2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek recalls and problems

The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek has 2 safety recalls and 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
98
Crashes / fires
5 / 2
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

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

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek recalls

Recall 18V-772: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Nov 1, 2018 · 165,534 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 13V-061: Equipment, Electrical System

Reported Feb 25, 2013 · 47,419 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine35
Power Train22
Unknown or Other19
Electrical System14
Steering9
Wheels6
Vehicle Speed Control5
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Service Brakes5
Air Bags4
Visibility/Wiper3
Visibility3

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 66,000 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 XV Crosstrek complaints

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

Power Train · reported Oct 3, 2026
On [XXX], while driving on public roads in West Allis, Wisconsin, the vehicle's dashboard warning lights began flashing and the transmission stopped shifting. The vehicle became stuck in a low/first-gear-type condition and would not drive normally. This was a sudden loss of normal motive power during operation. The driver was stranded roadside and ultimately walked approximately 3.5 miles home. The vehicle was towed to Werks Autosport in Muskego, Wisconsin. Their written diagnosis documents fault code P0730 (incorrect gear ratio). Scan-tool live data showed the actual gear ratio outside the…
Engine · reported Apr 9, 2026
I have been working with Subaru of America and Capital Subaru service in San Jose, CA for a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek XV 2.0 CVT automatic engine shortly after we bought it used for multiple faulty known engine problems with this specific make and model. Since we have owned the vehicle, we have not been able to drive it for more than 2 months short distance at a time due to engine, Valve body, major low oil pressure problems, and multiple sensor issues. This vehicle has been very dangerous for us to drive and has left us stranded not to mention paying the bank we financed payments to for a car we…
Electrical System · reported Apr 9, 2026
When the car is put in park the key will not come out of the ignition. Sometimes to be removed from ignition. Therefore the key will get stuck. The transmission has to be put back in drive and then back into park for the ignition system to recycle and release the key.sometimes it takes about 2 or 3 times to get the key out. I have had to turn the car on put it in drive then park push the lock switch then turn the car off. I have been told that Subaru knows the problem exists. No recalls have been made.
Electrical System · reported Mar 9, 2026
Within 10 days of purchasing this vehicle a certified Subaru dealership documented the following safety defects. Both front CV axles failing and clicking on turns creating loss of vehicle control risk. EPS electronic power steering fault codes creating safety critical steering concern. CAN bus communication fault U0073 affecting multiple vehicle safety systems simultaneously. CVT transmission fluid critically low at 1 to 2 quarts. These defects were professionally documented by Subaru of Portland certified technicians on [XXX] at 113,494 miles. Repair quote for safety related defects totals…
Air Bags · reported Dec 18, 2025
I was t-boned on 11/7 on the driver side door of the car. My car is totaled and the airbags, knee and curtain did not deploy and I was hit almost dead on on the B pillar. Unknown if the problem has been reproduced by the dealer.My knee is still hurting from the accident and my head smacked the frame.The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, but has by police, insurance, and others. All said the airbags should have deployed. There were no warning lights or otherwise to notify me that the airbags would not work.

Other Subaru XV Crosstrek years

Compare all Subaru XV Crosstrek years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek: 18V-772 (engine and engine cooling), 13V-061 (equipment, electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report engine problems most often (35 reports), followed by power train (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 66,000 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.