Subaru XV CrossTrek Complaints (2015)

83 consumer complaints on file.

#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#11653762April 9, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Pressing the horn button on the steering wheel does not sound the horn. However, pushing the “lock” or “panic” button on the key fob still makes the horn beep. So the horn itself works, but pressing on the steering wheel does absolutely nothing. Other buttons on the steering column still work (cruise control, radio controls, etc). Only pressing the horn button doesn’t work thus making me unable to alert other drivers of my presence if they are drifting toward me. This has not been evaluated by a mechanic or dealer yet as I do not have the money to do so. However, a simple search on Reddit will show you that many others are experiencing this with their Subaru Crosstreks. There were no symptoms or issues that led to this. It simply stopped working one day. And I am not someone who hits their horn very often so this is not an overuse issue. Once the horn button stopped working on the steering wheel, it has not worked since. I have not had the ability to alert drivers with my horn for over a month.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11589391May 17, 2024
ENGINE
Oil leaking into coolant system. Car has been through several repairs but the problem continues even after multiple repairs of possible source of leakage. Potential hazard or car catching on fire with leaking oil fluid.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11587329May 6, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving on the freeway (no overpasses) my sunroof suddenly exploded. when I was able to stop and look at the damage, the remaining part of the sunroof was arched upward. There was no evidence of an object having hit the glass.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11565651January 15, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
During a near collision, attempted to warn other driver of the situation, but the Crosstrek horn did not work. This appears to be a common problem with these vehicles, that the horn does not work reliably in all normal steering wheel positions. Given the horn is an essential piece of safety equipment, this is a significant problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11561993December 27, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
Sunroof spontaneously exploded while driving 65mph on highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11526870June 13, 2023
ENGINE
On Sunday, 11 June I was driving from Brigatine, NJ back to Alexandria, VA. Just east of Baltimore around 11:45am, after about 2.5 hours of driving, I tried to accelerate on I-95. The car did not respond and after several seconds I realized I was slowing. I pulled off to the shoulder and once stopped the engine shut down before putting into park. I only received a check engine light, battery light, and fluid light after the car shut down. I tried to restart, but it would not catch or just sputtered. I waited a minute, tried again and it started but then went out about 20 seconds later. At that point I called AAA for a tow. After the tow was arranged, I started the car for a short time and pulled farther off the highway, then shut it down again. About 45 minutes or so later, I started the car and ran it for several minutes at idle while waiting for the tow truck. The AAA truck showed up, and I took the tow because I did not want to break down in one of the Baltimore tunnels. On 12 June, the Subaru dealership could not confirm any faults and could not replicate. I have no idea what the issue was. I did stop twice during that 2.5 hours for about 5 minutes each time (bathroom breaks). At the time I had about an 1/8th of a tank of gas in the car with 110 miles in range showing on the computer (figured I would make it home and refill then). Temperatures were warm. The Subaru dealership did not charge me for anything and told me they often get cases they cannot replicate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11514775March 31, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car involved in accident 10/2020( remember this was DURING the COVID “shut down”) Was rear ended … tried to get car fixed. Insurance only wanted to do “cosmetics” nothing underlying ( mechanical… the car started to show signs of the damage …running lights stopped working on rear end ONLY. Breaks started to cease up…. I was afraid to drive this way… The “eyesight” prevented my vehicle from hitting truck in front of me ( during the accident on 10/2020). I have since had breaks worked on, I have replace light bulbs, I have had turn signal arm replaced, according to Subaru can will not start now. They keep coming up with more for me to pay for and my vehicle is still not running?!? It had always started before going into the shop (even after sitting in a personal garage for over a year) Accident deemed American family insurance insured fault. I have been charged with “at fault”. I was not at fault and have proof from AM FAM insurance indicating they accept 100percent fault. Car currently at Ramsey Subaru.according to them will not start
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11509919March 2, 2023
ENGINE
The Engine of the car stopped while on the road. The car is available for inspection upon request. Due to the engine while driving in the middle of the road. The safety of others was at risk The problem was not reproduced by the dealer or by a service center. Yes the manufacturer inspected and failed to reproduce the failure Yes, The error message was “Check Hybrid System, Stop in a safe place, turn engine off, Switch Off, and Restart. Check Owners Manual”
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507141February 13, 2023
STEERING
The steering wheel goes to the left so if you take your hands off the wheel for one second it just totally goes to the left. I’m afraid I might get into an accident I’m having it looked at by a Subaru dealer in tomorrow which is February 14th. It’s been doing this for about a year. It didn’t start out as bad as it is now and there were no warning lights that came on. I read on the Internet many other people with the same make & model but the year varies of 2015 cross treks have had this problem and there has been no recalls. I did get a recall in the mail, but it’s a recall that is optional that the power steering box could crack.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505163February 2, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owned a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH and making a left in the roundabout of a residential road, she felt a rear impact and all the air bags deployed. The vehicle then accelerated unintendedly, veered to the right, jumped the curb, and crashed into a tree. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact stated that she sustained significant Hematomas on her left and right calves from the knee air bags deployment. The contact sought medical assistance, A police report was filed. Bystanders informed the contact that the vehicle was not rear-ended; however, the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was towed to an autobody shop where it was totaled. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent a field investigator who retrieved the EDR. The manufacturer then informed the contact that the vehicle had experienced a rear impact and responded as needed based on the EDR. However, the contact stated upon inspecting the vehicle after the accident, the rear of the vehicle did not display signs of a rear impact. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11497332December 13, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS, POWER TRAIN
Several components' issues and scheduled to take back to Subaru dealer on 12/16/2022. Several times after parking car and getting back in, when shifting to 1st gear to take off, the car goes in reverse instead of forward. Rear backup camera sporadically works. Tire pressure light came on and won't turn off. Front end shakes when braking dealer said it was new brakes, but still happening. Front passenger seat belt locked and will not release, no one can sit in front seat. After purchasing the car, and having so many issues, checked the fluid and there was not a drop of oil on the dipstick. Nothing but problems with car from the date of purchase.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11465361May 19, 2022
ENGINE
The car has the temp light come on intermittently and then it never came on again. I opened the hood and a hose from the radiator to the overflow tank was not connected. I brought the car to a Subaru dealer. The technician found oil in the radiator of the car. I was told this could be a head gasket and the engine may need to be replaced. The car has around 75,000 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11450538February 5, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Intermittently, when I go to shut off the engine, I can not remove my key from the ignition. If I put the car back into park a few times, it seems to release the key. This does not happen often, but it has occurred a few times in the past few months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11448135January 19, 2022
WHEELS
Right rear wheel bearing failure at around 71,000 miles. Loud, humm occurs around at around 35 mph and above.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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