repaired · 2020 Q3
Brake lights: switch
Risk. Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
2013 Subaru CrosstrekProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 26 owner complaints about the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 19V-149 the manufacturer reports only 76% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 8, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek has problems
26 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Engine
5Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
4Power train
3Exterior lighting
2Service brakes
1Vehicle speed control
1Air bags
1Visibility/wiper
1Fuel/propulsion system
44 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 11 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 2 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 1 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2013 Subaru Crosstrek recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other Crosstrek year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Crosstrek median. How we score
'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What Crosstrek owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BRAKE OR STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE…
MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND SUBARU DIRECTLY AND THEY BOTH STATED THAT DUE THE THE VOLUME OF CARS AFFECTED THEY WERE NOT TAKING ANY NEW APPOINTMENTS UNTIL 2020 AND TO CALL THEM BACK IN 2020. THE ISSUE IS WITH THE VALVE SPRINGS IN THE ENGINE. A FRACTURE IN THE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AND 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR RECALL REPAIRS. DUFF SUBARU (1028 S…
Own a 2013 Crosstrek?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.