The Subaru Crosstrek , is a vehicle for those who want to get the most out of life. With its high ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and powerful engine it can take you anywhere. While this vehicle has many positive aspects, it also suffers from some problems.
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In this blog post, we will walk through some common Subaru Crosstrek problems as well as its worst model years to avoid buying.
Most Common Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Subaru Crosstrek Engine Problems
The Subaru Crosstrek is a car that has been well-known for its reliability and durability. However, it does have some engine problems, most notably the EJ25 2.5L Boxer Engine with an automatic transmission (AWD).
The first problem that many owners of the Crosstrek experience are that their oil light comes on after driving a short distance or idling for 5 minutes.
They usually don’t know why this happens so they take their car in to be repaired where mechanics find metal shavings in the oil pan which indicates there may be a piston ring issue.
Among other Subaru Crosstrek engine problems are the Sludge Build-up. This is one of the most common issues that can happen when an oil change isn’t done properly or often enough.
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The build-up clogs up your fuel line and will eventually cause the vehicle’s motor to stop functioning. To avoid this issue altogether, make sure to get regular oil changes so that sludge doesn’t build up on any vital parts of the car.
Head Gasket Problems
In the last couple of years, Subaru has been having a lot of head gasket problems. The problem is not unique to any particular model and type, so it can be difficult for owners to know what they should do if their car develops this issue.
A head gasket is one of the most important parts of your car engine and when there are issues with it, it can lead to major damage that will cost thousands to fix.
But before getting into all of those details, let’s take a look at what a head gasket does first. When the gas enters your engine and mixes with air inside the cylinder, an explosion occurs which drives pistons up and down inside the cylinders.
The piston pushes against metal rings that seal off each end of the cylinder so no gases escape. This process creates power for driving or turning on electrical parts like headlights or radios while also generating heat from friction between surfaces inside the engine.
To fix the leak, we recommend that before anything else, check the coolant levels and replace it if necessary. Next, take off all of the vacuum hoses from around the engine and make sure there are no cracks in them.
Lastly, remove any clamps on the intake manifold (near the throttle body) and see if it is cracked anywhere. You can also use an exhaust gas analyzer to find leaks in other parts of your vehicle.
Subaru Crosstrek Year Models To Avoid
2013 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
The 2013 Subaru Crosstrek is a great vehicle that looks like an SUV but has the ride of a car. It’s slightly bigger than most sedans and offers ground clearance for off-road driving, which makes it perfect for those who live in areas with rough terrain or snow.
However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t any problems with the vehicle. In some cases, these issues can be minor and easily fixed. Other times, they can cause severe damage to your engine which may not be covered under warranty.
One of the most common 2013 Subaru Crosstrek problems is that it has a rough idle and hesitation when accelerating. Another complaint is that there are some issues with the CVT transmission, which can cause sudden acceleration or jerky shifts in speed.
There are also reports of an engine knocking noise coming from under the hood during regular driving, as well as rough shifting in all gears except first gear while driving up hills.
One possible problem that many owners experience is a rattle noise coming from the rear end. This can be caused by loose bolts on brake pads or an exhaust pipe rubbing against something else in the engine bay.
Another issue that some Crosstreks have had to deal with is a creaking sound when turning sharply at low speeds. This could be due to wear and tear on bushings, struts, ball joints, tie rods, or wheel bearings.
Lastly, there’s been reports of ABS lights staying on even though it was just a sensor fault and not an actual malfunctioning part of the system itself.
Other 2013 Subaru Crosstrek problems include electrical issues that can range from a faulty alternator to a battery issue. The first step is determining the root cause of your car’s electrical problem by checking for any simple solutions, such as dead or loose battery cables or corrosion on the battery terminals.
If you’re still experiencing problems with your Subaru Crosstrek after completing these checks, it’s time to bring in an expert who can diagnose and repair the equipment that may be causing the issue.
2014 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV that has been on the market since 2013. This vehicle is known for its fuel efficiency, all-wheel-drive capabilities, and safety features. For the 2014 model year, there were only minor changes made to this vehicle.
These include new 16-inch alloy wheels, an updated infotainment system with a 6.2-inch screen, and improved sound insulation from the outside environment due to thicker side glass windows in front doors as well as quieter roof rails behind rear seats.
With many of these updates being slight improvements on previous years’ Crosstreks it’s hard not to wonder what are 2014 Subaru Crosstrek problems?
The 2014 Subaru Crosstrek has been recently revealed by CarComplaints that there have been many complaints filed about this car. These include transmission problems, engine trouble, and steering issues.
