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2020
New 2026
Used 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016

Subaru Crosstrek

EPA MPG: 29 mpg
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Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2020 Crosstrek is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2020 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2020 Subaru Crosstrek owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Android Auto

"Vehicle does not stay connected to phone. I've tried neq cords but it's still a problem, especially when I need to use Google Maps when on a trip."

Anonymous, KY (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Apple CarPlay

"Apple play does not always connect. It is a real pain when u seriously need directions. Its been since the beginning"

Anonymous, PA (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Display screen freezes up

"Display would go into a constant restart cycle for about the first 15 minutes after starting, then went away. Subaru provided an 'extended warranty' which I had performed earlier this spring. However, I suspect the problem is thermal (cold related) - problem has occurred once after the repair, but hot weather may have hidden the problem - I will see if the problem repeats when the weather turns cold."

Anonymous, CO (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Other in-car electronics problem

"Shark fin antenna had water get in and cause problems getting satellite radio"

Anonymous, PA (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"The same issue as the software problem - the volume of phone calls is too low to hear and can't be turned up."

Anonymous, OH (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Steering wheel controls

""access to Siri is very tricky, hard to know when connected""

Anonymous A., CA (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Voice control commands

""unable to navigate/control audio system for music, directions, apps""

Anonymous A., CA (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

""The car alignment will stay aligned for a while, but then you get this oversteer when you are trying to drive straight.""

Anonymous, GA (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Tire alignment"

Anonymous, MA (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Bushings

"Routine wear and tear"

Anonymous A., PA (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Wheel bearings

"Wheel bearings"

Anonymous, MA (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

""Gasket at bottom of windshield came loose, $200 to fix""

Anonymous, PA (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Trimming around window is loose"

Anonymous, PA (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Other paint & trim problem

""The black plastic window trim gradually pitted and streaked on my 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. 5 y/o with less than 40,000 miles on it. Dealership denied any responsibility because of age of car. I wrote and sent pictures to: Kris Drechsel Subaru of America Customer Advocacy Department 1- Option #1 Extension: 119161 Both side mirror's housing was melting/deteriorating and needed replacement as well. He responded with replacement coverage if I was willing to pay $200 and I was. He contacted the dealership and the work was done promptly.""

Anonymous A., SC (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"the suberu had a big problem with the battery in the beginning. they did a recall, I think, and the problem is gone."

Anonymous, (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"A very expensive battery due to the start/stop feature. Battery only available at the dealer. $700 CDN"

Anonymous, ON (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"The moon roof shattered while driving. No evidence that it was hit by anything."

Anonymous A., DE (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Rotors

"It started at about 36000 miles. Service center said it was typical. It was very expensive to replace."

Anonymous, ME (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"Sporadic: initially would not shift into 1st gear eventually had difficulty shifting into all gears - over about 12 months. Had car at dealer two separate times in a 12 month period included overnights. They could not replicate the problem. Got the cars full 70 mile checkup (at 80,000 miles). Rear brake work (rotors?) done. Its reading approx 84,OO0 miles on odometer now and I havent had any additional problems since then."

Anonymous, 99 (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Mirrors

""Both side rear view mirrors appeared to melt/deteriorate. Car 5 years old with less than 40,000 miles. Dealership denied coverage and claimed mirrors had been exposed to reflected sun light(from a mirrored building?) which was not true. Wrote head of Subaru here in USA and all was replaced and covered at cost of $200 to me. This seemed fair. Pitted and streaked window trim replacement included in this, too. I did a little research and learned others had these same problems. I mentioned that when I wrote USA Subaru.""

Anonymous A., SC (2020 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

2020 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

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