Model year guide

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek — representative photo
Representative photo

2026 Subaru Crosstrek at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints11
Combined26–36 mpg

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

2026 Subaru Crosstrek recalls 1

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint NHTSA Campaign #26V685000 · manufacturer #WRI26 · 19/10/2026

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles. The castle nut on the left-front lower control arm ball joint may be improperly fastened, which can lead to the ball joint separating from the lower control arm.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the left-front lower control arm ball joint assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 16, 2026. Owners may contact Subaru custome…

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.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Lane Departure
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek MPG & running costs

Combined26–36 mpg
City29 mpg
Highway33 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,250
EPA size classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S6) or Automatic (AV-S8)
Engine start-stopYes
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$750 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,250
Fuel only$11,250
Per mile$0.15

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
176.4 in
Width
70.9–71.7 in
Height
63.0–63.8 in
Wheelbase
105.1 in
Curb weight
3,285–3,417 lb
Front track
61.0 in
Rear track
61.0 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 60

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 60.

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 announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.

Bulletin SubaruNet Announcement (T · Power Train, Electrical System · Sep 2026

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

Bulletin 13-109-26 · Sep 2026

"This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"

Bulletin 18-244-26 · Electrical System · 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 to the cord assembly that connects the Center Infotainment Display (CID) to the CCU, addressing reports of CID screen flickering."

Bulletin 15-343-26 · Electrical System · Sep 2026

This bulletin announces design changes to the front seat bottom heat unit.

Bulletin 10-107-26 · Electrical System, Seats · Aug 2026

This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.

Bulletin SubaruNet Announcement (C · Power Train, Electrical System · Aug 2026

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

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Label

Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label lists an incorrect gross axle weight rating (GAWR). This could lead you to overload the vehicle, which could cause poor handling or a tire failure. Note: For the Forester model, this recall affects both gas and hybrid models. For the Crosstrek model, only the Crosstrek Hybrid model is affected. Safety Risk: Poor handling or a tir…

Transport Canada #2026329 · Jul 2026

Fuel System

Issue: On certain vehicles, the fuel filler cap gasket may not seal properly to the housing. As a result, fuel could leak from the fuel filler neck. Note: This recall only affects certain hybrid model vehicles. Safety Risk: A fuel leak can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Subaru recommends keeping the fuel tank below 50% capacity until t…

Transport Canada #2026077 · Feb 2026

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

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.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles on record

Other Subaru Crosstrek model years

2026 Subaru Crosstrek — frequently asked questions

Does the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2026 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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek?

Across all 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, lane departure, forward collision avoidance.

What gas mileage does the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek get?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek has U.S. EPA estimates of 26–36 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

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