Subaru XV CrossTrek Complaints

278 consumer complaints on file.

#11768691October 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
On [XXX], while driving on public roads in West Allis, Wisconsin, the vehicle's dashboard warning lights began flashing and the transmission stopped shifting. The vehicle became stuck in a low/first-gear-type condition and would not drive normally. This was a sudden loss of normal motive power during operation. The driver was stranded roadside and ultimately walked approximately 3.5 miles home. The vehicle was towed to Werks Autosport in Muskego, Wisconsin. Their written diagnosis documents fault code P0730 (incorrect gear ratio). Scan-tool live data showed the actual gear ratio outside the specified range, and the applicable diagnostic flow chart calls for replacement of the transmission. The failure has not been repaired. Relevant history: approximately two days before this failure, the selling dealer completed transmission valve-body/solenoid work on this vehicle. We were told that this work included replacement of a failed aftermarket solenoid with an OEM Subaru valve body; however, the dealer has produced no repair records documenting the work performed. The transmission failure occurred after only 97 miles of driving following that repair. The vehicle remains unrepaired and available for inspection. This complaint is limited to the safety defect—sudden transmission failure/loss of motive power while driving. A related dealer dispute concerning representations at sale and undocumented repair work is being pursued separately with the Wisconsin DOT Dealer & Agent Section and Wisconsin DATCP and is not part of this safety report. 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
#11768589October 2, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I started the car up in a parking spot located in [XXX]. When I shifted it into drive, it immediately took off, and when I repeatedly hit the brake, it wouldn't stop. It hit a parked car about a car and a half length in front of me, which hit another parked car in front of it; both were damaged. The front of my car was severely damaged, and the engine shut down. I was able to start it up and move it back to its original parking spot and shut it down. A police report was filed by a [XXX] police officer at the scene of the accident, Incident number: XXX It has been towed to V&J Auto Body in [XXX], tel: [XXX]. I understand there have been incidents of SUAs(Sudden Unexpected Accelerations) with several Subaru Models. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765696September 20, 2026
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
Nuna RAVA convertible car seat, model CS05107RFD, manufactured 10/15/2021, purchased Jan 2022. Harness failure after completing the remedy for Recall 24C-002. Both of my seats had never shown any harness problem before the recall notice. In 2025, I received the remedy kit for both and followed the instructions to clean the harness adjuster and replace the seat pads. The seats worked normally until May 13, 2026, when the harness on one would not lock and the straps would not stay tight. The failed component was the front harness adjuster. I noticed the failure while removing my child after a drive. The harness was loose even though I had tightened it at the start of the drive, and it would not lock when I tightened it again. I recorded a video right after removing my child and the seat from the car. A harness that loosens during a drive cannot properly restrain a child in a crash. No crash occurred and my child was not injured. No one has inspected the seat. I still have the seat and video and can make both available. The harness appears to be working again when I just checked (September 2026). It’s been sitting in our office, unused, since May. I removed the other Nuna Rava seat from our other car in May after the failure, though it worked normally, and bought two seats from a different brand. I believe the remedy did not adequately fix the original problem. I performed it as directed and the harness still failed. I ask NHTSA to review whether the remedy is adequate and consider expanding the recall to include a replacement or refund for all seats under the original recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761654September 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving 72 MPH, the vehicle stalled and bucked, with a grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. Additionally, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle, and there was fluid leaking from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the transmission could be replaced with a rebuilt transmission with approximately 50,000 miles or with a new transmission. The contact chose the rebuilt transmission, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,900.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756388August 12, 2026
SEATS
