Subaru Crosstrek Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 198 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Subaru Crosstrek across 14 model years. The 2019 model year has the most (53). The words owners use most often: “put park” (6% of reports).
- 198electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 8mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 41%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Put park: mentioned in 11 of 198 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 94 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 198 complaints, 8 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 1 an injury.
Subaru Crosstrek electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Crosstrek | 1 | 11% | — |
| 2025 Crosstrek | 5 | 11% | 11,000 |
| 2024 Crosstrek | 8 | 7% | — |
| 2023 Crosstrek | 6 | 18% | — |
| 2022 Crosstrek | 4 | 13% | 34,000 |
| 2021 Crosstrek | 16 | 14% | 43,500 |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 11 | 16% | 1,000 |
| 2019 Crosstrek | 53 | 19% | 9,000 |
| 2018 Crosstrek | 32 | 16% | 9,000 |
| 2017 Crosstrek | 17 | 18% | 37,241 |
| 2016 Crosstrek | 37 | 28% | 40,000 |
| 2015 Crosstrek | 1 | 6% | 45,000 |
| 2014 Crosstrek | 2 | 13% | 76,500 |
| 2013 Crosstrek | 5 | 19% | 32,600 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Model years: 2024
Problem: 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.
Electrical system:software; engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm):software; electrical system:ignition; engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Model years: 2018, 2019
Problem: 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.
Electrical system:software; electrical system:ignition
Model years: 2018, 2019
Problem: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I own a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. While driving on the freeway in heavy traffic, I had to make a hard stop due to traffic ahead. When the vehicle came to a complete stop, the engine automatically shut off as part of the vehicleâs auto start-stop system. When I released the brake to proceed with…
While driving on the [XXX] my car lost power while in drive. I coasted onto the should. I could not get the car out of gear or put the car in park. I chocked the rear tire. I opened the hood. The positive cable had popped off the battery post. I got a piece of paper and created a temporary shim…
There have been multiple instances where my car has failed to ârestartâ if the auto-start-stop feature is on. I immediately turn that setting off every time I get into my car because if I pause for too long at a light/stop sign etc.the engine will stall and turn off (without being in park). I…
The battery and electrical system died while I was at a red light in traffic on my way to work. I was stuck on a major road with trucks and traffic behind me while I was stuck in the middle lane. I had to wait for help to be pushed out of traffic to the sidewalk and wait for a jump. The Subaru…
Recently, Aug 13 we took the 2019 Crosstrek to the to the Subaru center for oil change and a general inspection. Two big problems revealed. 1. Recommend replacing both rear wheel bearings due to noise while driving $2,249. 2. Recommend replacing all 4 TPMS sensors due to low voltage codes present…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Crosstreks have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 198 owner complaints about electrical system for the Subaru Crosstrek. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru Crosstrek electrical system?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the Subaru Crosstrek?
The most frequent phrase is “put park”, in 11 of 198 complaints.
Other Subaru Crosstrek problems
- Visibility/wiper problems (292)
- Engine problems (147)
- Power Train problems (114)
See all Subaru Crosstrek problems.