Subaru Crosstrek Complaints

1,200 consumer complaints on file.

#11697935November 6, 2025
STEERING
POWER STEERING ISSUE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CONDITIONS: LANE CENTERING TURNED OFF. LANE DEPARTURE TURNED OFF. STRAIGHT LINE HWY DRIVING. OCCURS AFTER CONSTANT DRIVING OVER 60 MINUTES. MOST NOTICEABLE ABOVE 50 MPH ISSUE BEGAN AFTER ABOUT 15,000 MILES SYMPTOMS: WHEN VEHICLE DRIFTS SLIGHTLY OFF CENTER LINE RIGHT OR LEFT WITH ABOUT PLUS OR MINUS 5 DEGREES STEERING INPUT FROM STEERING CENTER POSITION. THE POWER STEERING BECOMES STICKY WITH RESISTANCE. IT FEELS LIKE POWER STEERING IS GRABBING HOLD THEN RELEASING. OCCASIONALLY SIMULATES A TOE-OUT ALIGNMENT CONDITION. EXAMPLE: VEHICLE DRIFTS SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT-OF-CENTER OR LEFT-OF-CENTER THEN DRIVER ATTEMPTS A VERY SLIGHT OPPOSITE CORRECTION INPUT, THE STEERING FEELS RESISTANT AS THOUGH IT IS STUCK IN POSITION THEN STEERING QUICKLY RELEASES HOLD CAUSING A SLIGHT STEERING JERK. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE UNEXPECTEDLY AND DANGEROUSLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO POTENTIALLY CROSS INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR INTO ADJACENT LANE TRAFFIC. STEERING GOES FROM NORMAL RESISTANCE THEN STIFF THEN SUDDENLY TOO LOOSE. THEN REPEAT OVER AND OVER… CAUSING CONSTANT DANGEROUS SWERVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NOTE: THIS OCCURS EVEN WHEN ALL EYESIGHT AND LANE CENTERING/DEPARTURE IS OFF OR DISABLED.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697914November 6, 2025
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side windshield cracked unexpectedly. The windshield had developed a crack without impact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the front windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697827November 6, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Traveling at speed of 30MPH. A tocoma truck in front of me suddenly stopped in road lane. Driver said that his vehicle made an auto assist stop were the brakes lock. My 2021 Crosstrek eyesight/braking system failed. I saw the truck stop but the system failed and I went into the back of a large truck. There is a witness who is happy to talk with you. He saw the truck's sudden stop and my crosstrek failure to stop. My car is totaled. I have the police report and have reported this to my insurance company.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697638November 5, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A/C Control Head and connector burned on both ends. Dealer service center stated it was a significant safety/fire hazard if we had not immediately taken in to be checked. No warning, no fuses out. Only indication something was wrong is a/c turned on but only on 1,2 and 4. Then, same day, only on 4. Next day took to Subaru service center. When we asked how would replacing parts stop this from happening again, we were told original parts had a “Design Flaw” and was “Defective”. Replacement/New parts wiring system actually corrects the OEM defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697529November 4, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All four tire pressure monitoring sensors failed on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek at approximately 69,000 miles. The TPMS light remains illuminated, and the system no longer provides low-tire-pressure warnings. Subaru of America acknowledged the issue but declined full repair coverage, offering only partial “Goodwill assistance.” Because TPMS is a federally mandated safety system, a full-system failure poses the risk of operating the vehicle without tire-pressure warning capability. The dealership quoted approximately $1,000 to restore the system. Subaru’s decision to deny full coverage leaves the safety defect uncorrected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696641October 30, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I had a frontal accident on March 6, 2025. When I turned to pull into the driveway of my rental apartment, I lost control of the vehicle. It surged forward, climbed a low retaining wall of about 14" and then hit a support post. I sat there stunned thinking "what just happened and how?" At first, I thought it was me, but thinking about it more, I'm wondering if this could be a potential safety problem. I have read several other similar instances on the internet, and someone I know had a similar accident which was attributed to her age. Collision repair for the Crosstrek was $10,358 done by a local facility, not Subaru. Repair of damage to the support post was $1,340. I reported this to Subaru, but after several follow-ups (last one on July 29, 2025), I still have not received a reply from Subaru. I can forward the email string to you if you want. I don't know how to attach it in one of the acceptable formats.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696591October 30, 2025
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Shortly after I bought the new car from a dealership in June 2025, I noticed the driver side mirror vibrates at speed above 60 mph, which makes the images in the mirror become quite blurry and makes it hard to judge the distance of other vehicles especially at night. I took the car to the dealership, and they confirmed the issue, then they replaced the mirror with a new one from Subaru America. The vibration improved a little bit but still obviously blurry even around 45 mph. Weeks later, the dealership notified me that Subaru America provided a TSB for the issue. After the dealership applied the solution based on the TSB, there was not much change. The dealership then tried again with the TSB solution but didn't work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696180October 28, 2025
SEATS
I buy the car couple weeks ago. The car is beautiful and works fine. The driver seat is notoriously uncomfortable. It just unbelievable painful. It is some drivable because of the pain and discomfort. I want resolution I want the seat to be upgrade with electric one. I am absolutely fit and I don't care if any medical condition. The seat makes the car undrivable
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696038October 28, 2025
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Upon driving off the lot at highway speeds I noticed that the driver's side mirror was vibrating more than expected. Over the last few months of ownership and at almost 6,000 miles the vibration has gotten worse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694927October 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Premature shift fork failure in 2017 Subaru Crosstrek manual transmission at 62,521 miles requiring complete transmission replacement ($10,000 repair, vehicle worth $11,000). EVIDENCE OF DESIGN DEFECT: - Subaru issued TSB 03-83-20R acknowledging shift fork design flaws in 2018-2020 Crosstreks with identical transmission - TSB states original forks required "thicker nylon inserts" proving inadequate design - My VIN (HG269902) is before production change (LG225906), confirming defective pre-improvement design - Shift fork failure can cause sudden inability to shift gears while driving - significant safety hazard MAINTENANCE: Single owner, meticulously maintained with documented service at 20k, 39k, 52k, 58k miles. Never in accident. No abuse. MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: Subaru offered only $1,800 (18% coverage) and blamed my "driving habits" despite TSB proving design defect. REQUEST: NHTSA investigate shift fork failures in 2015-2017 Crosstreks and evaluate if TSB 03-83-20R should extend to these model years. See attached: Complete complaint documentation and TSB 03-83-20R.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694433October 19, 2025
