Subaru Crosstrek Years to Avoid — the 2018–2020 and their windshields.
The 2019 Crosstrek drew 288 NHTSA complaints, more than any other year, and 124 of them describe a windshield that cracked, often with nothing hitting it. The 2017–2021 drew 269 cracked-windshield complaints in all, and no recall on NHTSA's list covers them. Otherwise the Crosstrek's record is light.
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Quick Answer
- What Subaru Crosstrek years should you avoid?
- The 2018–2020, mostly for one reason: 219 of their 554 complaints describe a cracked windshield. The 2019 also has 7 recall campaigns, more than any other year. On the 2013 XV Crosstrek, recall 18V772000 covers valve springs that can break and stall the engine.
- What is the best year for a used Crosstrek?
- Leaving out years where one fault is a quarter or more of complaints, 2017 (99), 2015 (100), 2014 (107) drew the fewest from 2013 to 2021.
- Is there a recall for the Crosstrek's cracked windshields?
- No, not on NHTSA's list as of 13 November 2026. 269 complaints on the 2017–2021 describe a cracked windshield, 124 on the 2019 alone, and visibility (glass and wipers) is the component owners name most on every year from 2017 to 2022.
Five checks for a used Crosstrek, by year
The Crosstrek's record is light; the checks that matter are the glass, a few recalls and the usual wear items.
- 1Read the year and plant from the VINCharacter 10 is the model year; JF2 at the start means built in Japan, 4S4 in Indiana.
- 22017–2021: inspect the windshieldLook for cracks spreading from an edge, and ask whether the glass has been replaced, and with what.
- 32013: confirm recall 18V772000Valve springs on the first-year XV Crosstrek can break; ask for proof the recall was done.
- 42018–2019: check the recallsEngine-computer recalls 19V743000 and 21V264000, and the PCV-valve recalls, all have free fixes.
- 5Check title and mileage recordsA salvage brand or a mileage gap shows up by VIN; a windshield replacement does not.
Avoid: the 2018–2020 Crosstrek
The first three years of the second generation drew 554 complaints, the 2019's 288 the most of any Crosstrek. The windshield dominates: 65 on the 2018, 124 on the 2019 and 30 on the 2020 describe it cracking.
Many owners describe a crack with no impact they could find, often starting at an edge, and some report the replacement glass cracking too. No recall on NHTSA's list covers the windshield.
The 2019 also carries 7 recall campaigns: 19V856000 for a PCV valve that can break apart inside the engine and cause a loss of power, 19V743000 and 21V264000 for engine-computer software that can short the ignition coils, and others for steering, glass and seat belts.
The 2018–2020 by the numbers
- 195 · 288 · 71 complaints on the 2018, 2019 and 2020.
- 124 2019 complaints about a cracked windshield.
- 7 recall campaigns on the 2019.
- 15 2019 complaints about a drained or dead battery.
Every Subaru Crosstrek Model Year Compared
NHTSA complaints and recall campaigns for every Crosstrek from 2013 to 2026, read on 13 November 2026. NHTSA files most 2013–2015 complaints as XV Crosstrek; the table counts both names.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crash · fire reports | Recalls | Most-cited component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1st | 124 | 6 · 4 | 3 | Engine |
| 2014 | 1st | 107 | 11 · 2 | 1 | Electrical System |
| 2015 | 1st | 100 | 6 · 1 | 2 | Power Train |
| 2016 | 1st | 136 | 4 · 3 | 1 | Electrical System |
| 2017 | 1st | 99 | 6 · 2 | 1 | Visibility/Wiper |
| 2018 | 2nd | 195 | 10 · 1 | 5 | Visibility/Wiper |
| 2019 | 2nd | 288 | 7 · 4 | 7 | Visibility/Wiper |
| 2020 | 2nd | 71 | 6 · 0 | 0 | Visibility/Wiper |
| 2021 | 2nd | 116 | 8 · 2 | 1 | Visibility/Wiper |
| 2022 | 2nd | 32 | 3 · 0 | 0 | Visibility/Wiper |
| 2023 | 2nd | 36 | 4 · 0 | 0 | Forward Collision Avoidance |
| 2024 | 3rd | 121 | 10 · 3 | 2 | Exterior Lighting |
| 2025 | 3rd | 49 | 3 · 0 | 0 | Lane Departure |
| 2026 | 3rd | 11 | 1 · 0 | 1 | Electrical System |
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not divided by sales. A complaint filed under both names is counted once.
Other Crosstrek Years With a Known Weak Spot
Smaller clusters in NHTSA's records, and the recalls behind them.
2013: valve springs
Recall 18V772000: springs that can fracture and stall the engine. 13 2013 complaints name them, and the engine is the component named most.
2013–2016: CVT
62 complaints describe the CVT, hesitation or a shudder, 22 of them on the 2013.
2013–2017: brake light switch
Recall 19V149000: a contaminated switch can stop the brake lights working and keep the car in Park.
2021: EyeSight
16 of the 2021's 116 complaints describe the EyeSight system or unexpected braking.
2024: headlights
14 of the 2024's 121 complaints describe low beams that light too little of the road.
2024: driveshaft and wiring
Recalls 23V754000 (a front driveshaft that can crack and break) and 23V551000 (a dash wiring harness that can short).
What Crosstrek Owners Say on YouTube
Many owners in the comments describe a Crosstrek well past 100,000 miles on routine work; the repairs they mention are wheel bearings, air conditioning, a little oil use and, on some cars, the CVT.
