VehicleVerdict

2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek sits mid-pack among XV CrossTrek years: 140 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 102, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 35 reports (25% of the total).

140

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other XV CrossTrek years?

XV CrossTrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted140 complaints2013: 140 complaints2014: 113 complaints2015: 102 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 6 complaints
XV CrossTrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XV CrossTrek years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3525%
Transmission2115%
Other2014%
Electrical System1712%
Steering96%
Visibility & Wipers64%
Brakes64%
Tires & Wheels64%
Fuel System54%
Speed Control54%
Airbags43%
Lighting32%
Suspension11%
Seats11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek have recalls?

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

18V772000EngineNovember 1, 2018 · 165,534 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.

13V061000OtherFebruary 25, 2013 · 47,419 units

Defect

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.

Consequence

The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“involved in a collision, possibly related to the stall issues mentioned in the collision. Reported to the insurance. They are pending repair on the matter due to recall and entire engine was required, which is more than the car is valued for. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 9, 2021 · crash

“AT APPROXIMATELY 64K MILES OUR XV CROSSTREK BEGAN EMITTING A LOUD HUM FROM THE REAR AND OUR GAS MILEAGE DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY (18 MPG). WHEN WE TOOK IT INTO OUR MECHANIC, HE FOUND THAT THE REAR HUBS WERE DANGEROUSLY DEGRADED AND THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS FAILING. IN HIS OPINION, FAILURE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 15, 2019

“A piece of the sunroof assembly punctured through the headliner into the passenger seat area of the vehicle. The piece is a sharp 10 inch spike with a spring wrapped around it. Had the piece come into the driver side or if there had been a passenger. It would have gone into there head, either…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 25, 2024

“WHEN I START MY CAR OR RANDOMLY WHILE I AM DRIVING THE WARNING LIGHTS FOR MY AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM, TRACTION CONTROL, AND HILL ASSIST TURN ON. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, MY GEAR SHIFTER LOCKS UP AND WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKES THE REAR LIGHTS DON'T ILLUMINATE WHILE THESE WARNING LIGHTS ARE ACTIVE. I HAVE AN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 1, 2018

“involved in a collision, possibly related to the stall issues mentioned in the collision. Reported to the insurance. They are pending repair on the matter due to recall and entire engine was required, which is more than the car is valued for. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 9, 2021 · crash

2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek — common questions

Is the 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek reliable?

It is close to typical for the XV CrossTrek: 140 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2013 XV CrossTrek problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (35 complaints), transmission (21 complaints), other (20 complaints).

Does the 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.