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2014 Subaru Crosstrek Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis

Complaint Summary

The 2014 Subaru Crosstrek has 22 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve power train and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

8.3/ 10

Based on 22 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

POWER TRAIN

7 31.8%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 13.6%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 9.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 9.1%

ENGINE

2 9.1%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is POWER TRAIN, accounting for 31.8% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 9 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2014 Subaru Crosstrek has 22 owner complaints in this dataset. POWER TRAIN is the most common complaint category, representing about 32% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek are POWER TRAIN (7), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 7 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2014 Subaru Crosstrek?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2016 Crosstrek complaints2017 Crosstrek complaints2018 Crosstrek complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 9 of 9 systems

POWER TRAIN

7 Reports32% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AUTOMOBILE WAS TAKEN TO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE AND WHEN CAR WAS ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE OUT THERE WAS A SLIPPAGE OF THE DRIVE TRAIN. I STOPPED AND HAD THE CAR CARRIED TO A MECHANIC THAT I TRUSTED. I EXPLAINED TO HIM WHAT I HAD OBSERVED AT THE CHANGING OF THE OIL AND AS A PRECAUTION HE DRAINED BOTH THE OIL AND THE TRANSMISSION AS I TOLD HIM THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT THEY MAY HAVE DRAINED THE TRANSMISSION OIL. HE REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL WITH THE PROPER TRANSMISSION FLUID AS CALLED FOR BY SUBARU. THE CAR STILL WOULD NOT RUN PROPERLY. I THEN HAD THE CAR TRANSPORTED TO THE SUBARU DEALER HERE IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA, CLASSIC CADILLAC. THE SUBARU DEALER SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT TELL ME WAS WRONG, HOWEVER I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. WE THEN CALLED THE SUBARU NATIONAL OFFICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE WARRANTY WAS VOIDED BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN PERFORMED BY AN UNAUTHORIZED COMPANY AND NOT BY SUBARU. THE PERSON SPOKEN TO WAS A MS. S. BROWN WHO IDENTIFIED HERSELF AS THE PERSON AT SUBARU THAT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR WARRANTIES. MS. BROWN INSISTED THAT THE OIL CHANGE AND THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION S TRANSMISSION WAS QUOTED AS $7,800.00. THIS IS SO EVEN THOUGH NO ONE FROM SUBARU COULD TELL US WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION THAT REQUIRED THAT IT BE REPLACED. I WOULD APPEAR THAT WE ARE THE VICTIMS OF THE REFUSAL OF SUBARU NOT TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF CASES OF TRANSMISSIONS PROBLEMS, THIS IS SO EVEN THOUGH WE JUST RECEIVED A LETTER FROM SUBARU EXTENDING THE WARRANTY ON THE POWER TRAIN. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVEN AT ANY TIME DURING EACH TIME THAT THE CAR WAS LOOKED BY ANY MECHANICS.

7/17/2017

NORMAL ACCELERRATION VEHICLE MAKES WINDING NOISE. DOES NOT ACCELERATE, ENGINE RPM INCREASES. PROLONG TIME TO ACCELERATE TO NORMAL SPEED AT THE TIME.(I.E. 50MPH).

10/30/2017

5 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 Reports14% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

NORMAL ACCELERRATION VEHICLE MAKES WINDING NOISE. DOES NOT ACCELERATE, ENGINE RPM INCREASES. PROLONG TIME TO ACCELERATE TO NORMAL SPEED AT THE TIME.(I.E. 50MPH).

10/30/2017

WHEEL BEARINGS 3 SO FAR HAVE FAILED WHILE IN MOTION

3/22/2018

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING ON THE TURNPIKE, ALL MY DASH LIGHTS WENT ON, & THE CAR STARTED BUCKING LIKE AN UNBROKEN HORSE AT 70 MILES AN HOUR WHILE I WAS SURROUNDED BY TRACTOR TRAILERS. I MANAGED TO GET HOME BY SWITCHING THE CAR TO MANUAL SHIFTING. TAKING THE CAR TO THE SUBARU DEALER, I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT: 1. THAT RODENTS HAD EATEN PARTIALLY THROUGH MY SPEED SENSOR WIRE AND IT FINALLY COMPLETELY DISCONNECTED WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. THE SPEED SENSOR WIRE IS WHAT TELLS THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT. 2. THAT THEY SEE THIS PROBLEM AT LEAST 1 TO 2 TIMES A DAY!! 3. THAT THE SENSOR WIRE IS COATED WITH PEANUT OIL!!! (ARE YOU KIDDING ME?) 4. THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY 6 YEAR, 600,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY PURCHASED IN ADDITION TO THE VEHICLE. AND YES, THE WIRE WAS REPLACED WITH THE EXACT SAME WIRE WHICH THEY CANNOT GUARANTEE THIS WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. THE DEALER'S SOLUTION: MOTHBALLS AROUND MY CAR EVERY TIME I PARK ANYWHERE OR URINATE AROUND MY CAR. HUMANS ARE APPARENTLY THE BEST 'PREDATOR' TO DETER RODENTS. MY 16 YEAR OLD SON IS LEARNING TO DRIVE & I HAD BEEN TEACHING HIM TO DRIVE ON MY SUBARU BELIEVING IT TO BE THE SAFER OF MY FAMILY'S VEHICLES. HE WOULD HAVE PANICKED ON THE HIGHWAY IF THAT HAPPENED TO HIM AND SOMEONE WOULD BE HURT, IF NOT DEAD. AS IT WAS, WITH 20 YEARS PLUS EXPERIENCE DRIVING, IT WAS STILL A SHOCK AND HAD THE TRACTOR TRAILER I PASSED RIGHT BEFORE THE CAR WENT CRAZY NOT BEEN PAYING ATTENTION OR BEEN TIRED, THAT TRUCK WOULD HAVE HIT MY CAR AT 70 MILES AN HOUR. UNFORTUNATELY, MY 'DAMAGES' FROM THE ORDEAL ARE ONLY MY $100 INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE AND SOME TIME OFF WORK, SO I DON'T MAKE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A SUIT AGAINST SUBARU. THE CONCERN IS IN WEIGHING COST VERSUS BENEFITS, THE CAR MANUFACTURERS WILL WAIT TO CHANGE ANYTHING UNTIL ENOUGH PEOPLE GET HURT OR DIE TO MAKE IT COST EFFECTIVE TO CHANGE THEIR PRACTICES. PLEASE DO SOMETHING!

