2020 Subaru Crosstrek Owner Complaints

I WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON SMOOTH INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH LIGHT TRAFFIC . THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION. AFTER STOPPING IN A SAFE LOCATION, I DISCOVERED THE MOON ROOF HAD SHATTERED INTO TINY PIECES. I AM POSITIVE THERE WERE NO ROCKS OR STRUCTURES ABOVE..THERE WAS 1500 MILES ON THE CAR. THE SLIDING CEILING WAS CLOSED OR THERE WOULD BE SHATTERED GLASS ALL OVER THE INTERIOR. NO ONE WAS INJURED BUT IT WAS VERY DISTRACTING AND COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO LOOSE CONTROL. THE MOONROOF GLASS MAY HAVE BEEN FAULTY. THE DEALER REPLACED IT AT NO COST TO ME.

1/17/2020

MINOR ROCK CHIP, NO LARGER THAN A WATCH SCREW, NEAR THE WINDOW MOUNT QUICKLY DEVELOPED INTO A 4-INCH CRACK OVER A PERIOD OF APPROXIMATELY 12 HOURS. ROCK CHIP OCCURRED ON CITY STREETS, MOVING NO FASTER THAN 40 MPH.

3/3/2020

WE HAD A REMOTE START INSTALLED BY THE DEALERSHIP PRIOR TO ACCEPTING DELIVERY OF THE CAR. TWO DAYS LATER, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNABLE TO START. THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP (SPORT SUBARU SOUTH IN ORLANDO FL) SENT A TECHNICIAN TO REPAIR THE CAR, RATHER THAN TOWING IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND REPAIRING IT THERE. THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THE REMOTE START WAS DEFECTIVE AND REROUTED THE STARTING PROCEDURE. SINCE THEN, THE CAR MAKES A HORRIBLE NOISE ON COLD STARTS. THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN TO HAVE THE REST OF THE REMOTE START COMPONENTS REMOVED, BUT THEY CLAIMED TO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE SOUND. WE FEEL THESE REMOTE STARERS ARE UNSAFE AND LIKELY DAMAGING THE VEHICLE'S STARTER, AND POSSIBLY OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. WE HAVE VIDEO OF THE CAR NOT STARTING AND THE ENGINE NOISE.

4/22/2020

WHILE SITTING AT RED LIGHT, I HEARD A POP. AFTER EXAMINING CAR, REALIZED THAT THE WINDSHIELD HAD CRACKED NEAR THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. *TR

5/16/2020

WE HAD A REMOTE START INSTALLED BY THE DEALERSHIP PRIOR TO ACCEPTING DELIVERY OF THE CAR. TWO DAYS LATER, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNABLE TO START. THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP (SPORT SUBARU SOUTH IN ORLANDO FL) SENT A TECHNICIAN TO REPAIR THE CAR, RATHER THAN TOWING IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND REPAIRING IT THERE. THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THE REMOTE START WAS DEFECTIVE AND REROUTED THE STARTING PROCEDURE. SINCE THEN, THE CAR MAKES A HORRIBLE NOISE ON COLD STARTS. THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN TO HAVE THE REST OF THE REMOTE START COMPONENTS REMOVED, BUT THEY CLAIMED TO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE SOUND. WE FEEL THESE REMOTE STARERS ARE UNSAFE AND LIKELY DAMAGING THE VEHICLE'S STARTER, AND POSSIBLY OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. WE HAVE VIDEO OF THE CAR NOT STARTING AND THE ENGINE NOISE.

4/22/2020

MY CAR WOULDN'T START AFTER STOPPING TO VISIT A FRIEND. THE FRIEND WATCHED UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I PRESSED THE START BUTTON. HE SAW SPARKS FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD DRIVEN OVER 27 MILES THAT DAY BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS BECAUSE I MADE TOO MANY SHORT TRIPS. THEY OFFERED TO INSTALL A BATTERY CHARGER WHICH I DON'T FEEL SHOULD BE NECESSARY ON A BRAND NEW CAR.

