2024 Subaru Crosstrek Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 11%of 120 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60miles
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, 11% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60 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.
“There is something inside the headlights that produces two shadows that are posing a safety risk. When driving and turning the steering wheel the shadows move which look like a small animal is darting out from the sides. The shadows are a distraction and have resulted in rapid braking thinking I was going to hit an animal. I attached photos showing the shadows up close but they are larger when I am driving. They are about the size of a boot or shoe box.”
NHTSA complaint #11631763, filed 2024-12“Bullet 1: headlights defect Bullet 2: I am blinded at night because when I have low beams on there are 4 distinct shadows projected on the road. I can’t drive at night because it not only is very distracting but blocks my vision of the left side of the road. Bullet 3: yes, the problem has been reproduced by the dealer at least twice Bullet 4: it has not been checked by anyone except service and sales reps Bullet 5: there are no warnings, this has been an issue since I started my lease.”
NHTSA complaint #11583996, filed 2024-04“Headlights are extremely dangerous on this model vehicle, the cut off is very sharp and the beam range very restrictive. When going up or down hills vision is almost completely lost. Drivers are lucky to see 10 yards in front of the vehicle at times. Lights are so bright there are also numerous dark/blind spots in the road when driving. When in a 55/65 mph zone, there are times I have to slow down to 30 mph so I can see an appropriate distance ahead of me. Turns and hills being the most severe instances. …”
NHTSA complaint #11554662, filed 2023-11“The headlights allow for only extremely limited visibility. At night, The windshield from the top to about 15” down is black. The lighting is bright for about 50-75’. If I am headed downhill the headlights shine down and the top of the hill can be invisible. Per Subaru this is standard. It is horrible. I can’t believe this hasn’t resulted in a recall. I will not drive the car after dusk. I didn’t notice this problem till about a week ago. I avoid night driving when possible but it shouldn’t be impossible for me to drive at night.”
NHTSA complaint #11626447, filed 2024-11“The SRH headlight system has a Dark square at the top of each side light pattern that is extremely distracting to the driver. As the vehicle is in motion and the headlights are moving back and forth due to steering inputs the dark spots appear almost as if an animal or object is running out in front of you. This constantly moving distraction is an accident waiting to happen”
NHTSA complaint #11614683, filed 2024-09Related service bulletins
- 11012260Dec 13, 2024This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 9% |
| 2025 | 2 | 4% |
| 2024 | 13 | 11% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 5 | 3% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 13% |
| 2013 | 3 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
34 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaintsForward collision avoidance
12 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2024 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