2020 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Compared with other Subaru Crosstrek years
Typical for this model
64/100 1.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.4× that of a typical Subaru Crosstrek year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 45 of its 70 complaints were filed by the end of 2022.
- Most reported problem: Windshield cracks without a visible impact (32 complaints, median 6,400 mi).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2022, 2023
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 70filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 5,200miles, 31 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 30 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl AWD · 27 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2020 Crosstrek most often describe windshields that crack or chip with no visible impact, typically in the first few thousand miles and sometimes while the car is parked, plus cold-weather window binding. A smaller but recurring group of complaints covers transmission noise and replacement, battery drain and no-start conditions, and rear differential failures on Hybrid versions.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield cracks without a visible impact
- 32 complaints (46%)
- median 6,400 mi at 0.9 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- filed 2020–2025
Complaints describe cracks or chips appearing in the front windshield with no rock strike or debris noted, often starting near the rearview mirror, the lower edge, or under the wiper and window seals, and spreading within hours or days. Several owners say the car was parked in a garage or carport when the crack was first seen; others noticed it after starting the wipers or while driving at normal speeds. Dealers commonly told owners the damage looked like a stone chip and referred them to their insurance company or a glass shop rather than covering replacement. Mostly reported under about 17,000 miles, frequently within the first months of ownership and in mixed weather.
What to check: Inspect the windshield closely along the edges, around the rearview mirror and under the wiper cowl for hairline cracks or chips, and ask whether any glass has been replaced and on what basis.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“As I was driving to work in the morning around 7am with only 2 other cars in other lanes not near me, I heard a sudden crack. I looked over to the right lower side of my windshield and saw a dent and a crack about 2-3 inches. I don't think it's a rock but that wouldn't have caused such a loud and big crack all of a sudden. I have other cars(not subarus) and I have never seen a crack form like that before. …”
NHTSA complaint #11387612, filed 2021-01, 2,000 miles“Immediately after activating my front windshield wipers, I hear a cracking pop sound from my wind shield and a 12 inch crack appears, stemming from the center of the rear view mirror and extending diagonally to the top edge of the wind shield. My car is only seven months old with less than 8000 miles on it and has never been struck by a piece of gravel or debris. This happened on a sunny day while driving 25 MPH down a city street in ames, ia. …”
NHTSA complaint #11337431, filed 2020-07, 8,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission whine, hesitation, and replacement
- 7 complaints (10%)
- median 12,000 mi at 3.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2022–2026
Complaints describe a whining or moaning noise at low speed while accelerating or backing up, occasional hesitation, and in some cases a dealer diagnosis that the transmission needed replacement, sometimes more than once. A few owners mention valve body or torque converter codes and say the dealer referenced a service bulletin covering earlier model years. Others report loss of acceleration or unexpected movement when shifting into reverse. Spread from a few thousand miles up to the mid-30,000s, often noticed at low speed or while turning.
What to check: Listen for whine or groan at low speed in forward and reverse, ask for the service history on the CVT, and ask whether any CVT diagnostic bulletins were applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2020 Subaru Crosstrek CVT Valve Body equipment failure and CVT Torque Converter failure. This appears to be a common failure for prior Subaru Crosstrek model - however was not extended for coverage to 2020 and beyond models - appears the issue still persists and additional year models should be covered. My vehicle experience the same failure for CVT Valve Body failure and CVT Torque Converter while driving at highway speeds. …”
NHTSA complaint #11737051, filed 2026-05“What component of system failed: transmission At low speeds, my car makes a low moaning sound. I took it to the subaru dealership and after 2.5 hours, they said it's an issue with the transmission and needs a full replacement. Safety: According to a local subaru dealer's website, While it might be tempting to keep driving despite a known transmission fault, especially if the car seems to be running ‘fine’, there are inherent risks. …”
NHTSA complaint #11637535, filed 2025-01 - Electrical system
Battery drain and no-start after sitting
- 7 complaints (10%)
- median 26,000 mi at 2.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2021–2026
Owners report the battery draining low enough that the car will not start after sitting unused for a few days, with one describing the battery only reaching about half charge even in regular use. One owner was told by the dealer the car should be started daily; another reported sparks under the hood at the start button and was offered a battery charger. Some complaints also mention the auto start-stop system failing to restart the engine at a stop. Reported from very low mileage, often within the first year and after short trips or several days parked.
What to check: Ask whether the battery has been replaced and check its age, and note whether the car has sat for extended periods; a parasitic draw bulletin exists for diagnosing drain.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car wouldn't start after stopping to visit a friend. The friend watched under the hood when I pressed the start button. He saw sparks from under the hood. I had driven over 27 miles that day before this happened. The dealer said it was because I made too many short trips. They offered to install a battery charger which I don't feel should be necessary on a brand new car.”
NHTSA complaint #11415012, filed 2021-05, 1,000 miles“Beginning one year after buying this used 2020 Subaru Crosstrek base trim the starter failed and battery fully died after failing to start from a stop. The engine was OFF due to the auto-stop system and failed upon lifting my foot from the brake on a slight incline, causing a constant warning beep and a starter system failure message on the dash display. Immediately after failing to start the brake pressure significantly dropped causing my car to roll into the front of the car behind it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11725956, filed 2026-03
Buying note. Check the windshield and glass carefully and ask for the full service history, particularly on the CVT and, for Hybrid versions, the rear differential. Confirm the battery's condition and whether the car has had repeat no-start visits.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 58 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 70 consumer complaints for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. 31 of the complaints include a mileage, and 97% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 5,200 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 406 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 8 Subaru Crosstrek model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 64 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system11 16%
- Other or unknown9 13%
- Engine5 7.1%
- Fuel system3 4.3%
- Brakes2 2.9%
- Seat belts2 2.9%
- Body and structure2 2.9%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “I bought my 2020 Subaru Crosstrek in may of 2020. The windshield is up to two cracks. I had the first filled through my insurance company and I just discovered the second today. Both cracks happens while driving on the interstate.”
NHTSA complaint #11399818, filed 2021-03, 14,000 milesElectrical system: “I own a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. While driving on the freeway in heavy traffic, I had to make a hard stop due to traffic ahead. When the vehicle came to a complete stop, the engine automatically shut off as part of the vehicle’s auto start-stop system. When I released the brake to proceed with traffic, the vehicle attempted to restart, but displayed a “Disabled” message and the auto start-stop system became disabled. I had to turn the vehicle completely off and restart it manually while stopped in active freeway traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11763854, filed 2026-09Transmission and drivetrain: “The rear differential on my PHEV Crosstrek failed around 31,500 miles. My spouse was driving under 30mph and turning, and heard a clunking/popping/metal-on-metal sound that persisted intermittently for the remainder of the drive home. Since then on 1/8/26, the sound has been aggravated and persistent, every 45 seconds or so while driving, mostly while turning, so we brought it in and were alerted to significant and large metal shavings in the rear differential oil. …”
NHTSA complaint #11720387, filed 2026-02Other or unknown: “Driving the vehicle on the I-5 freeway, approximately 65mph, the sunroof glass suddenly shattered. It sounded like an explosion. The sunshade was closed , no glass shards entered the vehicle. There were no other vehicles close to mine, no tractor trailers in front of me.”
NHTSA complaint #11523711, filed 2023-05Mileage when problems were reported
97% of the 31 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,000 and 12,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek · wagon AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.6% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking optional.
Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating; 2021: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2020 Subaru Crosstrek version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 27 | 33 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 406 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026Electrical system. "This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037928Sep 14, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Head Unit used in the listed models and model years…
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036822Aug 31, 2026Body and structure. This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of surface rust accumulating in the top center retaining nut area of the front strut mounts. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036804Aug 21, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
Other model years of the Subaru Crosstrek
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | — | 1 | — | 29 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 46 | 8,000 | 0 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 120 | 10,100 | 2 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 35 | 16,500 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 34 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 31 | 34,000 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 15 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 115 | 2,460 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 93 · More | Stable |
| 2020 | 70 | 5,200 | 0 | 5 | 30 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
| 2019 | 285 | 10,542 | 7 | 5 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 195 | 18,000 | 5 | 5 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 94 | 27,800 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 132 | 37,620 | 1 | 5 | — | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 17 | 50,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2014 | 16 | 60,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2013 | 26 | 68,050 | 1 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
All Subaru Crosstrek model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?
Owners of the 2020 Crosstrek most often describe windshields that crack or chip with no visible impact, typically in the first few thousand miles and sometimes while the car is parked, plus cold-weather window binding. The issues reported most often: Windshield cracks without a visible impact; Transmission whine, hesitation, and replacement; Battery drain and no-start after sitting.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA recorded 70 consumer complaints for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 34 complaints (49% of the total), followed by electrical system with 11.
Has the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek (Crosstrek AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 30 mpg combined, 27 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek reported?
Among the 31 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 5,200 miles and the middle half falls between 2,000 and 12,000 miles; 97% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.