The best and worst Subaru Crosstrek years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Subaru Crosstreks old enough to judge (2013–2022), the 2013–2015 and 2022 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2016 and 2018–2019 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2016 Subaru Crosstrek · 13.7 per 10,000 sold (1.9× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Body control and other modules, typically around 39,000 miles; then harsh, delayed or erratic shifting.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek · 13.4 per 10,000 sold (1.9× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Water leaks and seals, typically around 18,000 miles; then doors, windows, latches, seats and trim.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek · 21.7 per 10,000 sold (3.1× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Water leaks and seals, typically around 11,500 miles; then doors, windows, latches, seats and trim.
Years with the fewest complaints
2013 Subaru Crosstrek · 4.6 per 10,000 sold (0.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Wiring harness, grounds and connectors, typically around 70,000 miles.
2014 Subaru Crosstrek · 2.3 per 10,000 sold (0.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Body control and other modules, typically around 79,975 miles.
2015 Subaru Crosstrek · 1.9 per 10,000 sold (0.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 62,000 miles.
2022 Subaru Crosstrek · 2.0 per 10,000 sold (0.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Subaru Crosstrek year: 7.1 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Subaru Crosstrek?
Among Subaru Crosstreks old enough to judge (2013–2022), the 2019 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 21.7, about 3.1× a typical Subaru Crosstrek year. The 2016 and 2018 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2015 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Subaru Crosstreks from 2013–2022: 1.9, against 7.1 for a typical year. The 2013–2014 and 2022 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
The most-reported problem on the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is water leaks and seals, typically around 11,500 miles.
Why aren't the newest Subaru Crosstrek years ranked?
The 2023–2026 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.