Best And Worst Years For Subaru Crosstrek: You Need To Know Everything
Subaru Crosstrek is a five-door mid-size SUV with plenty of passenger and cargo space. It has a more luxurious interior with modern technology features and specs. Recently Subaru launched its Crosstrek for the 2024 Model year with a completely new exterior and interior Design. And this 2024 Crosstrek is all-new for 2024 as the third generation.
Subaru Crosstrek exists in the market since 2013 and has been successful in this segment. Today we will learn about the best and worst years for Subaru Crosstrek, By which you will be able to decide which one is the best to buy used and which are the Subaru Crosstrek Years to Avoid. Subaru Crosstrek is a good and most trusted SUV but this is not mean that Every Model Crosstrek is good.
It is available in the market for more than twelve years since its launch. Some models have got more recalls and complaints, some have fewer recalls and complaints, and also some Models years has got the best and most positive consumer reviews and ratings. According to the Reviews, Ratings, Recalls, and complaints- here we have given the best and worst Subaru Crosstrek Years. So You must read this article till the end.
These are the Best and Worst Years for Subaru Crosstrek
According to NHTSA’s Recalls and Complaints Reports, Consumers Review Ratings, and Numbers of problems- 2014, 2015, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 are the best years For Subaru Crosstrek because these models have got fewer recalls and complaints. And Also, these Model owners have given positive reviews and ratings. That’s why we have added these models to the list of the best Subaru Crosstrek Years.
And if we talk about the worst years of the Subaru Crosstrek. Let’s tell you- 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 are the worst years of Subaru Crosstrek. That means these Subaru Crosstrek Years to avoid buying used. Because these Models years have got many recalls and complaints according to the NHTSA reports. Below we have given the full details about the best and worst Subaru Crosstrek years with review ratings, recalls, and complaints. First, let’s know the Best years for Subaru Crosstrek.
Best Years For Subaru Crosstrek- 2014 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2014 Subaru Crosstrek is a part of the First generation launched first time in 2012, and after that Subaru has carried it over with minor changes. So this is the oldest Crosstrek Years. It gives the best fuel economy and has more features and specs.
It was one of the most popular and successful SUVs of that time. It was paired with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual or CVT Transmission. This gives the best performance and comfort. According to that time and also now it has an impressive and attractive exterior Style.
According to NHTSA, it has got only one recalls and 92 complaints. And also, most automotive industry trusted websites have given the best ratings and reviews. That’s Why we have added this year to the list of the Best Subaru Crosstrek. Below we have given its Review ratings in the table that is provided by most of the Trusted sources-
Sources | Consumer Review Ratings of 2014 Crosstrek |
Kelley Blue Book | 4.3/5.0 |
Edmunds | 3.4/5.0 |
JD Power | 80/100 |
Cars.com | N/A |
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2015 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2015 Crosstrek is also a part of the first generation, But in this model, Subaru has upgraded its some features. For example- Subaru has added reversing cameras, and head units, and also upgraded its steering wheel with electric power steering. As well as Subaru has upgraded its infotainment system with Starlink which is equipped with all trims. That makes it a more attractive interior and user-friendly dashboard.
The 2015 Crosstrek is equipped with an all-wheel drivetrain and a powerful 148 HP 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. That gives the best performance and fuel economy. According to reports, this Subaru Crosstrek model gives a fuel economy of 26 MPG in the City and 34 MPG on the Highway.
Along with this Subaru offers more interior and exterior features with this. For example- It has a 6.2 inches infotainment system display, a Four-speakers audio system, and most of the higher trims also have a rearview camera. So overall the 2015 Crosstrek is one of the best model years.
And also according to NHTSA reports- it has got only two recalls and 89 complaints which is acceptable. And most of the trusted Automotive industry sources give it good and positive ratings. And according to its numbers of recalls, complaints, and ratings, we have added it to the best years of Subaru Crosstrek Years. Below in the table, we have given its consumer ratings.
Review Sources | Ratings of the 2015 Crosstrek |
Edmunds | 4.3/5.0 |
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) | 4.3/5.0 |
JD Power | 80/100 |
Cars.com | N/A |
2020 Subaru Crosstrek Year

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is one of the best years. It is a part of the second generation which was launched for the first time in the 2018 Model year. After that, Subaru refreshed it and improved it. And Now it has become one of the best and most successful Subaru Crosstrek years. Because this model has more interior and exterior Features with a powerful powertrain.
