2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek electrical problems

Filed Jun 28, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · OH

Brake light switch failure. Triggering traction control warning light, hill assist warning light, and abs warning light, and disables cruise control. There was previously a recall (NUMBER: WUE-90 the federal safety agency ID: 19V‑149) for the brake light switch for Subaru models with my production date included, but because Hybrid Crosstrek models were not included, it will not be replaced under recall. I am still experiencing the same issues and cause, but it is not covered.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Electrical · 77,441 miles · IL

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek on May 22, 2026. The sale was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was recorded at 77,441. The contact later purchased a CARFAX report which was reported at 214,767 in February 2026. The contact reported the information to the local authorities.

Filed May 4, 2025 · Electrical · CA

When attempting to put the car in park, the key will not release and is stuck. Incident happens often in recent past days. Key will not release from ignition.

Filed May 17, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CO

The electrical system and engine flickers on and off or sometimes dies entirely. The trigger is unknown and the underlying cause is unknown. It is unsafe because this has occurred while the vehicle is moving. The problem was confirmed and reproduced by a Subaru service center. They were unable to diagnose the issue. There is no warning when it will happen.

Filed Apr 1, 2024 · Electrical · MN

Ignition key keeps intermittently locking into ignition when trying to retrieve key. Putting vehicle in park, key will turn engine off, but then will not turn all the way to release the key. Key has a key fob, vehicle is placed on parking gear. Sometimes restarting vehicle can help, sometimes shifting gears and driving vehicle again can help. Sometimes turning steering wheel helps. Sometimes all you can do is wait a few to five minutes to be able to turn off vehicle and retrieve car. No warning lights. After my warranty expired was when I noticed the problem. Bought vehicle used less than a year ago. It can be a safety risk if I cannot retrieve my key and then anyone could jump in and steal it as their is no other way to lock the vehicle unless I automatically locky myself out.

Filed May 18, 2022 · Electrical · WA

Battery drains excessively and frequently. Will not hold a charge. Frequently replacing battery only to have it fail. The personal safety issue here is being stranded with a dead battery in an unsafe environment with no way to escape, or needing the vehicle for an immediate personal health emergency and having the vehicle not start. I don't know if there is a safety related issue with operating the car with this electrical system issue. There are scores of web searches that depict this issue of parasitic draining of the battery by the vehicle's controller area network. Several class action lawsuits are referenced. I don't find any information that the lawsuits have resolved in a recall of any sort. Thank you for your interest in it this issue.

Filed Jun 17, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

Break lights are on, but do not light up when breaking. Changed break lights with many different bulbs, but same problem occurs. Not lighting up when breaking.

Filed Mar 30, 2021 · Electrical · 109,500 miles · CT

I was driving on the highway, I turned on the blower fan and AC. The AC was not cooling down the cabin (outside temperature was 71-74 degrees). After 40 minutes the blower fan shut down and stopped working. I brought the car to the dealership service department. This is what they found: instrument wire harness, component(s) and switch had melted, causing a hazardous situation. It remains a hazard and needs to be replaced. Subaru denies any responsibility in the defective/failed/unsafe components and will not cover expense. Reason: vehicle grossly over warranty period (by 10,000 miles).

Filed Jul 19, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 59,600 miles · MA

I was driving the car when all the lights on dash come on. Constant jerking/bucking of the car without increasing pressure to the gas peddle. Meter rpms indicator needle is erratic moving back and forth while the engine revs. The mpg needle goes from plus to minus erratically also. At this time the car is not dependable. I have brought the car to granite subaru 4 times for the same complaint. They say they have used the diagnostic meter to determine the problem but it still remains, now even worse. I have discussed the problem with a engineer and 2 auto mechanics who feel the problem is with the computer. I mentioned this to granite subaru and was told that was not the problem. My plan at this time is to bring my car to autozone and have them evaluate my car. I am hoping to get a list of error codes to bring to subaru with the hope that the 5th time will be my last. I have receipts for what has transpired so far but do not have a way to upload them and send with this report. Please send address and I will make copies and send. Thank you.

Filed Aug 23, 2019 · Electrical · NJ

The horn has stopped working on the vehicle. Does not matter what position the steering wheel is in or if I am driving or stationary. I am at 72,000 miles. I had the issue checked by a mechanic - fuses were changed and checked, but the problem persists. I did an internet search which revealed other drivers with the same problem. I saw a recall in australia which: vibration over an extended period could result in a metal plate within the steering column wearing away the wiring insulation. The short circuit could disable control of the wipers, headlights, horn, driver's airbag and features actuated through the multi-function steering wheel, such as cruise control, audio system and mobile phone connectivity. The issue could also short out the fuse for the engine management system's ecu shutting off the engine.