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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
22about this part
Share
22%of 98 total for the year
Median mileage
65,500miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek, 22% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,500 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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

“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

“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 miles

“Hill descent, sway control, ABS lights came on at the same time on the way to work, I was coming of an exit. I had the codes checked and nothing was showing. Over a month later, the check engine and transmission temp lights came on my to work. I immediately turned around and parked my car. Trans temp light was blinking. A few days later I had it taken to a Subaru dealership for service. I paid for a diagnostic. The result was a $1600 bill for a valve body kit, trans cover gasket, o-ring, trans body wiring harness.”

NHTSA complaint #11407085, filed 2021-04, 90,000 miles

“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

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20151823%
20141316%
20132222%

Other parts of the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

Engine
35 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 Subaru XV 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