2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Problems
Compared with other Subaru XV Crosstrek years
Typical for this model
57/100 1.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.2× that of a typical Subaru XV 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.
- 15 of its 98 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Engine uses oil between changes (14 complaints, median 73,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2014
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
- 98filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles, 51 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl AWD · 25 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2013 XV Crosstrek most often write about two things: the engine using oil between changes (sometimes from new, with the oil light coming on well before the next service), and the continuously variable transmission going into limp or warning-light mode with fault codes. Two further patterns show up repeatedly in complaints — a key that will not release from the ignition when the car is in park, and clicking front axles or rumbling rear wheel bearings. Complaints are spread from low mileage into six figures, with several engine and transmission reports clustered between roughly 60,000 and 120,000 miles.
- Engine
Engine uses oil between changes
- 14 complaints (14%)
- median 73,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2015–2026
Owners describe the oil level warning light coming on long before the next scheduled change, and some say they have to add a quart every few hundred to a few thousand miles. Several report being told by the dealer that the consumption is within normal limits, or that a sensor was at fault, after the dealer monitored the level. A few connect heavier oil use to work done under the valve spring campaign, while others say it began when the car was new. Reported from a few thousand miles up to the 140,000s, with many owners noticing it before 50,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or burnt smell on the dipstick, and ask for oil-change records showing how much was added between services. Ask whether an oil consumption test was ever run.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The oil level warning light was iluminated. I stopped and added oil. This is a constant problem which is causing me to add a quart of oil once per week. The dealer has a fix but only for vehicles under warranty and since my vehicle is out of warranty, I'll have to pay out of pocket. From online searches, this is an issue affecting many cars. The cost, for me, will be in the thousands of dollars.”
NHTSA complaint #11138856, filed 2018-10, 145,000 miles“My 2013 Subaru crosstrek xv has been burning oil since new. The dealer, and Subaru, have done nothing to help fix the issue. Currently its burning a quart of oil every 2000-3500 miles. This can't be right but Subaru tell me that it is ok for the car to consume a quart of oil every 1200 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10714178, filed 2015-05, 3,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
CVT warning lights, limp mode and loss of power
- 10 complaints (10%)
- median 90,000 mi at 7.3 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2026
Owners describe several dashboard lights coming on together — check engine, transmission temperature, traction control, hill start assist and ABS — sometimes followed by the car dropping into a low-gear or non-shifting state. Complaints mention fault codes for incorrect gear ratio or valve body faults, and repairs billed for a valve body kit and wiring harness. Some report the same lights returning after a transmission fluid flush. Mostly reported between roughly 60,000 and 125,000 miles, often with no warning beforehand.
What to check: Ask whether the CVT fluid was serviced on schedule and whether any valve body or transmission work has been done. On a test drive, watch for delayed engagement, shuddering, or warning lights after the car warms up.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have maintained my vehicle since purchase, always complete routine maintnence and as I was on a trip, all of my lights came on. I flushed transmission and they came back on. I have researched my issue and it is common with this year. Subaru even extended warranty with these years, yet has recalled any of the parts related to the CVT transmission. I had no issues, no warning, was just driving and everything came on.”
NHTSA complaint #11387829, filed 2021-01, 115,000 miles“The vehicle has a continuously variable transmission. When approaching a stop light or stop sign I remove my foot from the gas pedal and then the vehicle starts to slow down. When the engine RPM's reach around 1400 RPM the vehicle quits slowing down and continues forward at what ever speed it is at. The car may not be accelerating but it feels like it is because it quits slowing down. If I touch the brake a bit the engine again slows down until it reaches the idle RPM of about 750. …”
NHTSA complaint #10560378, filed 2014-01, 500 miles - Other or unknown
Key will not come out of the ignition in park
- 9 complaints (9%)
- median 77,000 mi at 7.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2015–2026
Owners report that after shifting into park and shutting the car off, the key stays locked in the ignition, sometimes for minutes or hours. The workaround described is to restart the car, cycle through drive and back into park, sometimes repeatedly. Complaints attribute it to the park-range switch or a related sensor, and one owner reports a bill of several hundred dollars for the repair. Reported from about 23,000 miles into the 140,000s, in everyday use rather than any particular weather.
