2013 Subaru Crosstrek recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek and 26 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (11), electrical system (5), power train (4).
The 2013 has the fewest owner complaints of any Crosstrek model year from 2013 to 2025. It has 1 recall vs. an average of 1.6 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Exterior lighting · brake lights · switch
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission seized, causing the vehicle to come to a sudden stop. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a transmission solenoid and val…
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after refueling with the fuel tank at 3/4 tank full, the fuel gauge failed to provide the correct fuel level. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the fuel sending tank, but the failure continued to occur. The contact indicated that the failure had caused fuel leakage and spillage while adding f…
Car parked and some electrical wire? Caused car to catch fire? The back drivers side of the hatchback/trunk area was burnt/ melted through to the metal and the wires around the back window on inside were hanging down and hot plastic dripped down onto a box of papers that were in the hatchback. The papers had black burnt spot on them but fortunately did not all burn. There was…
Safety ratings
NHTSA hasn't published 5-star crash ratings for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek.
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek, most recently for exterior lighting · brake lights · switch (02/28/2019). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek?
Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (11), electrical system (5), power train (4).
Is the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek safe?
NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek.
Is the 2013 a good year for the Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2013 has the fewest owner complaints of any Crosstrek model year from 2013 to 2025. It has 1 recall vs. an average of 1.6 per model year.
Own a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: CROSSTREK, Crosstrek.