Best and worst Subaru Crosstrek years — which to avoid

If you are in the market for a compact, yet off-road capable SUV, the Subaru Crosstrek can be a highly rewarding option, as long as you move past problematic model years. Like every other model in this class, the Crosstrek has had a fair share of problems which means you’ll need to do some digging on the Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid before you make the down payment.

We’ll help you get on the right track when it comes to identifying the best and worst Subaru Crosstrek years through NHTSA complaints, recalls, and problems. Not only will we focus on model years that you should steer clear of, but also delve deeper into the best possible picks to help with your selection.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Subaru Crosstrek years

Since the Crosstrek received mixed feedback from drivers and previous owners, it wasn’t so easy to develop a list of the best and worst model years. We first focused on driver reports and reviews along with safety ratings of the model to get a general idea of its reliability.

After that, we compared the data with Crosstrek forums from which we also got information that needed double-checking, and finished it all up with NHTSA’s official records and recall reports. With that in mind, we ranked the model years as best and worst based on Crosstrek generations:

Most common Subaru Crosstrek problems

You could experience several problems if you purchase any problematic Subaru Crosstrek model. The most common model-specific issues include a faulty head gasket, CVT issues, faulty PCV valve, defective Subaru Eyesight, cracking windshield, excessive oil consumption, and others.

1. Head gasket issues

The head gasket issue is the biggest of all Subaru Crosstrek problems. This is one prevalent issue that many Subaru models encounter, despite their reputation for reliability. Since the 90s, Subaru has been battling this issue, yet it became one of Crosstrek’s problems years later. This problem is common on the larger 2.5L engine.

To fix this problem, drivers always resort to replacing the head gasket, which can cost upwards of $1,500 for labor. Additionally, the part cost adds an extra $1,100 to $1,200 for the gasket and $700 for other accompanying parts. If you do the math, you will spend quite a lot on a head gasket replacement. However, it’s still better than having the aftermath and the symptoms of a blown head gasket ruin your engine.

2. CVT issues

In 2018, Subaru announced a warranty extension for its Continuous Variable Transmissions (CVTs), raising the warranty for the transmission from the initial five years or 50,000 miles to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever happens first. This extension applied to almost all Subaru models, including the Crosstrek, Forester, Legacy, Impreza, Outback, and WRX.

Subaru claimed that customers had nothing to complain about concerning the CVT, and the extension was more of an extra assurance about the reliability of the CVT. However, on the other end of the spectrum, customers had a different story. Customers experienced stalling, knocks, and shudders from the CVT.

In a nutshell, the CVT transmission problems began giving drivers a jarring ride just a few years into the vehicle’s life. Fortunately, under the warranty provided by Subaru, consumers were eligible for free repair and replacement of parts if they had issues with their CVTs. Also, dealers conducted free inspections even for vehicles with no CVT failure symptoms.

3. Faulty PCV valve

Among all Subaru Crosstrek problems, most of them are common only on older models. However, this problem is found even in the second-generation Crosstrek manufactured after 2018. The PCV valve prevents waste gases from building up inside the crankcase and allows waste gases to escape back into the intake system for re-burning; however, this valve is prone to damage.

A failed PCV valve can cause engine oil to penetrate through the combustion chamber. This could be worse (unless you detect the defective PCV valve symptoms early enough), as the PCV valve parts can also enter the vehicle’s engine, causing damage to the internals.

Due to this, Subaru had to recall this Crosstrek generation and make a PCV valve replacement if the PCV was found to be defective. Also, if the faulty valve already damaged the engine, Subaru would replace the engine at no additional cost to the customer.

4. Defective Subaru Eyesight

The Subaru Eyesight is a series of driver-assist technologies that helps improve the driver’s safety. This suite includes active safety systems like pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision throttle management.

Unfortunately, the Subaru Eyesight technology can fail to function correctly, thus turning into one of the Crosstrek problems. Compared to the human eye, Eyesight technology’s performance can be hampered by several factors like water spray, fog, and other environmental conditions.

To make things worse, Eyesight utilized monochrome cameras in its earlier versions, making it difficult for the technology to identify and recognize brake lights. Although Subaru replaced this with smaller color cameras starting in 2015, this wasn’t still good news for consumers.

