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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2012–2026

Subaru Crosstrek recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns and 1,182 owner complaints for the Subaru Crosstrek, covering model years 2012 to 2026. The 2019 model year drew the most complaints (284), and Visibility/Wiper is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Subaru Crosstrek VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 13 recall campaigns on file
  • 1,182 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 15 model years with data (2012–2026)
  • most complaints: 2019 (284 for that model year)
  • top component: Visibility/Wiper (292 complaints)
  • latest recall 23V755000 (reported Nov 9, 2023)
  • 62 complaints reporting a crash (5.2%)
  • 16 complaints reporting a fire (1.4%)
  • 24 complaints reporting an injury (2.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Subaru Crosstrek complaints by model year

15 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2019 model year has the most complaints: 284 of 1,182, or 24.0%. Next come 2018 (194) and 2016 (131). The fewest are for 2012, with 2 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Subaru Crosstrek owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2012–2026Column chart of 1,182 complaints across 15 model years. The highest is 2019 with 284. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2012: 2 complaints220122013: 26 complaints2620132014: 16 complaints1620142015: 17 complaints1720152016: 131 complaints13120162017: 94 complaints9420172018: 194 complaints19420182019: 284 complaints28420192020: 69 complaints6920202021: 115 complaints11520212022: 31 complaints3120222023: 34 complaints3420232024: 118 complaints11820242025: 43 complaints4320252026: 8 complaints82026
Show the figures for all 15 model years
Subaru Crosstrek complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Subaru Crosstrek complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
201220000
2013261200
2014162100
2015170000
20161314310
2017945220
201819410110
20192846340
2020696030
20211158240
2022313010
2023344030
202411810230
2025432010
202681010
All model years1,1826216240

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Subaru Crosstrek components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Visibility/Wiper is the component named most often, in 292 complaints (24.7% of all 1,182), followed by Electrical System (198) and Engine (145).

Components named most often in Subaru Crosstrek complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Subaru Crosstrek complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Visibility/Wiper29224.7%
Unknown or Other27223.0%
Electrical System19816.8%
Engine14512.3%
Power Train1149.6%
Steering595.0%
Visibility514.3%
Forward Collision Avoidance494.1%
Service Brakes494.1%
Vehicle Speed Control494.1%
Fuel/Propulsion System373.1%
Exterior Lighting353.0%
Structure353.0%
Lane Departure282.4%
Air Bags231.9%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Subaru Crosstrek recalls

13 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Crosstrek, newest first. The 13 campaigns cover model years 2013 to 2024. The 2019 model year appears in the most campaigns (7).

  • 13 recall campaigns
Subaru Crosstrek recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2013: 1 campaign2014: 1 campaign2015: 1 campaign2016: 1 campaign2017: 1 campaign2018: 5 campaigns2019: 7 campaigns
2020: no campaigns2021: 1 campaign2022: no campaigns2023: no campaigns2024: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 23V755000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch

    Model year 2021

    Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.

    Consequence:
    An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 23V754000

    Reported

    Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft

    Model year 2024

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.

    Consequence:
    A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 23V551000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel

    Model year 2024

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit.

    Consequence:
    A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-23.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 21V264000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Software; Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (ECU/ECM) › Software; Electrical System › Ignition; Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe

    Model years 2018–2019

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

    Consequence:
    A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 21V263000

    Reported

    Suspension › Rear

    Model years 2018–2019

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.

    Consequence:
    Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 20V189000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Rear/Other

    Model year 2019

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. The began April 15, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-20.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 19V856000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (PCV)

    Model year 2019

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.

    Consequence:
    An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 19V743000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Software; Electrical System › Ignition

    Model years 2018–2019

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.

    Consequence:
    If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 19V744000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (PCV)

    Model year 2018

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.

    Consequence:
    An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 19V404000

    Reported

    Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear; Visibility

    Model year 2019

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The driver's side rear-door window glass may be improperly tempered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."

    Consequence:
    Improperly tempered glass can shatter into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side rear-door window glass, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUG-92.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

Show 3 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 19V149000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch

    Model years 2013–2017

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

    Consequence:
    Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
    Remedy:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 19V065000

    Reported

    Steering › Electric Power Assist System

    Model year 2019

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.

    Consequence:
    Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 17V701000

    Reported

    Service Brakes; Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal

    Model year 2018

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Crosstrek vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect floor mat retention bracket, allowing the floor mat to move out of position and interfere with the accelerator or brake pedal operation.

    Consequence:
    If the floor mat moves out of position and interferes with the accelerator or brake pedal operation, it can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mat retention bracket and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTR-77.

    Filed by Subaru of America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Subaru Crosstrek questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Subaru Crosstrek have?

NHTSA lists 13 vehicle recall campaigns for the Subaru Crosstrek, covering model years 2012 to 2026. The most recent, 23V755000, was reported on November 9, 2023 and is filed under “Power train”. The 2019 model year is covered by the most campaigns (7).

Which Subaru Crosstrek model year has the most complaints?

The 2019 model year, with 284 of the 1,182 complaints in NHTSA’s file (24.0%). The next are 2018 (194) and 2016 (131). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Subaru Crosstrek complaint?

Visibility/Wiper is the component named most often: 292 complaints, or 24.7% of all 1,182. Electrical System (198) and Engine (145) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Subaru Crosstrek?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Subaru dealer.

How many Subaru Crosstrek complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 1,182 complaints, 62 report a crash, 16 a fire, 24 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Subaru models

8 models · most complaints first

The Subaru models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Subaru VIN decoder with every Subaru model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Subaru models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.