2013 Subaru Crosstrek

Recalls

1 recall names the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. Newest first.

• Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch

  Feb 28, 2019NHTSA 19V1490001,303,530 vehicles

  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…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

  Remedy

  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.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Engine11
2. Electrical system5
3. Power train4
4. Exterior lighting3
5. Unknown or other2
6. Service brakes2
7. Air bags2
8. Visibility/wiper1
9. Fuel/propulsion system1
10. Seat belts1

Latest complaints

• Sep 8, 2026AZ
  Power train
  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…

  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.

• Oct 13, 2021PA1,000 mi
  Electrical system › Instrument panel › Fuel gauge › Fuel level float/sensor/sending unit
  The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after refueling with the fuel tank at 3/4 tank full, the fuel gauge failed to provide the correct fuel level. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the fuel sending tank, but the failure continued to occur. The…

  The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after refueling with the fuel tank at 3/4 tank full, the fuel gauge failed to provide the correct fuel level. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the fuel sending tank, but the failure continued to occur. The contact indicated that the failure had caused fuel leakage and spillage while adding fuel to the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,000.

• Jul 26, 2019PA210,000 miFire
  Electrical system
  Car parked and some electrical wire? Caused car to catch fire? the back drivers side of the hatchback/trunk area was burnt/ melted through to the metal and the wires around the back window on inside were hanging down and hot plastic dripped down onto a box of papers that were in the hatchback. The…

  Car parked and some electrical wire? Caused car to catch fire? the back drivers side of the hatchback/trunk area was burnt/ melted through to the metal and the wires around the back window on inside were hanging down and hot plastic dripped down onto a box of papers that were in the hatchback. The papers had black burnt spot on them but fortunately did not all burn. There was a dark black brown spot on the back window drivers side on the inside and there was soot all over the inside of the entire vehicle and insides of the windows. it got so hot that the trunk could not be opened. not sure what caused it. I was parked in my work parking lot. I got to work at 7 pm and got out of work around 938 am. the windows were closed thankfully. there was no damage to the outside of the car. all the damage was on the inside. my husband IS car owner.

• Jul 17, 2019NY10 mi
  Electrical system · Engine · Exterior lighting · Service brakes
  TL* the contact owns a 2013 subaru crosstrek. While driving 20 mph, the contact pumped the brake pedal several times, but the vehicle would not brake or stop. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle eventually came to a complete stop after multiple attempts. The contact took the…

  TL* the contact owns a 2013 subaru crosstrek. While driving 20 mph, the contact pumped the brake pedal several times, but the vehicle would not brake or stop. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle eventually came to a complete stop after multiple attempts. The contact took the vehicle to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed and repaired, but the failure continued. The unknown dealer IS no longer in business and the repair specifics were not disclosed. The vehicle was then taken to star subaru (206-26 northern blvd, bayside, ny 11361, (833) 271-0487) where the brake pads were replaced. Afterwards, all the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel while driving various speeds. The contact took the vehicle to east hills subaru (1039 northern blvd, roslyn, ny, (866) 391-1314), but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact received notices for nhtsa campaign number: 19v149000 (exterior lighting) and nhtsa campaign number: 18v772000 (engine and engine cooling). Both dealers stated that parts were not available and that they would notify the contact when they become available. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 10.

• Jun 27, 2019WA
  Engine
  My vehicle was recalled. I contacted the local subaru dealership and subaru directly and they both stated that due the the volume of cars affected they were not taking any new appointments until 2020 and to call them back in 2020. the issue IS with the valve springs in the engine. a fracture in…

  My vehicle was recalled. I contacted the local subaru dealership and subaru directly and they both stated that due the the volume of cars affected they were not taking any new appointments until 2020 and to call them back in 2020. the issue IS with the valve springs in the engine. a fracture in the spring could cause engine failure. I want subaru to replace it now, pay me to have it fixed somewhere else or replace my current subaru with a fair value trade-in. this IS unacceptable and avoid be illegal. on top of that, the responses from both the local and corporate offices IS also unacceptable. they should be embarrassed.

