Subaru XV Crosstrek engine failure problems

Filed Dec 23, 2025 · Engine · HI

While driving at normal operating speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power with no prior warning. There were no dashboard alerts, warning lights, or check engine indicators before the failure occurred. The vehicle became immediately unsafe to operate and had to be pulled over in a main highway center lane divide. After inspection by a licensed mechanic, it was determined that the engine suffered catastrophic internal failure due to oil and engine coolant mixing. This resulted in complete engine failure and rendered the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle has been properly maintained with all routine oil changes and inspections completed on schedule. There was no indication of overheating or mechanical issues prior to the failure. The condition that caused the failure was not detectable through normal maintenance. The sudden loss of power without warning created a significant safety risk to the driver and surrounding traffic. Due to the nature of the failure, the engine requires full replacement, and both 12v and hybrid batteries were also damaged and require replacement. This incident raises concern regarding a potential latent defect related to the engine or cooling system, particularly given reports of similar issues in this model year.

Filed Jul 8, 2025 · Engine · AR

I am reporting a complete engine failure on my 2014 Subaru Crosstrek at 140,000 miles due to a valve spring issue that appears to match Subaru’s Recall WTY-84 (the federal safety agency Campaign 18V772000). I checked my VIN and it currently shows no open recalls, but I’ve reviewed Subaru’s own documentation that lists 2013–2016 Crosstreks as affected by this defect. My vehicle clearly falls within that production range and has now suffered the exact failure described in that recall — a fractured valve spring causing a complete engine malfunction. I never received a recall notice, and when I contacted Subaru, they acknowledged the VIN wasn’t included in the recall despite the year, make, model, and symptoms matching exactly. This raises concern that the recall scope is too narrow and is excluding other affected vehicles. This failure created a safety issue due to sudden engine loss while driving and has led to significant repair costs that I believe should have been prevented. I am asking the federal safety agency to investigate whether additional VINs — including mine — should be added to the recall to prevent further safety risks for other Subaru owners in the same situation.

Filed Apr 16, 2023 · Fuel system · IL

While driving on highway the engine died, I was able to pull over and stop safely. The engine turned over when I turned the key but would not start. The fuel gauge showed one full bar of fuel and the fuel mileage reading showed 60 miles till empty. I contacted roadside assistance and after 2 hours was able to put 4 gallons of fuel in the car. The car started normally and I was able to drive to gas station and fill up. The fuel gauge had never failed to accurately show the fuel in my car and the mileage range till empty was always accurate. I do not trust my cars fuel gauge anymore. I was lucky not to be in the city in rush hour and stuck in traffic. I will contact Subaru to report the problem.

Filed Oct 14, 2021 · Brakes · MI · fire

caliper seized and caught on fire, front passenger side. Was told by mechanic second Crosstreck this week with same problem.

Filed Jul 6, 2020 · Engine · UT

I had a recall done on an engine spring in august. At the end of june I experience power loss and blow back. I haven't had it checked yet but I've seen multiple complaints of engine failure after this recall. I'm wondering if mine fits.

Filed Dec 6, 2019 · Engine, Seats · 82,000 miles · NY

After taking my vehicle into dealership for valve spring recall, service rep also suggested oil change at same time. I agreed. As soon as I drove it off the dealership lot, check oil light came on. I immediately returned car to have it checked but dealership said oil was full, probably faulty sensor and sent me away without fully checking the car. Check oil light would intermittently light up when driving locally. Then engine tapping sound and check engine light started a few weeks later while driving locally but indicator lights would turn off for short periods immediately after starting car, or while driving up or down steep inclines. Local mechanic confirmed that oil pressure was low and recommended taking it back to dealership. Another dealership is now disassembling the engine and recommending a new engine as oil pressure is low and not circulating properly after valve spring recall repair.

Filed Dec 4, 2018 · Engine, Suspension · 121,706 miles · IL

Since I got this car , the engine over heated frequently. Engine oil mixed in the coolant. At 20 MPH the engine started make the vibrant noise. The power train is not good for this vehicule. I went to subaru ,3340 oakton st skokie,il for inspection, it is like others peoples had the same problems like me. Also nothing is guaranteed if you want to spend the money to fixed or replaced the engine. The engine over heated frequently was the main problems and issues for this vehicule.

Filed Apr 9, 2017 · Electrical · 79,000 miles · OR

First noticed my horn was not working, then my iphone was no longer sinqued to the car. When I used the switches on the steering wheel witbtbe radio, then the navigstion screen started blinking on and offf, then wwnt nlavk. Bur next day the navigation screen came back on but still no horn and not anle to sinque iphone. I made appointment with mccurley subaru in pasvo, wa and after checking it out the desler told me the wiring connector in the steering column, behind the air bag was defective and would cost morr than $400 to replace. The dealer let me drive my dubaru back to pendleton a d I have an appointment to have the new wiring connector installed monday, 4/10/17. Over the weekend I found reports on car advice site stating the 2012-2014 xv crosstrek models like mine were recalledto fix this wiring connector problem. Apoarently there is a metal plate near the wiring connector that gets hot and meltd some of the wiring. The symptoms listed are exactly like mine. However, subaru never notified me of the recall, nor did mccurley subaru dealer when they quoted me a $400 plus to fix or replace the defective wiring connector. On another issue, my subaru has been burning more than a quart of oil between oil changes. When I had mccurley di comsumption request they said in 1,000 miles it was using a fourth of a quart, not enough to replace engine short block, after they did consumption test it is using less oil, so zi wonder if they put stp or similar product in my out so my car burns lesd ool until it passes 100,000 miles. Frustrating to have so many problems with my first subaru.

Filed Aug 1, 2016 · Electrical, Visibility · 106,454 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 subaru xv crosstrek. While driving at an unknown speed and attempting to adjust the air conditioner, the motor seized without warning. The contact mentioned that the fan failed to work. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the heater blower control power plug shorted and melted the connector. As a result, the heater blower needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 106,454.

Filed Nov 6, 2014 · Steering · 1,200 miles · CA · crash · 2 injuries

Tl* the contact owned a 2014 subaru xv crosstrek. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized and caused the contact to lose control and crash the vehicle. The contact and the passenger sustained lacerations and bruises that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,200.