2013 Subaru Crosstrek
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 26 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 14 Crosstrek model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 1 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchFeb 28, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Campaign 19V149000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
4 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Sep 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission seized, causing the vehicle to come to a sudden stop. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a transmission solenoid and valve body failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer for regular maintenance 3,000 miles prior to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.
Power train, Aug 13, 2018
SOLENOID VALVE IN CVT CRACKED AFTER 6.5 YEARS OF USE (ROUGHLY 140K - 160K MILES). GOT IT FIXED, THEN 1 YEAR LATER (ANOTHER 40K - 20K MILES), IT WENT OUT AGAIN. THIS TIME THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BOTH TIMES I WAS ACCELERATING. THE FIRST TIME FROM A STOP, AND SECOND TIME I WAS ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 70 MPH.
Power train, Sep 4, 2017
WHEN TURNING RIGHT HEARD CLICKING SE FROM RIGHT FRONT; GARAGE REPLACED AXLE 74,141 MILES. WAS TOLD BY 1ST GARAGE THAT THIS WAS THEIR 3RD 2013 CROSSTREK IN THE LAST MONTH THAT WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. SUBARU DEALER TOLD ME THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF A PROBLEM.
Power train, Jun 20, 2017
THE CAR WOULD LOSE A QUART OF ANTI FREEZE EVERY 7500 MILES.I BROUGHT IT IN AT LEAST 8 TIMES TELLING THEM THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THEY PRESSURE TESTED THE VEHICLE AT LEAST 8 TIMES AND 2 SERVICE MANAGERS SAID I WAS NUTS THEY ARE BOTH FIRED. MY 20 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DRIVES FROM NEW YORK TO FLORIDA. I ASKED A SERVICE MANAGER WHEN THE CAR HAD APPROX, 55K TO GIVE THIS CAR TO A MECHANIC, SERVICE WRITER OR HIM SELF TO GO ON VACATION WITH A FREE CAR. THE SERVICE MANAGER DECLINED SAYING THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND WOULD NOT LET ANYBODY TAKE THE CAR. I WAS IN TOUCH WITH SUBARU CUSTOMER CARE MANY TIMES . FINALLY THE CAR HIT 74K IN VIRGINIA WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT BAD. TOWED TO A SUBARU DEALER IN VIRGINIA AT ABOUT 6AM. THANKFULLY MY OLDEST SON WAS IN THE CAR WITH HER COMING TO FLORIDA. THEY AT THE DEALER SAID IT WOULD BE $8000 TO FIX THE CAR. THE DEALER MUST OF CALLED SUBARU CUSTOMER CARE AND EXPLAINED BECAUSE THEY WOULD COVER $5000 AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE REST. WE GOT THE CAR BACK AND WENT 3500 MILES AND NO ANTI FREEZE LOST. THE ANTI FREEZE WAS ALWAYS CHECKED IN THE MORNING BEFORE STARTING IT UP. I CALLED SUBARU C.C AND THE GUY REVIEWED THE PROBLEM AND GAVE ME ALL MY MONEY BACK. I ALSO SAW ON THE INTERNET ANOTHER CAR WITH 68K HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.