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EnginePart report

2020 Subaru Crosstrek Engine Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
7%of 69 total for the year
Median mileage
25,602miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, 7% of the 69 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,602 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.

“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

“My 2020 Subaru Crosstrek experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalled due to a blown ignition fuse. Diagnostic code P1604 (Startability Malfunction) was stored. Inspection by Wayne Subaru (Invoice #25340) confirmed the Cylinder 3 ignition coil had shorted and physically melted. This is the exact failure mode described in Subaru Safety Recall WRE-21 (NHTSA Campaign 21V825000), which currently only covers 2018–2019 models. My vehicle experienced a thermal event and a stall despite being a 2020 model. The dealer replaced only the melted coil and did NOT update the ECM software. …”

NHTSA complaint #11735976, filed 2026-05

“The auto engine shut off was disengaged by the dealer while doing some repair. When we picked up the car, noticed engine trouble icons signifying this. We called the dealer and advised of this situation. We had asked if it could be disconnected and was told no, it is forbidden and a safety issue. So when I advised it was turned off, the dealer then refused to work on the car any further or to turn it back on. THEY ARE THE ONLY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER IN KNOXVILLE. That certified mechanic is the one who DID NOT reconnect this safety feature and then refused to fix it. …”

NHTSA complaint #11577568, filed 2024-03

“The contact's significant other owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while his significant other was driving from a complete stop, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer replaced the battery, the fuel cap, and cleared the warning lights; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #11595485, filed 2024-06, 51,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026110%
202512%
202476%
2023514%
2022310%
20211614%
202057%
20193412%
20183216%
20171011%
20161411%
2015529%
2014213%
20131142%

Other parts of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaints
Electrical system
11 complaints
Other or unknown
9 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
9 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
2 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints
Body and structure
2 complaints
Vehicle speed control
2 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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