RoadVitals

2015 Subaru Crosstrek

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
17
Latest Aug 8, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Feb 28, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 17 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and brakes categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 286 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Powertrain (other)626.1%
  • Engine521.7%
  • Brakes313.0%
  • Driver assistance313.0%
  • Steering28.7%
  • Fuel system14.3%
  • Interior & seats14.3%
  • Electrical14.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Feb 28, 2019
1,303,530 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
Subaru of America, Inc.Manufacturer number WUE-90View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 8, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE DRIVING 80-85 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE TACHOMETER INCREASED TO HIGH AND THE SPEEDOMETER DECREASED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, IT PERFORMED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF KENNESAW (905 ERNEST W BARRETT PKWY NW, KENNESAW, GA 30144, (770) 419-9800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: SR1-46572013025 AND EXTENDED THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,300. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA ID
11242454
Incident
Aug 1, 2019
Mileage
65,300 mi
Filed Jul 27, 2019

AFTER PUTTING MY CAR IN PARK, MY KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. I HAVE TO REVERSE AND DRIVE UP AGAIN AND THEN PARK AGAIN, IN ORDER FOR MY KEY TO THEN FINALLY COME OUT. I'M NERVOUS THAT WON'T WORK FOR LONG. I'VE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE AND YET SUBARU HASN'T ISSUED A RECALL. HOPING WE WON'T BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST TO REPAIR WHAT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER ISSUE! SUBARU PLEASE INVESTIGATE!!

NHTSA ID
11235335
Incident
Jul 26, 2019
Mileage
55,000 mi
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 27, 2019

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE GOING 75 MPH, PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHEN THE CAR RAPIDLY LOST SPEED AND REVVED TO 5500 RPM. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LOSE SPEED AND WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN I PRESSED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR. I HAD TO QUICKLY PULL TO THE LEFT SHOULDER. LUCKILY, THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS PAYING ATTENTION AND WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND NOT HIT US. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND LUCKILY THE VEHICLE DID RESTART. MY FUEL LIGHT HAD JUST TURNED ON MINUTES BEFORE THIS BUT I STILL HAD 60 MILES TO GO BEFORE EMPTY. I WAS PLANNING ON EXITING TO REFUEL BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I STILL DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THIS TO OCCUR. I LEFT A MESSAGE WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND I AM AWAITING A RETURN PHONE CALL TO HAVE THE VEHICLE ASSESSED.

NHTSA ID
11235318
Incident
Jul 25, 2019
Mileage
52,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 7, 2019

MY CAR HAS BEEN LEAKING FOR A LONG WHILE NOW. I DIDN'T EXPECT IT TO HAPPEN BUT WHEN RECENTLY I SAW SMALL DROPS OF OIL, I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID MY CAM BOX SEAL WAS LEAKING AND THEN I WENT INTO MORE RESEARCH. I FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY A COMMON ISSUE FROM MY FELLOW CROSSTREK OWNERS. THIS ISNT ACCEPTABLE AT ALL BECAUSE THIS DOESNT MAKE THESE RELIABLE ANYMORE. IT'S NOW A HEADACHE AND TROUBLE ON THE ROAD. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE THOUGHT OVER IN RESPECT TO US THE CONSUMERS. THE CROSSTREK ARE A VERY POPULAR CAR THAT PEOPLE LOVE INCLUDING ME BUT THIS PROBLEM GIVES EVERYONE OF US TO COMPLAIN TO HAVE IT FIXED.

NHTSA ID
11175083
Incident
Jan 10, 2019
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Jan 16, 2019

I SPILLED 3-4 OUNCES OF COFFEE ON MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. A SHORT TIME LATER, THE SRS AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASH AND MY PASSENGER SEAT WOULD NO LONGER RECOGNIZE THAT A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT (PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT WOULD NOT SWITCH TO ON WHEN A PASSENGER WAS SEATED). I CALLED MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE PASSENGER SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS VERY SENSITIVE AND THAT MOISTURE COULD INTERFERE WITH IT AND DISABLE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG UNTIL THE SENSOR DRIES. APPARENTLY THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. THIS SEEMS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN ANY CAR, BUT ESPECIALLY A SUBARU WHICH IS MARKETED AS AN "OUTDOORS" OR "ADVENTURE" CAR WHERE WET PEOPLE/DOGS/EQUIPMENT COULD REGULARLY BE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND STATIONARY WHEN THE WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON MY DASH.

NHTSA ID
11170300
Incident
Jan 15, 2019
Mileage
59,000 mi
BrakesElectricalSteering
Filed Dec 14, 2018

I WAS DRIVING ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY GOING 55MPH. MY KNEE BUMPED THE STEERING COLUMN AND AT THAT MOMENT THE DASH WENT BLANK, I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER BEFORE THE STEERING LOCKED UP. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED. AFTER AWHILE I DISCOVERED THE CAR WOULD RESTART AND DROVE THE REMAINING 20 MILES HOME WITH NO PROBLEM. IT WASN'T UNTIL I CALLED THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND LOOKED ONLINE THAT I REALIZED WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I'M SHORT , 5'1' AND HAD THE STEERING COLUMN AT THE LOWEST POSITION AND THE SEAT FORWARD. I'VE MOVED THE COLUMN TO THE NEXT SETTING HIGHER AND BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IS NOW UNLIKELY TO RECUR. THE LOWEST COLUMN POSITION SHOULD BE ELIMINATED . DANGEROUS!!

NHTSA ID
11161464
Incident
Dec 12, 2018
Mileage
45,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Nov 15, 2018

FROM A STOP OR AT LOW SPEEDS, WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL THERE IS A DELAY OF APPROXIMATELY 1.5 SECONDS BEFORE THE ENGINE RESPONDS. THIS IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM A DRIVEWAY, OR IF YOU NEED TO QUICKLY MANEUVER TO AVOID A COLLISION. SUBARU TECHNICIANS HAVE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG MECHANICALLY. I BELIEVE THIS IS A FLAW IN THE ECM PROGRAMMING. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALS HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH VARIOUS MODELS OF SUBARU. THERE ARE SEVERAL AFTERMARKET DEVICES WHICH CLAIM TO FIX THIS BY CONNECTING TO THE OBDII PORT AND CHANGING THE PROGRAMMING SO IT MATCHES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LINEARLY. ONE SUCH DEVICE IS HTTPS://WWW.SPRINTBOOSTERSALES.COM/SUBARU I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO RELY ON AN AFTERMARKET ACCESSORY TO ADDRESS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11151849
Incident
Nov 15, 2018
Mileage
52,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 17, 2018

WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ABS, HILL ASSIST, AND VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL LIGHTS ALL LIGHT UP AND LOCK DOWN THE CAR. WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE BUT THE NEXT TIME THE CAR IS STARTED, IT MAY NOT BACK UP OR GO IN DRIVE AGAIN.

NHTSA ID
11129839
Incident
Sep 16, 2018
Mileage
50,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SubaruNet Annoucement (E

This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.

16-156-25R

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)

01-167-08R

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

16-156-25R

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.

SubaruNet Announcement (R

POWER TRAIN

This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

07-240-26R

This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Subaru Crosstrek by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026800
2025430044.0
20241082055.2
2023320046.9
2022290042.1
20211121048.7
2020680043.4
20192837051.9
20181945052.1
2017941042.5
20161311040.4
2015Viewing171031.0
2014161044.0
2013251041.7
2012200

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.