5/3/2021

The vehicle has experience numerous times now, and has been to the dealer for repairs regarding an unanticipated loss of all ability to accelerate or maintain speed until the vehicle is shutdown and restarted. This has caused significant stress when traveling on a fast moving freeway in the fast lane and then having to quickly get to the shoulder to "power-cycle" the vehicle. The dealer has seen the vehicle 5 times for this issue in the 10 months we have owned it, starting at 6k miles and we just got it back from 2 weeks with the dealer; today it has 9k miles. The dealer has told is that the vehicle losing all power and ability to accelerate or maintain speed is a safety feature. I feel having my wife and three children in a vehicle the significantly increases the chances for collision as very much the opposite of a safety feature. We have tried working with the dealer over the past 6 months and 3k miles, but need the help of an advocate who can influence the dealer to correct the issue before someone gets hurt or worse. The date shown below is only the first instance of many instances of power loss.

3/7/2022

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while shifting the vehicle into reverse, the vehicle launched forward without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 12,000.

4/25/2023

WE HAD A REMOTE START INSTALLED BY THE DEALERSHIP PRIOR TO ACCEPTING DELIVERY OF THE CAR. TWO DAYS LATER, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNABLE TO START. THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP (SPORT SUBARU SOUTH IN ORLANDO FL) SENT A TECHNICIAN TO REPAIR THE CAR, RATHER THAN TOWING IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND REPAIRING IT THERE. THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THE REMOTE START WAS DEFECTIVE AND REROUTED THE STARTING PROCEDURE. SINCE THEN, THE CAR MAKES A HORRIBLE NOISE ON COLD STARTS. THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN TO HAVE THE REST OF THE REMOTE START COMPONENTS REMOVED, BUT THEY CLAIMED TO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE SOUND. WE FEEL THESE REMOTE STARERS ARE UNSAFE AND LIKELY DAMAGING THE VEHICLE'S STARTER, AND POSSIBLY OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. WE HAVE VIDEO OF THE CAR NOT STARTING AND THE ENGINE NOISE.

4/22/2020

The auto engine shut off was disengaged by the dealer while doing some repair. When we picked up the car, noticed engine trouble icons signifying this. We called the dealer and advised of this situation. We had asked if it could be disconnected and was told no, it is forbidden and a safety issue. So when I advised it was turned off, the dealer then refused to work on the car any further or to turn it back on. THEY ARE THE ONLY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER IN KNOXVILLE. That certified mechanic is the one who DID NOT reconnect this safety feature and then refused to fix it. What ever measures need to be taken to this dealer (Grayson Subaru - Knoxville) I need to do so. This has created a huge safety issue with the car and driving and a authorized / approved Subaru dealer refuses to follow the law.

3/15/2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SHE BECAME AWARE OF A CRACK IN THE CENTER OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE WINDSHIELD WHEN THE CRACK WAS FORMED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS ANOTHER CRACK ON THE WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE CONTACT HAD NOT NOTIFIED A LOCAL DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

3/1/2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE CRACK FORMED VERTICALLY ON THE TOP EDGE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD AT A LENGTH OF APPROXIMATELY 6 INCHES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRACK OBSTRUCTED HER VISION WHILE DRIVING. FLEMINGTON SUBARU (167 NJ-31, FLEMINGTON, NJ 08822) WAS CONTACTED INFORMED HER TO CONTACT A LOCAL DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. PATRIOT SUBARU (769 PORTLAND RD, SACO, ME 04072) WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HER THAT THEY DO NOT REPAIR WINDSHIELDS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,000.

3/4/2021

WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO REASON. CRACK FORMED UNDERNEATH THE EDGE OF THE RUBBER WINDOW SEAL AND HAS SPREAD A CRACK SIX INCHES IN HEIGHT.

5/11/2021

Driver side rear door window exploded while driving. Shattering was unexpected. No rocks were heading that way and car is only 1.5 years old.

