Top 5 Problems Subaru Crosstrek SUV 1st Generation 2013-2017

[@1AAuto]

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[@filmzen281]

Do you know if you can flat tow a 2016 manual transmission crosstrek behind a motorhome? I know '13, '14, '15 can but can't find good info on the '16. They seem the same to me.

[@joanneduncan9315]

Call ☎️

[@elliecarter7914]

I've had my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek for almost 5 years now and I couldn't be happier with it. I've never had a problem with my Subaru and I drive it about 10 miles a day. Such a safe car, great in the snow. Although on paper it's not a fast car, I've never had a problem passing everyone else on the highway... even my brother who is an STI driver is impressed, (no one pulls over a Crosstrek either btw ;) ) .

[@Djevan41598]

Subarus make safe and reliable cars

[@etiquettefiend]

Yes! Fortunately (knock on wood) I'm almost never messed with.

[@VinnytotheK]

Wish you would've mentioned how many miles it currently has, since I've been thinking about buying one for $18,500 with 70,000 miles.

[@eddycervantea7882]

U drive 10 miles per day...

[@2bleubird]

Unfortunately, I haven’t been so lucky. With less than 60K miles I’ve had to replace two wheel bearings and had to replace all of the brakes because of faulty calipers.

[@ezrahumane]

Good information! I have a first gen XV 2013. I’m the original owner and have accumulated 170K miles. These are the issues I’ve encountered: 1. Headlights burning our quite often 2. Burns oil between oil changes. 3. Appears that my gaskets are wearing out because I’ve noticed small oil residue around the seals. 4. CVT transmission is a bit joltie. I wish I would have opted for the 5mt. 5. AC comp went out $$$ 6. Control arms 7. Bushings 8. Front struts 9. Ignition coils I still drive the car today. Cosmetic issues are all over the place but fine. My leather seats are Finally cracking. Ahh and my passanger seatbelt jammed up on us a few years back. My WRX crapped out on my at 130K miles.

[@cpdavis308]

I’m the original owner of a 2014. Nearly 130k miles with no major problems. Burns about 1/2 quart of oil between oil changes now but no leaks that I can see. Only minor issue so far is the electronic latch to open the rear hatch had to be replaced. I do wish it had less road noise and got better mileage. I average about 26 mpg with my daily commute that is almost all freeway. Several people I know with Crosstreks get around 30mpg. Must be my lead foot!Lastly, she’s an absolute beast in the snow and ice, especially running my Nokian snow tires. Overall, I’ve been very happy with the reliability of my Crosstrek.

[@spencer82rocks]

So relaxing just learning from you not aggressive voice like others

[@1AAuto]

+albert dean castillo Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@kaym4389]

Agreed

[@noraguzman5297]

Agree

[@fearlessgentleman]

Yeah! This guy is chill AF. I like him

[@fescobar1000]

I have a 2017 ctosstrek took it on a trip from Florida all the way to North Carolina. Drove thru a snow blizzard. Had it for about a year already now, no issues. Great car it handles the snow like a champ. 🏁🏁🏁

[@1AAuto]

+Vescobar E. Thanks for the feedback!

[@silverslider96]

The brake switch is a factory recall. Contact your local dealer. Also if it goes out and you have an auto it will keep you from being able to shift into gear from park (and you won't have brake lights either)

[@logan5326]

Very true indeed; had mine replaced free at my local Subaru car dealer for free.

[@twrecks4598]

My wife and I both have 2016's. We have had to replace the rear hubs on both cars.. hers at 70k and mine at 40k. Think there was a TSB about it. That being said, we both love our Crosstreks and are very very happy with them

[@Mihogan]

Bought my 2015 brand new, have 95k miles on her. Only issue I've had beyond typical wear/maintenance was an AC compressor (replaced free as a recall) and an exhaust leak, which is inevitable in the rust belt. The car is a beast!

[@samueljlarson]

Any oil burning between changes?

[@brettk461]

I bought a 2015 used in fall of 2018 with 24k miles on it. Factory battery started not holding a charge about a year later. Replaced with a Everstart and no problems since. October of 2022 now with 100k on car and zero other issues with the car either… been very reliable.

