Subaru Crosstrek common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 6 faults the Subaru Crosstrek is known for (2016–2019), 5 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
Known problems on the Subaru Crosstrek
Swollen brake hoses
Safety risk
2016–2019 · FB16, FB20 · petrol · Brakes
What to look for: Feel along each flexible brake hose behind the wheels for a bulge or soft swollen section near the end fitting.
Why it matters: Subaru told MLIT that the durability testing of these brake hoses against brake pressure was inadequate and that the sealing at the crimped end fitting is insufficient on some hoses, so brake fluid soaks between the outer and inner layers of the hose and the hose swells. A swollen flexible brake hose is a warrant of fitness fail in its own right and the remedy is a replacement hose.
What to look for: Ask for the service book showing both the coil software update and the later coil replacement, and feel for misfires.
Why it matters: Subaru filed a second recall with MLIT stating that on cars where the coils had already had long periods of over-energisation, rewriting to the corrected program is not enough, because internal damage has accumulated and the fault can still develop. The remedy under the second notification replaces every ignition coil with a new one. A car that has only the first stamp looks done on paper and is not.
What to look for: Check for a hybrid warning, and watch the power gauge shows electric assist pulling away and charging on lift-off.
Why it matters: Subaru notified MLIT of a service campaign stating that the relay bracket inside the hybrid traction battery was not assembled correctly, that vibration in service brings the bracket into contact with the relay harness, and that if that harness breaks or shorts the hybrid system shuts down and the car is limited to running on the engine alone.
What to look for: Accelerate gently from rest and hold light throttle through 20-60 km/h, feeling for a shudder.
Why it matters: Shudder from the torque converter can be the start of valve-body or torque-converter failure, which on a CVT usually means a new unit rather than a cheap repair; catching it before buying avoids inheriting a multi-thousand-dollar transmission bill.
What to look for: Accelerate gently from rest through 20-60 km/h, feeling for shudder, and check for slipping revs.
Why it matters: A torque-converter or valve-body fault on this CVT can progress from an occasional shudder to a transmission that needs replacing, a repair that can run into the thousands and is disproportionate to the car's value if missed at purchase.
What to look for: Feel for weak pull or a stall pulling away up a steep hill with the air-con on full.
Why it matters: Subaru notified MLIT that when intake air is very hot the engine control program retards ignition timing to protect the engine and torque falls, so with the air conditioning on and the car heavily loaded on a steep climb it may not have the drive to get up the hill, and it can stall when pulling away with a certain amount of throttle.
Got a question about a Subaru Crosstrek? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
Also check on every car
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.