Viewing the dashboard of your 2014 Subaru Crosstrek, you can see that there is an oil pressure gauge, a coolant temperature gauge, and an exhaust gas temperature gauge.
These gauges help you determine if one of these components is not working properly in your vehicle. If any of these gauges signal danger or they start flickering back and forth between two different readings then it’s time to take action before something goes wrong with your engine.
The most common issue reported by owners of the 2014 Crosstrek is an oil leak from the valve cover gasket. This gasket is situated between where the engine meets the top half of your motor.
It seals off any leaks and keeps oil inside your engine so it can lubricate all moving parts while not leaking out onto your driveway or garage flooring.
The 2014 Subaru Crosstrek has a lot of transmission problems. According to the Consumer Complaints Board, there are 18 complaints about transmissions on the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek.
The most common complaint is that it can’t shift gears smoothly or goes into neutral when you accelerate from a stop sign or traffic light.
This causes sluggish acceleration and difficulty accelerating up hills, which can be dangerous because these vehicles were not designed for this type of performance.
There are many Subaru Crosstrek steering problems that can arise in 2014 models. The most common problem is a clunking sound when turning the steering wheel. This noise typically occurs because of rust buildup on the power-steering rack and pinion gears.
If not addressed, this issue could lead to a complete loss of power assist for your car’s wheels, which would make driving very difficult or impossible.
Another problem involves leaks around the seals on some vehicles’ lower control arms, which can cause an unpleasant grinding noise as you drive over bumps in the road.
To avoid these issues and have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is safe to drive, invest time into inspecting it regularly.
2015 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
The 2015 Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover that offers all the advantages of an SUV but in a smaller package. It’s also one of the most affordable SUVs on the market, with prices starting at $22,995 for base models.
The 2015 Subaru Crosstrek has garnered many positive reviews and is ranked in the top 10 on Consumer Reports’ list of best compact SUVs. However, there are some problems that owners have faced with their vehicles.
The most common problem is with the power equipment, followed by the engine. Other complaints include exterior lights and suspension. These issues can be costly to fix.
The most common repair issue with a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek is that it has trouble starting after sitting for a while or when the weather gets colder outside.
This can be caused by a faulty battery or alternator belt from not being replaced often enough as well as other parts like spark plugs, fuel lines, and connections which could also cause starting troubles.
Other 2015 Subaru Crosstrek problems include fuel economy, opting for a larger engine would improve gas mileage by 20%. There are also reports of electrical system issues, including stereo malfunctions and battery drains.
Other more minor complaints include lack of storage space in the cabin and trunk area, sluggish acceleration times, and clunky handling when driving off-road or on curvy roads.
2016 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Subaru Crosstrek owners who are considering buying a 2016 model might want to know about the most common problems that have been reported by car owners.
For example, many Subaru Crosstreks come with an annoying squeak sound from their rearview mirrors or windshield wipers.
Other issues include engine vibration and excessive tire wear, which can be corrected by getting your tires rotated every 5,000 miles.
Another 2016 Subaru Crosstrek problem that many people have experienced is bad CVT transmission. This problem can be fixed by having the car serviced as soon as possible or by replacing the transmission altogether.
If your Crosstrek starts to make an unusual noise, you may need new brakes or rotors which can be repaired at any mechanic shop nearby for a reasonable price.
Another big complaint about this vehicle is that there are no armrests on both sides of the back seat so passengers tend to slide around when they’re sitting in there during long drives.
If you’re interested in buying a new or used Subaru Crosstrek, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that there have been 8 complaints about fires.
This is only an issue with certain models of 2016 Subaru Crosstreks and not all of them. The fire hazard mainly arises when the car is driven off-road and meets rocks, dirt, or other debris that can cause sparks to fly upon the underside of the vehicle’s body panels in some instances.
If this happens while driving over rough terrain at low speed it could lead to a fire under your hood near your engine compartment.
2017 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is a crossover SUV that has been out for one year. It comes in three different versions: base, Premium, and Limited.
There are a lot of great features on this vehicle like All-Weather Pkg., AWD, Eyesight w/Blind Spot Detection, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts.
However, there have also been some complaints about the car’s engine performance as well as some other minor issues like rubber mats coming loose.
The first problem is with the engine coils which may be defective and need replacement or if they don’t work at all, it could be because of a faulty spark plug wire connector.
The second issue is with the turbocharger which has been causing issues for many people even though it seems like there should be no reason why their car would have these kinds of issues.
Other 2017 Subaru Crosstrek problems include paint peeling off of doors, rattling noises when driving over bumps, and brake pads wearing out prematurely.