[@coreelite]

Had all of these in my wife’s 2017 premium. All of them.

[@AngryTango]

I’ve bought my 2016 crosstrek with 4K miles. It now has 95k miles without any major repairs, just the recurring maintenance

[@ajzstudios]

Here’s a tip for fixing the eroded screws in the splash guard: take them all off and just put in mudflaps with new hardware.

[@treeminutesorless]

Love my Crosstrek. It’s slower than a turtle but I like it

[@M167A1]

Our 2004 Forester was like that, it was as slow as an iron toad but it was a pleasure to drive. We traded it for a Honda Pilot as our family grew. the pilot is superior and every measurable way but I would love to have the forester back.

[@nunya6346]

ikr! 😂

[@muffchomp635]

@@M167A1 pilot has way better motor and transmission, subaru has superior handling, symmetrical awd, and better safety testing

[@petset77]

Slow, especially uphill, but I bet you like that 33-34MPG it always gets.

[@ajzstudios]

Throw it in first and mash the pedal. Boom Crosstrek becomes a WRX.

[@joes7930]

2016. Crosstrek. Had it over 5 years now. Battery did go bad. Normal though it’s 5 years old. No other probs. Lots of mods. New wheels, tires, lift , spoiler , cargo rack , bug deflector, blacked out lights, new speakers, Subwoofer Hyper blue. 42000 miles. Oil changes religiously. New battery. That’s it.

[@TrainerAQ]

The brake light switch is a recall if I remember correctly

[@petset77]

Interesting info, none of which we experience. ....My wife loves her 2013 Crosstrek, but here are the recurring problems: First and most pricey was the broken valve spring. For the 2013, it was a factory recall, and they took care of it by replacing them all. ...after ours broke one. The aftermarket warranty she purchased covered most of the $2900 repair. Second: the right rear wears out tires considerably faster than other locations. Don't know what causes that, and it's the reason I'm here looking for possible causes. I know it's an independent suspension vehicle, so perhaps a bushing or something is worn. Still looking for the answer. Third: The cheap plastic windshield washer reservoir mount. It has been slipping out of position since she got the vehicle with less than 50,000 miles on it. This is her second Crosstrek. She had a different '13, but saw this one during a service call. This one has a five speed instead of automatic, so she traded. The first one also had this issue with the reservoir, so it's not a one-off situation. Fourth: check engine light comes on, accompanied by traction light, thus no cruise control. That might be the switch mentioned in this video, but no other symptoms are occurring. Five: no horn. It went out for a short while, returned to service, then went awol again. The fuse is fine. Six: the famous oil use. It leaks somewhere, because it's not burning oil at 135,000 miles. Others with this boxer engine mention the leak after (or before) 100,000 miles. I check it every couple of weeks and top it off (this engine CAN'T be run low on oil, or major damage will occur), but dumping oil on the ground isn't very environmentally friendly or cost effective. There are no spills on the ground under the car, and it never smells like burned oil. It's a mystery. Neither of us drives hard (her car or my Tacoma 4x4), but depend on them in winter here in the Rockies. Does anyone else have these problems, or figured out what causes them?

[@kylecairus5675]

More than likely it’s burning the oil boxers are known for oil consumption but hey I just got a brand new one with the 6 speed

[@blakestorey8946]

These cars also had faulty rear wheel bearings. That could be an explanation to the extra tyre wear? Just a thought.

[@GuideGuyJDurr]

I had my 2013 cross-trek inspected with an oil consumption test after the car hit low oil before the first interval was up. Turn out there was a law suit and settlement for that engine (mines 2l no turbo) the dealer replaced the short block (engine rebuild) for free, i also got a loaner out of it mind you that may have been because of my extended warranty but i didnt even pay a deductible so maybe not :)

[@SabresMafia]

Just hitting 125k with my 2013 Crosstrek. Did an oil change at 4,000 miles. Burned a half quart of oil. Keep an eye on it. I've made a habit of putting in a little bit more than 5 quarts. The oil capacity is weird, 5.1 quarts. I like to imagine most people throw 5 quarts in and call it a job well done.

[@CornPopSniffin]

I have a 2013 and it is losing oil somehow.i have the same light coming on and off periodically also.