It is powered by a 2.0-liter Four-cylinder engine that produces 152 Horsepower and 145 pound-feet of Torque. This powerful Powertrain is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission and is also available with an optional CVT Transmission. So this one gives the best performance and fuel efficiency.
Apart from this, Subaru takes care of its customers. It gives more standard latest safety and driver assistance technology features. And It has also got a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. If We talk about its recalls and complaints, then according to the NHTSA’s Reports- it has got zero recalls and only 50 complaints. So it is the least complaints Crosstrek. And that’s why we have added this to the best Subaru Crosstrek list.
Most of the Automotive industry’s trusted websites and sources give it the best ratings and also 2020 Crosstrek owners give positive feedback about the 2020 Crosstrek. Below we have given its consumer rating reports according to the most trusted sources-
Sources | Consumer Rating of 2020 Crosstrek |
Edmunds | 4.3/5.0 |
Kelley Blue Book | 4.4/5.0 |
JD Power | 80/100 |
Cars.com | 4.8/5.0 |
CarandDriver.com | 8.0/10.0 |
Read Next- Subaru has launched its new Subaru Outback for 2024.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2021 Subaru looks more impressive than before Because Subaru has refreshed its exterior with a new grille and Bumper. Along with this Subaru has added a more powerful 2.5-liter Four-cylinder engine for top Sport and Limited Models. And now this model produces 182 horsepower. As well as now all models have standard Adaptive cruise control. So this Model will be better than the last year.
As well as it is one of the best subcompact SUVs and also won the best resale value award by Kelley Blue Book. And already it is one of the best subcompact SUVs of the KBB. According to NHTSA- It has got zero recalls and 65 complaints. That’s Why it is one of the best Subaru Crosstrek Years to buy used. Below we have given its consumer ratings in the table provided by most of the trusted Automotive websites and sources-
Sources | Consumer Ratings of the 2021 Crosstrek |
Edmunds | 4.4/5.0 |
Kelley Blue Book | 4.4/5.0 |
JD Power | 82/100 |
Cars.com | 4.8/5.0 |
CarandDriver.com | 8.0/10.0 |
2022 and 2023 Subaru Crosstrek

2022 and 2023 are the most recent Subaru Crosstrek Years. That is part of the Second generation. This Subaru Crosstrek has a more attractive exterior and spacious and luxurious interior with more modern technology and safety Features. Above we have known about the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, and these models are similar to the 2021 Model year.
And most of the features and specs are the same as the previous year. For example- Both models have standard driver assistance technology and safety features with standard adaptive cruise control when you choose CVT transmission. Along with this, these Subaru Crosstrek Models give a comfortable ride and excellent fuel economy.
These models give an excellent fuel economy of 28 MPG in the City and 33 MPG on the Highway with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. And when you choose its more powerful 2.5-liter Four-cylinder powertrain then this give a fuel economy of 27 MPG in the City and 34 MPG on the Highway. Which is good fuel economy for such an SUV.
Apart from this, these models are the least problematic models of the Subaru Crosstrek. For example- According to NHTSA Reports, the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek got zero recalls and 12 complaints, and the 2023 Crosstrek got zero recalls and only 5 complaints. As well as Most of the sources and Crosstrek Owners give positive and best review Ratings. That’s why these are the best years for Subaru Crosstrek.
Websites | Consumer Ratings of 2022-23 Crosstrek |
Edmunds | 4.8/5.0 |
Kelley Blue Book | 4.4/5.0 |
JD Power | 83/100 |
Cars.com | 4.8/5.0 |
CarandDriver.com | 8.0/10.0 |
Read Next- Toyota Camry Best years to buy used.
Best Subaru Crosstrek Years Recalls and Complaints
Here we have given the Number of recalls and Complaints of Every Best Year for Subaru Crosstrek in the table according to NHTSA Reports. By which you will be able to decide which one is the best for you-
Model Years | No. Of Recalls | No. Of Complaints |
2014 | One | 92 |
2015 | Two | 89 |
2020 | Zero | 50 |
2021 | Zero | 65 |
2022 | Zero | 12 |
2023 | Zero | 5 |
Subaru Crosstrek Years To Avoid
Above as we have known- 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 are the worst years of Subaru Crosstrek, so you should avoid buying these used models. Because these models have got many more recalls and problems. Below we have given all its worst models years with its details overviews like the number of recalls and complaints, problems, and consumer ratings.
