Subaru Crosstrek Years to Avoid – The Subaru Crosstrek has become a popular choice for car buyers in recent years, thanks to its rugged styling, practicality, and reliability.
However, not all model years of the Crosstrek are created equal, and some have had issues that owners should be aware of.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss which model years of the Subaru Crosstrek to avoid and why.
Subaru Crosstrek Model Overview
The Subaru Crosstrek was first introduced in 2012 as a more rugged and off-road-capable version of the Impreza hatchback.
The Crosstrek is built on the same platform as the Impreza but features a raised suspension, higher ground clearance, and rugged styling cues.
The first generation of the Crosstrek was produced from 2012 to 2017 and was available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with either a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The second generation of the Crosstrek was introduced in 2018 and features a redesigned exterior and interior, as well as a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired exclusively with a CVT.
The Crosstrek has earned high marks for reliability and safety. According to Consumer Reports, the Crosstrek has an above-average reliability rating, with few reported problems.
The Crosstrek also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the organization’s highest safety rating.
Subaru Crosstrek Model Years to Avoid
While the Crosstrek has a reputation for reliability, there are certain model years that owners should avoid due to reported issues.
2013 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2013 model year of the Subaru Crosstrek was the first year of production for the model. While many owners have reported being satisfied with their 2013 Crosstrek, there have been some reported issues, including problems with the CVT transmission, engine hesitation, and excessive oil consumption.
CVT transmission has been a common issue among Crosstrek owners, with many reporting a shuddering sensation while driving. Some owners have also reported issues with the transmission overheating, which can cause damage to the transmission and engine.
Some owners have reported a delay in acceleration, which can be a safety concern.
Another issue reported by owners of the 2013 Crosstrek is engine hesitation, which can occur when accelerating from a stop or when driving at low speeds.
This can be a safety concern if the hesitation occurs while merging onto a highway or passing another vehicle.
Finally, some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, with the engine burning through oil more quickly than it should. This can lead to engine damage if the oil level is not regularly monitored and maintained.
2014 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2014 model year of the Subaru Crosstrek has also been reported to have some issues, although not as severe as those reported with the 2013 model year.
One issue reported by owners of the 2014 Crosstrek is a clicking noise coming from the steering column. This noise can be heard while turning the steering wheel and can be a distraction while driving.
Some owners have reported that the noise goes away after the vehicle has warmed up, while others have had to have the steering column replaced to fix the issue.
Another issue reported by owners of the 2014 Crosstrek is a rattling noise coming from the engine. This noise can be heard while idling or at low speeds and can be a sign of a loose or damaged component in the engine.
While the noise is not necessarily a safety concern, it can be annoying for owners.
2015 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2015 model year of the Subaru Crosstrek has also been reported to have some issues, although not as severe as those reported with the 2013 model year.
One issue reported by owners of the 2015 Crosstrek is a squeaking noise coming from the brakes. This noise can be heard while braking and can be caused by the brake pads wearing unevenly. Some owners have reported having to replace the brake pads and rotors multiple times to fix the issue.
Another issue reported by owners of the 2015 Crosstrek is a clunking noise coming from the rear suspension.
This noise can be heard while driving over bumps and can be caused by a loose or damaged component in the suspension.
While the noise is not necessarily a safety concern, it can be annoying for owners.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2018 model year of the Subaru Crosstrek has had some reported issues, although not as severe as those reported with the earlier model years.
One issue reported by owners of the 2018 Crosstrek is a grinding noise coming from the transmission. This noise can be heard while shifting gears and can be caused by a faulty bearing in the transmission.
While the noise is not necessarily a safety concern, it can be a sign of a larger issue that may require transmission replacement.
Another issue reported by owners of the 2018 Crosstrek is a whistling noise coming from the roof rails. This noise can be heard while driving at highway speeds and can be caused by a loose or damaged component in the roof rails.
While the noise is not necessarily a safety concern, it can be annoying for owners.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re in the market for a Subaru Crosstrek but are concerned about the reported issues with certain model years, there are alternative Subaru models to consider.
One alternative to the Crosstrek is the Subaru Forester. The Forester is a larger SUV than the Crosstrek and is available with a more powerful engine.
The Forester also has a reputation for reliability and safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
Another alternative to the Crosstrek is the Subaru Outback. The Outback is similar in size to the Crosstrek but features a more powerful engine and a more luxurious interior.
The Outback also has a reputation for reliability and safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
How to Avoid Buying A Problematic Crosstrek
If you’re still considering purchasing a used Crosstrek, there are steps you can take to avoid buying a problematic model year.
First, do your research. Look up the specific model year you’re interested in and read owner reviews and forums to see if there are any common issues reported by owners.
Second, take the vehicle for a test drive. Pay attention to how the car handles, and listen for any unusual noises or vibrations.
Third, consider having the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic before purchasing. A pre-purchase inspection can help identify any potential issues with the vehicle before you buy it.
Finally, check the vehicle’s maintenance history. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to have issues than one that has been neglected.
What is the most reliable Crosstrek?
The most reliable Crosstrek model year is the 2021 Crosstrek, according to Consumer Reports. It earned a score of 88 out of 100 for its reliability.
How reliable is a Subaru Crosstrek?
Overall, the Subaru Crosstrek has a reputation for being a reliable vehicle. However, as with any vehicle, there have been reported issues with certain model years. It’s important to do your research before purchasing a used Crosstrek.
What year of Crosstrek is best?
According to Consumer Reports, the most reliable Crosstrek model year is the 2021 Crosstrek. The 2018 and 2019 Crosstreks have also received high ratings for reliability.
Are Subaru Crosstreks good in snow?
Yes, Subaru Crosstreks are known for their all-wheel drive system, which provides excellent traction in snowy and slippery conditions. This makes them a good choice for drivers who live in areas with harsh winters.
What is Subaru Crosstrek known for?
The Subaru Crosstrek is known for its all-wheel drive system, which provides excellent traction in slippery conditions. It’s also known for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and off-road capabilities.
Is Subaru Crosstrek expensive to maintain?
The cost of maintaining a Subaru Crosstrek can vary depending on the model year and the extent of the maintenance required. Overall, Subaru vehicles are known for their low maintenance costs compared to other brands.
Is A Subaru Crosstrek a good investment?
Purchasing a Subaru Crosstrek can be a good investment if you’re looking for a reliable, practical, and fuel-efficient vehicle. As with any vehicle, it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.
Is Crosstrek higher than Outback?
The Crosstrek is smaller and has a lower ground clearance than the Outback. However, the Crosstrek is also more fuel-efficient than the Outback, making it a good choice for drivers who prioritize fuel economy.
What is a Subaru Crosstrek similar to?
The Subaru Crosstrek is similar to other compact SUVs, such as the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Jeep Renegade. It’s also similar to other Subaru models, such as the Forester and Outback, which share many of the same features and capabilities.
Conclusion
While the Subaru Crosstrek has a reputation for reliability and safety, there are certain model years that owners should avoid due to reported issues.
If you’re still considering purchasing a used Crosstrek, be sure to do your research, take the vehicle for a test drive, and consider having it inspected by a trusted mechanic before purchasing.
Consider alternative Subaru models, such as the Forester or Outback, which have a reputation for reliability and safety.