• Jun 14, 2019TN
  Engine · Exterior lighting
  TL* the contact owns a 2013 subaru crosstrek. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 19v149000 (exterior lighting) and 18v772000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for recall repairs. Duff subaru (1028 s…

  TL* the contact owns a 2013 subaru crosstrek. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 19v149000 (exterior lighting) and 18v772000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for recall repairs. Duff subaru (1028 s roane st, harriman, tn 37748, (865) 882-0113) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. *bf consumer stated subaru said car unsafe to drive - no help dealer backed up for repair. Approx 6 month wait for service repair completed. Trade in a nissan. *Jb

• Jun 6, 2019CA
  Engine

  Dealer not able to fix recall problem until aug. 28 2019 due to backlog can not renew registration until fixed

• May 17, 2019KY145,941 mi
  Engine
  After replacing valve springs at the subaru dealership due to a recall, now oil IS mixed in the coolant. Problem appeared same day as we picked the car from dealership upon completion off recall issue. After explained the problem to them they replace coolant again to test see if the problem…

  After replacing valve springs at the subaru dealership due to a recall, now oil IS mixed in the coolant. Problem appeared same day as we picked the car from dealership upon completion off recall issue. After explained the problem to them they replace coolant again to test see if the problem continues. The problem continues but now they claim preexisting condition!!! Imagine that! Please IS there any advise before we sick legal action. We are afraid car will over heat nad burn engine or catch fire!

• May 14, 2019NM27,000 mi
  Engine
  I recieved a recall notice in dec. 2018. I called my dealer to make an appointment. I was told the next appointment would be december 2020. I was told the appointment would be moved up but that has not happened. the only way to get it done earlier would be to take it to the dealer and use a…

  I recieved a recall notice in dec. 2018. I called my dealer to make an appointment. I was told the next appointment would be december 2020. I was told the appointment would be moved up but that has not happened. the only way to get it done earlier would be to take it to the dealer and use a loaner or rental car until fixed, approximately one month. I live 80 miles from the closest dealer. I don't feel it IS safe to drive it to the dealer.

• Apr 9, 2019CT
  Engine

  Subaru of america, inc. (Subaru) IS recalling certain 2012-2014 , , xv crosstrek the engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall. Its been months and still no response from any subaru dealership regrding my subaru.

• Mar 25, 2019TX
  Unknown or other
  I would like answer to why the cvt was given an extended warranty and if there IS a future recall on this transmission due to stalling? I never received notice of the 10 year or 100,000 mile extended warranty whichever comes first. My car IS above that (123,000 miles). I have been having issues…

  I would like answer to why the cvt was given an extended warranty and if there IS a future recall on this transmission due to stalling? I never received notice of the 10 year or 100,000 mile extended warranty whichever comes first. My car IS above that (123,000 miles). I have been having issues with it and it was diagnosed with cvt problems and the estimated repair cost IS over $8,000. The subaru dealer told me they aren't even allowed service the transmission... IS this due to the problems? I am a single mother on a teacher's salary that saved up for two years prior to purchasing this used vehicle three years ago (2016). I finally paid of my car last month and was so excited to be able to finally not have a car payment and be able to finally save more money for my son's college. Now, I can't even safely drive my son to school or myself to work in my subaru. Why are only the lives of people's car whose mileage under 100,000 taken into account? If I choose to continue driving my car as it IS, I risk my car stalling or transmission failing causing an accident. If I don't drive it, I risk missing work and not being able to feed my son. It seems like subaru IS looking out for their bottom line by issuing a warranty on a known problem, rather than taking necessary steps to fix the problem.

