Model year guide

2013 Subaru Crosstrek

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 19 on record.

2013 Subaru Crosstrek — representative photo
Representative photo

2013 Subaru Crosstrek at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints26

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2013 Subaru Crosstrek recalls 1

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #19V149000 · manufacturer #WUE-90 · 28/02/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmi…

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2013 Subaru Crosstrek common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 277

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 277.

This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.

Bulletin SubaruNet Announcement (M · Electrical System · Oct 2026

This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.

Bulletin 13-109-26 · Sep 2026

This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.

Bulletin SubaruNet Announcement (C · Sep 2026

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

Bulletin 15-333-25R · Electrical System · Sep 2026

This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

Bulletin 15-304-22R · Electrical System · Sep 2026

This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

Bulletin 16-156-25R · Power Train · Aug 2026

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised ve…

Bulletin 15-308-23R · Electrical System · Aug 2026

This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)

Bulletin 15-304-22R · Electrical System · Aug 2026

Techtips newsletter locator index.

Bulletin Article Locator · Electrical System · Aug 2026

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin

Bulletin 15-333-25R · Electrical System · Aug 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CROSSTREK. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV produced by Subaru since 2012. It is a successor to the Outback Sport in North America, and the Impreza XV globally. Like the Outback Sport, the Crosstrek is a lifted Impreza hatchback with minor differences, though with a more substantial lift than the Outback Sport.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2013 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles on record

Other Subaru Crosstrek model years

2013 Subaru Crosstrek — frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek?

Across all 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, power train.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.