Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 72/100 (GOOD)

2020 Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Report

Name: 2020 Subaru Crosstrek
Brand: Subaru

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek scores 72/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 62 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

76.3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$492

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,000–$2,400

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity44/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs90/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

VISIBILITY/WIPER (29)
POWER TRAIN (6)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (GT).

Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
A refresh arrives in 2021.
2nd generation Crosstrek (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2018: Second generation (GT) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2020: This Model Year

2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (GT).

2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?

At 72/100, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (GT).

Its complaint rate of 76.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the SUV segment average of 21.2. The most common reports involve visibility wiper (29).

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to visibility wiper (29). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, which scored 5 points lower. See also the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+$29 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Low major repair risk (7%)

Cons

−Above-average complaint rate for SUV
−VISIBILITY/WIPER issues reported (29 complaints)
−UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (7 complaints)

Compare 2020 Subaru Crosstrek With

2020 Chevrolet Trax

Reliability: 81/100

Excellent

2020 Honda HR-V

Reliability: 80/100

Excellent

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK

VISIBILITY/WIPER (29)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recall on record

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

76.3

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 21.2

LowAvgHigh

High

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V0800002023-02-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles. The harness terminal that supplies low-voltage power from the converter to the 12-Volt battery may corrode and break, preventing the 12-Volt battery from charging.

Consequence

A 12-Volt battery that is unable to recharge can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the converter terminal mounting bracket. If corrosion is found on the terminals, the 12-Volt output harness and terminals will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 12, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-23.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Subaru Crosstrek? Check its history first

Every 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2020 Subaru Crosstrek NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.6%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

HEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Subaru CrosstrekRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$492

vs $521 avg for compact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.1

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Crosstrek

$492

Category Avg

$521

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

25–30 MPG

Running cost: $2,500–$2,900/yr

Fuel + repair

22–27 city / 29–33 hwy MPG

Plug-in Hybrid

35 MPG

Running cost: $2,200/yr

Fuel + repair

36 city / 35 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Crosstrek AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AV-S8)	27	33	30	$2,000
Crosstrek AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Manual 6-spd	22	29	25	$2,400

Plug-in Hybrid trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Crosstrek Hybrid AWD 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (variable gear ratios)	36	35	35	$1,700

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek.

Inspect windshield for cracks or chips, especially near edges or rearview mirror
Test transmission for unusual noises or hesitation at low speeds
Check rear differential for grinding noises during slow maneuvers
Verify battery condition and check for signs of rapid drainage
Ensure seat belts function properly and restrain securely
Test vehicle speed control for unintended acceleration during parking maneuvers
Inspect sunroof and other glass components for signs of spontaneous cracking

2020 Subaru Crosstrek Common Problems by Component

62 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

VISIBILITY/WIPER (29)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)POWER TRAIN (6)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)VISIBILITY (4)SEAT BELTS (2)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)Other (5)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

29 complaints

Owners report frequent occurrences of windshield cracking in the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, with many describing cracks forming spontaneously without any apparent impact or trauma. Complaints commonly mention cracks originating near the edges or middle of the windshield, often around the rearview mirror or defrost vents. These issues are noted even in vehicles with low mileage, some as early as a few months after purchase. Safety implications include potential visibility obstruction and interference with the vehicle's eyesight camera system, though no crashes or loss of control are reported. Additionally, one owner reports window operation issues in cold temperatures, although this is less common. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers considering this model.

29 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

7 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek frequently report issues with the vehicle's windshield and sunroof glass, with multiple complaints of spontaneous cracking or shattering. Symptoms include windshields cracking while the car is stationary, sometimes while parked, and sunroof glass shattering unexpectedly at highway speeds. Additionally, there are reports of battery drainage after a few days of inactivity and a concerning incident where a driver's side door became unlatched while driving at high speed. One complaint involves a crash where the vehicle rolled downhill after the driver believed it was in park. These issues, especially those affecting vehicle control and safety, are critical for potential buyers to consider.

7 complaints total1 crash

POWER TRAIN

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several power train issues with the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, particularly involving the rear differential and transmission. Complaints frequently mention rear differential failures occurring around 12,000 and 50,000 miles, characterized by grinding noises and drivetrain resistance, with some owners noting the need for revised parts due to design changes. Transmission problems are also common, with symptoms like whining noises, hesitation, and complete failure as early as 6,000 miles. Additionally, some owners describe unexpected vehicle behavior, such as launching forward when shifting into reverse and losing acceleration ability, which poses safety risks, especially on highways. One complaint involves a crash related to the vehicle rolling while plugged in, highlighting potential control logic issues in the hybrid model. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of recurring power train issues and associated safety implications.