Metal Frame of side torso area of seat wore through foam. very sharp and painful could possibly cut skin and impact in crash could be medically dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747006June 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Brake light switch failure. Triggering traction control warning light, hill assist warning light, and abs warning light, and disables cruise control. There was previously a recall (NUMBER: WUE-90 NHTSA ID: 19V-149) for the brake light switch for Subaru models with my production date included, but because Hybrid Crosstrek models were not included, it will not be replaced under recall. I am still experiencing the same issues and cause, but it is not covered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740610May 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek on May 22, 2026. The sale was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was recorded at 77,441. The contact later purchased a CARFAX report which was reported at 214,767 in February 2026. The contact reported the information to the local authorities.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737827May 14, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am filing a complaint regarding a major CVT transmission failure in my 2015 Subaru Crosstrek at approximately 117,318 miles. Prior to failure, there were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or significant indications of impending transmission failure. The only noticeable symptom was a slight whistling noise coming from the vehicle shortly before the transmission issue became severe. The sudden nature of the failure created a safety concern because the vehicle’s ability to accelerate and respond reliably while driving was compromised without meaningful warning. A sudden loss of reliable transmission function creates potential risk when merging, accelerating, or operating in traffic. The issue has been confirmed by a Subaru dealership, which quoted approximately $10,000 for transmission replacement. Subaru of America was contacted directly and declined assistance despite known widespread CVT issues in Subaru vehicles of this generation and prior warranty extensions issued for CVT-related problems. The vehicle has not been modified or involved in any collision related to this failure. The failed transmission/component is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has been inspected by a Subaru dealership service department. I believe this transmission failure reflects a broader pattern of premature CVT failures affecting 2013–2015 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles and warrants further investigation due to the safety implications and financial burden placed on consumers after sudden drivetrain failure without warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730251April 9, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have been working with Subaru of America and Capital Subaru service in San Jose, CA for a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek XV 2.0 CVT automatic engine shortly after we bought it used for multiple faulty known engine problems with this specific make and model. Since we have owned the vehicle, we have not been able to drive it for more than 2 months short distance at a time due to engine, Valve body, major low oil pressure problems, and multiple sensor issues. This vehicle has been very dangerous for us to drive and has left us stranded not to mention paying the bank we financed payments to for a car we have been unable to use since purchasing. Subaru of America and Capital Subaru in San Jose have been awful, insensitive, and unhuman to our concerns and needs. We had to call them several times and were repeatedly ignore both parties for several days without any answers or any solutions. We have spent many sleepless nights worrying about not having a vehicle to get to work and my daughter who drove the car when she could in Nursing school with the burden of having no transportation and all the stress and worrying. There is a long history of defected engines because of the poor way these were built for our specific year, and we were told repeatedly that it was the lack of maintenance from the previous owner being the cause of the issues when that in fact is a lie as we have several maintenance records routinely. I will never buy or recommend these defected and lemon cars again especially when it involves the safety of your life! Having to tow to and from our home to the dealership service parts was a big waste of time and a joke just to hear, "We are sorry but nothing is covered and your liable for the diagnostic and fixing for your car that will be $5,800 which our car was only worth $5,600 through Kelly blue book and we still owe a remainder of $9,000 to the financing bank.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730297April 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When the car is put in park the key will not come out of the ignition. Sometimes to be removed from ignition. Therefore the key will get stuck. The transmission has to be put back in drive and then back into park for the ignition system to recycle and release the key.sometimes it takes about 2 or 3 times to get the key out. I have had to turn the car on put it in drive then park push the lock switch then turn the car off. I have been told that Subaru knows the problem exists. No recalls have been made.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727739March 29, 2026
AIR BAGS
The car had a front collision and the air bags did not deploy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11723030March 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Within 10 days of purchasing this vehicle a certified Subaru dealership documented the following safety defects. Both front CV axles failing and clicking on turns creating loss of vehicle control risk. EPS electronic power steering fault codes creating safety critical steering concern. CAN bus communication fault U0073 affecting multiple vehicle safety systems simultaneously. CVT transmission fluid critically low at 1 to 2 quarts. These defects were professionally documented by Subaru of Portland certified technicians on [XXX] at 113,494 miles. Repair quote for safety related defects totals $7,516.51. Vehicle was sold by Overland Automotive LLC 2900 SE Cornelius Pass Rd Ste 105 Hillsboro OR 97123 with these defects undisclosed. 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
