Top 5 Problems Subaru Crosstrek SUV 1st Generation 2013-2017

These are the top 5 problems with the 1st generation Subaru Crosstrek, which is available in model years 2013 to 2017. In this video, Andy points out the top 5 most common problems that mechanics and Subaru have reported on the 1st gen Crosstrek. He also offers tips and suggestions on the best way for you to fix or replace the problems yourself. Check this video out if you own or want to own a 2013-2017 Subaru Crosstrek!

How to perform a parasitic draw test:

Check here for many more videos showing you how to diagnose other common problems:

0:00 Top Problems Subaru Crosstrek 1st Gen 2013-17
0:17 Battery Going Dead
1:06 Cam Sensor Code | P000A, P000B,
1:57 Leak Detection Pump | P1449
2:40 Rear Splash Guard Corrosion
3:07 Brake Light Switch | C1531

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

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[elliecarter]

I've had my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek for almost 5 years now and I couldn't be happier with it. I've never had a problem with my Subaru and I drive it about 10 miles a day. Such a safe car, great in the snow. Although on paper it's not a fast car, I've never had a problem passing everyone else on the highway... even my brother who is an STI driver is impressed, (no one pulls over a Crosstrek either btw ;) ) .

[spencerrocks]

So relaxing just learning from you not aggressive voice like others

[ezrahumane]

Good information! I have a first gen XV 2013. I’m the original owner and have accumulated 170K miles. These are the issues I’ve encountered:
1. Headlights burning our quite often
2. Burns oil between oil changes.
3. Appears that my gaskets are wearing out because I’ve noticed small oil residue around the seals.
4. CVT transmission is a bit joltie. I wish I would have opted for the 5mt.
5. AC comp went out $$$
6. Control arms
7. Bushings
8. Front struts
9. Ignition coils

I still drive the car today. Cosmetic issues are all over the place but fine. My leather seats are
Finally cracking. Ahh and my passanger seatbelt jammed up on us a few years back. My WRX crapped out on my at 130K miles.

[cpdavis]

I’m the original owner of a 2014. Nearly 130k miles with no major problems. Burns about 1/2 quart of oil between oil changes now but no leaks that I can see. Only minor issue so far is the electronic latch to open the rear hatch had to be replaced. I do wish it had less road noise and got better mileage. I average about 26 mpg with my daily commute that is almost all freeway. Several people I know with Crosstreks get around 30mpg. Must be my lead foot!Lastly, she’s an absolute beast in the snow and ice, especially running my Nokian snow tires. Overall, I’ve been very happy with the reliability of my Crosstrek.

[fescobar]

I have a 2017 ctosstrek took it on a trip from Florida all the way to North Carolina. Drove thru a snow blizzard. Had it for about a year already now, no issues. Great car it handles the snow like a champ. 🏁🏁🏁

[silverslider]

The brake switch is a factory recall. Contact your local dealer. Also if it goes out and you have an auto it will keep you from being able to shift into gear from park (and you won't have brake lights either)

[twrecks]

My wife and I both have 2016's. We have had to replace the rear hubs on both cars.. hers at 70k and mine at 40k. Think there was a TSB about it. That being said, we both love our Crosstreks and are very very happy with them

[Mihogan]

Bought my 2015 brand new, have 95k miles on her. Only issue I've had beyond typical wear/maintenance was an AC compressor (replaced free as a recall) and an exhaust leak, which is inevitable in the rust belt. The car is a beast!

[AngryTango]

I’ve bought my 2016 crosstrek with 4K miles. It now has 95k miles without any major repairs, just the recurring maintenance

[treeminutesorless]

Love my Crosstrek. It’s slower than a turtle but I like it

[brettk]

I bought a 2015 used in fall of 2018 with 24k miles on it. Factory battery started not holding a charge about a year later. Replaced with a Everstart and no problems since. October of 2022 now with 100k on car and zero other issues with the car either… been very reliable.

[ajzstudios]

Here’s a tip for fixing the eroded screws in the splash guard: take them all off and just put in mudflaps with new hardware.

[TrainerAQ]

The brake light switch is a recall if I remember correctly

[JohnDavidHarbison]

CVT - Transmission - Front Steering Bearings - And Now my CAM SHAFT PHASERS and TIMING! I must have hit the lottery!

[petset]

Interesting info, none of which we experience. ....My wife loves her 2013 Crosstrek, but here are the recurring problems: First and most pricey was the broken valve spring. For the 2013, it was a factory recall, and they took care of it by replacing them all. ...after ours broke one. The aftermarket warranty she purchased covered most of the $2900 repair. Second: the right rear wears out tires considerably faster than other locations. Don't know what causes that, and it's the reason I'm here looking for possible causes. I know it's an independent suspension vehicle, so perhaps a bushing or something is worn. Still looking for the answer. Third: The cheap plastic windshield washer reservoir mount. It has been slipping out of position since she got the vehicle with less than 50, 000 miles on it. This is her second Crosstrek. She had a different '13, but saw this one during a service call. This one has a five speed instead of automatic, so she traded. The first one also had this issue with the reservoir, so it's not a one-off situation. Fourth: check engine light comes on, accompanied by traction light, thus no cruise control. That might be the switch mentioned in this video, but no other symptoms are occurring. Five: no horn. It went out for a short while, returned to service, then went awol again. The fuse is fine. Six: the famous oil use. It leaks somewhere, because it's not burning oil at 135, 000 miles. Others with this boxer engine mention the leak after (or before) 100, 000 miles. I check it every couple of weeks and top it off (this engine CAN'T be run low on oil, or major damage will occur), but dumping oil on the ground isn't very environmentally friendly or cost effective. There are no spills on the ground under the car, and it never smells like burned oil. It's a mystery. Neither of us drives hard (her car or my Tacoma 4x4), but depend on them in winter here in the Rockies. Does anyone else have these problems, or figured out what causes them?

[gshaw]

P000A/B/C/D - oil actuator switch. Part Number: 10921AA231 Common problem, an oil change will only temporarily make it go away. A/B/C/D indicates which piston its associated with.

[lftpward]

A/C compressor going bad after five years on a 2014 model is an expensive problem that I know has happened to a couple of people who own this car.

[coreelite]

Had all of these in my wife’s 2017 premium. All of them.

[joes]

2016. Crosstrek. Had it over 5 years now. Battery did go bad. Normal though it’s 5 years old. No other probs. Lots of mods. New wheels, tires, lift, spoiler, cargo rack, bug deflector, blacked out lights, new speakers, Subwoofer Hyper blue. 42000 miles. Oil changes religiously. New battery. That’s it.