2026 Subaru Crosstrek recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and 11 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are unknown or other (3), electrical system (2), lane departure (2). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 29–36 mpg combined, depending on configuration. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2026 has the fewest owner complaints of any Crosstrek model year from 2013 to 2026. It has 1 recall vs. an average of 1.6 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Suspension · front · control arm · lower ball joint
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles. The castle nut on the left-front lower control arm ball joint may be improperly fastened, which can lead to the ball joint separating from the lower control arm.
Risk: A ball joint that separates from the lower control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the left-front lower control arm ball joint assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 16, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI26.
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
I rented this car and what I noticed is that the highly polished LCD display reflects sunlight into the driver's eyes. This was noticed while driving North at approximately 7:30AM until 10:00AM. The reflection is actually blinding. The screen should have a matte finish to minimize this blinding reflection.
Multiple times the vehicle has allowed lane crossing with no warning neither actual assist or beep into oncoming traffic. A vehicle abruptly stopped approximately 75 feet ahead of me the vehicle did not respond and I did have to slam my brakes. I was able to stop with only 3 feet between me and the stopped vehicle. Automatic collision avoidance neither attempted to stop nor gav…
The front door check strap / door detent mechanism (both front doors). The vehicle is in my possession and available for inspection upon request. VIN and service records available. The front doors do not hold reliably in their intermediate detent positions. The door swings closed unintentionally, with no input from the occupant, on a near-daily basis. On one occasion the drive…
Safety ratings
2026 SUBARU CROSSTREK SW N/A AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
Crosstrek AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Crosstrek Hybrid AWD
Auto (AV-S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, most recently for suspension · front · control arm · lower ball joint (10/19/2026). 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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are unknown or other (3), electrical system (2), lane departure (2).
Is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek safe?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2026 a good year for the Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2026 has the fewest owner complaints of any Crosstrek model year from 2013 to 2026. It has 1 recall vs. an average of 1.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek get?
EPA ratings for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek range from 29 to 36 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2026 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 November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: CROSSTREK, Crosstrek.