Subaru Crosstrek Complaints

1,200 consumer complaints on file.

#11584403April 22, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while coming to a stop at a traffic signal, the vehicle was idling roughly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred frequently whenever the A/C was running. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the throttle body needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure returned, and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the alternator and belt tensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11583996April 19, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Bullet 1: headlights defect Bullet 2: I am blinded at night because when I have low beams on there are 4 distinct shadows projected on the road. I can’t drive at night because it not only is very distracting but blocks my vision of the left side of the road. Bullet 3: yes, the problem has been reproduced by the dealer at least twice Bullet 4: it has not been checked by anyone except service and sales reps Bullet 5: there are no warnings, this has been an issue since I started my lease.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11579749March 27, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hello, My subaru crosstrek 2018 has been brought to Subaru service departments in both CA and MA for the same issue. I have brought in my car 3-4 times for recurrent problems where the battery in the car dies. The battery has been replaced multiple times and I have brought it to Subaru Service departments both in Massachusetts and California, all of whom tell me that the battery needs to be replaced, over and over again. I called and filed a report with Subaru of America who directed me to a third party representative who deals with claims regarding subarus and their recurrent battery issues and was informed that my subaru is not eligible for reimbursement for recurrent issues with batterys, nor is it a model that is eligible for an extended warranty given the battery issues. This is a huge safety issue for me. I have found myself in empty parking garages at night with a dead battery where I have had to stay locked in my car while I call a tow/AAA service to come and jump my car. I have missed countless days of work due to this issue. I have been late to pick up my child from daycare. I have spent thousands of dollars missing work, getting ubers while my car is in the shop, using rental cars, calling tow companies while this issue has been ongoing for two years. In addition, I have spent hundreds of dollars on portable battery chargers so that I do not get stranded with a battery-less car. I have raised this issue to the Subaru service departments multiple times, as well as Subaru of America with no solution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11579795March 27, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while his wife was idled in inclement weather, and the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle accelerated violently without warning. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a brick building. The air bags did not deploy. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for two months where the failure was not able to be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11579141March 24, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Suddenly warning light "Check Engine" came on along with Eye Sight malfunction warning. "i RAB off" "Check Engine" Automatic Emergency Braking not working. Yes, available for inspection. Not confirmed yet by dealer. It is the weekend. There were no unusual symptoms prior to ADAS malfunction.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11578444March 20, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My Subaru Crosstrek Sport with 600 miles on it, had a small pebble hit the windshield while on the highway. Within 24 hours it splintered out about 10 inches. As the repair company was cleaning the windshield for repair, it went from a ~4 inch crack to 10".
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11578354March 19, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
While the vehicle is moving. There is a loud pop noise from under the car. Subaru of America said it is a weld that is cracked. This pop noise is also felt in the steering wheel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11578317March 19, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential safety hazard ? Engine Auto start/stop feature for gas savings and emmisons control works by applying brakes and Engine shuts off, it restarts when brakes released. Normal operation, BUT I have noticed that unbuckeling the seatbelt or OPENING the DOOR will cause it to RESTART even though brakes are applied..this could cause an accident as it's an unexpected RESTART of the Engine in drive. Recommend this feature be disabled until door/seatbelt closed or seatbelt buckled or car in park before restart. Someone thinking car is OFF but actually in a pause restart could accidentally open door and upon getting out the car would start and move potential loss of control. My 2013 VW PASSAT would alarm to place in park if door open or seatbelt not worn.. Subaru starts ! I consider this a potential dangerous condition as it's not expect restart.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11577927March 18, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Subaru Eyesight system engaged randomly with no forward obstacles. Dashboard lit up, signaled alarm, and brakes engaged causing the car's nose to bottom-out. This has happened twice, thankfully at low speeds and thankfully without another car rear ending me. I'm worried this will happen on the highway. Eyesight system is generally unreliable. Random lane departure warnings and obstacles detected where there are none.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11577815March 16, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek 5 speed manual transmission and it only has 64000 on it. The clutch went out and I took it to the dealership to have the car worked on and hopefully repaired. At first they said it was the clutch and master cylinder. Then they called me back and said the entire transmission needed to be replaced and it would cost $9000! Seriously? At only 64000 miles? Somehow some kind of "snout" broke off and they needed to replace the whole thing. Blue Book on this car is only slightly over $9000 and I need to spend what it is worth to repair? I may never own another subaru ever again if this is what happens at such a low mileage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11577568March 15, 2024
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The auto engine shut off was disengaged by the dealer while doing some repair. When we picked up the car, noticed engine trouble icons signifying this. We called the dealer and advised of this situation. We had asked if it could be disconnected and was told no, it is forbidden and a safety issue. So when I advised it was turned off, the dealer then refused to work on the car any further or to turn it back on. THEY ARE THE ONLY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER IN KNOXVILLE. That certified mechanic is the one who DID NOT reconnect this safety feature and then refused to fix it. What ever measures need to be taken to this dealer (Grayson Subaru - Knoxville) I need to do so. This has created a huge safety issue with the car and driving and a authorized / approved Subaru dealer refuses to follow the law.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11575793March 6, 2024
WHEELS
