2023 Subaru Crosstrek
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 34 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 14 Crosstrek model years with reports.
Of the 2023 reports, 4 involved a crash. 4 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints
34 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2024
head unit/infotainment works intermittently meaning all the safety features, car play works intermittently the hands free safety features work intermittently also maps and radio all malfunctions intermittently. At 800 miles I have a paint chip on the back of the cars bumper paint bubbling on the rear tail gate I felt this to be a defect in the paint but Subaru disagreed. Subaru sent me an email for an update to correct infotainment problems that I am suppose to do myself didn't say to take it to the dealership. this car only has 2700 miles on it and is still under warranty
Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2024
Dealer installed OEM trailer hitch and wiring harness as part of the new vehicle purchase agreement. Installed prior to my taking delivery at the selling Subaru Dealership. During a service visit today at a local RV/Trailer Retail/Service Center, the technician inspected my hitch and found loose/untightened trailer hitch attachment bolts. Luckly I have never pulled a trailer since purchasing the vehicle. No damage or accidents have occurred because of this. Service Tech (not by Subaru) tightened all the bolts to make sure my Subaru was safe and roadworthy. Thank you in advance for your attention to this.
Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2023
Debris on the interstate (likely a rock from a dump truck a few vehicles ahead) hit the lower right corner of the windshield on the passenger side. The impact immediately caused a large chip and bullseye shaped crack almost six inches in diameter. The impact was loud enough to make my ears ring. I have not experienced this kind of sound or damage in other brand vehicles. The windshield needed to be replaced and paid for out of pocket. It was not covered by warranty or insurance.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Oct 8, 2023
Like many others with Subaru EyeSight acoustic auto glass, windshield is beginning to crack and pit despite never being outdoors, and not experiencing rock chipping. This glass is unsafe, costly, defective, and needs a recall. Issue appeard May 23, three months after purchase.
Electrical system, Seats, Jun 12, 2023
I purchased this vehicle in January 2023 model. The issue is that the driver side seat is heating up when sitting in the seat even though the heated seat button is NOT on. This issue happens most but not all of the time and the seat will get so hot it feels like my bottom and lower back is burning on fire to the point where I am EXTREMELY distracted while driving. This is a safety hazard, I fear it is only a matter of time before I cause an accident due to this distraction because it is so unbearable that I cannot focus on driving. I have searched to see if others have experienced this and there have been other reports on different forums etc. I have pasted a few below for reference: https://www.subaruxvforum.com/threads/hot-drivers-seat.182193/ https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/2020-driver-heated-seat-always-on-anyone-else.808784/ https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/2015-heated-seats-turning-on-themselves-dealership-cant-replicate-it.827426/ Dealership cannot replicate the issue on a very brief attempt even though the tech mentioned he could feel the warmth generated from the seat. The dealer told me to call Subaru customer advocacy who also blew me off and said they cannot replicate issue and advised no one else reported the issue so there was not action they could take. Her name was [XXX]. Email is [XXX] Please help me get resolution to this safety issue. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Visibility/wiper, May 7, 2023
A 12-in crack formed spontaneously in the window while I was sitting at a stoplight.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Apr 19, 2023
Overall I’m disappointed in the quality of the manufactured parts and accessories. It leads me to believe low grade materials were used in manufacturing this vehicle. My vehicle is brand new and has 2500 miles on it and the front windshield has a crack that is obvious to the naked eye that it was not caused by a rock hitting it while driving. If low grade quality (thin glass) was used to produce this vehicle and it easily breaks/cracks this is a safety hazard for drivers and passengers.
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2023
Passenger door lock won't lock either with fob or manually. Was first noticed when clicking noise was heard in the passenger door when automatic locks engaged. Subaru dealer's service dept. verified problem and ordered part that they said may take months to receive. In the meantime, vehicle will need to be left parked and operated with passenger door unlocked.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 23, 2022
Got my 2023 Crosstrek sport 2 days ago with 6 miles on the odometer. When I first drove it on the freeway today, a rock chip larger than a quarter appeared on my front windshield. I was on an overpass entering the main freeway so I was only going at 55 mph, did not even hear a loud bang when it happened. But given the size and depth of the crack, I have to replace the whole piece of glass. It is bizarre and astonishing how fragile the quality of the brand new windshield is.