• Mar 7, 2019NM
  Engine
  Called el paso, tx subaru dealership to schedule fix of safety recall wty-84. first time on 1/14/19 and 1/16/19. told both times someone would get back with me to schedule the recall repair. called today, 3/7/19 and was told that there IS a list, approximately 15 people ahead of me on this list…

  Called el paso, tx subaru dealership to schedule fix of safety recall wty-84. first time on 1/14/19 and 1/16/19. told both times someone would get back with me to schedule the recall repair. called today, 3/7/19 and was told that there IS a list, approximately 15 people ahead of me on this list, for the safety recall and that I am not on that list and it could take an additional 1 to 2 weeks to get my vehicle in for the repair and that wasn't a guarantee. I have not taken my vehicle on any long distance trips in fear that the engine may stall and I'D be responsible for an accident. asked to speak to service manager to address my concerns, but he wasn't in.

• Jan 14, 2019CA
  Engine
  TL* the contact owns a 2013 subaru crosstrek. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v772000 (engine and engine cooling). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Ocean…

  TL* the contact owns a 2013 subaru crosstrek. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v772000 (engine and engine cooling). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Ocean subaru (1100 s euclid st, fullerton, ca 92832, (888) 428-2419) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was unknown.

• Nov 29, 2018IA97,000 mi
  Engine
  TL* the contact owns a 2013 subaru crosstrek. While driving 65 mph, the check engine indicator illuminated and the contact heard a knocking sound in the engine. The rpms were registering high, the traction control indicator illuminated, and the cruise control stopped working with the indicator…

  TL* the contact owns a 2013 subaru crosstrek. While driving 65 mph, the check engine indicator illuminated and the contact heard a knocking sound in the engine. The rpms were registering high, the traction control indicator illuminated, and the cruise control stopped working with the indicator flashing on and off. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The dealer was called and wanted to diagnose the failure for a fee. The contact researched the failure and found nhtsa campaign number: 18v772000 (engine and engine cooling) related to the engine valve stem. The dealer (ramsey subaru, 9625 hickman rd, urbandale, ia 50322, (515) 320-8781) stated that they could not cover the repair without the contact having a recall letter. The contact was in the military and had moved several times, which was why he did not receive the recall letter dated october 31, 2018. The manufacturer stated that there was an open recall and to contact the dealer. The failure mileage was 97,000.

• Nov 5, 2018CA55,000 mi
  Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
  TL* the contact owns a 2013 subaru crosstrek. The contact stated that oil needed to be added to the vehicle every 1,200 miles and the low oil warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to lithia subaru of fresno (5499 n blackstone ave, fresno, ca 93710, (559) 540-7189) where the contact…

  TL* the contact owns a 2013 subaru crosstrek. The contact stated that oil needed to be added to the vehicle every 1,200 miles and the low oil warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to lithia subaru of fresno (5499 n blackstone ave, fresno, ca 93710, (559) 540-7189) where the contact was informed that a consumption test needed to be conducted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000. *Tt consumer stated there were multiple failures battery malfunction, oil check, engine light, and transmission. *Jb

• Aug 14, 2018ND51,000 mi
  Air bags · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification · Seat belts

  The sensor on the passenger seat turns in the air bags and seat belt sensor for well under the designed threshold. As an example it triggered for two 20 ounce bottles of soda. The vehicle was in motion on a city street.

• Aug 13, 2018WA186,000 mi
  Power train

  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.

• Jul 14, 2018CA70,000 miFire
  Electrical system · Seats · Structure › Body
  2013 subaru crosstrek(70k miles) passenger door caught on fire. Within 3 minutes of smelling smoke inside door panel was engulfed in flames. Went to the shoulder of the freeway, turned engine off, put out the flames, waited for the smoke to clear and the plastic to cool off. Upon restarting vehicle…

  2013 subaru crosstrek(70k miles) passenger door caught on fire. Within 3 minutes of smelling smoke inside door panel was engulfed in flames. Went to the shoulder of the freeway, turned engine off, put out the flames, waited for the smoke to clear and the plastic to cool off. Upon restarting vehicle sparks and smoke visible so turned vehicle off. Cut the red(+) wires, restarted vehicle(no smoke), drove to dealership for repairs. Obviously a short in the electrical system, none of the fuses popped. Had a passenger been in the passenger seat I'm sure they would have been hurt. picked up the vehicle yesterday and paid 2K over insurance estimate. Now having to squeeze the insurance for the difference since I didn't take it to their suggested repair shop and subaru of america would not pay for damage due to poor workmanship/faulty parts. anyone else have problems such as this?

