2023 Subaru Crosstrek
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Crosstrek › 2023
These records cover every 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
36 complaints4 involved a crash4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings · Lane departure › Warning
I filled up my 2023 Subaru Crosstrek with gasoline and a short time later the Check Engine light came on as did the warning lights that the safety features associated with the EyeSight system indicating it was no longer functioning. It encouraged me to get the car checked immediately. It turned…
I filled up my 2023 Subaru Crosstrek with gasoline and a short time later the Check Engine light came on as did the warning lights that the safety features associated with the EyeSight system indicating it was no longer functioning. It encouraged me to get the car checked immediately. It turned out that I had not completely tightened the gas cap. I tightened the gas’s cap hoping the safety featured would reset - it didn’t. I contacted Subaru and they said it should reset after a few stops when the engine is shut off. I was on a road trip from Pennsylvania to Maine on a weekend so there was no place to get it checked or reset. We stopped multiple times along the way and it never reset. There were no Subaru dealers at our destination in Maine. Finally after some research I found out I needed disconnect the battery for at least 30 minutes and the car’s computer will reset. It worked. My point is that a simple loose gas cap will TOTALLY DISABLE all of the car’s SAFTY features associated with the EyeSight system create a safety problem totally unassociated with a loose cap or vapor leak. I can understand the warning lights coming on telling the driver to have the car serviced immediately. I do not understand why it needs to disable the collision avoidance, line crossing warning and other SAFETY FEATURES associated with EyeSight, making the car less safe.
- Power train
2023 Subaru Crosstrek, 88,000 miles. Oil temperature warning light illuminated on October 5, 2026; dealer diagnosed CVT torque converter failure requiring replacement ($2,954 repair). This is the second CVT failure in two months: the same dealer replaced the CVT valve body in August 2026 (~$3,400)…
2023 Subaru Crosstrek, 88,000 miles. Oil temperature warning light illuminated on October 5, 2026; dealer diagnosed CVT torque converter failure requiring replacement ($2,954 repair). This is the second CVT failure in two months: the same dealer replaced the CVT valve body in August 2026 (~$3,400) for the same warning light. Vehicle has remained parked at the dealer since the failure — driving with a failing torque converter can damage the CVT. Submitting as a transmission defect report."
- Service brakes
Often the brakes are squishy. They require me to push almost all the way down on the brake pedal to engage. This has happened several times of the last year.
- Electrical system
The battery and electrical system died while I was at a red light in traffic on my way to work. I was stuck on a major road with trucks and traffic behind me while I was stuck in the middle lane. I had to wait for help to be pushed out of traffic to the sidewalk and wait for a jump. The Subaru…
The battery and electrical system died while I was at a red light in traffic on my way to work. I was stuck on a major road with trucks and traffic behind me while I was stuck in the middle lane. I had to wait for help to be pushed out of traffic to the sidewalk and wait for a jump. The Subaru dealership confirmed this was an issue with their battery and auto stop/start system and charged me $600 to replace the battery. When it died, every light on my dashboard lit up but there was no prior warning. I no longer have this vehicle as I did not feel safe driving it anymore and I traded it in for something completely different.
- Back over prevention › Rearview system braking · Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking
Purchased vehicle 8/27/2025 within 1 day and 1 month of 2 separate class action lawsuits. Purchased from CarMax Wilmington. Car produced electrical shock to my hand first time I attempted to pair the vehicle. Parkway stated at that time I was under an additional warranty but the vehicle would…
Purchased vehicle 8/27/2025 within 1 day and 1 month of 2 separate class action lawsuits. Purchased from CarMax Wilmington. Car produced electrical shock to my hand first time I attempted to pair the vehicle. Parkway stated at that time I was under an additional warranty but the vehicle would require constant “updates”. This was an intentional deception to prevent me from pursuing what is required under the law, which is the replacement of head unit and subsequent by back of the vehicle when those services fail. "I am reporting a severe pre-crash safety module defect and subsequent dealer concealment on a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. Two weeks prior to being rear-ended, Parkway Subaru in Wilmington, NC, executed seven failed EyeSight safety recalibration sequences. The service department concealed the component failure, falsely stating the vehicle 'just needed updates,' releasing an unsafe vehicle with non-functional automated braking into commerce. Post-collision, the vehicle was redirected to an uncertified shop to perform unauthorized repairs and cover up the pre-existing safety failure. Service Manager Selena Tighe verbally threatened me to suppress my references to federal class-action safety filings.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
Replaced battery 3 times. Believe this car has the parasitic battery issue. Attached on of the bills. Looking for the other 2.
