2013 Subaru Crosstrek recalls and problems

The 2013 Subaru Crosstrek has 1 safety recall and 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 2

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Subaru Crosstrek recalls

Recall 19V-149: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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.

Fix: 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.

2013 Subaru Crosstrek problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	11
Electrical System	5
Power Train	4
Exterior Lighting	3
Service Brakes	2
Unknown or Other	2
Air Bags	2
Suspension	1
Visibility/Wiper	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Structure	1
Seats	1

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 1
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 1
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Fuel Gauge › Fuel Level Float/Sensor/Sending Unit — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Subaru Crosstrek complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Sep 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission seized, causing the vehicle to come to a sudden stop. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a transmission solenoid and valve body failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer for regular maintenance 3,000 miles prior to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.

Electrical System · at 1,000 miles · reported Oct 13, 2021

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after refueling with the fuel tank at 3/4 tank full, the fuel gauge failed to provide the correct fuel level. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the fuel sending tank, but the failure continued to occur. The contact indicated that the failure had caused fuel leakage and spillage while adding fuel to the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,000.

Electrical System · at 210,000 miles · reported Jul 26, 2019

Car parked and some electrical wire? Caused car to catch fire? The back drivers side of the hatchback/trunk area was burnt/ melted through to the metal and the wires around the back window on inside were hanging down and hot plastic dripped down onto a box of papers that were in the hatchback. The papers had black burnt spot on them but fortunately did not all burn. There was a dark black brown spot on the back window drivers side on the inside and there was soot all over the inside of the entire vehicle and insides of the windows. It got so hot that the trunk could not be opened. Not sure…

Engine · reported Jun 27, 2019

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 spring could cause engine failure. I want subaru to replace it now, pay me to have it fixed somewhere else or replace my current subaru with a fair value trade-in. This is unacceptable and avoid be illegal. On top of that, the responses from both the local and corporate offices is also unacceptable.…

Engine · at 145,941 miles · reported May 17, 2019

After replacing valve springs at the subaru dealership due to a recall, now oil is mixed in the coolant. Problem appeared same day as we picked the car from dealership upon completion off recall issue. After explained the problem to them they replace coolant again to test see if the problem continues. The problem continues but now they claim preexisting condition!!! Imagine that! Please is there any advise before we sick legal action. We are afraid car will over heat nad burn engine or catch fire!

Other Subaru Crosstrek years

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Compare all Subaru Crosstrek years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek: 19V-149 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek?

Owners report engine problems most often (11 reports), followed by electrical system (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Subaru recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.