2020 Subaru Crosstrek Problems and Complaints

Senior Editor,

Updated on May 22, 2023

For dirt road driving enthusiasts on a budget, the all-wheel-drive powered Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most affordable options on the market. The rugged SUV also has a dashing car-like personality to it, with its intuitive handling. With a smooth 2.0-liter inline-4 under the hood, the Crosstrek feels very economical to use on a daily basis. Subaru also offers a hybridized powertrain for more efficiency. The Crosstrek is the epitome of a modern SUV, thanks to its intelligent space management and a variety of tech goodies packaged inside.

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek offers the same traits and values that you would expect from a small family SUV, albeit without the raw athleticism offered by its flashier rivals. All the SUV’s features have been tested for the driver’s outdoor activities as well as suburban commutes. A versatile SUV like the Crosstrek would definitely be exposed to various outside elements so its reliability is paramount. The Japanese brand Subaru has built many reliable vehicles similar to the Crosstrek, which includes its sibling Impreza sedan. We analyze whether the 2020 Crosstrek meets the manufacturing and reliability standards set by its automaker.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek User Complaints and Problems

Engine and Mechanical Problems

Transmission - The Subaru Crosstrek’s transmission hasn’t caused any serious problems for drivers so far, but questions still remain regarding its longevity. The transmission setup on the Subaru seems to wear out faster than its competitors. Most transmissions last only till the end of the warranty period, which is a far cry from what Subaru advertised. This may lead to a costly expenditure later down the SUV’s lifespan.
Fuel system - A slight manufacturing change in the Crosstrek’s engine has led to more fuel consumption in recent years. Subaru claims that it loosened the motor tolerance in the engine. However, this has drastically led to more fuel consumption which may ultimately damage the engine in the long run. Owners need to monitor any excessive fuel consumption in their SUVs.

Electrical Problems

Electrical system - The hybrid Crosstrek faced the majority of electrical issues compared to the gasoline variant. Owners complained that the battery drained too quickly. This usually happened if the SUV stayed idle for 2 or 3 days as reported by one customer. Other electrical issues included a battery connector defect and a malfunctioning remote start system.

Safety Problems

Structure - The Crosstrek’s driver-side rear window and windshield exploded without any impact in 2 different situations. The exact cause of the incident was unknown.
Visibility - The Subaru Crosstrek faced the majority of complaints related to its defective windshield. Customers reported that cracks would develop on the windshield area without any apparent collision with a pebble or debris. This seems to be a manufacturing defect on most Subaru models, which is an indicator of poor build quality.
Rust - With the Crosstrek constantly exposed to dirt or gravel roads in offroad adventures, a layer of undercarriage rust develops gradually. Road salts are the main culprit behind the rust, hence a protective layer of undercoating will be helpful as extra protection. If you live in wintry areas, it is a good idea to get a layer of undercoating when your vehicle is new.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek Recalls

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek has stayed free from the burden of any safety recalls. This serves as solid evidence of its excellent reliability quotient.

Sr. No.	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Should you buy the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?

The Subaru Crosstrek has built a great reputation for reliability over the years with its durable all-wheel-drive system and other components. The 2020 variant is no different, with no recalls under its NHTSA registry. However, there have been concerns over the Crosstrek’s manufacturing quality, as multiple owners have encountered the same issue with the cracking of the windshield. To the Crosstrek’s advantage, the number of positive quality reviews outweighs the negative reviews. The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is definitely one of the most reliable compact SUVs that you can buy for regular outdoor trips and city commutes.