VehicleVerdict

2024 Subaru Crosstrek problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 130 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Crosstrek year — the 2024 model ranks #6 of 15 Crosstrek years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (32), visibility & wipers (20), and driver assistance (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

130

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2024 compare to other Crosstrek years?

Crosstrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2024 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, 2024 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Crosstrek years to avoid →

What are the most common 2024 Subaru Crosstrek problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other3225%
Visibility & Wipers2015%
Driver Assistance1512%
Lighting1310%
Steering97%
Brakes86%
Electrical System75%
Tires & Wheels65%
Airbags43%
Engine43%
Speed Control43%
Transmission32%
Suspension22%
Body & Structure11%
Seat Belts11%
Fuel System11%

Does the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V754000TransmissionNovember 9, 2023 · 4,701 units

Defect

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.

23V551000Electrical SystemAugust 4, 2023 · 35,357 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I had a frontal accident on March 6, 2025. When I turned to pull into the driveway of my rental apartment, I lost control of the vehicle. It surged forward, climbed a low retaining wall of about 14" and then hit a support post. I sat there stunned thinking "what just happened and how?" At first, I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 6, 2025 · crash

“Driver side exterior mirror vibrates and blurs / distorts the visibility at higher speeds when on the freeway or interstate. This is on a brand new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek purchased less than a month ago. Dealer recreated the issue but will not fix because they said other new crosstreks do this as…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 26, 2024

“I was driving with my wife when we were making a left turn. The adaptive cruse control came on. It took control of my acceleration, and steering. I got the car under control, but it was too late. I went across the empty parking lot, and almost crashed into the abandoned building.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · August 27, 2025 · crash

“Headlights are pointed low. It is hard to see down the road. The top half of windshield is darker than the bottom half. Car may be safe for city driving, but not for country roads. Going up and down hills and around curves the suv is unsafe. Dealer said they recieving complaints but can not adjust…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 5, 2025

“When driving long distances, the steering wheel encounters a sticky area where the steering wheel gets stiff to turn and then all of a sudden loosens up causing excessive corrections. This issue is apparently the same that was experienced by Honda owners. my car only has less than 10k miles. This…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 26, 2025

2024 Subaru Crosstrek — common questions

Is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 130 complaints put the 2024 model at #6 of 15 Crosstrek years. It is one of the Crosstrek years to avoid.

What are the most common 2024 Crosstrek problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (32 complaints), visibility & wipers (20 complaints), driver assistance (15 complaints).

Does the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2024 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.

How safe is the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.