On [XXX], 1 wheel lug nut seized up on the lug and then the lug snapped off when trying to remove the nut. On [XXX], 3 lug nuts seized up on the lugs when attempting to remove the lugs. On both occasions, I have had to bring the vehicle in for repairs to have the lugs and nuts replaced. Total cost of these repairs approx $250. On [XXX], I called Subaru of America (1-800-782-2783) to report the issue of lugs nuts seizing up on my Subaru (3 today and 1 in December 2022). The representative took down my information but other than that, was not very helpful. I asked if she could have an investigation done to see if this is a systemic problem with the 2018 Crosstreks or with Subaru in general. Her response was for me to “Google the issue myself” and then call them back if I found out anything. She offered essentially no help. In more than 40 years of working on cars, I have never had a lug nut seize up on a lug stud. Since this has now happened 4 times in the last 15 months, on the same vehicle, this seems to be a systemic problem and should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11575912March 6, 2024
POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES
On January 19, 2024 I was slowly pulling in to a parking spot at my doctors office. I did not pull up far enough, as there was a concrete retaining wall at the head of the spot and no tire block for safety. I was maybe 5 feet from the wall when I lightly tapped the gas pedal to inch up (as the back end of the car was sticking out into the passing lane). When I did so, the car slipped into rapid acceleration causing a full head on crash with the retaining wall. I had pressed the break pedal but the brakes did not have enough time to engage before the wall stopped my car. As a result, I had bumper damage, a crooked hood (due to bent hinge on the right side) and a cracked bracket above the light assembly. Thankfully I was not injured, but the repair was costly. I leased this car new in 2017, and am paying off end of lease buyout. I have been the only driver, and I bring my car for regular servicing. At this point I am afraid to drive it because I don't know when or where the next rapid acceleration will occur.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11575695March 5, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
This vehicle is a plug-in-hybrid. It should not be able to move while plugged in. Problem is attempting to move the vehicle when the charge cable is still attached and the vehicle is on an incline. Subaru does not display a warning message - instead it displays "check engine" and an ambiguous symbol (a red steering wheel). Subaru disables the power to wheels that would have enabled the driver to close the gap to the charging station. Instead the vehicle rolls away from the charging station, breaking power plug at the vehicle port. Even placing the car in Park does not prevent damage, the car will roll down hill until the Parking gear latches. I have now broken my power plug 3 times. I am a professional electrical engineer. This should not be able to happen Subaru should prevent the car from being able to move if the cable is still attached, and instead display a message that the cable is still attached. With the "check engine" message, I engaged my OBD diagnostics and it could not find a "check engine" flag. At this point, I put the car in gear, and even through Subaru disables power, the car then passively rolls down the driveway, breaking the cable at the power port. Instead of the ambiguous "red steering wheel" icon - Subaru needs to lock the car in Park and display a real message. When you finally turn the ignition off - Subaru displays a huge "Goodbye" message on the auxiliary display. I say finally because if you do restart the ignition with the cable attatched - you will not be able to turn off the ignition - only after exiting the vehicle, disconnecting the plug will you be able to turn off the vehicle. Not being able to turn off the ignition should not be permitted. Numerous errors in the control logic.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11575452March 5, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Got the car in December, a month later I took the car to the dealearship to show them the scratches from the windshield but claimed its not from the wiperblades and not covered by warranty. Now got chipped and spreading fast.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11575075March 2, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Since at least 2009 all Subaru models have a faulty air bag Clockspring. The horn doesn’t work due to this. Subaru knows about this issue. Even 2018 Forester is still using the faulty clock spring. We almost had an accident because the horn didn’t work. After researching the issue, I cannot believe a recall has not been issued. Tried to get it fixed at Subaru today. Still not fixed. We cannot drive until the horn is fixed it is dangerous driving in [XXX] and not having a horn to give a warning when you are about to be hit. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11574674February 29, 2024
STEERING
Steering power assist deactivated suddenly with no advance warning while driving in traffic. Warning lamps on dash lit concurrently. Steering still functional with higher level of driver effort. Under the circumstances, no real danger. Curvy road at speed would be dangerous. Vehicle currently at the dealer awaiting replacement steering rack. Two weeks today.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11574482February 28, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights did not function as intended. The contact stated that the visibility from the headlights was very dim. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights did not properly illuminate the roadway. Additionally, the headlights were very dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the headlights were designed according to safety regulations. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60. The VIN was available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11574119February 26, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is not specific to the Crosstrek. Subaru's remote connect app "mysubaru" has a dangerous flaw. When buying a vehicle pre-owned, the previous owner may still have access to the car. Subaru's call center says it takes at least 5 business days for a "transfer of ownership" process to occur. More often, customers never gain access to their pre-owned Subaru. The main cause of concern is that the previous owner may still have access to remote start the vehicle! Imagine you park your Subaru in your garage overnight, just for someone to start it remotely. Carbon Monoxide is borderless and colorless! This problem will eventually KILL someone!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573897February 25, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
While driving home in the evening, I was startled by a sudden cracking sound that I heard. Although nothing appeared to have impacted the windshield, I speculated that it may have been caused by a plastic bag in which I stored trash in my vehicle on occasion. The following day, my partner noticed a significant crack in the windshield as he loaded bags into the car. I recounted the previous night's experience of hearing the disturbing sound that had caught my attention. The crack in the windshield continued to expand, causing me great distress and anxiety about the potential safety implications. As someone who relies on my vehicle for work-related commitments, the thought of the windshield shattering while I was driving deeply concerned me. This experience exacerbated my chronic pain and added financial worries due to the unexpected repair costs. Despite the absence of any apparent cause for the crack, I sought assistance from my car dealership, only to be advised that an independent service center would offer a more cost-effective solution and repair quicker. Following the windshield replacement process, which was completed by an independent service center. I have documented the progress of the crack through photographs. This unforeseen issue, with no prior indicators, caused significant distress for someone who struggles with change and is reluctant to have their vehicle undergoing repairs, beyond routine maintenance. While the windshield has been successfully replaced, I remain vigilant due to the abrupt nature of the initial damage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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