#11706903December 23, 2025
ENGINE
While driving at normal operating speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power with no prior warning. There were no dashboard alerts, warning lights, or check engine indicators before the failure occurred. The vehicle became immediately unsafe to operate and had to be pulled over in a main highway center lane divide. After inspection by a licensed mechanic, it was determined that the engine suffered catastrophic internal failure due to oil and engine coolant mixing. This resulted in complete engine failure and rendered the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle has been properly maintained with all routine oil changes and inspections completed on schedule. There was no indication of overheating or mechanical issues prior to the failure. The condition that caused the failure was not detectable through normal maintenance. The sudden loss of power without warning created a significant safety risk to the driver and surrounding traffic. Due to the nature of the failure, the engine requires full replacement, and both 12v and hybrid batteries were also damaged and require replacement. This incident raises concern regarding a potential latent defect related to the engine or cooling system, particularly given reports of similar issues in this model year.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705923December 18, 2025
AIR BAGS
I was t-boned on 11/7 on the driver side door of the car. My car is totaled and the airbags, knee and curtain did not deploy and I was hit almost dead on on the B pillar. Unknown if the problem has been reproduced by the dealer.My knee is still hurting from the accident and my head smacked the frame.The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, but has by police, insurance, and others. All said the airbags should have deployed. There were no warning lights or otherwise to notify me that the airbags would not work.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11698505November 10, 2025
SUSPENSION
UNKNOWN exact cause. Rear end of vehicle suddenly appears lower than normal. Suspension seems to be issue. Feels as though vehicle lost suspension in rear with no obvious outward cause. Awaiting inspection at dealership. Does not seem safe to drive in current condition with unknown cause of issue at this time. having vehicle towed to dealership for further diagnostics today.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690095September 27, 2025
AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES
Some times the passenger airbag light comes on and off. This is a reoccurring problem and I don’t see any recalls on this
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684352September 1, 2025
ENGINE
The engine stalled unexpectedly during operation. I noticed a sudden loss of power, and the vehicle shut off without warning. This has happened more than once, posing a safety concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679610August 9, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof exploded for no reason Comments: My son was driving on freeway in Durham North Carolina last night, our 2015 Subaru Crosstrek XV Touring’s sunroof just exploded for no reason at [XXX] in [XXX]. 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
#11672037July 8, 2025
ENGINE
I am reporting a complete engine failure on my 2014 Subaru Crosstrek at 140,000 miles due to a valve spring issue that appears to match Subaru’s Recall WTY-84 (NHTSA Campaign 18V772000). I checked my VIN and it currently shows no open recalls, but I’ve reviewed Subaru’s own documentation that lists 2013–2016 Crosstreks as affected by this defect. My vehicle clearly falls within that production range and has now suffered the exact failure described in that recall — a fractured valve spring causing a complete engine malfunction. I never received a recall notice, and when I contacted Subaru, they acknowledged the VIN wasn’t included in the recall despite the year, make, model, and symptoms matching exactly. This raises concern that the recall scope is too narrow and is excluding other affected vehicles. This failure created a safety issue due to sudden engine loss while driving and has led to significant repair costs that I believe should have been prevented. I am asking NHTSA to investigate whether additional VINs — including mine — should be added to the recall to prevent further safety risks for other Subaru owners in the same situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664303June 2, 2025
ENGINE
THE ENGIN MALFUNCTIONED. MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS WAS AT RISK BECAUSE WHEN AN ENGIN FAILS WHILE DRIVING IT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS CRASH. THE VALVE SPRING WHICH IS LOCATED INSIDE THE ENGIN OF THE VEHICLE DID FRACTURE WHICH RESULTED IN THE ENGIN STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. AN ENGIN STALL WHILE DRIVING WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH AND SERIOUS INJURY. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS, THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY A SUBARU DEALER SERVICE MANAGER.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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