2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek transmission 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 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 Oct 18, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · MA

The recall Type: Safety Service Campaign:WTY84 the federal safety agency Campaign: 18V772000 FB20 Valve Spring Replacement was reported completed by the manufacturer Subaru has no record of it being done. My car is now experiencing symptoms of this recall when I had no issues prior and want me to pay to look into the problem further. Now my vehicle has a check engine light for a recall that was potentially not done as I have no proof that it was completed.

Filed May 27, 2022 · Transmission · CA

Transmission failure while driving on highway caused it to suddenly stalled. On restarting engine, car kept jerking and stopping, became undrivable. Only 46,700 miles on the clock. No warning lights, no warning of any kind. Subaru issued 10 year extended warranty covering transmission on this car but should have recalled and replaced since failure is catastrophic and dangerous. I took my car to Subaru dealer and they found low transmission fluid. Instead of inspecting the seals, they blamed the problem on oil change by an independent garage, accusing them of erroneously drained out transmission fluid before the car broke down.

Filed May 10, 2021 · Electrical, Transmission · FL

I purchased 2013 subaru crosstrek I am 2nd owner, I never see any problem for engine light check and end up control curise blinking and subaru will not provided any recall for transmission issue it's not safe to driving they said only will warranty under 100k that unfair this not safe car and so many common issue transmission on subaru. It's first make 2013 on crosstrek how it's expect under 100k miles... Should recall for transmission fix

Filed Apr 8, 2021 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · NJ

Hill descent, sway control, ABS lights came on at the same time on the way to work, I was coming of an exit. I had the codes checked and nothing was showing. Over a month later, the check engine and transmission temp lights came on my to work. I immediately turned around and parked my car. Trans temp light was blinking. A few days later I had it taken to a subaru dealership for service. I paid for a diagnostic. The result was a $1600 bill for a valve body kit, trans cover gasket, o-ring, trans body wiring harness.

Filed Jan 13, 2021 · Transmission · 115,000 miles · FL

I have maintained my vehicle since purchase, always complete routine maintnence and as I was on a trip, all of my lights came on. I flushed transmission and they came back on. I have researched my issue and it is common with this year. Subaru even extended warranty with these years, yet has recalled any of the parts related to the CVT transmission. I had no issues, no warning, was just driving and everything came on.

Filed Dec 15, 2020 · Transmission · 122,821 miles · GA

Transmission valve body failed, solenoid 2 fail, affects traction control, stability control, ABS, and hill start control. Causes transmission tempts to overheat.

Filed Jul 22, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 98,000 miles · HI

Slow starting when turning over from stop/park/cold/hot. Excessive oil use after each 3,000 miles. No light warning for low oil displays. Engine bogs or almost stalls when giving gas. Usually when air conditioning is running. This started to occur after I had the valve spring recall taken care of. And all ignition coils replaced. The ignition coils caused excessive stalling downhill to uphill at various speeds yet usually occurred when applying gas from slow to mid-speed when applying gas. My thought were it was due to the recall but evidently had not relation. As per subaru dealer on maui. Rear wheel bearing repeatedly replace. 3 times in one 1 and a half years. Start with with winding noise then gets worse very quickly. Within 1 to 2 months. Felt /feels very unsafe. Driving at slower speed okay at the range of 45-60 MPH noise is very predominate. Thus requiring to drive at slower speeds than required, I bought this car used. In the course of less than 2 years I have had all these issues. All these issues where in the course of between 2018 and 2020.

Filed Nov 24, 2019 · Transmission · 64,400 miles · IN

At approximately 64k miles our xv crosstrek began emitting a loud hum from the rear and our gas mileage decreased significantly (18 mpg). When we took it into our mechanic, he found that the rear hubs were dangerously degraded and that the rear differential was failing. In his opinion, failure of those systems at only 64k miles suggested a design or part defect.