[@schuylerhecht8253]

2017 XV limited. Had it since brand new. I drive 250 miles 4 days a week to work, sometimes 5 days a week if I visit dad... 158,7... k on odom... I take it in for oil to a subaru dealer, never gone anywhere else, every 6,000 miles, every 6 weeks it seems... today I found out I need a new headgasket and radiator

[@gshaw9142]

P000A/B/C/D - oil actuator switch. Part Number: 10921AA231 Common problem, an oil change will only temporarily make it go away. A/B/C/D indicates which piston its associated with.

[@lftpward3167]

A/C compressor going bad after five years on a 2014 model is an expensive problem that I know has happened to a couple of people who own this car.

[@1AAuto]

+LFTPWARD Thanks for the tip!

[@preyevite6785]

Bought mine used in late 2018 and had this problem. Fortunately it came with a warranty and was covered.

[@stephmo371]

I've just had to get this replaced on my 2017

[@joshhuepenbecker2479]

13’ here. Mine went bad. Get the correct serial number to replace it. Pricey part.

[@dant3113]

Never been a Subaru fanboy but my gf really wanted the crosstrek even after I try to convince her to get a Cx-5 or even CRV. Im scared im going to be spending a lot of time fixing things on that car. Hopefully not 🙏

[@JohnDavidHarbison]

CVT - Transmission - Front Steering Bearings - And Now my CAM SHAFT PHASERS and TIMING! I must have hit the lottery!

[@davidlopanful]

2014 crosstrek premium, 110k the valve body decided to die. subaru covers this part until 100k, paid half of it 1k, I have been told that the cvt oil needs to be changed every 80k

[@jimralston4789]

Can confirm about #2 - cam position code often caused by dirty oil. I've gotten that code a couple of times from procrastinating getting an oil change. Was a bit alarming the first time but even then I had a clue that it might have been related to the oil because I knew I was way past due. Went away and stayed away after I got it done.

[@grizzleypeak]

2017, manual, 60k, not one hint of a problem so far..... Reliable and capable snow car!

[@AntonyLD]

At 70,000 miles, all 4 whel bearings, main drive shaft & bearing, both front suspension struts, completely rotten under the plastic undrrbody trays so all the brake pipe hangers to rear rooten, all metal work rotting as not fully rust protected from new.

[@1AAuto]

+@user-yc3sr2qw7c Thanks for the feedback!

[@kaileeanna5512]

only issue i’ve had with my 2014 is my ac. mechanic decided the issue was the condenser when it is actually the compressor. very expensive problem that 4 different mechanics couldn’t figure out.

[@Nananadadadawoo]

Its good to have so i know what to financially plan for and how to negotiate right

[@leanneleung5744]

My 2017 has 80k km and rear bearings has to replace, happens the same km for inspection as per maintenance schedule. It costs 2k to repair.

[@chrisdominguez8196]

Did you experience any kind of noise while driving that makes you suspect it was the bearings?

[@cutroc350]

Door lock rod can become detached from the lock assembly and prevent entry with a dead battery. 2016 with 30k learning this the hard way. Otherwise a decent Subaru with the manual trans.

[@politicalsheepdog]

I thought I was doing something wrong in regard to the battery going dead. I've had the car for a year and a half and I'm on my 3rd battery. Yep, I've had the Hill holderlight on two different times and my cruis control would not work. No leaves so faar but my engine does burn oil.

[@rhpham2]

All easy to do list. Seems cars these days suffer more of maintenance items rather then engineering faults

[@willmcgregor7184]

Thanks! Seems minor. 100K kms on ours so far & just Oil changes & brake pads.

[@1AAuto]

+Will McGregor Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@mauser8087]

Don't forgot CVT fluid change

[@FroggysProductions]

I have a 2020 it has a click click click problem from the engine it’s not a rock in the tire and my phone won’t connect to the infotainment screen it keeps bringing up a warning saying phone doesn’t exist try again i got mad when I tried again and it said it again

[@bradhyer5427]

I was just on an accident 30 car pile up at front and back and no airbags went off. What can I do about this?

