2014 Subaru XV CrossTrek problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2014 Subaru XV CrossTrek sits mid-pack among XV CrossTrek years: 113 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 102, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (23), other (16), and transmission (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
113
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
13
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2014 compare to other XV CrossTrek years?
What are the most common 2014 Subaru XV CrossTrek problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 23 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Other | 16 | 14% | — flat |
| Transmission | 13 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 12 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 11 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 11 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 7 | 6% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 5 | 4% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2% | new |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 2% | new |
| Lighting | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU XV CROSSTREK. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE HEATING SYSTEM BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRES IN THE AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING SYSTEM CONTROL UNIT WERE MELTED. THE…”
“My battery was dead and I was locked inside my car. I tried unlocking my car using the mechanical knob but it was not working. I was locked inside my car in a 28 degree weather at 6am until my roadside assistance came. This could happen in a summer day in Texas and can do the worst possible thing…”
“AT 57,000 MILES, THE CAR DEVELOPED A POPPING AND RUBBING NOISE COMING FROM THE POWERTRAIN AND FRONT END. THE DEALER DIAGNOSTIC REVEALED THAT THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE EITHER REPLACED OR REMANUFACTURED. THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF THE CAR FOR OVER 2 WEEKS AND COUNTING. SUBARU IS…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU XV CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN AND TWO PARKED VEHICLES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER…”
“UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE PARKING. APPLIED BRAKES BUT CAR KEPT ACCELERATING HITTING CARPORT COLUMN AT CANCER CENTER BRINGING ROOF DOWN ONTO CAR. CAR WAS TOTALED, NO INJURIES.”
2014 Subaru XV CrossTrek — common questions
Is the 2014 Subaru XV CrossTrek reliable?
It is close to typical for the XV CrossTrek: 113 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2014 XV CrossTrek problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (23 complaints), other (16 complaints), transmission (13 complaints).
Does the 2014 Subaru XV CrossTrek have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2014 Subaru XV CrossTrek.
How safe is the 2014 Subaru XV CrossTrek?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 Subaru XV 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.