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2023 Subaru Crosstrek Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Daniel Wilson
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Report

Overall Score

7.9/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is rated 'Average' for reliability, with a notable number of consumer complaints.
  • A primary concern for used buyers is spontaneous windshield cracking, often occurring at low mileage.
  • Inspect engine and electrical systems thoroughly, as these are also common complaint areas.
  • The forward collision avoidance system has also seen some reported issues.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2023 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is a practical compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive and a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. It achieves a respectable 25 MPG combined. However, used buyers should be aware of its 'Average' reliability rating, stemming from 43 consumer complaints. Key issues include spontaneous windshield cracking, engine problems, and electrical system faults. While there are no recalls, these persistent complaints suggest potential durability concerns that require careful investigation before purchase.

Critical Failure Risk

Spontaneous cracking and pitting of the windshield, often at low mileage, without apparent impact. This can compromise visibility and structural integrity.

Early detection can help you avoid a $200-$800 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls0
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

43
Visibility/Wiper6
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
25
MPG
City
22
MPG
Highway
29
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.8/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10
Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing all-wheel drive capability and strong safety scores.

+1 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience or those unwilling to perform rigorous pre-purchase checks.

+1 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2023 Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Transmission
Manual 6-spd
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
25

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Most Common Issues

1. Visibility

Most reported

Usage: 6 reports

2. ENGINE

Usage: 4 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (Parts: SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation

Est. shop cost: $75 - $125

6,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
Full safety recall details
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is 8.8/10. Reliability score is 8.8/10. NHTSA recalls: 0. Owner complaints: 43.

How practical is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. EPA combined economy is 25 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is 7.9/10. Overall score is 7.9/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.5/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (Parts: SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation at 6,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $500 - $800. Repair prediction highlight: Windshield (typical at 2,500 miles, estimated cost Min: $500 • Max: $700).

What engine is in the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?▾

Engine specs list 4 • 2.0.

What transmission does the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, transmission is Manual 6-spd. The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?▾

EPA combined estimate is 25 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?▾

15 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

What body style is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Manual 6-spd.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek good for tuning?▾

Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, while a capable and popular compact SUV, presents limited potential for traditional engine tuning. Its 2.

What are the most common visibility/wiper problems on the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek?▾

Top complaint category: visibility/wiper (6 reports, 14% of complaints).

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

Tuning guide

Potential + upgrade path

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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