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Which Years Of Used Subaru Crosstreks Are Most Reliable?


in Reliability
Blue Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru Crosstrek by Alexander-93 - CC-BY-SA-4.0

The Subaru Crosstrek is a popular off-roading vehicle, capable of more than other subcompact SUV options. If you’re interested in this vehicle, it’s a good idea to settle on a used option to keep more money in your pocket. If this option appeals to you, you might wonder - what is the most reliable year Subaru Crosstrek offers?

If you’re interested in stretching your dollar to the max, it’s ideal to stick with dependable years. However, with a decade of models on the market, it can be overwhelming to land on the right one. That’s where we come in. Read on to learn more about the most reliable year Subaru Crosstrek offers, the least reliable, and anything else you should know.

Most Reliable Years For The Subaru Crosstrek 

Drivers enjoy the Subaru Crosstrek because it is a more outdoorsy version of the subcompact SUV variety. Not only does it look good, but it’s also capable of plowing through unique terrain and carrying plenty of cargo. For the best results, it’s ideal to purchase the most reliable year for the Crosstrek. We’ve put together a list to make things easier for you.


THE SUBARU CROSSTREK YEARS TO AVOID

There have been relatively few issues reported with the Crosstrek, as it would be a concern if a six-year-old model already had problems. And while none are bad, we’ll help you find the best Crosstrek for you and tell you which Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid buying.


Here are the most reliable choices for the Subaru Crosstrek on the market today:

  • 2017 Subaru Crosstrek
  • 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
  • 2020 Subaru Crosstrek
  • 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

If you’re hunting for the most reliable year Subaru Crosstrek offers, stay away from these options, if possible, for the best impact on your wallet.

These years are the best when considering all that the Subaru Crosstrek has brought to the table in its eleven years on the market. These have the fewest customer complaints, minimal repair troubles, and everything you could want in a used vehicle.

If you want to make the most of your investment, pick a reliable option. However, it won’t mean much if the Subaru Crosstrek, in general, isn’t a vehicle you can count on. Let’s look at the reliability of the Crosstrek across all years.


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Are Subaru Crosstreks Generally Reliable?

It’s ideal to purchase a Subaru Crosstrek year that will provide maximum value. An excellent way to do that is to check the liability of the Subaru Crosstrek across all years to ensure it’s a worthy investment.

Some sites aren’t sure what to make of the Crosstrek. According to withclutch.com, the Crosstrek is undefined, making it lacking in reliability. Several other sites have no information on the general reliability of the machine.

However, there is one prominent site that ranks the dependability of the Subaru Crosstrek. According to repairpal.com, the Crosstrek scores ⅘, putting it in 17th out of 26 compact SUVs. It’s right in the middle of the pack.

The annual repair cost for the Subaru Crosstrek is $631, a little more than $100 more expensive than the average for similar vehicles. If there is a need for a severe repair, there is an 11% chance it will be severe which is the same as the average.

Those behind the wheel of the Subaru Crosstrek report taking it in for unexpected fixes an average of .4 times a year, compared to .3 for other compact SUVs. It’s not the best, but the Crosstrek is far from the worst option in terms of reliability.

Which Subaru Crosstrek Years Are The Least Reliable?

If you want to maximize what you get for what you spend, stick with the most reliable years for your Crosstrek investment. We’ve put together a list of the least reliable choices to help you narrow down your options on the modern car market.

Here are the least reliable selections for the Subaru Crosstrek you will find:

  • 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
  • 2018 Subaru Crosstrek

If you’re seeking the most reliable year Subaru Crosstrek offers interested drivers, stay away from these two years if at all possible.

Several prominent cash-guzzling issues appeared in these two years. A few of the most noticeable included power adaptor issues, the steering system pulling to the left, and an unlockable backdoor.

Customers complained the most about these years. However, it’s critical to note some prominent issues appeared across all models, good and bad.


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What Are The Most Common Issues With A Subaru Crosstrek?

One of the best things you can do before buying a car is to check out the common issues that plague the vehicle. These appear in reliable and unreliable years alike, causing necessary repair trips throughout the year.

According to motorbiscuit.com, here are the most common troubles with the Subaru Crosstrek:

  • Malfunctioning auto start-stop system
  • Brake light switch failure
  • Heavy oil consumption

If these appear while you drive, a trip to the repair shop will become necessary.

Most drivers of the Crosstrek will only experience these troubles every so often. However, if you have one of the worst years, you’re more likely to experience them more.

We’ve discussed many items surrounding the overall reliability of the Subaru Crosstrek. Now, it’s time for a vital question - is the Subaru Crosstrek worth it?

What Reddit Says About the Subaru Crosstrek’s Reliability:

The Crosstrek is a highly popular model from Subaru, and what do its owners think of its reliability? Let’s take a look at some owner accounts from various Reddit subs:

On how the Crosstrek is capable of reaching high mileage with little to no issues:

Comment
byu/Substantial_Use2004 from discussion
inSubaru_Crosstrek

On how the Crosstrek has its fair share of issues, but can be a reliable long-term SUV:

Comment
byu/MrJack0000 from discussion
inCrosstrek

On the utility of the Subaru Crosstrek:

Comment
byu/switchcork1 from discussion
inSubaru_Crosstrek

A recommendation on which Crosstrek years to consider:

Posts from the xvcrosstrek
community on Reddit

Subaru has one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings and brand loyalty in the business. And it’s safe to say that the Crosstrek has contributed greatly to the brand’s reputation.

Is The Subaru Crosstrek Worth It?

There are good aspects to the reliability of the Subaru Crosstrek and bad. However, it’s not the most reliable choice. If possible, go with something similar to the Crosstrek with a better history of dependability. You’ll get more bang for your buck with each mile clocked on the road.

If you want this durable off-roading car, go with the most reliable years available. Otherwise, pick something else for your next used vehicle option.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Subaru Crosstrek is an okay choice if you’re looking for an off-roading option in a subcompact body. However, it’s not the most reliable choice. If you want a quality car, you are better off picking another option.

We hope this information is helpful! It’s tricky to narrow down the right choice with so many years, which is why we provided as much information as possible to help you pick the right car for your future drives.


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Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals. 



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