2020 Subaru Crosstrek

▲ Better than typical
2020 Subaru Crosstrek
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:45.612Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

Complaints
71
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Visibility/wiper

42% of complaints

Complaints per year

2012: 2 complaints 2012 2013: 25 complaints 2014: 16 complaints 2014 2015: 17 complaints 2016: 132 complaints 2016 2017: 94 complaints 2018: 195 complaints 2018 2019: 286 complaints 2020: 71 complaints 2020 71 2021: 115 complaints 2022: 31 complaints 2022 2023: 36 complaints 2024: 119 complaints 2024 2025: 47 complaints 2026: 11 complaints 2026
2012: 2 complaints 2012 2013: 25 complaints 2013 2014: 16 complaints 2014 2015: 17 complaints 2015 2016: 132 complaints 2016 2017: 94 complaints 2017 2018: 195 complaints 2018 2019: 286 complaints 2019 2020: 71 complaints 2020 71 2021: 115 complaints 2021 2022: 31 complaints 2022 2023: 36 complaints 2023 2024: 119 complaints 2024 2025: 47 complaints 2025 2026: 11 complaints 2026
2012: 2 complaints 2012 2013: 25 complaints 2013 2014: 16 complaints 2014 2015: 17 complaints 2015 2016: 132 complaints 2016 2017: 94 complaints 2017 2018: 195 complaints 2018 2019: 286 complaints 2019 2020: 71 complaints 2020 71 2021: 115 complaints 2021 2022: 31 complaints 2022 2023: 36 complaints 2023 2024: 119 complaints 2024 2025: 47 complaints 2025 2026: 11 complaints 2026

2020: 71 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20122
201325
201416
201517
2016132
201794
2018195
2019286
202071
2021115
202231
202336
2024119
202547
202611

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility/wiper

42% · 30 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Minor rock chip, no larger than a watch screw, near the window mount quickly developed into a 4-inch crack over a period of approximately 12 hours. Rock chip occurred on city streets, moving no faster than 40 MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-03-03

I was driving at 70 MPH on smooth interstate highway with light traffic . There was a loud explosion. After stopping in a safe location, I discovered the moon roof had shattered into tiny pieces.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-17

Power train

15% · 11 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Transmission failed at 62,000 miles out of gear on freeway. No power to get into shoulder. . I took it to dealer, they said it needed new transmission.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-27

Failing camshaft carrier seals causing oil leaks. This issue as a known issue to subaru engines in many models and no recalls have been made. This issue can cause a fire in the engine if not render over time.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-26

Electrical system

15% · 11 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I own a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. While driving on the freeway in heavy traffic, I had to make a hard stop due to traffic ahead.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-12

Engine

7% · 5 reports

Visibility

6% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing windshield.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

2020 Subaru Crosstrek — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Visibility/wiper: 30 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?
The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.