- Service brakes
the rear brakes keep engaging while the car is driving. we purchased the car in November 2022. this happened in December 2024 & at the time a dealership in [XXX] area (where my son attended college), said it was an issue and replaced parts in the brake system. yesterday while we were driving…
the rear brakes keep engaging while the car is driving. we purchased the car in November 2022. this happened in December 2024 & at the time a dealership in [XXX] area (where my son attended college), said it was an issue and replaced parts in the brake system. yesterday while we were driving back from [XXX] to Houston - the brakes started to make loud squeaking noise as if they were engaged and the brake light keep going on and off. fortunately, this happened very near to Houston and we drove slowly on by roads back home. it feels likes driving with hand brake engaged. fortunately nothing happened to us. but this is a systemic problem with subaru crosstek! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Engine
Passenger side valve cover gasket and spark plug seal failure.
- Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking
I was driving today January 30th 2026 on the road going 35 mph into the sunlight and all of the sudden my vehicle acted like I slammed on my brakes and I jerked forward almost hitting my chin in the steering wheel. Luckily no one was close behind me or I could have easily been hit. There was nothing in front of me so emergency brakes should not have deployed.
- Suspension
I've never taken my 23 crosstrek off the pavement I'm driving down hyw and my rear struts break my crosstrek has 38 thousand miles on it and it's only 3 and 1/2 years old I've owned many cars were if drove hundreds of thousands mile and none of them broke there struts going down the hyw
- Visibility › Windshield
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side windshield cracked unexpectedly. The windshield had developed a crack without impact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the front…
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side windshield cracked unexpectedly. The windshield had developed a crack without impact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the front windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.
- Engine
Oct 7 2025 when me and my 6 year old daughter. Was leaving after picking her up at mom i drove off then came to stop sign so i slowly hit breaks and car accelerated very dangerous im very concerned
- Engine
When driving after let of throttle it some time floors it 4 times
- Forward collision avoidance › Warnings · Lane departure › Warning · Service brakes
The brake pedal some time goes down to the floor. I brought vehicle in subaru dealer for check up. they stated that the power brake booster IS defective, need to be replace. this IS 2023 vehicle and the mileage IS only 46,000 miles. for safety to me and other drivers please investigate this safety concern.
- Air bags · Seat belts
Driving down highway in center lane, at or under speed limit, rainy conditions. Unexpectedly hydroplaned when transitioning from asphalt to bridge. Collided head-on with guardrail on right-hand side of road. Car then rotated and driver side rear collided with guardrail again. Airbags did not…
Driving down highway in center lane, at or under speed limit, rainy conditions. Unexpectedly hydroplaned when transitioning from asphalt to bridge. Collided head-on with guardrail on right-hand side of road. Car then rotated and driver side rear collided with guardrail again. Airbags did not deploy, and during initial head on collision with barrier, driver seatbelt came unlatched from locking mechanism. No inspections at this time. No warning lights prior to crash. Potential for significant harm. Vehicle has been towed to IAA by insurance and will be temporarily available for inspection if requested. Presumed totaled, which will be confirmed within the week, after which the vehicle will most likely no longer be available to inspect.
- Air bags · Vehicle speed control
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while turning into a parking spot at 20 MPH and upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate, causing the contact to crash the front of the vehicle into the concrete wall. The vehicle came to a stop upon…
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while turning into a parking spot at 20 MPH and upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate, causing the contact to crash the front of the vehicle into the concrete wall. The vehicle came to a stop upon impact. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local autobody center. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not destroyed. The contact seated in the driver's seat was injured. No body outside of the vehicle reported an injury; however, a bystander nearby the crash site was taken to the hospital as a precaution in spite of her refusal to seek medical attention. The contact sustained internal bruising to her abdomen and chest, and medical treatment was needed for her injuries. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,000.
