2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek problems

Filed Oct 3, 2026 · Transmission · WI

On [XXX], while driving on public roads in West Allis, Wisconsin, the vehicle's dashboard warning lights began flashing and the transmission stopped shifting. The vehicle became stuck in a low/first-gear-type condition and would not drive normally. This was a sudden loss of normal motive power during operation. The driver was stranded roadside and ultimately walked approximately 3.5 miles home. The vehicle was towed to Werks Autosport in Muskego, Wisconsin. Their written diagnosis documents fault code P0730 (incorrect gear ratio). Scan-tool live data showed the actual gear ratio outside the specified range, and the applicable diagnostic flow chart calls for replacement of the transmission. The failure has not been repaired. Relevant history: approximately two days before this failure, the selling dealer completed transmission valve-body/solenoid work on this vehicle. We were told that this work included replacement of a failed aftermarket solenoid with an OEM Subaru valve body; however, the dealer has produced no repair records documenting the work performed. The transmission failure occurred after only 97 miles of driving following that repair. The vehicle remains unrepaired and available for inspection. This complaint is limited to the safety defect—sudden transmission failure/loss of motive power while driving. A related dealer dispute concerning representations at sale and undocumented repair work is being pursued separately with the Wisconsin DOT Dealer & Agent Section and Wisconsin DATCP and is not part of this safety report. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · AK

Nuna RAVA convertible car seat, model CS05107RFD, manufactured 10/15/2021, purchased Jan 2022. Harness failure after completing the remedy for Recall 24C-002. Both of my seats had never shown any harness problem before the recall notice. In 2025, I received the remedy kit for both and followed the instructions to clean the harness adjuster and replace the seat pads. The seats worked normally until May 13, 2026, when the harness on one would not lock and the straps would not stay tight. The failed component was the front harness adjuster. I noticed the failure while removing my child after a drive. The harness was loose even though I had tightened it at the start of the drive, and it would not lock when I tightened it again. I recorded a video right after removing my child and the seat from the car. A harness that loosens during a drive cannot properly restrain a child in a crash. No crash occurred and my child was not injured. No one has inspected the seat. I still have the seat and video and can make both available. The harness appears to be working again when I just checked (September 2026). It’s been sitting in our office, unused, since May. I removed the other Nuna Rava seat from our other car in May after the failure, though it worked normally, and bought two seats from a different brand. I believe the remedy did not adequately fix the original problem. I performed it as directed and the harness still failed. I ask the federal safety agency to review whether the remedy is adequate and consider expanding the recall to include a replacement or refund for all seats under the original recall.

Filed Apr 9, 2026 · Electrical · CT

When the car is put in park the key will not come out of the ignition. Sometimes to be removed from ignition. Therefore the key will get stuck. The transmission has to be put back in drive and then back into park for the ignition system to recycle and release the key.sometimes it takes about 2 or 3 times to get the key out. I have had to turn the car on put it in drive then park push the lock switch then turn the car off. I have been told that Subaru knows the problem exists. No recalls have been made.

Filed Apr 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

I have been working with Subaru of America and Capital Subaru service in San Jose, CA for a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek XV 2.0 CVT automatic engine shortly after we bought it used for multiple faulty known engine problems with this specific make and model. Since we have owned the vehicle, we have not been able to drive it for more than 2 months short distance at a time due to engine, Valve body, major low oil pressure problems, and multiple sensor issues. This vehicle has been very dangerous for us to drive and has left us stranded not to mention paying the bank we financed payments to for a car we have been unable to use since purchasing. Subaru of America and Capital Subaru in San Jose have been awful, insensitive, and unhuman to our concerns and needs. We had to call them several times and were repeatedly ignore both parties for several days without any answers or any solutions. We have spent many sleepless nights worrying about not having a vehicle to get to work and my daughter who drove the car when she could in Nursing school with the burden of having no transportation and all the stress and worrying. There is a long history of defected engines because of the poor way these were built for our specific year, and we were told repeatedly that it was the lack of maintenance from the previous owner being the cause of the issues when that in fact is a lie as we have several maintenance records routinely. I will never buy or recommend these defected and lemon cars again especially when it involves the safety of your life! Having to tow to and from our home to the dealership service parts was a big waste of time and a joke just to hear, "We are sorry but nothing is covered and your liable for the diagnostic and fixing for your car that will be $5,800 which our car was only worth $5,600 through Kelly blue book and we still owe a remainder of $9,000 to the financing bank.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · OR

Within 10 days of purchasing this vehicle a certified Subaru dealership documented the following safety defects. Both front CV axles failing and clicking on turns creating loss of vehicle control risk. EPS electronic power steering fault codes creating safety critical steering concern. CAN bus communication fault U0073 affecting multiple vehicle safety systems simultaneously. CVT transmission fluid critically low at 1 to 2 quarts. These defects were professionally documented by Subaru of Portland certified technicians on [XXX] at 113,494 miles. Repair quote for safety related defects totals $7,516.51. Vehicle was sold by Overland Automotive LLC 2900 SE Cornelius Pass Rd Ste 105 Hillsboro OR 97123 with these defects undisclosed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Airbags · CA · crash · 1 injury

I was t-boned on 11/7 on the driver side door of the car. My car is totaled and the airbags, knee and curtain did not deploy and I was hit almost dead on on the B pillar. Unknown if the problem has been reproduced by the dealer.My knee is still hurting from the accident and my head smacked the frame.The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, but has by police, insurance, and others. All said the airbags should have deployed. There were no warning lights or otherwise to notify me that the airbags would not work.

Filed Sep 1, 2025 · Engine · CA

The engine stalled unexpectedly during operation. I noticed a sudden loss of power, and the vehicle shut off without warning. This has happened more than once, posing a safety concern.

Filed Jun 2, 2025 · Engine · SC

The engin malfunctioned. My safety and the safety of others was at risk because when an engin fails while driving it can cause a serious crash. The valve spring which is located inside the engin of the vehicle did fracture which resulted in the engin stalling while driving and was not able to be restarted. An engin stall while driving will increase the risk of a crash and serious injury. There were no warnings, the problem has been confirmed by a subaru dealer service manager.

Filed Jan 24, 2025 · Airbags · WA

The dashboard light says that the airbag is OFF, while it is occupied by a large teenager (over 100lbs) in the Right Front passenger seat. Teenager was buckled into moving vehicle when this concern was observed. Front Right passenger airbag has never been deactivated by owner/driver. Took car to be inspected at a Subaru dealer on 13Aug24, but Subaru techs unable to replicate problem at time of visit and reported no known recall notice for this problem. Since inspection, problem has reoccurred randomly.

Filed Dec 23, 2024 · Electrical, Visibility · NY

The fan in my car, that controls the heat/air-conditioning, went out causing my windows to fog up since it was raining & I couldn't use the dehumidifier. I couldn't see & had to manually wipe my windshield several times & drive with my hazard lights on in order to get the car home. There were no warning lights on the dashboard. I took the car to a mechanic shop on another day, when they could not find the problem through a diagnostic the mechanic took apart the dashboard & that's when he found the wires connected to the control panel were melting/overheating. He said it was very dangerous because it could cause the car to catch fire. He said he had to leave the wires disconnected to prevent the car catching fire until the wires and control panel could be replaced. When I looked up if others were having the same problem, I found other Subaru Crosstrek owners with the same issue and many of them stated it happened again after replacing the affected parts. The control panel is not a wear-and-tear part so I was told I would have to get it from a Subaru dealership. I have not been able to take it to a Subaru dealership yet due to the weather but the car is available for inspection upon request. It has not been inspected yet by anyone besides my mechanic.