What to check: Before buying, park the car, switch off and confirm the key releases every time; repeat a few cycles. Ask whether the park-range switch or related sensor has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Two times my vehicle has had a problem releasing my ignition key. I end up having to wiggle the key, put back in drive, park, drive, park, and it finally releases the key. This should be a recall on the vehicle as I see this happening again.”
NHTSA complaint #10763533, filed 2015-09, 23,000 miles“Our Subaru crosstrek recently had a sensor issue causing the car to think it wasn't in park when it was in fact in park. This caused the ignition to not release the key properly, which meant you could not leave the car unless you left the key in the ignition and didn't lock it. This is apparently a common problem on subarus based on talking with service reps and searching the internet. Why this has not been recalled, I am not sure. The repair for this little sensor was quite expensive. $449.00”
NHTSA complaint #11323274, filed 2020-05, 142,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Clicking front axles / CV joints
- 7 complaints (7%)
- median 60,434 mi at 3.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2015–2026
Owners describe a clicking noise on sharp turns that is traced to worn front axle or CV joints, with replacement needed at mileages some consider early. Complaints mention the dealer citing road conditions as the cause, and some owners report repeat replacements within a few tens of thousands of miles. Reported from around 36,000 to 65,000 miles and again on repeat repairs; often noticed first at low-speed turns.
What to check: Drive slowly in a tight circle with the windows down and listen for clicking from the front corners; inspect the CV boots for cracks or grease leakage, and ask for service records on axle replacement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2013 Subaru Xv Crosstrek was purchased brand new in september 2013. Within 65k miles I had to replace the cv joint on both front wheels (issue was indicated by a clicking sound from the wheel when turning right or left). Again, at around 120k miles I had to replace them both, and now, a third time at 182k miles. After doing much research this is a common issue on the Xv Crosstrek that is not related to driving conditions, road conditions, or due to physical damage to the part or vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11105320, filed 2018-07, 65,000 miles“Cv joint & front axel I have had to replace my front axels twice now in my crosstrek. Once at 36k miles and again at 59k. Both times I diagnosed the issue when I heard a clicking noise on sharp turns. I brought the vehicle in for repair at the dealership on both occasions as well. The crosstrek online forums have listed many stories like mine, with people reporting the same issue of needing to replace their axels prematurely. The average lifespan of an axel is normally closer to 100k+ miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11071994, filed 2018-02, 36,000 miles - Wheels
Rumble or hum from rear wheel bearings
- 5 complaints (5%)
- median 98,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2020
Owners describe a rumble or hum from the rear of the car while driving that is traced to a wheel bearing and hub assembly, in some cases on both sides and sometimes along with a rear differential concern. Complaints report that the bearing and hub had to be replaced, and one notes the noise was accompanied by a drop in fuel economy. Mostly reported between roughly 60,000 and 130,000 miles.
What to check: On a test drive at highway speed, listen for a steady hum or rumble from the rear that changes when you steer gently left and right, and ask whether any wheel bearing or hub has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“At approximately 64k miles our Xv Crosstrek began emitting a loud hum from the rear and our gas mileage decreased significantly (18 mpg). When we took it into our mechanic, he found that the rear hubs were dangerously degraded and that the rear differential was failing. In his opinion, failure of those systems at only 64k miles suggested a design or part defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11282056, filed 2019-11, 64,400 miles“Rumble noise coming from rear of vehicle while driving. Upon inspection, it was found that left wheel bearing and hub assembly and brake backing plate needed replaced. Without replacement, wheel could fall off.”