- Visibility/wiper
The component that is compromised on my '23 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is the windshield. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Monday, Jan 13, 2025, a crack formed on my windshield. The crack happened on the inside of the vehicle. It was positioned above the defroster vent on the…
The component that is compromised on my '23 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is the windshield. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Monday, Jan 13, 2025, a crack formed on my windshield. The crack happened on the inside of the vehicle. It was positioned above the defroster vent on the driver's side, and I saw it happen right before my eyes. I immediately inspected the windshield from the exterior of the car. The crack cannot be felt by touch on the exterior of the windshield. There was no evidence of any damage that the vehicle could have sustained that would have caused the crack. I continued to use the defroster without further incident during my morning commute drive throughout the work week of Jan 13. Monday, Jan 20, the crack expanded to the full length of the defroster vent. It now stretches across both the driver's side and passenger side of the car. Because of the crack, I no longer use the defroster vent in fear of further damage to the windshield. Without use of the defroster, my vision is compromised due to condensation build up between the temperature difference in the interior cabin of the vehicle in contrast to the outside weather temperature. The problem was confirmed by my local Subaru dealership. On Jan 13, I took my vehicle to my local Subaru dealership where I purchased the car. A service manager took pictures of the windshield crack on site and submitted a claim to the dealership’s district manager for review. On Tuesday Jan 21, I received an update from my dealership. The district manager offered a 35% rebate to go towards the repair and/or replacement of the windshield. However, the cost to replace the windshield is quoted at $1600, in which I would be responsible for covering the remainder of the expense. I feel this is an unacceptable attempt of resolve on behalf of my dealership due to the issue at hand is and was completely out of my control. There was no warning lamp, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
- Visibility/wiper
Windshield began to crack in the lower right corner (sitting in drivers seat) over a year ago, was replaced and just noticed a crack again recently starting in the same spot.
- Electrical system · Engine · Service brakes
On the morning of 12/26/24 - I stepped inside my 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and turned on the engine. The vehicle was parked in a commuter parking lot near my home to begin with. When I turned on the vehicle - I noticed a loud roaring sound when the engine turned on which i thought was very strange.…
On the morning of 12/26/24 - I stepped inside my 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and turned on the engine. The vehicle was parked in a commuter parking lot near my home to begin with. When I turned on the vehicle - I noticed a loud roaring sound when the engine turned on which i thought was very strange. Additionally I did NOT have my foot on the gas pedal at all during this time. I proceeded to place the car in drive and all of sudden the car experienced a unintended acceleration straight forward with a sudden burst that i never experienced before. I proceeded to press the brake pedal and tried to turn the steering wheel - but both functions were non-responsive which was incredibly frightening. My car then went straight into a tree with great impact and the vehicle was damaged beyond repair. Also - the vehicle's windshield mounted motion detection camera system (Subaru Eyesight) along with motion detector auto breaking system did not engage before i hit the tree which was very troubling. Thankfully the airbag deployed and other then some medium knee pain i was not injured nor was anyone else injured. A local paramedic truck happen to be onsite at the same time and called local authorities. Overall the malfunctioning of the vehicle is of great concern to me.
- Tires · Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
rear tire mostly but all 4 - need to add air 2-3 times daily. even adjusting the air pressure when tires are cold we still need to add air daily. Driving an hour at highway speed, parking car for a couple of hours and still the tire pressure is never sufficient. Brought to dealer 2 or 3 times and they cannot find a reason, me niece and others have also expressed this issue to me.
- Structure › Body
The windshield keeps chipping easily. I have not had it inspected. I am not sure who inspects them. It is obviously a safety risk.
- Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings · Lane departure › Assist
A/C drain clogged and let water into car drenching all carpets below all seats- (2) electronic devices below driver and passenger seats malfunctioned and caused all Eyesight and safety systems to fail along with check engine light turning ON, all safety systems failed, all wheel drive offline and power steering went manual.
