Subaru Crosstrek Engine Problems
Owners have filed 147 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Subaru Crosstrek across 14 model years. The 2019 model year has the most (34).
- 147engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 10mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 42%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 69 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 147 complaints, 10 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 3 an injury.
Subaru Crosstrek engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Crosstrek | 1 | 11% | — |
| 2024 Crosstrek | 7 | 6% | 11,000 |
| 2023 Crosstrek | 5 | 15% | — |
| 2022 Crosstrek | 3 | 10% | 7,000 |
| 2021 Crosstrek | 16 | 14% | 1,300 |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 5 | 7% | 25,602 |
| 2019 Crosstrek | 34 | 12% | 8,300 |
| 2018 Crosstrek | 32 | 16% | 5,700 |
| 2017 Crosstrek | 10 | 11% | 13,500 |
| 2016 Crosstrek | 14 | 11% | 72,500 |
| 2015 Crosstrek | 5 | 29% | 59,000 |
| 2014 Crosstrek | 2 | 13% | 71,500 |
| 2013 Crosstrek | 11 | 42% | 55,000 |
| 2012 Crosstrek | 2 | 100% | 77,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
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.
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
Model years: 2019
Problem: 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.
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
Model years: 2018
Problem: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Car was driving at highway speed when I noticed that the car was shifting. Started driving up the hill and then a loud clanking noise started. Pulled over and put the car in park only then did the oil pressure light come on. Metal shavings were found in the oil. The number 3 rod bearing broke cause…
While driving my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek (VIN: [XXX]) at approximately 70,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic cooling system rupture on the roadway without any prior dashboard warning light. A radiator hose burst, resulting in rapid, complete loss of engine coolant and steam…
At 45,261 miles, the check engine lights came on and the vehicle would barely start and run. It was towed to a dealer and was again diagnosed with carbon build-up on the intake valves. This is the second occurrence in just over a year. It was repaired, and again, other than the repair, nothing was…
At 26,453 miles, the check engins lights all came on and the vehicle wouldn't run. It was determined that the intake valves had excessive carbon build-up on them. The issue was repaired by the dealer. I contacted subaru of america to advise them of this situation, stating that the issue will happen…
On XXX while driving my brand-new 2026 Subaru Crosstrek with approximately 63 miles on the odometer, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration. The AT Oil Temp warning flashed, followed by the Check Engine Light and multiple EyeSight and driver assistance warning lights. I immediately pulled off the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Crosstreks have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 147 owner complaints about engine 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 engine?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
Other Subaru Crosstrek problems
- Visibility/wiper problems (292)
- Electrical System problems (198)
- Power Train problems (114)
See all Subaru Crosstrek problems.