[@boxerdiesel]

Ciao, Sai se esiste qualche richiamo per alternatore? Grazie

[@oldtimer6528]

I'm surprised wheel bearings didn't make your list. Seems to be a common problem with Crosstrek's.

[@1AAuto]

+Old Timer Thanks for the tip! We'll pass this info along to our production team.

[@davidthird8855]

Yes wheel bearings - both my rear's have gone at 47K miles. Horrendous to replace. Expensive parts from Subaru.

[@PolkCountyWIProgressive]

Had mine go out at 70k something miles. Subaru said they would only help pay of it was repaired at a dealer so I are that $400 something repair.

[@naileditfishing]

Same

[@chrisdominguez8196]

Is there any kind of noise associated with this issue? My son just bought a 2016 with 116k miles. Test drove it and didn’t notice it but when he took it home on the freeway a loud sound came from the rear at any speed.

[@justinturner4850]

I’m sure someone has already commented this but just in case, there was a recall for the brake light switch.

[@barbryll8596]

Had mine replaced already. No charge

[@jedizelfknight]

I have a 2017 crosstrek right now with 129k miles on it and havent done a CVT fluid change at all. Though my transmission is having some minor problems with the rpms. Should i do a full CVT flush or just change the fluid? Right now my car drives fine cuz i only use it to go to work, i dont take it off roading that much at all. Idk, if my transmission right now is gonna break down or not

[@holydoomknight]

Cool, 3 out of 5 for me. Battery, Cam Sensor and Brake light switch.

[@teddybear1370]

this subaru no have head gasket problem?

[@who8dapple]

We've got a 2014 XV w/60,850 miles. During start up, no problems or engine lights. But the minute you shift out of P and into R, N or D, It starts flashing dash lights; AT oil temp flashing, ABS, Hill Assist and stability control. OBD2 reads the following DTC codes: P0009(71) and P0054(31). Here's the kicker. I shut the engine off and restart the car, No dash lights and ODB2 reader doesn't detect those codes until you shift out of P. The vehicle has had the recall Switch Stop replaced way back when...what else could be causing all these problems?

[@hervue85]

My '15 is currently at Subaru for 90k service. Brake light switch was replaced a yr ago but recently all those same lights are lighting up again, intermittently. After paying $180 for diagnostics, it's the vdc module that is out, needs replacement for ~$2300. That repair is going to have to wait for now. Good luck to you.

[@pens8766]

Transmission throttle body

[@radmilakrejci8581]

@@hervue85 what is VDC module?

[@leifharmsen]

Back hatch actuator was my problem, apart from the battery being dead when we arrived at the airport from Mexico - nothing the Canadian Automobile Association guy couldn't fix with his jump battery.

[@ericng-h4e]

My Top 5 Interior cracking Ac evaporator/compressor Suspension Cooling system radiator Transmission

[@valerimihaylov843]

And something about breaking the crankshaft in the diesel engine?

[@dancindebs1]

I am looking for a used cross trek less than 50,00 miles. Are the 2014 reliable or is there any year THSTS better snd why

[@kenerhart2483]

Can I change my re-start battery myself ? It looks as easy as the regular battery. Big O tire store says they can't replace it. I need it take to a dealer. I think I can easily do it myself, as I seen on a video on KZbin

[@franciscocoto6298]

Excelent tips!!! great video!

[@YorkyPoo_UAV]

Only issues I've had in the '14, Brake light sensor, Radio cutting off, Battery after 6 years, and now A/C compressor clutch I need to fix now.

[@Steven91992]

Quick question, but why does the battery prematurely wear on the car ? to make it one of the top five problems ? You didn't really explain on that to much lol.

[@Iberia1991]

Hi, one question please How hybrid works actually in XV, i mean 2.0 2015 XV Model It works when i drive under 70kmh speed or its mixed?

[@ItchyKneeSon]

Bunch of simple weird issues that aren't catastrophic. I've heard that the fb20 is a very robust engine that didn't have the piston wear or leaking issues of the fb25. Make sure to change that transmission fluid if you have the CVT. (Even though Subaru USA doesn't recommend this--Subaru in all other countries, including Japan, recommend it.)

