Subaru Crosstrek Reliability: How Long Will It Last? - VehicleHistory (2023)

In its nine years on sale, the Crosstrek has uphold Subaru’s reputation for producing reliable, long-lasting vehicles. While 2018 and 2019 models are reportedly problematic, all other years are devoid of major issues and look to stand the test of time, with the compact sport utility expected to last up to 17 years and over 200,000 miles before requiring major repairs.

Key Points

• The Subaru Crosstrek launched in 2013 as the XV Crosstrek, with the name simplified in 2016. The second-generation model launched in 2017, and is still on sale today.
• Recent studies have found 97 percent of all Crosstreks produced are still on the road today. It’s reasonable to expect them to last for up to 17 years before requiring major repairs, and over 200,000 miles before being run into the ground.
• The 2018 and 2019 Subaru Crosstrek models are the only troublesome years. ECM programming, PCV valve, and electric power steering system issues are common. The windshield is also prone to cracking on these models.

Subaru Crosstrek has Proven to Be Long-lasting, and Many will Reach 200,000 Miles

The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the Japanese brand’s newest nameplates. Introduced for 2013 as the XV Crosstrek and renamed simply as the Crosstrek from 2016, the subcompact crossover shares much of its DNA with the Impreza hatchback.

The current second-generation model has been around since 2017. So, even if buying a brand-new Crosstrek, you know it’s at least been around long enough for the kinks to be ironed out.

In fact, Subaru was named the number one automotive brand for both quality and dependability in the 2021 American Customer Satisfaction Index Survey’s Automobile Study, showing that the Japanese automaker’s reputation holds true to this day.

In the case of the Crosstrek specifically, Experian found 97 percent of all Crosstreks sold since it launched nine years ago are still on the road today.

Based off the reliability of other Subaru models and what’s known of the Crosstrek so far, it’s reasonable to expect 200,000 miles or even more out of one. That means you can easily expect it to last around 13 years or more before starting to get too problematic.

Given this long-lasting reputation, Kelley Blue Book has found the model to lead its segment for resale value the past two years, clearly showing its value even with some miles already on the clock.

Maintenance is Key to Ensuring Your Subaru Crosstrek Lasts, and it’s More Expensive to Run than Some Rivals

While Subarus have a reputation for lasting the test of time, maintenance is something crucial to ensure they do. While the Crosstrek is better than most Subarus in that regard, there are still things to be aware of with it.

For those with a model equipped with a continuously variable transmission, having the CVT oil regularly checked and changed is vital. Subaru recommends this every 30,000 miles, which is more frequent than for traditional automatic transmissions.

Manual transmission models will be less maintenance-heavy in this regard, though. Engine oil changes are recommended every 7,500 miles for the Crosstrek.

Maintaining it will cost more than for some rivals in the long run, though. Car Edge claims most Subaru Crosstreks will cost $791 per year in maintenance for the first 10 years, which is admittedly below average for most SUVs. Compare it to its subcompact SUV peers, however, and vehicles like the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR are cheaper long-term.

2018 and 2019 Subaru Crosstreks are Unusually Problematic Due to Recurring Engine Stalls and Windows that Crack Randomly

In the case of most Subaru Crosstreks, recalls and complaints have been incredibly limited. No model from 2013 to 2017 was subject to more than two recalls or 100 complaints with the NHTSA. A widespread brake light issue was the primary issue affecting these models.

However, things took a turn for the worse after that. The 2018 models were subject to five recalls and 135 complaints, and 2019 models saw that rise to seven recalls and 204 complaints. For both years, the issues were consistent.

The principal issue was the ignition coils short-circuiting due to incorrect engine control module programming. This caused the engine to run rough and feel hesitant under acceleration.

Although an initial recall to update the engine control module software and replace the ignition coils was issued in 2019, the problem persisted, prompting a second recall in 2021.

The Crosstrek’s 2019 models, in particular, were also affected by additional recalls for the electric power steering assist failing, and for improperly tempered rear door window glass that could unexpectedly shatter.

It’s clear Subaru figured out the Crosstrek’s problems by 2020, however, with models from then on not subject to any recalls or more than a mere 35 complaints.

The Subaru Crosstrek is a Solid Choice for Almost All Model Years, and Most will Last Past 200,000 Miles

It might not be the most storied model in Subaru’s arsenal, but the Crosstrek has rightfully earned a strong reputation for itself in the nine years since it launched.

With most years free of excessive recalls and common issues, anything from 2013-2017 or 2020 onward is a solid choice. Expect these years to last well over a decade and keep going past 200,000 miles – so long as you stay on top of maintenance, particularly CVT oil changes.

However, be weary of 2018 and 2019 models. With numerous engine issues, windows prone to breaking, and electric power steering problems, they are the one blemish on the Crosstrek’s name.

Photos: Subaru