10/12/2021

Stalls sometimes when in intersection or when making a turn from dead stop ,then goes along fine. Seems like it is fuel or computer problem

9/28/2021

The 2019-2021 Crosstrek Hybrid has an issue with the fuel tank design. Subaru has finally released a TSB (Reference: 09-82-23R) that explains the issue in more detail and how the defective parts need to be replaced. In short, the fuel tank has a design flaw such that regular fuel corrodes the fuel tank and causes clogging in the vapor vent tubes. Subaru says it's related to fuel with high ethanol content, however I have been filling up with regular fuel and have still experienced the issue. I have personally owned two of these vehicles and experienced the occasional P0452 check engine light which when diagnosed by a licensed shop pointed to this fuel evap system issue. Subaru has finally acknowledged that this is a known issue and issued the TSB, however they have not yet issued a recall. The repairs for this issue are expensive and the symptoms are an occasional check engine light. I am concerned because this issue is not easily detectable and is expensive to repair. Since this involves the fuel tank and fuel vapors tubes I am concerned there might be a fire risk or health risk, but since there is no recall issued I don't know if it can be ignored or needs immediate attention. Subaru does cover this repair under 3 yr / 30k mile warranty but with the irregular symptoms it is hard to detect and diagnose it and Subaru only issued the TSB in Jan 2024 when the 2021 model became 3 years old and out of warranty. It seems like Subaru knew about the issue but didn't want to address it under warranty so they issued the TSB only after all the cars were out of warranty and only now when the consumers have to pay out of pocket are they diagnosing it correctly. Also, this issue triggers the check-engine light only occasionally and at random, and when the light goes on all the vehicle safety aids like pre-collision braking and rear cross traffic warnings are disabled. I think this is dangerous because drivers tend to get used to having those features.

3/26/2025

The contact owned a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that as attempted to park her vehicle at 5 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning and drove onto a boulder. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. Three of the contact’s front teeth were knocked out as a result of the failure. The police were called to her property; however, a police report was not filed since the failure happened on private property. The contact was able to make an appointment with a dentist where she was treated for a fractured jaw; in addition, two front teeth were extracted from her jaw. Once her jaw had healed, dental implants were used to replace her missing teeth. The vehicle was towed to an independent auto body mechanic and later sold the vehicle since she no longer felt safe driving it. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, they claimed to have never heard of such a failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The whereabouts of the vehicle are unknown. The failure mileage was 5,104.

5/19/2022

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while pulling into a parking spot and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal a second time, the vehicle jerked, unintendedly accelerated, drove up the curb, and crashed into the metal plastic pole of Wawa. The pole was fractured. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained. There was no warning light illuminated. A police report was filed, but the contact did not have the police report information available. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could only diagnose the vehicle after it had been repaired by an auto body repair shop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that she would be contacted later and would be informed of the location she would need to take the vehicle for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

2/19/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while she was sitting in the parked vehicle on the side of the road, another vehicle driving at approximately 60-65 MPH rear-ended her vehicle. The contact's vehicle was pushed into the highway's first lane. The front driver's side seat belt failed to restrain the contact in her seat, causing her forehead to hit the steering wheel and the back of her head to roll between the A-Pillar of the front windshield and the front driver's side door. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal when the front of her ankles hit the bottom of the dashboard. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact was transported by ambulance to the hospital and received medical attention for a brain injury, lower back pain, and broken blood vessels on her ankles. The contact was later diagnosed with craniocervical instability (CCI). The vehicle was towed to a body shop, where it was repaired. The vehicle was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

11/29/2023

At Miami Airport, with ample space behind the vehicle in front, a pickup truck with a very long sloping ramp trailer to carry several cars pulled into the stated space. The lefthand side rear of the trailer being well below my line of vision hit my bumper on the passenger side. My insurance provided GPS confirmed I was driving at 16 mph at the time. We both stopped. We looked at no damage to the trailer and seemingly minor damage to the car. We both drove off. I was about 500 yards from where I parked at the airport. After my return from the UK 5 days later I drove home and used the car for several days. At the time of the collision, my diagonal part of the seatbelt failed to restrain me. My chest hit the steering wheel and I have since experienced continuous pain. (No broken bones). The incident was a sort of sideswipe. Despite its roadworthiness, the car became a write-off as a support for the engine was found to be unexpectedly bent as well. Driving conditions were ideal. I was also looking for airport signage at the time. The incident was late April 2025. There is not much more I can add. There was no time to call the police nor was there any need,

10/15/2025

The auto engine shut off was disengaged by the dealer while doing some repair. When we picked up the car, noticed engine trouble icons signifying this. We called the dealer and advised of this situation. We had asked if it could be disconnected and was told no, it is forbidden and a safety issue. So when I advised it was turned off, the dealer then refused to work on the car any further or to turn it back on. THEY ARE THE ONLY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER IN KNOXVILLE. That certified mechanic is the one who DID NOT reconnect this safety feature and then refused to fix it. What ever measures need to be taken to this dealer (Grayson Subaru - Knoxville) I need to do so. This has created a huge safety issue with the car and driving and a authorized / approved Subaru dealer refuses to follow the law.