- Unknown or other
On July 12, 2024 I was driving down the highway when my sunroof suddenly shattered. It sounded like an explosion or a gun went off. I nearly crashed my vehicle. There were no vehicles in front of me however there were vehicles behind me. I looked back into my rear view mirror and saw vehicles…
On July 12, 2024 I was driving down the highway when my sunroof suddenly shattered. It sounded like an explosion or a gun went off. I nearly crashed my vehicle. There were no vehicles in front of me however there were vehicles behind me. I looked back into my rear view mirror and saw vehicles veering out of the way as parts of sunroof glass flew. Thankfully I was able to pull over safely. No injuries or accidents occurred. That same day I notified my dealership and they asked me to bring the vehicle in the following day. The following day on July 13, 2024 I took my car into the dealership to be seen and we were told it has happened before to several customers. No explanation was given as to how or why this occured. That same day I contacted Subaru of America and a case was assigned. We are still trying to sort out the issue and get the sunroof repaired.
- Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control · Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking · Lane departure › Blind spot detection
All the advanced driver assistance system items listed on the website list all Shutdown. The emergency brake lamp also was lighted. Subaru service has not found a solution as of yet. This issue clears then coms back within a single day. I find the system that I purchased not working is most alarming.
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
Potential safety hazard ? Engine Auto start/stop feature for gas savings and emmisons control works by applying brakes and Engine shuts off, it restarts when brakes released. Normal operation, BUT I have noticed that unbuckeling the seatbelt or OPENING the DOOR will cause it to RESTART even…
Potential safety hazard ? Engine Auto start/stop feature for gas savings and emmisons control works by applying brakes and Engine shuts off, it restarts when brakes released. Normal operation, BUT I have noticed that unbuckeling the seatbelt or OPENING the DOOR will cause it to RESTART even though brakes are applied..this could cause an accident as it's an unexpected RESTART of the Engine in drive. Recommend this feature be disabled until door/seatbelt closed or seatbelt buckled or car in park before restart. Someone thinking car is OFF but actually in a pause restart could accidentally open door and upon getting out the car would start and move potential loss of control. My 2013 VW PASSAT would alarm to place in park if door open or seatbelt not worn.. Subaru starts ! I consider this a potential dangerous condition as it's not expect restart.
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.
- 11010919The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed.
- 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.
- 11008258This bulletin announces the availability of new oxygen sensors developed to address Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) detected by the Engine Control Module.
- 11006942This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM). These files address concerns of the starter motor not operating in low ambient temperatures (less than 0 Degrees Celsius/ 32 Degrees Fahrenheit).
- 11006940This bulletin announces the design change made to the high-pressure fuel pump developed to prevent DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low Bank 1).
- 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.
- 11006930This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.
- 11005624This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 11005617This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers).
- 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.
- 11005605This bulletin addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed.
- 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.
- 11002723This bulletin announces the repair procedures when corrosion is encountered within the instrument panel wiring harness and the rear wiring harness connectors.
- 11000830This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when encountering cases of the Remote Engine Start (RES) system being the only non-functioning feature with telematics.
- 11000828This bulletin announces the availability of new oxygen sensors developed to address the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs); P0137 (O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2, P0138 (O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2) P0140 (O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 1 Sensor 2), and P0141 (O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 2).
- 11000812This bulletin announces the design change made to the high-pressure fuel pump developed to prevent DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low Bank 1).
- 10252542This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.
- 10252541This bulletin addresses the reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed.
- 10252531"This Bulletin provides insight in response to both customer and retailer feedback resulting from the use of OBD-II port connected devices. These devices are often employed by insurance companies to monitor driver activity for premium calculations, and can cause DTC B2A15, a red telematics MIL to illuminate, or recurring STARLINK notification to retailers and emails to customers. "
- 10252494This bulletin provides information for all Gen 3 Telematics and Cp 1.5 infotainment equipped vehicles, starting with 2023MY, allowing access to valet mode through the head unit.
Every Subaru Crosstrek model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.