5. Windshield cracks

A cracking windshield has been a common report by some drivers, and this constitutes another problem of the Subaru Crosstrek. These owners complained that their windshields crack without any impact, thus requiring a windshield repair to resolve the issue. In this case, not only would your visibility be lowered, but it also triggers water leaking into the car’s passenger side, and who wants water leaks in their interior?

Also, these drivers add that the crack spreads rapidly across the windshield. The only fix to this issue is to have a windshield replacement. However, the problem isn’t rampant, as this happens on only a few Subaru Crosstreks.

6. Excessive oil consumption

Excessive oil consumption is yet another Subaru Crosstrek issue that it shares with its sister models. Many vehicles manufactured by Subaru, including the Crosstrek, from 2012 to 2015 year models were discovered to consume more oil than they used to. This is among the numerous Subaru oil consumption issues.

Subaru dealers were replacing oil rings and pistons to curb the menace; however, they later resolved to replace the entire block assembly as this was the only one-stop remedy to this Subaru Crosstrek problem.

Worst Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid

While Subaru has manufactured reliable models of the Crosstrek, there are some model years you might want to keep a distance from. When buying one, your first priority should be the answer to the popular question – what are the worst Subaru Crosstrek years?

The worst Subaru Crosstrek years are 2018 and 2019, but if you want to avoid all the models that had even the slightest issues, here’s a complete list:

• 2016
• 2017
• 2018
• 2019

To give you a clear overview of these model years and the issues that made them bad options for drivers, we’ll now focus on explaining each of them in more detail.

First-generation Crosstrek (2016 model year)

According to several drivers of this model year, the 2016 Crosstrek had various electronic and mechanical failures. Some complain that when driving, and without warning, the lights began to dim, brakes started malfunctioning, and power steering failed. This wasn’t just hazardous but also required significant repairs.

Despite numerous attempts, several drivers report that their keys refused to budge after turning off the engine. This issue is common on other Subaru models after a certain mileage. However, the biggest problem of the 2016 Crosstrek is faulty interior accessories including failed 9-volt battery, cabin air filters, navigation faults, and other issues.

Second-generation Crosstrek (2018-2019 model years)

The model years of this Subaru Crosstrek generation had several issues stemming from the brittleness of the windshield. Drivers report that, even without cause, their windshields unexpectedly began to crack in random spots.

Other common problems in this generation include a faulty radio, rear-end sliding, and the faulty Starlink feature.

What are the best Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid?

Subaru knows what it is doing when talking about manufacturers that make reliable sport utility vehicles. While the best years used years of Subaru Crosstrek are pretty recent, there are a few early models to consider. You may not have a long list to choose from, but these model years have proven reliable:

• 2014
• 2015
• 2020
• 2021
• 2022
• 2023

The 2014 and 2015 Subaru Crosstrek model years may be the oldest on the list, but we consider it one of the most reliable years considering the low number of complaints we’ve received from drivers of this model.

2015 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2015 Crosstrek is one of the most reliable options among first-gen models and it had similar features to the 2015 Impreza with a remarkable 8.7-inch ground clearance. It also featured an upgraded infotainment system called Starlink, which Subaru integrated into all models to make the vehicle more user-friendly and intuitive.

Unlike the 2016 model, this one didn’t struggle so much with the electrical system and interior accessories, which made it one of the go-to options of the first-gen.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2020 Crosstrek came with several great entertainment and safety features like the auto stop-start system (for the CVT models), automatic climate control, Subaru’s patented Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), and a collision-detection automatic door-unlock system. This model year is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a recent and reliable model with exceptional features but on a cost-friendly budget.

If you’re looking for the latest technologies and most up-to-date safety features, then the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is your best bet. It’s one of the best-rated models due to a low number of complaints, excellent engine reliability, and no reported issues regarding the transmission or infamous coolant leaks.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek worth buying?

The Subaru Crosstrek is an excellent choice of vehicle for anyone who needs a high-tech and reliable model car with exceptional features but on a cost-friendly budget. It can give you a great unforgettable experience if you purchase only the safe and reliable models.

Peeking under the hood of car ownership, we’ve blended real-world tales with our investigative prowess to fuel your next auto adventure with wisdom. Ever curious about the roadblocks in car years? Our guides on the Jeep Compass years to avoid , CX-5 years to avoid, and Jeep Renegade years to avoid will answer all your questions. Armed with our insights, you’re in the driver’s seat, ready to zoom towards a choice that’s not just smart, but feels right on the road ahead.