Its dependability and capability in all weather make the Subaru Crosstrek a popular compact SUV. Practicality, fuel efficiency, and impressive safety features have won over adventurers and commuters alike.
The brand’s reputation has not been maintained throughout all model years, however. There have been a number of instances where owners have been faced with significant problems, resulting in costly repairs. Avoiding unnecessary expenses and hassles can be achieved by knowing which years to avoid.
What to avoid in Subaru Crosstrek
There have been problems with some Subaru Crosstrek models. The electrical and mechanical problems of certain years make them stand out. Considering a Crosstrek can be an informed decision if you understand the issues they face. Here is a list of problematic years and a summary of some of the most common complaints.
| Model Year | Key Issues |
| 2013 | The vehicle consumes excessive oil, the engine stalls, and the brake lights fail to work |
| 2014 | Oil consumption and transmission irregularities |
| 2016 | Misfires in the electrical system, problems with the power steering, and poor brake performance |
| 2018 | Glitches in the Starlink system, fragile windshields |
| 2019 | Stalled engines, cracked windshields, and engine recalls |
Model Year 2013
Crosstrek debuted in 2013 and quickly became one of the most popular SUVs on the market. In addition to its many innovations, it also experienced growing pains. Overconsumption of oil was one of the major issues. Oil needs to be refilled often between oil changes, causing engine wear if not done. There was also the problem of engine stalling. There were several incidents of sudden stalling, sometimes in dangerous circumstances, raising safety alarms.
Further compounding the issue was the brake light defect. In addition to causing inconvenience, defective brake lights can endanger road safety. The 2013 Subaru Crosstrek had a few downsides as well as benefits for many buyers, despite being Subaru’s first attempt at this model.
Model Year 2014
In 2014, some of the issues from 2013 were carried over to the new year. Owners who expected Subaru’s reputation for reliability were frustrated by excessive oil consumption. Moreover, the model was plagued with transmission problems. Unpredictable performance and, sometimes, expensive repairs were the result of erratic gear shifting.
Furthermore, its transmission tended to wear early, which further detracted from its appeal. Compared to other options, 2014 Crosstrek owners found maintenance costs higher than expected.
Model Year 2016
Subaru Crosstrek owners have found the 2016 model year disappointing as well. In some ways, it was better than earlier models, but there were still some major issues. Failures with the electrical system were a common problem. In addition to dimming or flickering lights, drivers often experienced malfunctions in critical systems.
There were also a lot of people who complained about interior accessories. Inconvenient and unpredictable driving experiences were caused by features like the infotainment system and power steering controls. When driving at high speeds or in demanding conditions, some owners reported power steering failures posing serious safety risks.
In addition, there were recurring issues with the brake performance of the 2016 Crosstrek. The frequent and costly maintenance of brakes was caused by defective brakes or early brake wear. Subaru vehicles are typically known for their reliability and value, and many owners felt that these problems diminished these qualities. Consequently, if you are looking to enjoy a trouble-free vehicle experience, it is recommended to avoid the 2016 model.
Model year 2018
Despite the new design and upgraded features of the 2018 Crosstrek, it was not without its faults. In general, owners were most concerned about the windshield. In spite of minor impacts, windshields have been reported to be unusually fragile. Despite the widespread nature of the problem, buyers were still concerned about it.
Moreover, the in-car entertainment system Starlink malfunctioned on the 2018 model. In addition to software crashes, users reported unresponsive touchscreens and problems connecting to the internet. The electronic problems in this vehicle were disappointing given the fact that it was marketed as a technology-based vehicle. It has often been the case that owners have been frustrated by an unresponsive system.
Model Year 2019
As a follow-up to the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek redesign, the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek has inherited some of the shortcomings of its predecessor. In addition to the fragile windshield, there was another persistent issue. A small amount of impact can crack the windshield, as with the 2018 model. Owners who expected better durability were often frustrated by frequent repairs caused by this defect.
The engine stalling was another significant concern. Several problems with the engine control module forced Subaru to recall the 2019 Crosstrek. There was a safety risk from the defect, since the engine would sometimes shut down unexpectedly. Subaru is known for its reliability, so this problem shook people’s confidence.
In addition, there were complaints that the 2019 model did not meet expectations when it came to fuel efficiency. As a result of disappointing real-world mileage, drivers rated this car as a disappointment. When the 2019 Crosstrek is compared with other hassle-free SUVs, its combined issues make it a less appealing choice.
Problematic Years’ Common Issues
There may be some recurring themes among the problematic Crosstrek model years, regardless of its unique flaws. In order to avoid potential headaches, it is important to recognize these common problems.
Windshield Cracking
There were a lot of Crosstreks with fragile windshields, especially from 2018 and 2019. There have been reports of cracks forming as a result of minor incidents or even without any obvious cause. Due to this condition, it was necessary to replace the vehicle on a frequent basis, which resulted in increased maintenance costs that diminished its value.
Overconsumption of oil
There was a widespread problem with increased oil consumption on the 2013 and 2014 models. Keeping oil topped off frequently caused inconveniences for owners, as well as long-term damage to engines. Subaru later addressed this problem, but it wasn’t before many early adopters were frustrated with the design flaw.
Failures of electrical systems
Over the past few years, there have been plenty of complaints about faulty electrical components. Unresponsive controls and unreliable systems often plagued drivers, compromising safety and functionality.
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Conclusion
Subaru Crosstreks keep being popular because of their versatile, reliable, and off-road capabilities. This reputation, however, does not always hold true for all model years. You can avoid headaches and expensive repairs if you can identify and avoid problematic years such as 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019. Buyers seeking peace of mind are less likely to choose these models because of problems like excessive oil consumption, fragile windshields, and electrical system failures.
