VehicleVerdict

2013 Subaru Crosstrek problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2013 Subaru Crosstrek sits mid-pack among Crosstrek years: 35 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 57, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (31% of the total).

35

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Crosstrek years?

Crosstrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted355 complaints2012: 3 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 22 complaints2015: 27 complaints2016: 164 complaints2017: 132 complaints2018: 253 complaints2019: 355 complaints2020: 82 complaints2021: 151 complaints2022: 41 complaints2023: 51 complaints2024: 130 complaints2025: 57 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Crosstrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Crosstrek years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Subaru Crosstrek problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1131%
Electrical System514%
Lighting39%
Transmission39%
Other26%
Airbags26%
Brakes26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Fuel System13%
Seat Belts13%
Seats13%
Speed Control13%
Body & Structure13%
Suspension13%

Does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V149000LightingFebruary 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. (SUBARU) IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2012-2014 , , XV CROSSTREK THE ENGINE VALVE SPRINGS IN THESE VEHICLES MAY FRACTURE CAUSING AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION OR A POSSIBLE ENGINE STALL. ITS BEEN MONTHS AND STILL NO RESPONSE FROM ANY SUBARU DEALERSHIP REGRDING MY SUBARU.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 28, 2018

“CAR PARKED AND SOME ELECTRICAL WIRE? CAUSED CAR TO CATCH FIRE? THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE OF THE HATCHBACK/TRUNK AREA WAS BURNT/ MELTED THROUGH TO THE METAL AND THE WIRES AROUND THE BACK WINDOW ON INSIDE WERE HANGING DOWN AND HOT PLASTIC DRIPPED DOWN ONTO A BOX OF PAPERS THAT WERE IN THE HATCHBACK. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 25, 2019 · fire

“4TH SEAT OF REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT BULBS SO FAR (LOW BEAMS) SINCE NEW. ORIGINAL OWNERS, NO ACCIDENTS, NO AFTERMARKET ITEMS. THEY BOTH BURN AT THE SAME TIME. YOU ONLY NOTICE IT ONCE ITS DARK OUTSIDE AT YOU TRY TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND NO LOW BEAMS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 18, 2016

“SOLENOID VALVE IN CVT CRACKED AFTER 6.5 YEARS OF USE (ROUGHLY 140K - 160K MILES). GOT IT FIXED, THEN 1 YEAR LATER (ANOTHER 40K - 20K MILES), IT WENT OUT AGAIN. THIS TIME THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BOTH TIMES I WAS ACCELERATING. THE FIRST TIME FROM A STOP, AND SECOND TIME I WAS ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 30, 2018

“PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE AT WORK, GOING NO MORE THAN 5 MPH. VEHICLES LUNGED FORWARD AND HIT TREE. THE ENGINE SEEMED TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN REVVED SUDDENLY. ALTHOUGH I HIT THE BRAKES, VEHICLE DID NOT STOP.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 5, 2018 · crash

2013 Subaru Crosstrek — common questions

Is the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 35 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Crosstrek year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2013 Crosstrek problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Crosstrek years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Crosstrek years to avoid are 2019, 2018, 2016, 2021, 2017, 2024. The cleanest record among Crosstrek years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.