The Subaru XV Crosstrek has attracted many drivers thanks to its rugged style, reliable AWD system, and practical features. But not all years are created equal. If you’re thinking about buying a used Crosstrek, you need to know which model years are best—and which ones you should avoid.
This guide will help you understand common problems, reliability issues, and the real-world experience of Crosstrek owners. By the end, you’ll know exactly which years to avoid, and how to choose a safe, dependable Subaru XV Crosstrek for yourself or your family.
Subaru Xv Crosstrek: What Makes It Popular?
The Subaru XV Crosstrek became popular in the US after its launch in 2012 (as a 2013 model). It’s a compact crossover with all-wheel drive, good ground clearance, and a reputation for safety. Many people love it for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and ability to handle snowy or rough roads. Its reliability is usually strong, but some years have more problems than others.
Drivers often choose the Crosstrek for:
- Affordable pricing compared to other small SUVs
- Low maintenance costs
- Spacious interior for families or outdoor gear
- High resale value
But, just because a car is popular doesn’t mean every year is a good buy. Let’s look at which Crosstrek years you should avoid, and why.
Subaru Xv Crosstrek Years To Avoid
Used car shoppers often ask: “Are there any Crosstrek years to avoid?” The answer is yes. Some Crosstrek model years have more engine problems, transmission issues, or other reliability complaints. This section breaks down the years with the most problems, based on owner reports and industry data.
1. 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek
The 2013 Crosstrek was the first year for the model in the US. Unfortunately, new models often have more issues as manufacturers work out design flaws. The 2013 Crosstrek has been criticized for:
- Engine oil consumption: Many drivers report the engine burns oil quickly, needing frequent top-ups. This can lead to engine damage if ignored.
- CVT transmission issues: Some owners complain about jerky shifting or hesitation.
- Electrical problems: Early models sometimes have battery drainage or faulty sensors.
- Interior rattles: The cabin can develop noisy rattles over time.
According to CarComplaints. com, the 2013 Crosstrek has over 200 reported problems, with engine issues being the most common.
2. 2014 Subaru Xv Crosstrek
The 2014 Crosstrek improved slightly, but still suffered from some of the same issues as the 2013 model:
- Continued oil consumption: Subaru issued a technical service bulletin, but many owners still faced costly repairs.
- Stalling and rough idling: Some cars stall when stopped or idle rough, especially in cold weather.
- Transmission hesitation: The CVT sometimes hesitates when accelerating.
While fewer problems were reported compared to 2013, the 2014 Crosstrek is still considered a risky choice for used buyers.
3. 2015 Subaru Xv Crosstrek
By 2015, Subaru made some improvements, but this year saw a new issue:
- Brake light switch failure: Subaru recalled over 2 million cars (including Crosstreks) for a faulty brake light switch. This caused problems with starting the car and shifting out of park.
- Continued oil usage: Some engines still burned oil faster than normal.
- Infotainment glitches: Early touchscreen systems sometimes froze or failed.
Many of these problems were fixed under warranty, but a used 2015 Crosstrek may still have lingering issues.
4. 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek was redesigned for 2018, with a new platform and better features. However, some reliability concerns appeared:
- CVT transmission bugs: Owners reported random jerking or loss of power, especially at low speeds.
- Battery drain: Some models had electrical faults causing the battery to die quickly.
- Paint quality: The paint on some Crosstreks chipped or peeled easily.
Most problems are not as severe as early models, but they can still be expensive to fix.
Years With The Most Complaints
Below is a comparison of Crosstrek model years with the most complaints, based on owner reports:
| Model Year | Main Issues | Reported Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Engine oil use, CVT problems | 200+ |
| 2014 | Oil use, stalling | 120+ |
| 2015 | Brake switch, infotainment | 90+ |
| 2018 | CVT, battery, paint | 75+ |
Common Problems In Crosstrek Years To Avoid
If you’re thinking about a used Crosstrek, it helps to know the most frequent issues. Here’s a deeper look at what you might face with the problematic years.
Engine Oil Consumption
One of the biggest complaints for early Crosstrek models is excessive oil consumption. The engine burns oil faster than normal, and you may need to add oil between changes. This can cause:
- Engine damage if the oil runs low
- Check engine lights
- Expensive repairs
Subaru did offer some fixes, but many owners had to pay for engine rebuilds out of pocket.
Cvt Transmission Issues
The Crosstrek’s CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is smooth and efficient—when it works. Some years, especially 2013 and 2018, have problems like:
- Shuddering or jerking during acceleration
- Delayed response when shifting
- Transmission failure requiring a costly replacement
CVT repairs can be expensive, sometimes costing over $3,000.
Electrical And Battery Problems
Some Crosstreks have electrical faults that drain the battery quickly. This can lead to:
- Difficulty starting the car
- Dead battery after a few days
- Faulty sensors or warning lights
Many owners report replacing the battery every year, which is unusual for a modern car.
Brake Light Switch Failure
The brake light switch is a small part, but when it fails, you can’t start the car or shift out of park. This was a major recall for the 2015 Crosstrek. Symptoms include:
- Brake lights not working
- Transmission stuck in park
- Car won’t start
While Subaru fixed this for most cars, some used models may still have the problem.
Paint And Interior Quality
Some Crosstreks, especially 2018 models, have paint chipping or peeling easily. Interior plastics can also scratch or rattle. While not a safety concern, it affects the look and resale value.
