2013 Subaru CROSSTREK
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2013 Subaru CROSSTREK has 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 82. The most common issue is engine problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2013 subaru crosstrek. the contact stated that oil needed to be added to the vehicle every 1,200 miles and the low oil warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to lithia subaru of fresno (5499 n blackstone ave, fresno, ca 93710, (559) 540-7189) where the contact wa. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
35
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
0.4x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
11 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL NEEDED TO BE ADDED TO THE VEHICLE EVERY 1,200 MILES AND THE LOW OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LITHIA SUBARU OF FRESNO (5499 N BLACKSTONE AVE, FRESNO, CA 93710, (559) 540-7189) WHERE THE CONTACT WA
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND IN THE ENGINE. THE RPMS WERE REGISTERING HIGH, THE TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING WITH THE INDICATOR FLASH
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. OCEAN SUB
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL NEEDED TO BE ADDED TO THE VEHICLE EVERY 1,200 MILES AND THE LOW OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LITHIA SUBARU OF FRESNO (5499 N BLACKSTONE AVE, FRESNO, CA 93710, (559) 540-7189) WHERE THE CONTACT WA”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2013 Subaru CROSSTREK
Based on 27 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 55K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.
ELECTRICAL
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (1)
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.
Very low theft risk
Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Subaru CROSSTREK
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Subaru CROSSTREK Service Intervals
Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2013 CROSSTREK, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 35 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL NEEDED TO BE ADDED TO THE VEHICLE EVERY 1,200 MILES AND THE LOW OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LITHIA SUBARU OF FRESNO (5499 N BLACKSTONE AVE, FRESNO, CA 93710, (559) 540-7189) WHERE THE CONTACT WA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: ECO-WIRING MADE OF MATERIALS THAT ATTRACT ANIMALS. A RODENT CHEWED THROUGH MY WIRING HARNESS. $800 WORTH OF DAMAGE THAT COULD BE PREVENTED. CAR IS INOPERABLE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐LIGHTING: 4TH SEAT OF REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT BULBS SO FAR (LOW BEAMS) SINCE NEW. ORIGINAL OWNERS, NO ACCIDENTS, NO AFTERMARKET ITEMS. THEY BOTH BURN AT THE SAME TIME. YOU ONLY NOTICE IT ONCE ITS DARK OUTSIDE AT YOU TRY TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AND NO LOW BEAMS.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: THE CAR WOULD LOSE A QUART OF ANTI FREEZE EVERY 7500 MILES.I BROUGHT IT IN AT LEAST 8 TIMES TELLING THEM THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THEY PRESSURE TESTED THE VEHICLE AT LEAST 8 TIMES AND 2 SERVICE MANAGERS SAID I WAS NUTS THEY ARE BOTH FIRED. MY 20 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DRIVES FROM NEW YORK TO FLORIDA. I ASKED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Subaru CROSSTREK — Year Comparison
How does 2013 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 35
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 1
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 82
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2013 Subaru CROSSTREK