Owners have reported 6 crashes and 3 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints29
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners report frequent occurrences of windshield cracking in the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, with many describing cracks forming spontaneously without any apparent impact or trauma. Complaints commonly mention cracks originating near the edges or middle of the windshield, often around the rearview mirror or defrost vents. These issues are noted even in vehicles with low mileage, some as early as a few months after purchase. Safety implications include potential visibility obstruction and interference with the vehicle's eyesight camera system, though no crashes or loss of control are reported. Additionally, one owner reports window operation issues in cold temperatures, although this is less common. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers considering this model.
Owner complaints7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek frequently report issues with the vehicle's windshield and sunroof glass, with multiple complaints of spontaneous cracking or shattering. Symptoms include windshields cracking while the car is stationary, sometimes while parked, and sunroof glass shattering unexpectedly at highway speeds. Additionally, there are reports of battery drainage after a few days of inactivity and a concerning incident where a driver's side door became unlatched while driving at high speed. One complaint involves a crash where the vehicle rolled downhill after the driver believed it was in park. These issues, especially those affecting vehicle control and safety, are critical for potential buyers to consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints6
POWER TRAIN
Owners report several power train issues with the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, particularly involving the rear differential and transmission. Complaints frequently mention rear differential failures occurring around 12,000 and 50,000 miles, characterized by grinding noises and drivetrain resistance, with some owners noting the need for revised parts due to design changes. Transmission problems are also common, with symptoms like whining noises, hesitation, and complete failure as early as 6,000 miles. Additionally, some owners describe unexpected vehicle behavior, such as launching forward when shifting into reverse and losing acceleration ability, which poses safety risks, especially on highways. One complaint involves a crash related to the vehicle rolling while plugged in, highlighting potential control logic issues in the hybrid model. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of recurring power train issues and associated safety implications.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek report several issues related to the electrical system. A common problem is battery drain, with multiple owners describing scenarios where the battery depletes quickly, sometimes rendering the car unable to start after being parked for a few days. Some owners mention that the battery charges only partially even during use, exacerbating the issue. Another reported problem involves the remote start system, where one owner notes a defective installation leading to starting difficulties and unusual noises on cold starts. Additionally, a safety concern arises from a malfunction in the charging system of the hybrid model, where the car can move while connected to the charger, potentially exposing users to electrical hazards. These issues appear to occur early in the vehicle's life, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchase.
Owner complaints4
VISIBILITY
Owners report that the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek frequently experiences windshield cracks without any apparent impact from external objects. Complaints describe cracks forming on the front windshield, often starting from the top edge or center and extending several inches, with some instances obstructing the driver’s vision. These issues are noted at relatively low mileages, ranging from approximately 4,000 to 17,000 miles. No safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control are reported, but the visibility impairment is a concern for drivers. Potential buyers should be aware of this recurring issue and consider inspecting the windshield condition closely.
Owner complaints2
SEAT BELTS
Owners of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek report issues with seat belts failing to restrain occupants during collisions. Complaints frequently mention that during crashes, seat belts do not hold the driver securely, resulting in contact with the steering wheel and subsequent injuries such as chest pain and head trauma. Both reported incidents involve crashes and injuries, highlighting safety implications. The incidents occur in varied conditions, with one happening at low speed and another while the vehicle was stationary. Used car buyers should be aware of these seat belt performance issues, especially in crash scenarios.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek report issues related to the fuel/propulsion system, particularly involving the fuel tank design in hybrid models. Complaints frequently mention a design flaw causing corrosion and clogging in the vapor vent tubes, leading to an occasional check engine light (P0452) and disabling of vehicle safety aids like pre-collision braking. These symptoms reportedly occur even with regular fuel, despite Subaru associating the issue with high ethanol content. Another owner describes the vehicle stalling when starting from a stop, which may suggest a fuel or computer problem. Safety concerns arise as the check engine light can disable important safety features, and the stalling issue could pose a risk in traffic situations. These issues are reported to manifest around the time the vehicle warranty expires, complicating repair coverage.
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek report incidents of unintended acceleration while attempting to park, with both complaints involving crashes. Symptoms frequently described include the vehicle failing to respond to brake inputs and then accelerating independently, often leading to collisions with stationary objects. These incidents occur at relatively low mileages, with one report at approximately 5,104 miles and another at 42,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one incident resulted in a serious injury involving dental trauma. Potential buyers should be aware of these reports of loss of vehicle control during low-speed maneuvers.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints2
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek report issues related to the vehicle's glass components. Specifically, one complaint describes a driver side rear door window unexpectedly exploding while driving, with no external impact apparent. Another complaint involves a windshield cracking without an identifiable cause, originating beneath the rubber window seal and extending six inches. Both complaints involve vehicles relatively early in their lifespan, around 1.5 years old, but do not specify mileage. These reports suggest potential safety concerns due to sudden visibility impairment, though no crashes or injuries are mentioned. Used car buyers might consider inspecting the vehicle's glass integrity and seals as part of their evaluation process.
