Subaru Crosstrek vs Toyota Highlander
For 2013–2022 models, the Subaru Crosstrek has 8.9 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 13.3 for the Toyota Highlander. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2013–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Subaru Crosstrek
8.9 complaints per 10,000 sold
33% fewer than the Toyota Highlander
- Complaints
- 975
- Sold
- 1,097,569
- Recall campaigns
- 11
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2016 and 2018–2019. Fewest: 2013–2015 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 15,052 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 12,500 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 24,340 mi
-
Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration
Typically around 8,308 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 21,250 mi
Toyota Highlander
13.3 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.5× the Subaru Crosstrek’s rate
- Complaints
- 2,699
- Sold
- 2,022,925
- Recall campaigns
- 25
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Fewest: 2014, 2016 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 56,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 16,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 46,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,100 mi
-
Automatic transmission internals
Typically around 73,350 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Subaru Crosstrek or the Toyota Highlander?
For 2013–2022 models, the Subaru Crosstrek has 8.9 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Toyota Highlander has 13.3, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Subaru Crosstrek?
The most-reported problem on the Subaru Crosstrek is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 15,052 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Highlander is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 56,000 miles.
Which Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Highlander years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Subaru Crosstrek: 2016 and 2018–2019.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.