SUSPENSION
Both front lower control arms have damaged bushing discovered at 48,840 miles by my mechanic. Took to local dealership on 8/16/25 and they claimed per TSB from Subaru for cracks that although it had cracks, it was not necessary to be replaced due to it not being cracked enough. Brought back to my mechanic on 9/26/25 and cracking is worse, odometer is at 56,763 miles now. This part is supposed to last around 100,000 miles. Premature cracking puts me at risk of losing control of my car should the parts fail.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694055October 17, 2025
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unidentified recall; however, the recall repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the vehicle occasionally experienced an abnormal battery energy consumption, although the battery was previously recharged. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693525October 15, 2025
SEAT BELTS
At Miami Airport, with ample space behind the vehicle in front, a pickup truck with a very long sloping ramp trailer to carry several cars pulled into the stated space. The lefthand side rear of the trailer being well below my line of vision hit my bumper on the passenger side. My insurance provided GPS confirmed I was driving at 16 mph at the time. We both stopped. We looked at no damage to the trailer and seemingly minor damage to the car. We both drove off. I was about 500 yards from where I parked at the airport. After my return from the UK 5 days later I drove home and used the car for several days. At the time of the collision, my diagonal part of the seatbelt failed to restrain me. My chest hit the steering wheel and I have since experienced continuous pain. (No broken bones). The incident was a sort of sideswipe. Despite its roadworthiness, the car became a write-off as a support for the engine was found to be unexpectedly bent as well. Driving conditions were ideal. I was also looking for airport signage at the time. The incident was late April 2025. There is not much more I can add. There was no time to call the police nor was there any need,
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11692207October 8, 2025
ENGINE
Oct 7 2025 when me and my 6 year old daughter. Was leaving after picking her up at mom i drove off then came to stop sign so i slowly hit breaks and car accelerated very dangerous im very concerned
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690682September 30, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
In August of 2024, I got into my car in a parking lot and turned the key in the ignition. The car started revving really high. I waited for it to slow down, and then I put it into reverse. The car shot back and would have hit the building if I hadn't slammed on the brakes. Fortunately, there wasn't anyone behind the car at the time, but the woman who had just walked in back of my car to enter the building stood there looking at me. I slowly put my foot on the gas pedal and drove home. The following day, I had a tow truck come and take the car to the dealer. They did a scheduled maintenance service and replace the throttle body. Everything was fine until 9/28/25. I was driving out of a parking lot and entering the street going very slowly, suddenly the car lurched forward very fast, and I had to slam on my brakes to stop it. I drove it home. I notified a friend who knew a mechanic that he said was familiar with this type of issue. He got in touch with the dealership where the car had been serviced, and I got a call from the Service Department manager. He asked me to bring the car in so they could try to find out what the problem was. He said that if they couldn't find out what it was, an engineer might be called in to inspect the car. I am planning on having the car towed to the dealership this week. On neither occasion did any warning lights come on in the car. It was very fortunate that no one was hurt during either incident, but it could have been tragic. I was only about 15 feet away from a crosswalk when the second incident occurred. I read online that the manufacturer is involved in a lawsuit where several other people have had the same experience, although not the same model as my car. I have driven the same brand of car for about fifteen years and have never had a problem before.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690481September 30, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The drivers side mirror shakes and vibrates during normal local driving on my brand new 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Limited. I brought it in to be fixed and they did work on it but it did not fix the problem. I am have to bring it back a second time. I am reporting this as this is a known issue and Subaru has yet to come up with permanent fix. It makes car shake and provide poor visibility if don't have a clear view to gauge from.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690063September 27, 2025
STEERING
When driving long distances, the steering wheel encounters a sticky area where the steering wheel gets stiff to turn and then all of a sudden loosens up causing excessive corrections. This issue is apparently the same that was experienced by Honda owners. my car only has less than 10k miles. This can be dangerous for drivers who are not that experienced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689937September 26, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Driver's side mirror wobbles/vibrates at highway speeds causing blurriness of objects and LED light trials. The dealer serviced it with a Subaru provided Service Bulletin #12-268-25 but still have the issue after that initial fix. This is a brand new car purchased in June 2025. My previous 2021 Subaru Crosstrek never had this issue and was noticed on my first highway trip.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688559September 20, 2025
ENGINE
When driving after let of throttle it some time floors it 4 times
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688023September 18, 2025
TIRES
225 /60 R 17 99H Was driving on a freeway when heard a pop, pulled over immediately on left shoulder and tire had holes in sidewall putting me in a very dangerous situation. Yokohama consumer affairs could care less about the situation, I hope people dont hurt driving with these tires.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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