Whenever you’re in the market for a new vehicle, one of the top considerations is reliability. After all, you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on repairs or find that you need to go car shopping again soon. Reliability is especially important for SUVs, as many owners want them to be long-term family vehicles or offroading companions. One SUV you may be curious about is the Subaru Crosstrek, a popular SUV known for its affordability and practicality. Below, we’ll dive further into the Crosstrek’s reliability to help you decide if it’s the SUV for you.
Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Ratings and Metrics
Several key ratings and metrics can help you understand how well a car performs over time. These indicators come from consumer surveys, industry studies, and expert reviews. Common reliability metrics include:
- Consumer Reports reliability score: Consumer Reports gathers data from thousands of vehicle owners to rate reliability based on 17 problem areas, including engine, transmission, electronics, and climate control. Scores range from 0 to 100, with 100 being the most reliable.
- J.D. Power vehicle reliability rating: J.D. Power has thousands of vehicle reviews from customers, giving you a better idea of a model’s reliability.
- RepairPal reliability rating: RepairPal rates dependability based on annual repair costs, frequency of unscheduled repairs, and severity. Scores range from one to five, with five being the most reliable.
- Annual repair costs and average maintenance costs: Sites such as Edmunds and CarEdge estimate yearly maintenance and repair costs, helping you to anticipate long-term expenses.
- Manufacturer’s warranty coverage: A longer factory warranty often suggests confidence in a vehicle’s durability. Common warranties include three years/36,000 miles for bumper-to-bumper and five years/60,000 miles for powertrain coverage.
Subaru Crosstrek: Year-By-Year Reliability Analysis
Overall, RepairPal ranks the Subaru Crosstrek first out of 26 compact SUVs, with a reliability rating of 4.5. It also reports the Crosstrek’s average annual repair cost as $492, which means it has lower than average ownership costs and is less prone to repairs than other vehicles. Let’s look at how the Subaru Crosstrek has performed over the years.
2013-2015 Models
Subaru Crosstrek reviews for the 2013 to 2015 model years have been generally positive in terms of reliability. On J.D. Power, the 2015 model earned an average rating of 80/100 for reliability from previous owners. Common praise includes the Crosstrek’s fuel efficiency and durable all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, making it a solid choice if you want an affordable, rugged compact SUV. However, a few owners have reported minor issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and infotainment system glitches.
2016-2017 Models
The 2016 and 2017 Subaru Crosstrek models performed similarly to the earlier models, with the 2017 model receiving an average reliability score of 78/100 on J.D. Power. Some improvements were made over the previous models, including upgrades to ride comfort and interior quality. However, suspension problems and minor electrical malfunctions have been noted, such as issues with the backup camera and infotainment system.
2018-2019 Models
Reliability improved with the next generation of the Subaru Crosstrek. For the 2018 to 2019 models, the Crosstrek received an average rating of 81/100 from J.D. Power. This generation brought significant upgrades, including a more refined design and the addition of Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology as standard on most trim levels. This tech improvement contributed to an increase in both safety and overall performance. Owners generally report fewer issues with oil consumption and transmission compared to previous years. Additionally, Subaru focused on enhanced build quality, leading to fewer interior squeaks and electrical problems.
2020-2023 Models
Once again, the reliability of the Crosstrek improved. With the 2020-2023 models, the J.D. Power rating rose, reaching 82/100 for the 2020 model year. Owners have reported fewer long-term issues, and the Crosstrek is now widely acknowledged for its ruggedness and low maintenance needs. The 2020-2023 models show fewer CVT problems and continue to impress with their comfort and off-road capabilities, making them a solid choice for urban and rural driving.
Latest 2024 Model Assessment
The latest Crosstrek models have the highest reliability ratings. On J.D. Power, the 2024 model has earned an average score of 85/100. Notable improvements include enhanced fuel efficiency and a more refined infotainment system, which addresses previous concerns with tech glitches. The 2024 model also benefits from advanced safety technologies, making it a top choice if you’re seeking reliability and innovation.
Frequently Reported Issues
While the Subaru Crosstrek is widely regarded as a dependable compact SUV, like any vehicle, it has its share of reported issues. One common complaint involves the CVT, with some owners experiencing shuddering, delayed acceleration, or premature wear. Subaru has extended warranties for certain CVT issues but some drivers have faced costly repairs.
Excessive oil consumption has been another concern in older models, requiring more frequent top-offs or potential engine repairs. Lastly, electrical problems, such as infotainment system glitches or backup camera malfunctions, have also been noted in some models.
Reliability of the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, which was discontinued after the 2023 model year, was a popular choice among eco-conscious drivers. Built with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it offered a dependable and efficient ride. While earlier hybrid models had limited electric range, newer versions had improved battery technology, allowing for better performance and longevity.
With the Crosstrek Hybrid, most owners reported minimal mechanical issues. Some drivers have mentioned battery replacement costs as a long-term consideration, as hybrid batteries can degrade over time and be expensive to replace. Like the standard Crosstrek, the hybrid version may experience infotainment system glitches or occasional transmission concerns. Despite these minor drawbacks, routine maintenance and careful driving habits can extend the hybrid’s life span, making it a solid investment if you want a reliable, fuel-efficient SUV.
Find Your Subaru Crosstrek at John Kennedy Subaru
The Subaru Crosstrek is a reliable vehicle, no matter the model year. As with any preowned SUV, you should conduct a thorough investigation and receive a vehicle history report before making a decision. For help finding the perfect Subaru Crosstrek for your needs, contact our friendly team at John Kennedy Subaru in Plymouth Meeting. We have the latest Crosstrek models in stock, along with a wide selection of high-quality used models to explore.
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