2013 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2013 Subaru Crosstrek encountered significant engine stalling problems, which unfortunately resulted in some owners being involved in collisions. These issues stemmed from a valve spring malfunction, prompting the manufacturer to recall a substantial number of vehicles—approximately 411,000 units, including Crosstreks produced between 2012 and 2013.
Regrettably, even after the recall fix, certain owners reported facing even more engine-related challenges than they did before. The 2013 Crosstrek received a total of 52 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 117 reported problems on CarProblemZoo.com.
2013 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
The 2013 Crosstrek has gotten some common problems like- Transmission failure, Engine Stalling, Dangerous Steering in Ice, Snow, and Slush, and excessive oil use.
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2016 Subaru Crosstrek
Based on consumer reviews, the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek faced a range of mechanical and electrical glitches. One owner shared a concerning incident while driving their Crosstrek when, suddenly and without any warning signals, the lights dimmed, power steering failed, and brakes malfunctioned simultaneously, creating a hazardous situation that required extensive repairs.
According to some reports, the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek received a total of 27 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 119 officially recorded problems on CarProblemZoo.com. Among the most commonly reported difficulties were the car’s tendency to drift in one direction while driving, frequent incidents of windshield shattering, and numerous users finding the seats uncomfortable.
2016 Crosstrek Problems
- Uncomfortable seats
- Cracked windshield
- Pulls to one side
2017 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek has also some serious problems like its key getting stuck in the ignition. And according to many reports, these issues were founded in other ones also. Along with this, this model has got many complaints. For example, According to Carcomplaints.com, has got a total of 12 complaints. And 114 problems on CarProblemZoo.com. Here we have given some common problems of this Crosstrek 2017-
- Rear Wheel Hub Bearings fail
- Paint Flaking off
- Windshield Chips Easily
- Key Stuck in the ignition
2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Similar to the previous entry, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek encountered multiple problems related to the fragility of its windshields. Reports suggested that the windshields were prone to spontaneous cracking in random spots, even without any apparent cause.
The 2018 model garnered a significant number of complaints on the CarProblemZoo website, ranking second only to the 2019 model in terms of reported issues. Specifically, the 2018 Crosstrek received a total of 44 complaints on CarComplaints.com and 188 recorded problems on CarProblemZoo.com.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is a part of the second generation, which is one of the most problematic Crosstrek ever. According to CarProblemZoo.com- It has got 267 Problems, and also it has got 26 complaints at CarComplaints.com.
Also according to NHTSA Reports, it has got seven recalls and 240 Complaints. This is the most problematic Subaru Crosstrek Ever before. That’s Why you should avoid buying this one. Otherwise, another Crosstrek hasn’t got so many problems and recalls as you can view below in the table.
Worst Subaru Crosstrek Years Problems and Complaints
Model Year | No. OF Problems | No. OF Complaints |
2013 | 117 | 52 |
2016 | 119 | 27 |
2017 | 114 | 12 |
2018 | 188 | 44 |
2019 | 26 | 267 |
Subaru Crosstrek Common Problems
Conclusion
Hello Friends, In this article we have learned Everything about the Best and Worst Years For Subaru Crosstrek. First, we have known about the best years for Subaru Crosstrek and then we have known the Worst Subaru Crosstrek Years to Avoid. We hope this article will be helpful for you. If yes You must share this article with your friends and family. Thank You.
FAQs- The Best and Worst Years For Subaru Crosstrek
Is the Subaru Crosstrek a reliable car?
Yes, The Latest Model year Subaru Crosstrek is the most reliable car. Because these models are the least problematic Crosstrek Ever and also these models haven’t any problems found yet.
Why is Subaru discontinuing the Crosstrek?
No, Subaru isn’t discontinuing its Crosstrek. Recently Subaru launched its Corsstrek for the 2024 Model year with a completely new exterior and interior Design. So you have got the wrong information about the discontinuation of the Crosstrek.
How long will a Subaru Crosstrek last?
According to many trusted sources and reports, A Original Subaru can last anywhere between 200,000 To 250,000 Miles with its original engine and transmission.

Kadir Durgun is a Mechatronics Engineer based in Istanbul, Turkey, with expertise in automotive electronics and engineering. He holds a degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering from Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi.