2017 Subaru Crosstrek

While driving, the car stalls out. Sometimes it recovers automatically, but most times I need to restart it, causing me to be very concerned about a possible rear-end crash. I have taken it to the dealer (Rafferty in Newtown Sq PA) twice. The fist time (Oct 8th) the MAF sensor was replaced and a fuel induction service was performed. The problem seemed to be fixed for about a month and it recurred. The second visit (Nov 6th), the technician wanted to perform a fuel induction again until I reminded him he had already done that. He did replace a clamp on the loose intake hose. Upon return, I looked up the problem online and found some possible solutions that weren't offered, like: 1. Ignition coil ECM short circuit 2. CVT Torque converter lockup solenoid 3. Crankshaft position sensor (perhaps that is the MAF sensor that was replaced) I have opened a case with Subaru (Case #261107-1500076) and am waiting to be contacted by a Field Tech Specialist.

NHTSA ID

11776419

Incident

Oct 5, 2026

*The engine experienced a failure of an internal valve spring, a component that controls the operation of the engine valves. The failure required significant engine repair, including engine teardown. The vehicle was diagnosed by Subaru of Olathe, and the failed component and vehicle should be available for inspection through the servicing dealership. Subaru of America reviewed the dealer's repair estimate and approved partial goodwill assistance toward the repair. *A valve spring failure is a serious engine malfunction that can result in engine performance issues, loss of power, engine stalling, or engine damage while driving. Such a failure has the potential to create a safety hazard if it occurs during vehicle operation, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic. Subaru has previously acknowledged valve spring failures in certain vehicles through Recall WTY-84 involving engine valve spring fractures that could lead to engine malfunction or stalling. *Yes. The failure was diagnosed and confirmed by Subaru of Olathe, which provided a repair estimate totaling several thousand dollars and recommended repair of the valve spring failure. Subaru of America relied on the dealer's diagnosis when approving goodwill assistance toward the repair costs. *The vehicle was inspected by Subaru of Olathe and the diagnosis was reviewed by the [XXX] Customer Advocacy team at Subaru of America as part of a goodwill assistance request. There is no indication that the vehicle was inspected by police, insurance representatives, or other third parties. *Vehicle started stalling at lights and jerking when in motion, seemed to have no power available and dangerous and appeared suddenly in Sept. of 2026. *Vehicle is a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek with approximately 72,000 miles. It was purchased new and maintained primarily through Subaru dealerships. The owner believes a valve spring is not a wear-and-tear item and should reasonably last the life of the engine. Costs over $9000 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

NHTSA ID

11775430

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

Premature shift fork failure in 2017 Subaru Crosstrek manual transmission at 62,521 miles requiring complete transmission replacement ($10,000 repair, vehicle worth $11,000). EVIDENCE OF DESIGN DEFECT: - Subaru issued TSB 03-83-20R acknowledging shift fork design flaws in 2018-2020 Crosstreks with identical transmission - TSB states original forks required "thicker nylon inserts" proving inadequate design - My VIN (HG269902) is before production change (LG225906), confirming defective pre-improvement design - Shift fork failure can cause sudden inability to shift gears while driving - significant safety hazard MAINTENANCE: Single owner, meticulously maintained with documented service at 20k, 39k, 52k, 58k miles. Never in accident. No abuse. MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: Subaru offered only $1,800 (18% coverage) and blamed my "driving habits" despite TSB proving design defect. REQUEST: NHTSA investigate shift fork failures in 2015-2017 Crosstreks and evaluate if TSB 03-83-20R should extend to these model years. See attached: Complete complaint documentation and TSB 03-83-20R.

NHTSA ID

11694927

Incident

Sep 24, 2025

In August of 2024, I got into my car in a parking lot and turned the key in the ignition. The car started revving really high. I waited for it to slow down, and then I put it into reverse. The car shot back and would have hit the building if I hadn't slammed on the brakes. Fortunately, there wasn't anyone behind the car at the time, but the woman who had just walked in back of my car to enter the building stood there looking at me. I slowly put my foot on the gas pedal and drove home. The following day, I had a tow truck come and take the car to the dealer. They did a scheduled maintenance service and replace the throttle body. Everything was fine until 9/28/25. I was driving out of a parking lot and entering the street going very slowly, suddenly the car lurched forward very fast, and I had to slam on my brakes to stop it. I drove it home. I notified a friend who knew a mechanic that he said was familiar with this type of issue. He got in touch with the dealership where the car had been serviced, and I got a call from the Service Department manager. He asked me to bring the car in so they could try to find out what the problem was. He said that if they couldn't find out what it was, an engineer might be called in to inspect the car. I am planning on having the car towed to the dealership this week. On neither occasion did any warning lights come on in the car. It was very fortunate that no one was hurt during either incident, but it could have been tragic. I was only about 15 feet away from a crosswalk when the second incident occurred. I read online that the manufacturer is involved in a lawsuit where several other people have had the same experience, although not the same model as my car. I have driven the same brand of car for about fifteen years and have never had a problem before.

NHTSA ID

11690682

Incident

Sep 28, 2025

The harness on my child's Nuna RAVA loosened during a 30 minute drive home (highway and downtown driving) in May of 2025. I learned later that month that there is a recall on Nuna Ravas for that exact reason. It is available for inspection. My child was not properly secured, and I did not know it until we got home; he could have been killed or seriously injured had we gotten into a collision on that drive. The car seat has not been inspected by anyone. Nuna offered me a “remedy kit” with a screwdriver, a brush, and a mismatched fabric cover, but I am not a safety technician and do not have the time or expertise to take the seat apart myself and still trust it to secure my child. The problem with the harness straps we have is intermittent, and does not replicate when the car is parked and I simply “tug” on the straps. I do not feel that this is an adequate safety test anyway, as it doesn’t replicate the forces or conditions in an accident. I requested a replacement seat, but Nuna denied my request on 7/21 and again on 7/28. Nuna has not supplied crash test results on layperson “repaired” car seats. This defect is the subject of NHTSA actions DP24003 and PE24026. Other RAVA owners have complained that their repaired RAVA still malfunctioned even after using Nuna's "remedy kit." I would like a replacement car seat to ensure my child's safety.

NHTSA ID

11678003

Incident

May 5, 2025

On January 19, 2024 I was slowly pulling in to a parking spot at my doctors office. I did not pull up far enough, as there was a concrete retaining wall at the head of the spot and no tire block for safety. I was maybe 5 feet from the wall when I lightly tapped the gas pedal to inch up (as the back end of the car was sticking out into the passing lane). When I did so, the car slipped into rapid acceleration causing a full head on crash with the retaining wall. I had pressed the break pedal but the brakes did not have enough time to engage before the wall stopped my car. As a result, I had bumper damage, a crooked hood (due to bent hinge on the right side) and a cracked bracket above the light assembly. Thankfully I was not injured, but the repair was costly. I leased this car new in 2017, and am paying off end of lease buyout. I have been the only driver, and I bring my car for regular servicing. At this point I am afraid to drive it because I don't know when or where the next rapid acceleration will occur.

NHTSA ID

11575912

Incident

Jan 19, 2024

There is a battery draining problem. I have had to replace the battery 3 times in a two-year period.

NHTSA ID

11570817

Incident

Feb 8, 2024

Wheel bearing go out after 40K plus miles. After doing research on my own wheels bearings it appears that this is a very common issue for this vehicle. This is not a lot of miles to have on a car before wheel bearings (rear) go bad. Causing extensive damage if not caught and a safety hazard for those opporating the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11569085

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

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