NHTSA has issued reports about 2017 Subaru Crosstrek problems like suspension and steering-related issues as well as leaking fuel lines and brake fluid leaks. These and other potential problems could lead to costly repairs.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a cool car. It has some great features, like the all-wheel-drive and the symmetrical AWD system. But what about 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems?
The number one reason for this is oil sludge buildup which can lead to engine failure if not addressed early enough. Sludge is caused by using a lower quality type of oil that doesn’t hold up well under high temperatures.
It builds up in the engine and clogs things up or prevents them from working properly at all which leads to breakdowns, poor performance, etc…
The second most common problem with this vehicle has been inconsistent idle speeds due to worn-out timing belts that need replacing.
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has many features including All-Wheel Drive, ground clearance, and standard roof rails.
With all these great features there are bound to be some exterior problems with this car. Here’s what we found out about the exterior of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek models.
The headlight covers have an orange peel texture which can lead to scratches in the plastic surface over time.
Some owners also reported that their headlights were foggy, cloudy, or yellowed after driving on a rainy day. The side mirrors are not heated so they may be difficult to see through if it’s snowing or raining outside.
Other 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems are related to the headlights, where they sometimes flicker at random during nighttime driving.
There have also been reports about drivers hearing a popping sound from their engine compartment when it’s cold outside.
Many complaints are coming in about high-pitched whining noises emitting from the steering wheel or dashboard speakers while driving at low speeds.
If you’re experiencing one of these problems and can’t seem to find any solutions online, then check your owner’s manual for guidance.
NHTSA has issued six recalls on the 2018 Crosstrek since December 2017. These include problems with seat belts that can’t properly restrain passengers, gas pedals that could get stuck or break off when pressed by feet, airbags that might not deploy in an accident if deployed incorrectly, steering wheels that could detach from their mounts. If you are in the market for a Subaru Crosstrek, avoid buying this model year!
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
If you’re looking for a new or used car, the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is a great option. It’s been ranked as one of the top 10 best compact SUVs by U.S News and World Report.
But before you buy your next vehicle, make sure to do your research first. We reviewed some of the common problems that might come with this model so you can be prepared before making any decisions about buying a Crosstrek.
Some common complaints about this popular model include engine hesitation and fuel consumption problems. Engine hesitation can happen when driving at high speeds or accelerating quickly and often occurs during cold weather starts.
Some of the common causes for the car hesitating when accelerating are dirty air filters, low gas or oil levels, and faulty spark plugs. It is advised to check these items first before taking the car in to a mechanic as it could be an easy fix.
Other fixes include resetting the vehicle’s computer by disconnecting its battery cables and reconnecting them after 15 minutes or installing new fuel injectors which will require professional installation.
The fuel consumption problem has been an issue for many owners who have experienced increased fuel consumption rates after their vehicles were serviced by dealerships or other service providers not affiliated with Subaru.
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek has been catching a lot of heat for its high fuel consumption and more. If you’re thinking about buying one, here’s what you need to know!
The Crosstrek is designed with all-wheel drive in mind, which means it’s not as efficient as other cars on the market.
In addition to this, the Crosstrek also has higher horsepower than many other vehicles, which makes it less economical when it comes to gas mileage.
All these reasons make the Crosstrek expensive for consumers. So, be sure that if you want this car, you are ready to pay extra on your monthly bills!
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek has been on the market for just over a year, and it’s already being flagged by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The carmaker was recently issued an ODI safety recall to fix problems with its power steering system. The agency is urging owners of these models to contact their local dealerships as soon as possible.
The governing body also said that ongoing complaints about engine idle control systems have warranted further investigation into this issue.
What’s more, there are reports of increased tire wear in certain driving conditions, including cold weather and prolonged highway use.
Best Year To Buy A Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a great car for those who want to spend less on gas and can get offroad. It has high ground clearance, and all-wheel drive, and an efficient boxer engine.
Many factors need to be considered when purchasing your next vehicle, including the cost of ownership, safety features, reliability, and fuel efficiency. As with all vehicles, there is no single answer as it depends on your specific needs.
But what year should you buy? If you’re looking for the best quality, but don’t need any of the fancier features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto then go with a 2015 model year.
However, if you want something newer that also comes with some more advanced features then 2018 might be your better bet!
Is Subaru Crosstrek A Reliable Car?
The Subaru Crosstrek is a new car that has been selling well in the United States. The Crosstrek offers many features that make it a great car for those who need an AWD vehicle, and yet is not too expensive to buy.
It also gets pretty good gas mileage for an AWD SUV. There are some drawbacks though, such as its smaller size and lack of cargo space if you have more than three people in your family or group of friends. Overall, this may be a great option for someone looking to buy their first Subaru!
Max Anthony
Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.
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