Last updated: 2026-03-04

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek scores 69/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 95 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
95
Complaint Rate
83.9
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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
2 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek scores 69/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
Its complaint rate (83.9 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 8.2. The most common reports involve unknown or other (26).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to unknown or other (26). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, which scored 14 points higher. See also the 2023 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
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (26 complaints)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING: Significant issues with the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek's exterior lighting,... (13 complaints)
Compare 2024 Subaru Crosstrek With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (26)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (13)
- STEERING (9)
- VISIBILITY (8)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (8)
- SERVICE BRAKES (5)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
- TIRES (3)
- AIR BAGS (3)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
- Carry Handle (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- WHEELS (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
83.9
per 10k soldSegment avg: 8.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
7
Fires
1
Injuries
2
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Consequence
A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit.
Consequence
A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-23.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
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 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect windshield for cracks or chips
- Test driver side mirror for vibration at highway speeds
- Check for unexpected automatic braking during test drive
- Verify steering response for stickiness or looseness
- Test infotainment system for SiriusXM ad interruptions
- Confirm wireless phone charger functionality
- Check for any dashboard warning lights during operation
Check Any 2024 Subaru Crosstrek's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2024 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.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Common Problems by Component
95 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
26 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek frequently report issues with the infotainment system displaying intrusive SiriusXM advertisements while driving, which obstructs access to essential features like navigation, climate controls, and driver assistance settings. These ads require manual interaction to dismiss, causing significant distraction and posing a potential safety risk, especially in challenging driving conditions. Complaints indicate these incidents occur sporadically, often when the vehicle is in motion, and there is no straightforward way to opt out. Additionally, one owner reports a crash involving a loss of control, though it is unclear if this is related to the infotainment issue. Another owner mentions a recurring popping sound when making left turns, and some owners note concerns about windshield durability and paint quality.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
13 complaintsOwners report significant issues with the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek's exterior lighting, particularly the headlights. Complaints frequently mention that the headlights are positioned too low, resulting in limited visibility, especially on inclines and at night. Many describe a sharp contrast between illuminated areas and darkness, with distracting shadows that mimic movement. These issues are reported even at low mileages, with some owners experiencing them within two months of purchase. Safety implications include near-miss incidents with pedestrians and cyclists due to poor visibility, and drivers report feeling unsafe operating the vehicle at night.
STEERING
9 complaintsOwners report issues with the steering in the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, particularly at highway speeds and during extended drives. Complaints frequently mention a "sticky" or "jerky" steering wheel that can become stiff and then suddenly loose, often leading to overcorrections. These symptoms typically emerge after the vehicle has been driven for 30 minutes to an hour, especially in warmer temperatures, and are noted even when driver assistance features are turned off. Most issues are reported by vehicles with mileage ranging from under 10,000 to 24,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as several owners describe unexpected swerving and the need for constant correction, which could potentially lead to crossing into other lanes or traffic.
VISIBILITY (8 complaints)
VISIBILITY
8 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek frequently report issues with the vehicle's mirrors and windshield. A common problem involves the driver side mirror vibrating at speeds above 50 mph, causing blurred vision and difficulty in merging safely; multiple owners note that this issue persists despite mirror replacements and adjustments. Additionally, there are reports of the rearview mirror detaching suddenly and star-shaped cracks appearing on the windshield without impact. These visibility-related complaints generally emerge at low mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Safety implications are noted, particularly the potential difficulty in highway driving due to impaired mirror visibility.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (8 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
8 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek frequently report issues with both the windshield and the driver side exterior mirror. Complaints indicate that windshields are prone to cracking spontaneously or from minor impacts, often within a few months of ownership or at low mileage, such as 600 to 2,100 miles. Additionally, the driver side mirror is described as vibrating at highway speeds, causing visibility issues. While no crashes or injuries are reported, these issues could impact driving safety. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported problems, particularly if considering a used model.
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek frequently report issues with the automatic braking system engaging unexpectedly. Complaints often describe the brakes activating without driver input, even when no obstacles are present, leading to sudden deceleration. Incidents occur at various speeds, with reports of automatic braking at speeds from 15 mph to 65 mph. Two complaints involve crashes, with one resulting in an injury. Symptoms include the vehicle braking sharply and without warning, sometimes causing the driver to be thrown against the seatbelt. The failure mileage for these incidents is generally low, around 1,000 miles, suggesting early onset of the issue. These reports highlight potential safety implications, including increased risk of rear-end collisions and loss of control.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaintsOwners report several issues with the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek's electrical system. Complaints frequently mention problems with the wireless phone charger, which fails to charge phones effectively and causes them to overheat. Additionally, multiple owners describe persistent connectivity problems with the infotainment system, particularly with Apple CarPlay, where audio cuts out during calls, necessitating manual intervention while driving. Some owners also express frustration over delays in obtaining parts for recall-related repairs, with one citing a four-month wait for a dash wire harness, which they believe could pose a fire risk. These issues are reported without specific mileage contexts, but they highlight potential safety concerns due to inattention while driving and delayed recall part availability.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly the pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control features. Complaints frequently mention unexpected activation of these systems, leading to sudden deceleration or loss of power, sometimes without any apparent obstacle. Two incidents involve crashes, with one reporting an injury, typically occurring at low mileage, such as 420 miles. Safety implications include potential collisions due to unexpected braking or lack of system response in critical situations. Buyers should be aware of these reported issues, especially when driving in situations where the system might misinterpret the surroundings, such as on winding roads or during turns.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving unintended acceleration and unexpected braking. Complaints frequently mention unintended acceleration when driving at low speeds or during parking maneuvers, with one incident resulting in a crash when the vehicle surged forward unexpectedly. Another common issue involves the vehicle independently braking after using the cruise control, returning to the preset speed without driver input. These problems typically occur at mileages between 4,000 and 8,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as one complaint involves a crash due to loss of vehicle control.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek report issues related to the power train, specifically with the automatic transmission. A common failure pattern involves the vehicle failing to accelerate, accompanied by the illumination of multiple dashboard warning lights, including the AT oil temp indicator. One owner describes this issue occurring at approximately 4,507 miles, with subsequent recurrence around 6,000 miles, and mentions dirty transmission fluid with metal debris as a potential cause. Another complaint mentions a popping sound when turning left, though details are limited. No crashes or loss of control are reported, but the issues may lead to vehicle malfunction, requiring towing and extensive repairs.
When Do 2024 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).
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(selected) | 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 | 72/100 | +16 | Good | 1 | 62 |
| 2019 | 56/100 | -4 | Mixed | 8 | 272 |
| 2018 | 60/100 | — | Good | 5 | 186 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?
How many recalls does the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek have?
Is the 2024 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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