[@Auser12349]

Mine had all 5 problems

[@charlenehammer3251]

My 2017 crosstrek intermittent starts, and sometimes starts and turns right back off. We purchased a new battery, hooked everything back up, and it still happens. Very frustrating. Was hoping for a simple fix, but thinking I will need to take it in to the dealership.

[@yair7227]

What was the problem?🤨

[@muffchomp635]

Do they have crankshaft sensors? That happened to my cherokee

[@schuylerhecht8253]

I have a 2017, bought the car brand new, never had any issue like this

[@shad0wzilla383]

Damn i love this channel

[@izkofrancisco8183]

Does anybody here, have issue with the brake pedal when it press and release, clunk sound I heard it. Subaru XV 2017.

[@gavinxm]

surprised oil consumtion isn't on this list.

[@3kkk514]

Nice cool video, how about the 2nd gen crosstrek I had 2018 model cvt I heard about cvt is the main issue but never have a problem yet 46k miles

[@adamporter3742]

Didn't even mention the CVT 🤔

[@romanmunter800]

I literally have 3 of these issues with mine.😭

[@EvansTheTraveller]

Very Helpful, thank you.

[@GuruBhaktiram]

my break lights dont work but my tail lights do is it my break light switch?

[@paul5683]

Seems like there are a lot of people having problems with the piston ring land failure on the subaru engine, almost the new head gasket death of the modern engine.

[@1AAuto]

+@paul5683 Thanks for the feedback!

[@kathykaura7219]

Kind of scares me from buying one.

[@chriserony]

"Every vehicle has their problems" My 2001 Toyota Echo: nope.

[@oddities-whatnot]

I was going to look at a 14 plate XV diesel today. Perhaps not ! Maybe a new one would be a wiser option.

[@tambosnipes1652]

Aussie?

[@saulmarques1934]

My 2017 is out of warranty and just started this issue of when i shift to park, key will not come off ignition. Help

[@1AAuto]

+Saul Marques We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@johnbanket7000]

Try moving the steering wheel a little bit

[@booey-l5o]

@saul marques Subaru just issued a warranty extension for this specific issue last month! This happened to my 2017 as well. Call any licensed Subaru service center to get it fixed for free takes 4-6 hours.

[@destinysellers2485]

Subaru dealership fixed mine for free! I had to call and finagle with customer service! Did the exact same thing. $750 value but they covered it

[@Rantny-9mm]

no mention of cvt failures ! wow

[@oddities-whatnot]

Thats because they dont fail often

[@skeet330]

Just got a P000C code. Dealer wants 3k to fix it

[@elizabethrain4138]

Hi commenting on this vid cause it is newer, but asking about the heater core. It is leaking and full of sludge and there is a bad smell when the ac or heater is on. How long would it take someone with no experience to clean it? It is a 1994 lincoln town car

[@Beansforlife410]

On my 2013 Subaru crosstrek. So far at 93,000 miles only thing I’ve had to replace is wheel bearnings. Driver side window switch , headlights and breaks. Love this car.

[@ewkl2002]

2017 Subaru just did plan B service. When stops awaiting green light car SOMETIMES vibrates when rpm drops from 800 to about 600. Dealer said car is ok as no alert light is on. Dealer said if ac or fan is on problem will be gone. I followed the suggestion but still on and off happened. Anyone knows why this happened?

[@stephmo371]

I've just had to replace my ac condenser on my 2017 but i have a 5mt so i haven't noticed any rpm drops. Was on warranty so a free replacement

[@codyhill9087]

Throttle body, same on my 2012 legacy

[@laural.1719]

recommandez vous le crosstrek 2013 ?

[@noleftturnunstoned]

2014 has improvement over 2013. Try for 2nd Gen.

[@steveb7429]

I really don’t like my 2017 crosstrek there is no button to pop the hatch. Stupid ‘safety’ feature I suppose. Well I don’t need a car designed for idiots, thank you. I know when it’s safe to pop my hatch. Then, there are numerous paddles on the steering wheel, that my fingers sometimes inadvertently push while driving, which does fun things like change my dash displays, and let’s not forget that whatever material they used for the steering wheel completely came off in flakes. I’ve spotted the same issue when I have looked in parked 2017 crosstreks: yup: same jacked up steering wheel. Oh and let’s not forget that when it rains it sounds like you are in a giant tin can

[@anmcclo9731]

great batter saving, tips, thanks

[@JuCarlos-ex8ip]

This models some of them have transmission problems

[@eddycervantea7882]

My shit geekin

[@PolkCountyWIProgressive]

I am on my third battery. First battery died Sept 2019. I just had my second battery die in less than 1.5 years but thankfully Costco warranty is bulletproof. Subaru replaces brake sensor light under a recall.

