Subaru Crosstrek Generations Ranked By Reliability

The Subaru Crosstrek has been a key product in the Japanese brand’s lineup, combining compact car dimensions with the rugged styling and high driving position typically offered by its bigger crossover SUV counterparts. The compact ‘go-anywhere’ vehicle has won a high number of buyers with its adventurous looks and other qualities they come to expect of a Subaru SUV.

Though it has been around for at least ten years, not all Subaru Crosstrek generations have proven to be the same in terms of reliability and customer satisfaction. As such, we will rank all the Subaru Crosstrek generations from worst to best based on their reliability records.

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Second Generation: 2018-2023

Though the second-generation Crosstrek brought additional refinements to this crossover SUV, from bigger engines and more upmarket interior materials, it also brought more complex safety aids like Subaru’s EyeSight technology, upgraded interior equipment, and electronics-dependent items – translating into more items that could prove problematic.

Commonly Known Issues: Second-Generation Subaru Crosstrek

• Infotainment System/Headunit (Subaru STARLINK) Failure
• Drivetrain Issues
• Paint/Bodywork Flaking
• Climate Control Issues

Highest J.D Power quality and reliability rating: 85/100 (2021 Model)

The Achilles heel for the second-gen Subaru Crosstrek that leads it to fall in overall reliability centers on its infotainment system, known as Subaru Starlink.

Specifically, these involve models that had the Harman Gen 3 STARLINK units installed in the factory, which have proven to be very problematic for owners. Complaints range from everything from the screen not turning on at all, to certain functions (backup camera, Bluetooth connectivity) operating intermittently, or the whole system freezing without prior warning. These specific STARLINK systems have proven to be a big disappointment among owners, to the extent that several filed a class action lawsuit against Subaru. Subaru eventually replaced these STARLINK head units with better ones made by Denso in later Crosstrek models.

Other potential issues that also point to the second-gen Crosstrek’s less-than-ideal reliability include a series of major recalls that were issued for 2018-19 Crosstreks between 2019 and 2021 to resolve potential fire risks from short-circuiting ignition coils, brittle PCV (Positive Crankshaft Ventilation) Valves that could cause a loss of engine power, and loose rear stabilizer bracket bolts.

Some occasionally also report sporadic issues affecting the safety assistance aids equipped on these models – from warning displays to the systems, especially the ‘Eyesight’ lens not functioning normally.

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First Generation: 2013-2017

Compared to second-generation Subaru Crosstreks, the first models to bear the nameplate report better reliability ratings from surveys and owners. This applies to both the full gasoline and hybrid models, both of which utilized a 2.0L flat-four engine. Though they don’t record as a high J.D Power reliability rating as consistently as the second generation, these first iterations of the model report greater overall customer satisfaction, according to NHTSA data and Car Complaints, in addition to fewer serious manufacturer-issued recalls throughout all their model years.

Commonly Known Issues: First-Generation Subaru XV Crosstrek

• Transmission (CVT) Failure
• Engine Failure (Rod Bearing Issues, Head Gasket Failure)
• Excessive Oil Consumption
• Drivetrain Issues

Highest J.D Power quality and reliability rating: 81/100 (2016 model)

Though reporting greater satisfaction on data provided, as early models accumulate further mileage and age, the integrity of their powertrains will be a probable area of concern. Subaru’s ‘Boxer’ series of horizontally opposed engines, no matter what type and age, are always susceptible to rod bearing failure. This is rooted in the design of the oil pan of a boxer engine. Under heavy cornering, the engine oil can move all the way to one side of the pan, causing air to be sucked into the internals of the engine – potentially causing oil starvation and inevitable engine failure as a result of the lack of lubricant.

This also applies to the current health of those equipped with the ‘Lineartronic’ continuously variable transmission. The longevity of these units is under scrutiny as more of them move beyond the warranty period. Subaru originally covered them for the first five year/60,000 miles, later extending it to the first 10 years/100,000 miles (whichever came first) – before 2020. As the very early models exceed this age/mileage threshold from 2025 onwards, they are more susceptible to transmission issues that will likely require owners to pay for a replacement unit at their expense – as the reliability of a CVT is always a weak point.

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Summary: An Affordable Crossover For The Adventurous

The reliability record of the two older Crosstrek generations is quite inconsistent. We’ve found that the most reliable Crosstrek model years include both first- and second-gen models. In shopping for a used Crosstrek, we advise you to choose first-gen models with a complete service history, while the 2018 and 2019 models from the second generation are best avoided. Specifically, aim for models that still have a partial powertrain warranty, along with models that have the updated Starlink infotainment system, as the latter issue can be a real headache.

Despite these issues, many Crosstrek owners have not experienced serious issues and find their vehicles to be very reliable. This is a fairly simple and affordable vehicle, too, and running costs are cheaper than the average for compact SUVs. RepairPal also suggests that the frequency of a Crosstrek needing to visit a workshop for unscheduled maintenance is less often than similar vehicles. By avoiding some of the models we mentioned, you can lower your risk when purchasing a used Subaru Crosstrek.

Sources: Subaru, NHTSA, Car Complaints, J.D. Power, RepairPal