Last updated: 2026-03-04

Subaru Crosstrek

1 Subaru Crosstrek Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Subaru Crosstrek average of 71/100

The Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 56/100. The best Subaru Crosstrek year to buy is 2025 83/100.

Verdict

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek scores significantly below the model average of 71/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 56/100 due to visibility wiper (108) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 72/100.

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 71/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201956/100Mixed8272Visibility Wiper (108)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

56
MixedReliability score: 56 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019 Subaru Crosstrek

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).

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 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Subaru Crosstrek Problems?

Top reported issues across all Subaru Crosstrek model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

239 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

124 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

96 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

52 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

36 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

STEERING

33 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

Best Subaru Crosstrek Year to Buy Instead

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Subaru Crosstrek

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).

Score: 72/100 (Good)1 recalls62 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All Subaru Crosstrek Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Subaru Crosstrek years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Subaru Crosstrek years: 2019 (score: 56/100). These model years score significantly below the Subaru Crosstrek average of 71/100.
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 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 25 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Subaru Crosstrek have?
Across all years in our database, the Subaru Crosstrek has a total of 19 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Subaru Crosstrek worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 83/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 71/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Subaru Crosstrek problems?
The most common Subaru Crosstrek problems are visibility/wiper (239 complaints), unknown or other (124 complaints), electrical system (96 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Subaru Crosstrek reliable long-term?
The Subaru Crosstrek has an average reliability score of 71/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Subaru Crosstrek generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Subaru Crosstrek generation is the Second generation (GT) with an average score of 69/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Subaru Crosstrek?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Subaru Crosstrek is $492 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 83/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 25 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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