Last updated: 2026-03-04
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek scores 81/100 ("Excellent"). However, its complaint rate is above the 2023 SUV segment average (22 vs 12.7 per 10k).
2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (GT).
Recalls
0
Complaints
28
Complaint Rate
22
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$492
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
7%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (GT).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 2 years after the last refresh (2021).
- 2nd generation Crosstrek (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
Second generation (GT)
Should You Buy the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek earns an Excellent 81/100 reliability score. 2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (GT).
However, its complaint rate (22 per 10k sold) exceeds the SUV segment average of 12.7, driven largely by unknown or other (9) reports.
If buying used, confirm recall repairs are completed and pay particular attention to unknown or other (9) during inspection and test drive.
Compared to the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, which scored 12 points lower. See also the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Strong reliability score
- $29 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (7%)
- No recalls issued
Cons
- Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek frequently report issues with the vehicle's... (9 complaints)
Compare 2023 Subaru Crosstrek With
Common Problem Categories
Other
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (4)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
- ENGINE (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- SERVICE BRAKES (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- VISIBILITY (1)
- TIRES (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek has no recalls on record, which is uncommon and a positive indicator of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
22
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Subaru Crosstrek NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.6%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Subaru Crosstrek Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5Based 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
7%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2023 Subaru Crosstrek
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect windshield for cracks or chips
- Test infotainment system for intermittent failures
- Check for unexpected engine acceleration when brakes are applied
- Verify all advanced driver assistance systems function correctly
- Ensure airbag system is operational and inspect for any non-deployment history
- Check for excessive seat heating without activation
Check Any 2023 Subaru Crosstrek's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 Crosstrek in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Subaru Crosstrek with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Common Problems by Component
28 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
9 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek frequently report issues with the vehicle's windshield and sunroof integrity. Several complaints describe spontaneous windshield cracking without any apparent impact, often within the first few months of ownership. Additionally, one owner reports the sunroof shattering unexpectedly while driving, posing a potential safety risk. Another common issue involves the infotainment system and associated safety features functioning intermittently, typically noted at low mileage, around 2,700 miles. These reports suggest potential quality concerns in the vehicle's glass components and electronic systems, which may be relevant for prospective buyers considering this model.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
4 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek frequently report issues with the windshield cracking. Complaints describe cracks forming spontaneously, with one owner noting a crack above the defroster vent that expanded across the windshield, while another mentions a crack reappearing in the same spot after a previous replacement. A significant symptom is the sudden appearance of cracks, sometimes during normal driving conditions or while stationary, as seen in a report of a 12-inch crack forming at a stoplight. These issues occur at various points, with at least one instance happening shortly after purchase with minimal mileage. Safety implications include compromised visibility, especially when the defroster cannot be used, but no crashes or loss of control are reported. Buyers considering a used Crosstrek should inspect the windshield for cracks and consider potential repair costs.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek report several issues related to the electrical system. One notable problem involves unintended acceleration and non-responsive brakes and steering, leading to a crash, with the Eyesight system not engaging as expected. Another issue concerns the auto start/stop feature, where the engine restarts unexpectedly when the seatbelt is unbuckled or the door is opened, despite the brakes being applied. Additionally, some owners experience the driver-side seat heating up excessively without the heated seat button being activated, causing significant distraction while driving. These issues occur across various timelines and can pose potential safety risks, such as loss of control or distraction-induced accidents.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, including unexpected emergency braking and system shutdowns. One owner describes the vehicle abruptly braking while driving at 35 mph in sunlight, with no obstacles present, creating a risk of rear-end collision. Another owner notes that the advanced driver assistance systems intermittently deactivate, with the emergency brake warning light illuminating, and the issue reoccurring within a day despite service attempts. These complaints suggest potential safety implications, particularly involving sudden braking and system reliability. No specific mileage or consistent timeline is indicated in the reports.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek report issues related to unintended acceleration. Symptoms frequently described include the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly when the brakes are applied or after releasing the throttle. These incidents are noted to occur during regular driving situations, such as stopping at a sign or during normal throttle release. The complaints do not specify mileage ranges, but they do highlight safety concerns due to the potential for loss of control. No crashes or fires are mentioned, but the described symptoms suggest a significant risk in certain driving conditions.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes. Complaints frequently mention that airbags do not deploy even in significant collisions, such as head-on impacts with guardrails or concrete walls. In both reported cases, no warning lights were illuminated prior to the incidents. The vehicles involved have mileage as low as 4,000 miles. These reports include crashes and injuries, highlighting potential safety implications for prospective buyers.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintTHE BRAKE PEDAL SOME TIME GOES DOWN TO THE FLOOR. I BROUGHT VEHICLE IN SUBARU DEALER FOR CHECK UP. THEY STATED THAT THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER IS DEFECTIVE, NEED TO BE REPLACE. THIS IS 2023 VEHICLE AND THE MILEAGE IS ONLY 46,000 MILES. For safety to me and other drivers please investigate this safety concern.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintI've never taken my 23 crosstrek off the pavement I'm driving down hyw and my rear struts break my crosstrek has 38 thousand miles on it and it's only 3 and 1/2 years old I've owned many cars were if drove hundreds of thousands mile and none of them broke there struts going down the hyw
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side windshield cracked unexpectedly. The windshield had developed a crack without impact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the front windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintrear tire mostly but all 4 - need to add air 2-3 times daily. even adjusting the air pressure when tires are cold we still need to add air daily. Driving an hour at highway speed, parking car for a couple of hours and still the tire pressure is never sufficient. Brought to dealer 2 or 3 times and they cannot find a reason, me niece and others have also expressed this issue to me.
When Do 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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).
2025
0 recalls · 25 complaints
2023(this page)
0 recalls · 28 complaints
2022
1 recall · 28 complaints
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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
| 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(selected) | 81/100 | +3 | Excellent | 0 | 28 |
| 2022 | 78/100 | +11 | Good | 1 | 28 |
| 2021 | 67/100 | -5 | Good | 2 | 97 |
| 2020 | 72/100 | +16 | Good | 1 | 62 |
| 2019 | 56/100 | -4 | Mixed | 8 | 272 |
| 2018 | 60/100 | — | Good | 5 | 186 |
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Reliability by Powertrain
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 28 | 0 | 3 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/T |
| Total | 28 | 0 | 3 |
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 2023 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek have?
Is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek expensive to maintain?
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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