2013 Subaru Crosstrek Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 15%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,141miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek, 15% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,141 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Solenoid valve in CVT cracked after 6.5 years of use (roughly 140k - 160k miles). Got it fixed, then 1 year later (another 40k - 20k miles), it went out again. This time the whole transmission needed to be replaced. Both times I was accelerating. The first time from a stop, and second time I was on the freeway going about 70 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #11119716, filed 2018-08, 186,000 miles“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 a service manager when the car had approx, 55k to give this car to a mechanic, service writer or him self to go on vacation with a free car. The service manager declined saying there is nothing wrong with the car and would not let anybody take the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11000317, filed 2017-06, 74 miles“When turning right heard clicking se from right front; garage replaced axle 74,141 miles. Was told by 1st garage that this was their 3rd 2013 Crosstrek in the last month that was having this problem. Subaru dealer told me they were not aware of a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11021331, filed 2017-09, 74,141 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission seized, causing the vehicle to come to a sudden stop. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a transmission solenoid and valve body failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer for regular maintenance 3,000 miles prior to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11762874, filed 2026-09Related service bulletins
- 11036810Aug 20, 2026This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised…
- 11034242Jun 2, 2026This 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…
- 11033063May 13, 2026This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
- 11033056May 4, 2026This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
- 11032040Apr 24, 2026This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
- 11024861Nov 4, 2025This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which enhancement was implemented to prevent abnormal operations. The updated valve body incorporates…
- 11023523Sep 30, 2025This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11014872Feb 18, 2025This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly.
- 11005624Jul 24, 2024This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 14 | 12% |
| 2020 | 11 | 15% |
| 2019 | 24 | 8% |
| 2018 | 14 | 7% |
| 2017 | 13 | 14% |
| 2016 | 18 | 14% |
| 2015 | 6 | 35% |
| 2014 | 7 | 44% |
| 2013 | 4 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek
11 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology