Last updated: 2026-03-04

Subaru Crosstrek Reliability by Year
The Subaru Crosstrek averages 71/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Overview
The Subaru Crosstrek, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, holds a Good reliability rating with an average score of 65/100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $492, below the compact SUV average. Data highlights recurring issues with windshield integrity and electrical systems, particularly in the 2018 and 2019 models, while later models, especially from 2023 onward, show improved complaint rates and fewer recalls. The Crosstrek is well-suited for those prioritizing lower repair costs, though potential buyers should be aware of specific model year issues, such as visibility and infotainment system concerns.
Current generation: 3rd gen (2024–2023).
Best & Worst Subaru Crosstrek Years
Best Subaru Crosstrek Years to Buy
The best Subaru Crosstrek year is 2025 with a reliability score of 83/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (81/100) and 2022 (78/100).
Subaru Crosstrek Years to Avoid
The worst Subaru Crosstrek year is 2019 with a score of 56/100, primarily due to visibility wiper (108) issues.
See full Subaru Crosstrek years-to-avoid analysis →Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Score Trend
Subaru Crosstrek reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 78/100 compared to 64/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 83/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
0 recalls · 1 complaints
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Lane Departure (1).
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
0 recalls · 25 complaints
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 25 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (5), Electrical System (5), Visibility (5).
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2 recalls · 95 complaints
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 95 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (26), Exterior Lighting (13), Steering (9).
2023 Subaru Crosstrek
0 recalls · 28 complaints
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 28 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (9), Visibility Wiper (4), Electrical System (3).
2022 Subaru Crosstrek
1 recalls · 28 complaints
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 28 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (8), Visibility Wiper (5), Electrical System (3).
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
2 recalls · 97 complaints
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 97 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (26), Unknown Or Other (16), Power Train (11).
2020 Subaru Crosstrek
1 recalls · 62 complaints
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 62 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (29), Unknown Or Other (7), Power Train (6).
2019 Subaru Crosstrek
8 recalls · 272 complaints
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek has mixed reliability. There are 8 recalls and 272 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (108), Electrical System (39), Unknown Or Other (39).
2018 Subaru Crosstrek
5 recalls · 186 complaints
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 186 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (57), Unknown Or Other (30), Electrical System (27).
Subaru Crosstrek Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$492
Repair Frequency
0.1/yr
Major Repair Risk
7%
$29 below the compact SUVs average of $521/yr.
Ranked #1 of 26 among compact SUVs.
Subaru Crosstrek Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Subaru Models
Compare all Subaru models by reliability
Compare Subaru Crosstrek With Similar SUVs
The Subaru Crosstrek competes with other subcompact suvs such as Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Chevrolet Trax reliability
8 years tracked · 509 complaints
Honda HR-V reliability
9 years tracked · 1309 complaints
Toyota Corolla Cross reliability
5 years tracked · 257 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
- The Subaru Crosstrek has good reliability with an average score of 71/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Subaru Crosstrek?
- The best year for the Subaru Crosstrek is 2025 with a reliability score of 83/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 25 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Subaru Crosstrek analysis →
- What are the Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid?
- The Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid include 2019 (56/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Subaru Crosstrek?
- The Subaru Crosstrek has an estimated annual repair cost of $492, which is $29 below the compact SUVs average of $521. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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