6 complaints total1 crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek report several issues related to the electrical system. A common problem is battery drain, with multiple owners describing scenarios where the battery depletes quickly, sometimes rendering the car unable to start after being parked for a few days. Some owners mention that the battery charges only partially even during use, exacerbating the issue. Another reported problem involves the remote start system, where one owner notes a defective installation leading to starting difficulties and unusual noises on cold starts. Additionally, a safety concern arises from a malfunction in the charging system of the hybrid model, where the car can move while connected to the charger, potentially exposing users to electrical hazards. These issues appear to occur early in the vehicle's life, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchase.

5 complaints total

VISIBILITY (4 complaints)

VISIBILITY

4 complaints

Owners report that the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek frequently experiences windshield cracks without any apparent impact from external objects. Complaints describe cracks forming on the front windshield, often starting from the top edge or center and extending several inches, with some instances obstructing the driver’s vision. These issues are noted at relatively low mileages, ranging from approximately 4,000 to 17,000 miles. No safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control are reported, but the visibility impairment is a concern for drivers. Potential buyers should be aware of this recurring issue and consider inspecting the windshield condition closely.

4 complaints total

SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek report issues with seat belts failing to restrain occupants during collisions. Complaints frequently mention that during crashes, seat belts do not hold the driver securely, resulting in contact with the steering wheel and subsequent injuries such as chest pain and head trauma. Both reported incidents involve crashes and injuries, highlighting safety implications. The incidents occur in varied conditions, with one happening at low speed and another while the vehicle was stationary. Used car buyers should be aware of these seat belt performance issues, especially in crash scenarios.

2 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek report issues related to the fuel/propulsion system, particularly involving the fuel tank design in hybrid models. Complaints frequently mention a design flaw causing corrosion and clogging in the vapor vent tubes, leading to an occasional check engine light (P0452) and disabling of vehicle safety aids like pre-collision braking. These symptoms reportedly occur even with regular fuel, despite Subaru associating the issue with high ethanol content. Another owner describes the vehicle stalling when starting from a stop, which may suggest a fuel or computer problem. Safety concerns arise as the check engine light can disable important safety features, and the stalling issue could pose a risk in traffic situations. These issues are reported to manifest around the time the vehicle warranty expires, complicating repair coverage.

2 complaints total

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek report incidents of unintended acceleration while attempting to park, with both complaints involving crashes. Symptoms frequently described include the vehicle failing to respond to brake inputs and then accelerating independently, often leading to collisions with stationary objects. These incidents occur at relatively low mileages, with one report at approximately 5,104 miles and another at 42,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one incident resulted in a serious injury involving dental trauma. Potential buyers should be aware of these reports of loss of vehicle control during low-speed maneuvers.

2 complaints total2 crashes1 injury

STRUCTURE (2 complaints)

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek report issues related to the vehicle's glass components. Specifically, one complaint describes a driver side rear door window unexpectedly exploding while driving, with no external impact apparent. Another complaint involves a windshield cracking without an identifiable cause, originating beneath the rubber window seal and extending six inches. Both complaints involve vehicles relatively early in their lifespan, around 1.5 years old, but do not specify mileage. These reports suggest potential safety concerns due to sudden visibility impairment, though no crashes or injuries are mentioned. Used car buyers might consider inspecting the vehicle's glass integrity and seals as part of their evaluation process.

2 complaints total

SEATS (1 complaints)

SEATS

1 complaint

2025-05-26

The bolt attaching the front left corner of the seat to the rails came loose and allows the seat to wobble and bounce.

When Do 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

12,000–50,000 milesRear differential failures

6,000–34,000 milesTransmission failures

1,500–17,000 milesWindshield cracking

Best & Worst Subaru Crosstrek Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Subaru Crosstrek Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

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).

Top Pick

Excellent

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.

Mixed

2019

8Recalls

272Complaints

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. Current year highlighted.

Subaru Crosstrek reliability scores by year
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

Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	78/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	0	1
2025	83/100	+14	Excellent	0	25
2024	69/100	-12	Good	2	95
2023	81/100	+3	Excellent	0	28
2022	78/100	+11	Good	1	28
2021	67/100	-5	Good	2	97
2020(selected)	72/100	+16	Good	1	62
2019	56/100	-4	Mixed	8	272
2018	60/100	—	Good	5	186

2020 Subaru Crosstrek Reliability by Powertrain

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
Powertrain	Complaints	Recalls	Incidents*	Crash Rating
Gas	62	0	6	5 out of 5
HEV	0	1	0	N/T
Total	62	1	6

NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.

* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 72/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 62 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek include: VISIBILITY/WIPER (29 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints), POWER TRAIN (6 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints), VISIBILITY (4 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek have?

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek expensive to maintain?

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has estimated annual repair costs of $492/year, which is $29 less than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 72/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

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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