Subaru Crosstrek — years to avoid

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA.

2 model years to avoid, 1 to watch and 4 best bets. Tap a year to see its problem areas, recalls and buy-smart checklist.

Complaint history

Newest first. Find your year, then open it for the full report.

Year	Ranking	Complaints	Compared with a typical year
2026	○ Not enough data	8	Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
2025	▲ Recommended	44	This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
2024	● Recommended	119	This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
2023	▲ Recommended	34	This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
2022	▲ Recommended	31	This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
2021	● Recommended	115	This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
2020	▲ Recommended	69	This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
2019	■ Avoid	285	This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
2018	■ Avoid	195	This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
2017	● Recommended	94	This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
2016	◆ Caution	132	This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
2015	○ Not enough data	17	Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
2014	○ Not enough data	16	Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
2013	○ Not enough data	25	Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
2012	○ Not enough data	2	Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

How the rankings work

Each model year’s distinct NHTSA complaint count is compared with the median of the same model’s other eligible years.

▲ Recommended
At least 30% fewer complaints than the model’s typical year.
● Recommended
Within 30% of the model’s typical year.
◆ Caution
30% to 100% more complaints than the typical year.
■ Avoid
More than double the complaints of the typical year.
○ Not enough data
Fewer than 30 complaints on file, or too few other years to compare with — too few for a fair verdict.

recalls on file across every Subaru Crosstrek model year.

Open a year above to see that year’s own recalls, investigations, and remedies.