2013 Subaru Crosstrek
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 46 of 122 complaints (38%) mention it.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | vs. 2013 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,250–2,500 | 2,100–2,500 | 2,000–2,400 | |
| Combined MPG | 25–28 | 25–30 | 26–31 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 23–25 / 29–32 | 23–29 / 29–32 | 23–29 / 30–33 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 321–349 | 293–349 | 286–348 | |
| Complaints filed | 122 | 97 | 95 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 1 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 6 | 10 | 5 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 4 | 2 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 2 | 6 | 3 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek?
Engine: 46 of 122 NHTSA complaints (38%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek get?
EPA rates it 25–28 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek?
EPA estimates $2,250–$2,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 23 mpg (low) | 29 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | $2,500 (high) | 349 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 25 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | $2,250 (low) | 321 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 46 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 19 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 13 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · Campaign 19V149000 · Mar 1, 2019
Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 18V772000 · Nov 5, 2018
Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT · Campaign 13V061000 · Feb 26, 2013
Defect: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.