• Feb 23, 2018FL42,000 miCrash
  Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control

  Pulling into parking space at work, going no more than 5 mph. vehicles lunged forward and hit tree. the engine seemed to slow down and then revved suddenly. Although I hit the brakes, vehicle did not stop.

• Sep 4, 2017NH74,141 mi
  Power train

  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.

• Jun 20, 2017FL74 mi
  Power train
  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…

  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.

• Jun 16, 2017NJ83,000 mi
  Visibility/wiper
  2 windshield replacements since may 2013 due to chips/cracks. 21K miles per year average driving in normal conditions. the latest incident was a large crack that appeared on 6/13/17. there was no crack when the car was parked in my driveway at 6/12. when I left work the morning of 6/13/17…

  2 windshield replacements since may 2013 due to chips/cracks. 21K miles per year average driving in normal conditions. the latest incident was a large crack that appeared on 6/13/17. there was no crack when the car was parked in my driveway at 6/12. when I left work the morning of 6/13/17 there was a 6 inch crack in the windshield. the temp had a roughly 25 degree f swing from hot to cold with rain overnight. there are complaints all over the internet about the crosstrek windshield being more fragile in this regard that other cars. incident rate of damage seems much higher than it should be. *tr

• Jun 6, 2017WA66,100 mi
  Suspension

  Left constant velocity (cv) joint has failed after only 66K miles. During turns the car makes a loud clicking noise that IS distracting and I was concerned the car may inflict more damage to the drive system.

• Jan 2, 2017GA32,600 mi
  Electrical system

  Eco-wiring made of materials that attract animals. A rodent chewed through my wiring harness. $800 worth of damage that could be prevented. Car IS inoperable.

• Dec 15, 2016CO105,000 mi
  Exterior lighting

  4TH seat of replacement headlight bulbs so far (low beams) since new. Original owners, no accidents, no aftermarket items. They both burn at the same time. You only notice it once its dark outside at you try to drive home from work and no low beams.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11010925This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last being Decemeber 3rd. This update is for approximatelt 714,000 VINs.
• 11009701This bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold. This regulation applies to any automobile retailer installing accessories on a vehicle prior to its first sale.
• 11009685This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
• 11008283This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.
• 11008282This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
• 11008281This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
• 11008280This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries.
• 11008279This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
• 11008276The CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units.
• 11008267This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
• 11008259This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
• 11006935This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure for 2025MY vehicles.
• 11006934The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
• 11006932This Service Information Bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when the Data Communication Module (DCM) is being tested as a dark current/standby current source.
• 11006931This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
• 11005624This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
• 11005615This announcement provides information for retailers to install the latest infotainment system software for Denso CP 1.5.
• 11005614This bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when testing the Data Communication Module (DCM) as a dark current/standby current source. All models equipped with Telematics except Solterra.
• 11005609This announcement provides information on Takata Recall Escalated Towing Program.
• 11005608This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
• 11005599This Bulletin provides SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion for 2025 MY vehicles.
• 11005595This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
• 11005593This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
• 11002730This information announces reprograming file availability for Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation systems. Inprovement for CarPlay concerns with hands-free calls when the receiving party is not able to hear the caller.
• 11002725This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
• 11000817This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park.
• 10241822This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park.
• 10241801The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
• 10240110This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
• 10235929Exchange Component Identification
• 10235845Difficulty Starting, Rough Idle, Cam Position or Misfire DTCs
• 10234951Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter
• 10234922Exchange Component Identification and procedures
• 10234880Remote Engine Start Systems Troubleshooting Guide
• 10234879Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newsletter
• 10234868Electrical Systems Operation & Diagnosis Module
• 10234857Fujitsu Ten (F10) SD Card Audio/Navigation System
• 10234289ECM reprogramming
• 10234288Technical Support Line Newsletter
• 10234287Technical Support Line Newsletter

Every Subaru Crosstrek model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.