Subaru Crosstrek Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 114 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Subaru Crosstrek across 12 model years. The 2019 model year has the most (24). The words owners use most often: “service bulletin” (5% of reports).
- 114power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 12mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 42%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.
- Service bulletin: mentioned in 6 of 114 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 53 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 114 complaints, 12 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury.
Subaru Crosstrek power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Crosstrek | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2024 Crosstrek | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2022 Crosstrek | 1 | 3% | 34,000 |
| 2021 Crosstrek | 14 | 12% | — |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 9 | 13% | 12,000 |
| 2019 Crosstrek | 24 | 8% | 15,000 |
| 2018 Crosstrek | 14 | 7% | 6,050 |
| 2017 Crosstrek | 13 | 14% | 40,650 |
| 2016 Crosstrek | 18 | 14% | 40,000 |
| 2015 Crosstrek | 6 | 35% | 52,000 |
| 2014 Crosstrek | 7 | 44% | 69,000 |
| 2013 Crosstrek | 4 | 15% | 74,141 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch
Model years: 2021
Problem: 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.
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Model years: 2024
Problem: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission seized, causing the vehicle to come to a sudden stop. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle…
Was driving on highway when all of the lights on my dash illuminated. Eventually I got a warning for oil at temp alarm. Was giving code P2757 and P0700. Looks like this a common issue in Subarus but doesnât look like it covers anything after 2020.
While driving, my dashboard warning lights on my 2019 Subaru CrosstrekâAT OIL TEMP, EyeSight, and Lane Assistâilluminated simultaneously with a sudden onset of transmission slippage and erratic shifting, with no prior warning symptoms. The vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical failure of the…
Viscous Coupling and center differential failing. unable to turn at low speeds. Low mileage vehicle, under 40,000. This is a several 1000$ repair that happens right after warranty
I am reporting a possible power train/drivetrain issue with a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. At steady highway speeds, most noticeably around 72â76 mph under light accelerator load, the vehicle produces a persistent high-frequency ringing/whining tone throughout the cabin. The noise stops when…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Crosstreks have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 114 owner complaints about power train 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 power train?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Subaru Crosstrek?
The most frequent phrase is “service bulletin”, in 6 of 114 complaints.
Other Subaru Crosstrek problems
- Visibility/wiper problems (292)
- Electrical System problems (198)
- Engine problems (147)
See all Subaru Crosstrek problems.