104 of the 881 complaints about the Subaru Crosstrek (11.8%) concern Engine, making it the model's #4 problem area. That share is 0.5× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
104Complaints · Engine
11.8%Share of complaints
0.53×vs. all vehicles
20Last 12 months
10.6%Share involving a crash or fire
2Related recalls
Analysis
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2019 model (35, 12% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2022 model (3). 20 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 11 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
Owners most often describe: “engine”, “coil”, “ecm”, “ignition” and “wre”. 11 of these reports (10.6%) describe a crash or fire, with 2 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
2 recall campaigns relate to this area, most recently campaign 19V856000 (2019-12-02, model years 2019).
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was smoke coming from the vehicle.
Engine · 2026-02-20 · ODI 11719299 · Fire
1. Subaru 2022 Crosstrek accelerated on its own when foot is on the brake and trying to move the shifter knob to park, instead the car thursted into the parked car in front with such force that ran into the garage. 2.
Engine · 2025-05-07 · ODI 11659413 · Crash
At 26,453 miles, the check engins lights all came on and the vehicle wouldn't run. It was determined that the intake valves had excessive carbon build-up on them. The issue was repaired by the dealer.
Engine · 2026-09-01 · ODI 11761293
At 45,261 miles, the check engine lights came on and the vehicle would barely start and run. It was towed to a dealer and was again diagnosed with carbon build-up on the intake valves. This is the second occurrence in just over a year.
Engine · 2026-09-01 · ODI 11761296
My engine overheated at 125,000 miles roughly and 2025 and this year the engine oil is leaking into the coolant tank at 135,000 miles.
Engine · 2026-08-04 · ODI 11754778
- Rod #4 failure of unknown cause, although there is speculation that current failure may be related to a major repair in oil system a year ago. - My safety along with my unborn child’s, husband’s and brother in law’s were all at risk.
Engine · 2026-07-16 · ODI 11750897
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) Campaign 19V856000 · 2019-12-02 · Model years: 2019
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) Campaign 19V744000 · 2019-10-17 · Model years: 2018
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.
Why modern engines burn oil, and what owner complaints revealThe design choices that make many recent engines consume oil, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models draw the most engine complaints right now.
Frequently asked questions
How common are Engine problems on the Subaru Crosstrek?
104 of the 881 complaints about the Subaru Crosstrek (11.8%) concern Engine, making it the model's #4 problem area. That share is 0.5× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Subaru Crosstrek model years have the most Engine complaints?
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2019 model (35, 12% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2022 model (3).
Is there a recall for Subaru Crosstrek Engine problems?
2 recall campaigns relate to this area, most recently campaign 19V856000 (2019-12-02, model years 2019).