The Subaru Crosstrek spans 2016–2026 with 24 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2019, 2018, 2016 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2026, 2022, 2023. It delivers up to 36 mpg combined and 5-star NHTSA safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2016 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Subaru Crosstrek VIN — every digit explained
Every Subaru Crosstrek carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Subaru and the country it was built in (real Subaru codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Crosstrek.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- JapanJF1 · JF2 · JF3 · JF4
- USA4S3 · 4S4
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Crosstrek, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Subaru Crosstrek have?
The Subaru Crosstrek has 24 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2016–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek recalls 2
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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: Instrument Cluster/panel
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. 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.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek recalls 1
Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Risk. An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek recalls 7
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
Risk. If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Risk. An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Risk. A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Risk. Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
Steering:electric Power Assist System
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Risk. Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
Seat Belts:rear/other
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
Risk. In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. The began April 15, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-20.
Visibility:glass, Side/rear
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The driver's side rear-door window glass may be improperly tempered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."
Risk. Improperly tempered glass can shatter into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side rear-door window glass, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUG-92.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek recalls 5
Service Brakes
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Crosstrek vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect floor mat retention bracket, allowing the floor mat to move out of position and interfere with the accelerator or brake pedal operation.
Risk. If the floor mat moves out of position and interferes with the accelerator or brake pedal operation, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mat retention bracket and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTR-77.
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
Risk. If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Risk. A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Risk. Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Risk. An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.
2017 Subaru Crosstrek recalls 1
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk. Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek recalls 1
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk. Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Best and worst years for the Subaru Crosstrek
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 11 tracked years, the worst years are 2019, 2018, 2016 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2026, 2022, 2023.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Crosstrek | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2017 Crosstrek | Visibility/wiper | Average | |
| 2018 Crosstrek | Visibility/wiper | Avoid | |
| 2019 Crosstrek | Visibility/wiper | Avoid | |
| 2020 Crosstrek | Visibility/wiper | Average | |
| 2021 Crosstrek | Visibility/wiper | Average | |
| 2022 Crosstrek | Visibility/wiper | Best | |
| 2023 Crosstrek | Visibility/wiper | Best | |
| 2024 Crosstrek | Exterior Lighting | Average | |
| 2025 Crosstrek | Lane Departure | Average | |
| 2026 Crosstrek | Forward Collision Avoidance | Best |
What are the most common Subaru Crosstrek problems?
The most-reported Subaru Crosstrek problems are Base (2 reports), Other (1 reports) and Seats (16 reports) — out of 1,085 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Subaru Crosstrek specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Subaru Crosstrek window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
How the Crosstrek's size changed by generation:
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–2023 | 176″ | 71″ | 64″ | 105″ | 3,190 lb |
| 2016–2017 | 175″ | 70″ | 64″ | 104″ | 3,516 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Subaru Crosstrek cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Crosstrek holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Subaru Crosstrek tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Subaru Crosstrek get?