Infotainment System Glitches
Early touchscreen systems in the Crosstrek sometimes freeze or don’t respond. This is mostly an inconvenience, but can make it harder to use navigation or control music.
Reliable Subaru Crosstrek Years
If you want a used Crosstrek, which years are safest? Based on owner reviews and reliability studies, these years are the most dependable:
- 2016–2017 Crosstrek: Fewer engine and transmission issues, reliable performance.
- 2019–2022 Crosstrek: Newer models have improved CVT, fewer complaints, and better technology.
These years offer the best balance of reliability, features, and resale value.
Comparison Of Reliable Vs Problematic Years
To help you decide, here’s a comparison of the best and worst Crosstrek years:
| Model Year | Reliability Rating | Main Issues | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 2/5 | Engine, CVT | No |
| 2016 | 4/5 | Minor recalls | Yes |
| 2018 | 3/5 | CVT, battery | No |
| 2020 | 4.5/5 | Few complaints | Yes |
How To Spot A Problematic Crosstrek
Even if you know which years to avoid, you still need to check any used Crosstrek carefully. Here are steps to identify a risky vehicle:
- Check service records: Look for regular oil changes and recall repairs.
- Inspect for oil leaks: Open the hood and check for oil stains or low oil levels.
- Test the transmission: Drive at different speeds and check for jerking or delayed shifts.
- Look for electrical issues: Test all lights, sensors, and the battery.
- Check paint and interior: Inspect for chips, scratches, or rattles.
If you’re not sure, ask a mechanic to inspect the car before buying. Many problems are hard to spot without expert help.
Real Owner Experiences
Hearing from actual Crosstrek owners helps you understand the problems and solutions. Here are two real-world stories:
- Lisa from Denver: Bought a 2013 Crosstrek and faced oil burning issues. After three engine repairs and $2,000 spent, she traded it for a 2017 model, which has been trouble-free.
- Jake from Ohio: His 2015 Crosstrek had brake light switch failure. Subaru replaced the part under recall, but it took weeks for parts to arrive. Afterward, he had no further issues.
These examples show how unpredictable the problematic years can be.
Subaru Xv Crosstrek Recall History
Recalls can tell you a lot about a car’s reliability. Here are the main recalls for Crosstrek years you should avoid:
- 2013–2015: Oil consumption, brake light switch, airbag issues
- 2018: CVT programming, battery sensor
A full recall history can be found on the official NHTSA website (NHTSA). Always check for completed recalls before buying.
Subaru Xv Crosstrek Market Data
Used car prices and resale values can vary depending on the year and condition. Here’s a quick look at average prices for different Crosstrek years:
| Model Year | Average Price (2024) | Mileage Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $7,000–$10,000 | 90,000–130,000 |
| 2016 | $13,000–$16,000 | 60,000–100,000 |
| 2018 | $18,000–$22,000 | 30,000–70,000 |
| 2020 | $22,000–$26,000 | 10,000–40,000 |
You might notice that problematic years are cheaper, but they can cost more in repairs.
Practical Tips For Used Crosstrek Buyers
Choosing a good used Crosstrek is about more than just avoiding bad years. Here are practical tips to help you make a smart purchase:
- Always check the VIN for recalls: Use Subaru’s recall lookup tool.
- Prefer one-owner cars: They’re usually better maintained.
- Avoid high-mileage models: More than 120,000 miles increases risk.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection: A mechanic can spot hidden problems.
- Read owner reviews: Forums and sites like Edmunds offer real feedback.
You can find more detailed reliability data at Consumer Reports.
Two Non-obvious Insights Most Beginners Miss
Hidden Costs Of Cheap Crosstreks
Many buyers see a low price on a 2013 or 2014 Crosstrek and think it’s a great deal. But these cars often need:
- Frequent oil top-ups
- Transmission repairs
- Battery replacements
These costs can add up quickly, making a “cheap” car expensive over time.
Importance Of Subaru-specific Maintenance
Crosstreks need Subaru-specific fluids and parts, especially for the CVT. Using generic parts can cause more problems. Always check if the previous owner followed Subaru’s maintenance guidelines.
Should You Buy A Crosstrek With Known Issues?
Some buyers consider a problematic year if the price is low. This can work if:
- The car has complete service records
- All recalls are fixed
- You can afford possible repairs
But for most people, it’s safer to choose a reliable year—even if the price is higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Subaru Xv Crosstrek Reliable Overall?
Yes, the Crosstrek is generally reliable, especially from 2016 onward. Early models (2013–2015) have more complaints about oil consumption and transmission. Later models are much improved.
What Is The Worst Crosstrek Year?
The 2013 Crosstrek is considered the worst year, due to engine oil consumption, CVT issues, and electrical problems.
How Can I Check If A Used Crosstrek Had Recalls Fixed?
Ask the seller for service records, and use Subaru’s official recall lookup tool online. You can also call a Subaru dealer with the VIN.
Are Crosstrek Transmission Repairs Expensive?
Yes, CVT repairs can cost $2,500–$4,000. It’s important to test drive and check for transmission issues before buying.
What’s The Best Crosstrek Year For Reliability?
The 2016–2017 and 2019–2022 Crosstreks are the most reliable, with fewer complaints and improved features.
Buying a used Subaru XV Crosstrek can be a smart choice, but only if you choose the right year. Avoid 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018 models unless they have complete service records and all recalls fixed. Reliable years offer better performance, fewer repairs, and higher resale value.
Take your time, check the car carefully, and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of the Crosstrek without the headaches.