In owners' words (paraphrased)
- 2016, bought at 4,000 miles: now at 95,000 with no major repairs, only routine maintenance.
- 2014, original owner: nearly 130,000 miles with no major problems; it now burns about half a quart between oil changes.
- 2013 XV, original owner at 170,000 miles: headlights burning out often, some oil use, a slightly jerky CVT and an air-conditioning compressor.
- Two 2016s in one family: rear hubs replaced on both, at 70,000 and 40,000 miles.
- 2013: a valve spring broke before the recall repair; the dealer then replaced them all.
- 2015 at 150,000 miles: the owner says wheel bearings and wheel studs are the real weak spot.
- 2017 at 75,000 miles: a leaking cam-carrier seal soaked the oxygen sensors; the dealer quoted $6,000.
Checking a Crosstrek for Sale?
Enter the VIN for a free preview: title brands, junk and salvage records, total-loss records and odometer readings.
Fewest vs. Most Crosstrek Complaints
Fewest is limited to 2013–2021 and leaves out years where one fault is a quarter or more of complaints (2018–2020).
Fewest complaints
- 2017: 99 complaints, 1 recall
- 2015: 100 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2014: 107 complaints, 1 recall
- 2021: 116 complaints, 1 recall
- 2013: 124 complaints, 3 recalls
Most complaints
- 2019: 288 complaints, 7 recalls
- 2018: 195 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2016: 136 complaints, 1 recall
- 2013: 124 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2024: 121 complaints, 2 recalls
Recall counts include multi-model campaigns.
The Crosstreks Our Visitors Check, and Where They Were Built
Between 11 June 2026 and 12 November 2026, visitors ran 483 different Crosstrek and XV Crosstrek VINs through our free preview. By the first three characters, 396 (82%) were built in Japan and 87 (18%) in the US, all of those 2024 or newer.
101 (21%) were 2018–2020s, the windshield years, and 157 (33%) the third generation. The single most-checked year was the 2024, at 55 VINs.
Crosstrek Complaints by Generation
The second generation (2018–2023) drew 738 complaints, 554 of them on the 2018–2020; the first (2013–2017) drew 566 and the third 181 so far.
What to Check on a Used Crosstrek
By year, the faults to look for.
2017–2021: windshield
Check the edges of the glass for cracks, and ask about past replacements.
Any year: wheel bearings
Listen for a hum that changes with speed; owners report rear bearings and hubs.
Any year: oil level
Check the dipstick; some owners report a half quart or more between changes.
2013–2016: CVT
Drive at low speed and on hills; watch for shudder or hesitation.
2013–2019: recalls
Confirm 18V772000 on a 2013, 19V149000 on a 2013–2017 and the ECM and PCV recalls on a 2018–2019.
Any year: VIN records
Open recalls, title brands and odometer history.
Reading Crosstrek Complaint Numbers
NHTSA complaints are owner reports, not verified and not divided by sales. Windshield cracks are a repair cost with no recall behind them: 302 complaints across all years describe one.
The fault counts come from searching the words owners used, so they are a minimum. Newer years have had less time: the 2026 has 11 complaints so far.
Related Checks and Guides
Recalls, history checks and the Crosstrek's rivals.
Where These Facts Come From
Complaint and recall figures are NHTSA's own records; owner experiences are linked so you can read them in full.
NHTSA records read 13 November 2026. Written by the CarCheckerVIN editorial team with AI assistance, from NHTSA's complaint and recall records, our own preview logs and the owner posts linked above; figures checked November 2026. CarCheckerVIN is not affiliated with Subaru.
Subaru Crosstrek Years to Avoid — Frequently Asked Questions
Windshields, the XV Crosstrek and the best used years.
What is the worst year for the Subaru Crosstrek?+
By NHTSA complaint count, the 2019 (288), then the 2018 (195) and the 2016 (136).
Why do Crosstrek windshields crack?+
NHTSA has no recall or published cause. 269 complaints on the 2017–2021 describe cracks, many starting at the edge with no impact the owner could find.
Is the XV Crosstrek the same car?+
Yes: Subaru sold the first Crosstrek as the XV Crosstrek, and NHTSA files most 2013–2015 complaints under that name. This page counts both.
Does the Crosstrek have CVT problems?+
Some: 62 complaints on the 2013–2016 describe the CVT, hesitation or shudder. Owners report valve-body repairs on some early cars.
Is a high-mileage Crosstrek worth buying?+
Often: owners report 130,000 to 170,000 miles, with wheel bearings, air conditioning and some oil use along the way. Budget for those and check the oil level.
Will your report show these problems?+
No history report can tell you a windshield will crack. Ours lists title brands, NMVTIS junk and salvage records, insurance total-loss records, odometer readings, and auction records with the damage the auction recorded and its photos for the VIN. Recalls are free to check on NHTSA's site.
Look at the Glass, Then Check the Title
On a 2017–2021 Crosstrek, the windshield and a few recalls are the main checks. Free preview first; the full report is $14.99 and lists title brands, NMVTIS junk and salvage records, insurance total-loss records, odometer readings, and auction records with the damage the auction recorded and its photos.
Complaint and recall figures are NHTSA's public records as read on 13 November 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports. Owner comments are paraphrased from the linked video. CarCheckerVIN is not affiliated with Subaru. Records in our reports reflect what was reported to our data providers. Our reports do not include police or repair-shop accident entries.
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