2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 96 |
| 2014 | 80 |
| 2015 | 77 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
36% of complaints: engine — 35 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
On October 31 2020, The AC compressor on my vehicle caught fire while I was driving. This caused a foul odorous smoke to fill the cabin of my vehicle which was cough inducing and limited my vision.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210608
22% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The electrical harness to the variable fan speed switch overheated melting the harness and switch.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240708
9% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
involved in a collision, possibly related to the stall issues mentioned in the collision. Reported to the insurance. They are pending repair on the matter due to recall and entire engine was required, which is more than the car is valued for.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220713
AFTER PARKING THE CAR IN -18 DEGREE AIR TEMPERATURE, FOR ONLY 20 MINUTES, THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. I CALLED THE DEALER FROM WHERE I BOUGHT THE NEW CAR 2 MONTHS EARLIER, TO ASK FOR AN APPOINTMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140104
MY WIFE AND I USED TO LOVE THIS CAR BUT......WHILE DRIVING MY RELATIVELY NEW 2013 CROSSTREK 11,000 MILES FROM WISCONSIN TO DETROIT TO ATTEND THE WINTER HOCKEY CLASSIC HAD REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH GHOSTWALKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140104
6% of complaints: wheels — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 20
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Campaign 13V061000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018.
Campaign 18V772000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V061000 (electrical system, equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V772000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2013 Subaru XV 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 XV Crosstrek?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.