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2013 Subaru Crosstrek problems

The most common problem on the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek is engine and cooling, typically around 55,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Crosstrek model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
87/100
Owner complaints
26
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
285
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
25-28mpg

The worst 2013 Subaru Crosstrek problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    11
  • Electrical
    5
  • Transmission
    4
  • Lights
    3
  • Brakes
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    11
  • Electrical
    5
  • Transmission
    4
  • Lights
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 1

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported February 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
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.

Recall number 19V149000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek

Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek 285

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 285 bulletins for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek

2013 Subaru Crosstrek fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylAWD23-2529-3225-28

What 2013 Subaru Crosstrek owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Transmission · AZ

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.

Filed Oct 13, 2021 · Electrical · 1,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Jul 26, 2019 · Electrical · 210,000 miles · PA · fire

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.

Filed Jul 17, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 10 miles · NY

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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v149000 (exterior lighting) and the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Jun 27, 2019 · Engine · WA

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.

Filed Jun 14, 2019 · Engine, Lights · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 subaru crosstrek. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Jun 6, 2019 · Engine · CA

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

Filed May 17, 2019 · Engine · 145,941 miles · KY

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!

Filed May 14, 2019 · Engine · 27,000 miles · NM

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.

Filed Apr 9, 2019 · Engine · CT

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek before you buy

Compare the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek

Is the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek, fewer than a typical Crosstrek model year.

What is the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek year score?

The 2013 Subaru Crosstrek scores 87 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Subaru Crosstrek: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek?

Engine and cooling, with 11 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles. Next is electrical (5).

How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek have?

1 recall, covering exterior lighting.

What year does the Subaru Crosstrek have bad engine?

The Subaru Crosstrek model years with the most engine complaints are 2019 (35 complaints), 2018 (33 complaints) and 2016 (16 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek get?

Official estimates for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek range from 25 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, AWD) gets 23-25 city and 29-32 highway.

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