3/15/2024

The 2019-2021 Crosstrek Hybrid has an issue with the fuel tank design. Subaru has finally released a TSB (Reference: 09-82-23R) that explains the issue in more detail and how the defective parts need to be replaced. In short, the fuel tank has a design flaw such that regular fuel corrodes the fuel tank and causes clogging in the vapor vent tubes. Subaru says it's related to fuel with high ethanol content, however I have been filling up with regular fuel and have still experienced the issue. I have personally owned two of these vehicles and experienced the occasional P0452 check engine light which when diagnosed by a licensed shop pointed to this fuel evap system issue. Subaru has finally acknowledged that this is a known issue and issued the TSB, however they have not yet issued a recall. The repairs for this issue are expensive and the symptoms are an occasional check engine light. I am concerned because this issue is not easily detectable and is expensive to repair. Since this involves the fuel tank and fuel vapors tubes I am concerned there might be a fire risk or health risk, but since there is no recall issued I don't know if it can be ignored or needs immediate attention. Subaru does cover this repair under 3 yr / 30k mile warranty but with the irregular symptoms it is hard to detect and diagnose it and Subaru only issued the TSB in Jan 2024 when the 2021 model became 3 years old and out of warranty. It seems like Subaru knew about the issue but didn't want to address it under warranty so they issued the TSB only after all the cars were out of warranty and only now when the consumers have to pay out of pocket are they diagnosing it correctly. Also, this issue triggers the check-engine light only occasionally and at random, and when the light goes on all the vehicle safety aids like pre-collision braking and rear cross traffic warnings are disabled. I think this is dangerous because drivers tend to get used to having those features.

3/26/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated after entering the vehicle it was discovered that the front windshield had developed a crack extending approximately four inches from the top of the windshield to the rearview mirror attachment. The contact indicated that no object or rocks had made contact with the windshield to cause the crack. The cause of the failure was not determined. The windshield was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 13,000.

8/16/2022

Car was thought to be placed in park, key was easily removed, and then the car became mobile and rolled downhill and could not be shifted back into park.

12/10/2023

The contact's significant other owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while his significant other was driving from a complete stop, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer replaced the battery, the fuel cap, and cleared the warning lights; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

6/20/2024

The 2019-2021 Crosstrek Hybrid has an issue with the fuel tank design. Subaru has finally released a TSB (Reference: 09-82-23R) that explains the issue in more detail and how the defective parts need to be replaced. In short, the fuel tank has a design flaw such that regular fuel corrodes the fuel tank and causes clogging in the vapor vent tubes. Subaru says it's related to fuel with high ethanol content, however I have been filling up with regular fuel and have still experienced the issue. I have personally owned two of these vehicles and experienced the occasional P0452 check engine light which when diagnosed by a licensed shop pointed to this fuel evap system issue. Subaru has finally acknowledged that this is a known issue and issued the TSB, however they have not yet issued a recall. The repairs for this issue are expensive and the symptoms are an occasional check engine light. I am concerned because this issue is not easily detectable and is expensive to repair. Since this involves the fuel tank and fuel vapors tubes I am concerned there might be a fire risk or health risk, but since there is no recall issued I don't know if it can be ignored or needs immediate attention. Subaru does cover this repair under 3 yr / 30k mile warranty but with the irregular symptoms it is hard to detect and diagnose it and Subaru only issued the TSB in Jan 2024 when the 2021 model became 3 years old and out of warranty. It seems like Subaru knew about the issue but didn't want to address it under warranty so they issued the TSB only after all the cars were out of warranty and only now when the consumers have to pay out of pocket are they diagnosing it correctly. Also, this issue triggers the check-engine light only occasionally and at random, and when the light goes on all the vehicle safety aids like pre-collision braking and rear cross traffic warnings are disabled. I think this is dangerous because drivers tend to get used to having those features.

3/26/2025

The bolt attaching the front left corner of the seat to the rails came loose and allows the seat to wobble and bounce.

6/2/2025