IS INOPERABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170102
3 of 25 total reports mention: power train.
3 of 25 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
4TH SEAT OF REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT BULBS SO FAR (LOW BEAMS) SINCE NEW. ORIGINAL OWNERS, NO ACCIDENTS, NO AFTERMARKET ITEMS. THEY BOTH BURN AT THE SAME TIME. YOU ONLY NOTICE IT ONCE ITS DARK OUTSIDE AT YOU TRY TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND NO LOW BEAMS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161215
2 of 25 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
AFTER 73,000 MILES OF MOSTLY NON-PEAK HIGHWAY MILES THE BREAK LIGHT SWITCH FAILED. THIS CAUSED MY BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL. I DIDN'T KNOW THAT THE LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK UNTIL AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ONLINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160930
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 19V149000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Subaru Crosstrek — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V149000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.