NHTSA complaint #11311736, filed 2020-02, 106,566 miles
Buying note. This model year draws a fairly consistent set of owner reports, so a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers oil consumption, CVT behavior and fault codes, rear bearings and the ignition key release will tell you most of what matters. Service records showing regular oil checks and CVT maintenance are worth asking for.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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 98 consumer complaints for the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek. 51 of the complaints include a mileage, and 37% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 66,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 300 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 2 Subaru XV Crosstrek model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 57 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.
- Engine35 36%
- Other or unknown20 20%
- Electrical system14 14%
- Steering9 9.2%
- Brakes6 6.1%
- Wheels6 6.1%
- Fuel system5 5.1%
- Vehicle speed control5 5.1%
Also reported: Air bags (4), Electronic stability control (3), Exterior lighting (3), Equipment (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “After taking my vehicle into dealership for valve spring recall, service rep also suggested oil change at same time. I agreed. As soon as I drove it off the dealership lot, check oil light came on. I immediately returned car to have it checked but dealership said oil was full, probably faulty sensor and sent me away without fully checking the car. Check oil light would intermittently light up when driving locally. …”
NHTSA complaint #11287482, filed 2019-12, 82,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Took my vehicle in for a recall service for the engine valve spring. After the service was completed and with a little over a hundred miles driven since the service, my engine stopped while at a red. After restarting the car, my engine light has come on.”
NHTSA complaint #11208427, filed 2019-05, 71,000 milesOther or unknown: “My Subaru dealer completed 2 recall items on 7/24/2019 - 8/1/2019 on my 2013 Subaru crosstrek.the engine valve springs and break light switch. After work was completed, on 8/1/2019 I had my bumper replaced from a rear-end accident I experienced on 7/16 (possible break light switch malfunction-- it was the third time I have been rear-ended in this car since purchase). 8/7/2019 I picked up my car from the autobody shop and drove 2 mi. Home and parked with no issue. 8/8/2019 I drove 35 mi. One way to work without incident... …”
NHTSA complaint #11243427, filed 2019-08, 93,000 milesElectrical system: “On two occasions while traveling over 70 MPH on I-26 outside of columbia, sc the vehicle's electric system appeared to malfunction and vehicle died immediately. The clock, fuel economy readings, and radio shut off. The vehicle stalled and had to be maneuvered to the shoulder of the interstate with no acceleration capability or power steering. The vehicle was capable of being restarted. On the first occasion, I restarted the vehicle and there were no faults, errors or anything noted so I continued to drive, assuming it was a one time event. …”
NHTSA complaint #11372655, filed 2020-11, 121,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
37% of the 51 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 23,000 and 100,300 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.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 Subaru XV 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XV Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| XV Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 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
- 18V772000Nov 1, 2018Engine and engine cooling › EngineCovers: Subaru XV Crosstrek 2013, Impreza 2012–2014, BRZ 2013 +1 more
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine…
- 13V061000Feb 25, 2013EquipmentCovers: Subaru XV Crosstrek 2013, Outback 2010–2013, Legacy 2010–2013 +1 more
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission…
Recall details for the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek → · Check a 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. 300 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 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.
- 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.
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to…
- 11036796Aug 13, 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.)
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Electrical system. Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026Electrical 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
- 11034249Jun 12, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
Other model years of the Subaru XV Crosstrek
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 79 | 37,801 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 81 | 50,000 | 0 | 5 | 28 | 35 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 98 | 66,000 | 2 | — | 28 | 57 · Typical | Falling |
All Subaru XV Crosstrek model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek?
Owners of the 2013 XV Crosstrek most often write about two things: the engine using oil between changes (sometimes from new, with the oil light coming on well before the next service), and the continuously variable transmission going into limp or warning-light mode with fault codes. The issues reported most often: Engine uses oil between changes; CVT warning lights, limp mode and loss of power; Key will not come out of the ignition in park.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek have?
NHTSA recorded 98 consumer complaints for the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 35 complaints (36% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 22.
Has the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek (XV Crosstrek AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek reported?
Among the 51 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 66,000 miles and the middle half falls between 23,000 and 100,300 miles; 37% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. 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.