7/7/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE DEALER (DELLA SUBARU, 5105 U.S. AVE, PLATTSBURGH, NY 12901, (518) 324-8400) DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

12/14/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON NOVEMBER 11TH, 2017 AT 12:30AM A POLICE OFFICER WOKE US UP TO INFORM US THAT OUR HAD SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A CITY STREET, TURNED OFF, AND NOT MOVING. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED AND TURNED OFF FOR FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 HOURS BEFORE IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RULED THAT IT WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE AND NOT ARSON. THE FIRE ALSO TOTALED THE CAR THAT WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF IT. THE REASON FOR THE FIRE IS CURRENTLY UNKNOWN ALTHOUGH THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS ASSIGNING AN INVESTIGATOR TO FOLLOW UP ON THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AS A PRE-OWNED LEASE AND HAD 53,000 MILES ON IT. WE ALSO HAD ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PREFORMED AND OIL CHANGES EVERY 4,500 MILES. THE POLICE REPORT FOR THIS CASE IS THROUGH THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA POLICE DEPARTMENT - INCIDENT # 17-142429.

11/11/2017

THE FIRST TIME THE INSTANCE HAPPEN I STARTED THE CAR AND ALL THE INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WERE LIT. THE MECHANIC COULDN'T FIND A REASON WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN, SO HE JUST RESET IT AND THE LIGHTS WENT OFF. A FEW WEEKS LATER I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY HOME FROM WORK AND ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO A DIFFERENT A MECHANIC AND HE CAN NOT FIND WHY THIS WOULD BE HAPPENING.

4/16/2019

ENGINE

2 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON NOVEMBER 11TH, 2017 AT 12:30AM A POLICE OFFICER WOKE US UP TO INFORM US THAT OUR HAD SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A CITY STREET, TURNED OFF, AND NOT MOVING. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED AND TURNED OFF FOR FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 HOURS BEFORE IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RULED THAT IT WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE AND NOT ARSON. THE FIRE ALSO TOTALED THE CAR THAT WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF IT. THE REASON FOR THE FIRE IS CURRENTLY UNKNOWN ALTHOUGH THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS ASSIGNING AN INVESTIGATOR TO FOLLOW UP ON THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AS A PRE-OWNED LEASE AND HAD 53,000 MILES ON IT. WE ALSO HAD ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PREFORMED AND OIL CHANGES EVERY 4,500 MILES. THE POLICE REPORT FOR THIS CASE IS THROUGH THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA POLICE DEPARTMENT - INCIDENT # 17-142429.

11/11/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE DEALER (DELLA SUBARU, 5105 U.S. AVE, PLATTSBURGH, NY 12901, (518) 324-8400) DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

12/14/2018

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

IT IS OCTOBER 2018 AND I HAVE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHTS THREE TIMES SINCE FEBRUARY 2018. THE LIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY BURN OUT. I HAVE READ FORUMS ONLINE OF OTHERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS, AS WELL.

10/13/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE IN TIME TO AVOID A REAR END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON MAY 28, 2018 AND HAD NUMEROUS FAILURES, INCLUDING THE CLUTCH FAILING AND THE BUSHING ON THE FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS CRACKED AND RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD CERTIFIED BY SUBARU EL CAJON (900 ARNELE AVE, EL CAJON, CA 92020, (619) 440-0404) WHO STATED THAT ANY FAILURE THAT OCCURRED WOULD BE REPLACED AT NO COST. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

5/2/2019

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE IN TIME TO AVOID A REAR END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON MAY 28, 2018 AND HAD NUMEROUS FAILURES, INCLUDING THE CLUTCH FAILING AND THE BUSHING ON THE FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS CRACKED AND RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD CERTIFIED BY SUBARU EL CAJON (900 ARNELE AVE, EL CAJON, CA 92020, (619) 440-0404) WHO STATED THAT ANY FAILURE THAT OCCURRED WOULD BE REPLACED AT NO COST. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

5/2/2019

2014 SUBARU XV CROSSTREK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 19V-149. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED. *JS

7/15/2019

SUSPENSION

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

MY VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BY ME AT 24K MILES I HAVE DRIVEN NOW TO 70K MILES AND NEED 2 NEW FRONT AXELS. I HAVE BEEN SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 3 HOURS AND THEY HAVE GONE THROUGH 3 DIFFERENT REPLACEMENT AXELS ON THE LEFT SIDE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS CAR HAS GIVEN ME ISSUES BUT BEING LESS THAN 100K MILES AND NEEDING 2 NEW AXLES?? THAT IS INSANE. THE CAR CLICKS WHEN I TURN AND MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE

11/19/2018

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 Report5% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE HOOD OPENED ON MY 2014 SUBARU CROSSTREK WHILE DRIVING CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. CURIOUS ABOUT OTHER REPORTS AND WHO TO CONTACT AT SUBARU?

6/13/2019

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek?

The most reported complaint category for the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek is POWER TRAIN, with 7 owner reports. That is about 32% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.

Are complaints about the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 7 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek severe?

7 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Subaru Crosstrek: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
22
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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