Last updated: 2026-10-10

Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru Crosstrek Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 73/100

Skip the 2019 model year. Owners filed more complaints on it than on any other year, mostly about windshields that crack easily, plus dead batteries and CVT trouble. The 2023 Crosstrek is the year to buy instead, with no recalls on file.

Verdict

Avoid
2019 56/100
Buy
2023 81/100
Model average
73/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Subaru Crosstrek Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Subaru Crosstrek average of 73/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201956/100Mixed8272Visibility Wiper (108)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

56
MixedReliability score: 56 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019 Subaru Crosstrek

Windshields crack far too easily, often after a tiny pebble, and some owners are on a second or third one. Batteries die after a few days parked, and many owners blame the Starlink module. Power cuts out or comes late, and several cars needed a new CVT. Eight recalls are on file.

8 recalls272 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Visibility Wiper (108), Electrical System (39), Unknown Or Other (39), Power Train (21), Steering (15), Visibility (11)

View full 2019reliability report →

What Are Common Subaru Crosstrek Problems?

VISIBILITY/WIPER

239 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: Windshields crack far too easily.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

140 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2024

2019: Windshield cracking dominates this group too.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

96 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2021

2019: Batteries go dead overnight or after a few days parked, and new batteries do not fix it.

POWER TRAIN

50 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2021

2019: Power cuts out or comes late.

VISIBILITY

39 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2024, 2018

2019: Front windshields crack without any impact.

ENGINE

36 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021, 2019

2018: Hesitation and stumbling around 2,000 rpm under light throttle is the most common complaint, and owners call it most dangerous when merging.

Best Subaru Crosstrek Year to Buy Instead

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent

2023 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2023 model year has no recalls on file, while 2019 has eight. Its complaint rate per vehicle sold is a small fraction of 2019's. Windshield cracking still shows up, so it is not trouble-free. But the CVT and dead-battery reports that mark 2019 are mostly absent here.

Score: 81/100 (Excellent)0 recalls28 complaints
View full 2023reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Subaru Crosstrek Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Subaru Crosstrek years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2019 model year. It is well below the model's own average, with the most owner complaints, eight recalls, and three fire reports. Windshield cracking, dead batteries, and CVT failures are the main trouble. The 2023 model year is the better buy.
Which Subaru Crosstrek years have transmission problems?
The 2019 model year has the clearest transmission trouble. Owners describe delayed or lost power, and several cases ended in CVT replacement, one at about 74,000 miles. Other years have scattered reports of a jerky CVT and bucking, but far fewer.
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek a good used buy?
It is acceptable but not the pick. The 2018 year rates good for reliability, yet it sits near the bottom of the range with five recalls and many windshield cracking complaints. Check the recall history by VIN and inspect the glass before buying.
Is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
Yes, it rates excellent for reliability and has no recalls on file. Windshield cracking is its most common complaint. A few serious reports exist, including unintended acceleration at startup and airbags that did not deploy, but they are very few.
Are the 2025 and 2026 Crosstreks safer bets than 2023?
Not necessarily. Both rate well, but they have had little time on the road to collect complaints. A short complaint list partly reflects that. The 2023 year has more history behind its good record, so it is the safer pick.

How we score every Subaru Crosstrek model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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