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Subaru

2020 Subaru CROSSTREK

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Subaru CROSSTREK has 82 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 82. The most common issue is visibility problems (41% of all complaints), specifically: i was driving at 70 mph on smooth interstate highway with light traffic . there was a loud explosion. after stopping in a safe location, i discovered the moon roof had shattered into tiny pieces. i am positive there were no rocks or structures above..there was 1500 miles on the car. the sliding cei.

5 crash reports 2 injuries

82

Total Complaints

0

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

VISIBILITY

34 complaints
41%
  • I WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON SMOOTH INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH LIGHT TRAFFIC . THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION. AFTER STOPPING IN A SAFE LOCATION, I DISCOVERED THE MOON ROOF HAD SHATTERED INTO TINY PIECES. I AM POSITIVE THERE WERE NO ROCKS OR STRUCTURES ABOVE..THERE WAS 1500 MILES ON THE CAR. THE SLIDING CEI
  • MINOR ROCK CHIP, NO LARGER THAN A WATCH SCREW, NEAR THE WINDOW MOUNT QUICKLY DEVELOPED INTO A 4-INCH CRACK OVER A PERIOD OF APPROXIMATELY 12 HOURS. ROCK CHIP OCCURRED ON CITY STREETS, MOVING NO FASTER THAN 40 MPH.
  • THERE IS A CHIP ON THE WINDSHIELD ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK. I DO NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHEN OR HOW THIS HAPPENED AND HAVE ONLY BEEN DRIVING ON PAVED ROADS.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

I WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON SMOOTH INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH LIGHT TRAFFIC . THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION. AFTER STOPPING IN A SAFE LOCATION, I DISCOVERED THE MOON ROOF HAD SHATTERED INTO TINY PIECES. I AM POSITIVE THERE WERE NO ROCKS OR STRUCTURES ABOVE..THERE WAS 1500 MILES ON THE CAR. THE SLIDING CEI

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Subaru CROSSTREK

Based on 35 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 5K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
31
30-60K
4
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 23 reports
0-30K
23
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

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.

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Subaru CROSSTREK

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,715
Per month
$143
Per mile
14.3¢
MPG
28
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,182/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,455/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Subaru CROSSTREK

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,423
Full coverage / month
$119
Liability only / year
$623
vs US avg
-15%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (suv-compact)1.00x
× theft risk0.85x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$1423

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru CROSSTREK Service Intervals

Oil change
6K mi / 6 mo
Tire rotation
6K mi
Brake fluid
30 months
Transmission fluid
30K mi
Engine coolant
138K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
30K mi

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

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2020 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

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 82 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • VISIBILITY: I WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON SMOOTH INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH LIGHT TRAFFIC . THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION. AFTER STOPPING IN A SAFE LOCATION, I DISCOVERED THE MOON ROOF HAD SHATTERED INTO TINY PIECES. I AM POSITIVE THERE WERE NO ROCKS OR STRUCTURES ABOVE..THERE WAS 1500 MILES ON THE CAR. THE SLIDING CEI

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: WE HAD A REMOTE START INSTALLED BY THE DEALERSHIP PRIOR TO ACCEPTING DELIVERY OF THE CAR. TWO DAYS LATER, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNABLE TO START. THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP (SPORT SUBARU SOUTH IN ORLANDO FL) SENT A TECHNICIAN TO REPAIR THE CAR, RATHER THAN TOWING IT TO A DEALERSH

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: WE HAD A REMOTE START INSTALLED BY THE DEALERSHIP PRIOR TO ACCEPTING DELIVERY OF THE CAR. TWO DAYS LATER, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNABLE TO START. THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP (SPORT SUBARU SOUTH IN ORLANDO FL) SENT A TECHNICIAN TO REPAIR THE CAR, RATHER THAN TOWING IT TO A DEALERSH

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • TRANSMISSION: The vehicle has experience numerous times now, and has been to the dealer for repairs regarding an unanticipated loss of all ability to accelerate or maintain speed until the vehicle is shutdown and restarted. This has caused significant stress when traveling on a fast moving freeway in the fast lan

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
82
Recalls
0
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
5
Injury reports
2
Segment avg
82

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2020 Subaru CROSSTREK