[@andreahighsides7756]

I just replaced the OEM subaru battery last month. My car is a 2013 and the battery wasn’t even bad yet, I just wanted to be proactive.

[@10p6]

Interesting. My 2013 I would describe as crap. Used a boat load of OIL (on all of these), so how they get PZEV rating is a joke. Uses a boat load of gas when the engine is cold (one 8 mile trip cold (and that could be in 100 degree summer) and It gets 17 MPG, do the same trip when it is warm and get 40MPG), so once again how they get the PZEV rating is a joke. Leather seat quality is crap. Pulls to right all the time. Engine is gutless. Have had 3 door locks fail to open (both back doors and tailgate) if they are not used a zillion times a day as they cease up. If dust gets in ABS sensor, had it where it will not allow the car to go in gear until a minute or so after starting it up. I drive on average about 30 miles a day; car now has 95,000 miles on it and I have already had 3 new batteries and soon will need a 4th. And that is not all the problems.

[@1AAuto]

+10p6 Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@jrkin]

Thought he was gonna mention gasket...smh 😤😌

[@ydiscoveredydiscovered5223]

Thank you !

[@noleftturnunstoned]

Nothing about the lousy CVT?

[@pingpongballz5998]

It was overblown

[@mauser8087]

Keep cvt fluid changed regularly

[@PV03SORIN]

Bonjour l'équipe je voudrais la variante diesel 147 cv boite manuelle, je voudrais savoir si vous pouvez me dire si c'est fiable au pas , merci beaucoup.

[@mghc7]

Wait did you say you drive it 10 miles a day..no wonder yi7 don’t have issues

[@boxerdiesel]

Condensa fari posteriori sostituiti in garanzia e interruttore luce stop my 2016 boxer diesel

[@3kkk514]

How about 2nd gen cross trek?

[@RhunellBoyd]

2023

[@josephlownes5138]

I love my 2016 subaru crosstrek got it with 36k and I am at 122k just

[@DumbledoreMcCracken]

rust

[@robertoferrari5397]

i hate rust 😕

[@yoBradyO11]

It's a boxer engine. Not BOXTER like the porsche🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️. Yes they both utilize the same style engine but that is not even close to the reasoning

[@anmcclo9731]

nice car Subaru Crosstrek

[@Seamus322]

I've a 2014- the ac compressor just died- $1300- first trouble I've had in almost 9 years and 80k.

[@shaishabshrestha9646]

Those problems are not even a problem

[@pirihern9329]

Subaru not as reliable as toyota/lexus or honda/acura

[@NAMULTISS]

Is it, that the car is unreliable or is the age group of the people that are buying them think they can get in to a 4x4 and abuse it and it not break. I got kids and they think our cars are tuff but its because we don't abuse them. But my nephews keeping buying cars that they think are junks but nothing wrong with with them, when they buy them other then driving them hard and in places cars are not supppost to.. and if you look at the frame on this car looks cheep not ment for long off rd trips. Just trail. Lol

[@jrkin]

I keep mine for trails only...if it breaks it breaks, but as long as I continue to do preventative and routine maintenance then hey...im doing my part. Doesn't make it unreliable. BTW 2012 head unit is Toyota. And now they are I believe 30% owner or investors etc

[@oddities-whatnot]

@@NAMULTISS not meant for long road trips ? Eh ? Weird comment. Ive done long trips in tiny city cars. Perhaps im a better driver.

[@jake313ify]

@@oddities-whatnot he said long offroad trips dumbass

[@barbryll8596]

@@oddities-whatnot Im pretty sure he said long off road trips....all that bumpy uneven road can kill a suspension.

[@petek6522]

Nice to see nothing major and easy repairs

[@hugomaxi1147]

👎🏻