The Subaru Crosstrek returns up to 36 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $1,750/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek (2.5L 4-cyl) gets 29 mpg combined and costs about $2,150/yr to fuel, emitting 307 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 6/10) — that's about $250 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Crosstrek | 26 | 33 | $2,150 | 307 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2025 Crosstrek | 27 | 34 | $2,150 | 300 | 6/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2024 Crosstrek | 27 | 34 | $2,150 | 300 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2023 Crosstrek | 28 | 33 | $2,100 | 297 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2022 Crosstrek | 28 | 33 | $2,100 | 297 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2021 Crosstrek | 28 | 33 | $2,100 | 297 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 27 | 33 | $2,100 | 298 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2019 Crosstrek | 27 | 33 | $2,150 | 301 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2018 Crosstrek | 27 | 33 | $2,150 | 301 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2017 Crosstrek | 26 | 33 | $2,150 | 311 | 9/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2016 Crosstrek | 26 | 33 | $2,150 | 311 | 9/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2015 Crosstrek | 26 | 33 | $2,150 | 311 | 9/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2014 Crosstrek | 25 | 32 | $2,200 | 320 | 9/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2013 Crosstrek | 25 | 32 | $2,200 | 321 | 9/10 | 2L 4-cyl |
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek (2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid) gets 36 mpg combined and costs about $1,750/yr to fuel, emitting 246 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 7/10) — that's about $2,250 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Crosstrek | 36 | 36 | $1,750 | 246 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2023 Crosstrek | 36 | 35 | $1,800 | 151 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2021 Crosstrek | 36 | 35 | $1,800 | 151 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 36 | 35 | $1,800 | 151 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2019 Crosstrek | 36 | 35 | $1,800 | 151 | 7/10 | 2L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2016 Crosstrek | 29 | 33 | $2,000 | 286 | 9/10 | 2L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2015 Crosstrek | 29 | 33 | $2,000 | 286 | 9/10 | 2L 4-cyl Hybrid | |
| 2014 Crosstrek | 29 | 32 | $2,100 | 293 | 9/10 | 2L 4-cyl Hybrid |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Crosstrek stacks up against the most fuel-efficient SUVs, or calculate this Crosstrek's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Subaru Crosstrek have? Power & range
The Subaru Crosstrek is offered with 2 powertrains — 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 2.5L · 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | Regular |
| Hybrid | 2.5L · 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Can a Subaru Crosstrek tow? Towing & payload
As an SUV, the Subaru Crosstrek is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package.
What sets your Crosstrek's tow & payload rating:
- Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
- Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
- Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
- Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.
Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.
How much does a Subaru Crosstrek cost to own?
A used Subaru Crosstrek sells for a median of about $30,500 for a 2026 — most listed between $23,500 and $33,995, from 771 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Crosstrek | $23,500–$33,995 | 12 | |
| 2025 Crosstrek | $20,900–$32,292 | 45 | |
| 2024 Crosstrek | $18,950–$29,900 | 86 | |
| 2023 Crosstrek | $15,550–$23,999 | 42 | |
| 2022 Crosstrek | $16,950–$24,900 | 18 | |
| 2021 Crosstrek | $14,500–$23,750 | 82 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Crosstrek is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Subaru Crosstrek holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Crosstrek loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $8,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Crosstrek ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Subaru Crosstrek to insure?
A Subaru Crosstrek costs about $978 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 32% below the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (68, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Crosstrek's HLDI loss index. See Subaru insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Subaru Crosstrek safe?
The Subaru Crosstrek earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Crosstrek | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2025 Crosstrek | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2024 Crosstrek | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2023 Crosstrek | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2022 Crosstrek | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2021 Crosstrek | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2020 Crosstrek | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2019 Crosstrek | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 Crosstrek | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2017 Crosstrek | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2016 Crosstrek | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.
Want the safest pick? Compare crash-test scores across the safest cars and SUVs.
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How many miles does a Subaru Crosstrek last?
A well-maintained Subaru Crosstrek typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Subaru Crosstrek’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Crosstrek’s VIN free →All Subaru Crosstrek model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Subaru Crosstrek — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Crosstrek | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2025 Crosstrek | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2024 Crosstrek | 2 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2023 Crosstrek | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2022 Crosstrek | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2021 Crosstrek | 2 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2019 Crosstrek | 7 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2018 Crosstrek | 5 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2017 Crosstrek | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2016 Crosstrek | 2 recalls | ★★★★★ |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Crosstrek?
By owner-complaint volume, 2019, 2018, 2016 drew the most reports. 2026, 2022, 2023 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Crosstrek have?
24 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2016–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Crosstrek get?
Up to 36 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
Is the Crosstrek safe?
The Crosstrek earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall crash-test safety; ratings vary by model year.
How many miles does a Crosstrek last?
A well-maintained Crosstrek typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Crosstrek reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Crosstrek is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Subaru Crosstrek warranty?
New Subaru models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Subaru dealer.
Where is the Subaru Crosstrek made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Crosstrek's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Subaru may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Crosstrek have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.