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Subaru

2013 Subaru XV CROSSTREK

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2013 Subaru XV CROSSTREK has 140 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 102. The most common issue is engine problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: the vehicle has a continuously variable transmission. when approaching a stop light or stop sign i remove my foot from the gas pedal and then the vehicle starts to slow down. when the engine rpm's reach around 1400 rpm the vehicle quits slowing down and continues forward at what ever speed it is a. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 4 crash reports 1 injury

140

Total Complaints

2

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

1.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

35 complaints
25%
  • THE VEHICLE HAS A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION. WHEN APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN I REMOVE MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL AND THEN THE VEHICLE STARTS TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN THE ENGINE RPM'S REACH AROUND 1400 RPM THE VEHICLE QUITS SLOWING DOWN AND CONTINUES FORWARD AT WHAT EVER SPEED IT IS A
  • MY 2013 SUBARU CROSSTREK XV HAS BEEN BURNING OIL SINCE NEW. THE DEALER, AND SUBARU, HAVE DONE NOTHING TO HELP FIX THE ISSUE. CURRENTLY ITS BURNING A QUART OF OIL EVERY 2000-3500 MILES. THIS CAN'T BE RIGHT BUT SUBARU TELL ME THAT IT IS OK FOR THE CAR TO "CONSUME" A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1200 MILES. *T
  • MY 2013 SUBARU XV CROSSTREK IS BURNING OIL. AT THE TIME THAT THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR HAD 43,675 MILES ON IT. I JUST READ WHERE SOMEONE ELSE IS HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW 2 YEARS AGO AND FEEL THAT A NEW CAR SHOULD NOT BE BURNING OIL.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 2 fire reports💥 2 crashes

THE VEHICLE HAS A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION. WHEN APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN I REMOVE MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL AND THEN THE VEHICLE STARTS TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN THE ENGINE RPM'S REACH AROUND 1400 RPM THE VEHICLE QUITS SLOWING DOWN AND CONTINUES FORWARD AT WHAT EVER SPEED IT IS A

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Subaru XV CROSSTREK

Based on 70 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 69K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
21
30-60K
7
60-100K
26
100-150K
16
150-200K
0
200K+
0

STEERING

Earlier than typicalmedian 48K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
0
60-100K
1
100-150K
2
150-200K
0
200K+
0

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 66K mi · 14 reports
0-30K
2
30-60K
2
60-100K
8
100-150K
2
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 72K mi · 12 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
2
60-100K
5
100-150K
2
150-200K
0
200K+
0

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 71K mi · 11 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
2
60-100K
5
100-150K
1
150-200K
0
200K+
0

WHEELS

In line with typicalmedian 76K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
1
30-60K
0
60-100K
3
100-150K
2
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ELECTRICAL

Later than typicalmedian 121K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
0
30-60K
0
60-100K
1
100-150K
4
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.

Recalls (2)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE01/11/2018

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Subaru XV CROSSTREK

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,778
Per month
$148
Per mile
14.8¢
MPG
27
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,087/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,500/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 2013 Subaru XV 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
$1,540
Full coverage / month
$128
Liability only / year
$623
vs US avg
-8%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (suv-compact)1.00x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age0.92x
= Full coverage estimate$1540

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru XV 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 2013 XV 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

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

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 140 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ENGINE: THE VEHICLE HAS A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION. WHEN APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN I REMOVE MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL AND THEN THE VEHICLE STARTS TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN THE ENGINE RPM'S REACH AROUND 1400 RPM THE VEHICLE QUITS SLOWING DOWN AND CONTINUES FORWARD AT WHAT EVER SPEED IT IS A

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

  • TRANSMISSION: THE VEHICLE HAS A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION. WHEN APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN I REMOVE MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL AND THEN THE VEHICLE STARTS TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN THE ENGINE RPM'S REACH AROUND 1400 RPM THE VEHICLE QUITS SLOWING DOWN AND CONTINUES FORWARD AT WHAT EVER SPEED IT IS A

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

  • OTHER: TWO CONCERNS. PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW MARCH 2013. 5000 MILES LATER CHECK OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. HAD TO ADD 1 QT. OIL. WENT TO DEALER TO INQUIRE. SAID THEY HAD TO MONITOR. CONTINUALLY HAPPENED AT 5000. FIRST SAID I HAD A FAULTY OIL SENSOR (RECALL). THOUGHT THAT WAS ODD SINCE IT ONLY HAPPENED WHEN THE O

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

  • ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU XV CROSSTREK. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO ADJUST THE AIR CONDITIONER, THE MOTOR SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAN FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEATER BLOWER C

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

  • RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Subaru XV CROSSTREK — Year Comparison

How does 2013 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
140
Recalls
2
Fire reports
2
Crash reports
4
Injury reports
1
Segment avg
102

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2013 Subaru XV CROSSTREK