2014 Subaru Crosstrek problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train (4) · Vehicle Speed Control (2) · Service Brakes (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Subaru Crosstrek model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch 2019-02-28 · campaign 19V149000 · 1,303,530 vehicles
Defect: 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 transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
Service bulletins (239)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-10-05 · SubaruNet Announcement (M · Other
this announcement provides information on a new software update for the midtronics dss and dca machines.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-18 · 13-109-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-15 · SubaruNet Announcement (C · Other
this announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-14 · 15-333-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Electrical System 2026-09-14 · 15-304-22R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Power Train 2026-08-20 · 16-156-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Showing the 6 most recent of 239 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2019-07-15 · Service Brakes“2014 subaru xv crosstrek. consumer writes in regards to nhtsa safety recall 19v-149. *ld the consumer stated the dealer was unable to provide an appointment to have the recall performed. *js…”
2019-07-02 · Power Train · 114,000 mi“this letter is to document an incident that occurred on 6/27/19 at approx. 2 pm est in danbury, ct on i84. i was proceeding west on i84 in my 2014 subaru crosstrek when the vehicle suffered a catastrophic internal failure of the continuously variable transmission (cvt) assembly, resulting in the loss of wheel rotation (wheels locking up) which last…”
2019-06-13 · Structure:body · 104,000 mi“the hood opened on my 2014 subaru crosstrek while driving causing extensive damage. curious about other reports and who to contact at subaru?…”
2019-05-14 · Unknown Or Other · 49,500 mi“loss of power/vehicle dies while in driving. dashboard lights come on. check engine light, vehicle dynamics control light comes on. hill start assist light comes on. vehicle has no power.…”
2019-05-02 · Service Brakes · 60,000 mi · 💥 crash“tl* the contact owns a 2014 subaru crosstrek. while attempting to slow down the vehicle, the brakes malfunctioned and did not stop the vehicle in time to avoid a rear end collision. the air bags did not deploy. there were no injuries. a police report was not filed. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 19v149000 (exterior lighting). th…”
2019-04-29 · Power Train · 99,950 mi“all dash lights came on at around 99980 mileage, including blinking oil at temperature dash light, abs light, hill light, traction control and check engine line. it is also sluggish upon acceleration when i first start. at first start only check engine light comes on then after sluggish acceleration all the lights above come on. cruise light flashe…”
2019-04-16 · Electrical System · 100,000 mi“the first time the instance happen i started the car and all the indicator lights on the dashboard were lit. the mechanic couldn't find a reason why this would happen, so he just reset it and the lights went off. a few weeks later i was driving on the highway home from work and all the lights came on again. i took it to a different a mechanic and h…”
2018-12-14 · Vehicle Speed Control · 90,000 mi · 💥 crash“tl* the contact owns a 2014 subaru crosstrek. while the contact was attempting to park the vehicle, the engine suddenly revved and the vehicle accelerated and crashed into a concrete barrier. the dealer (della subaru, 5105 u.s. ave, plattsburgh, ny 12901, (518) 324-8400) denied any knowledge of the failure. the manufacturer was not notified. the ve…”
2018-11-19 · Suspension · 69,000 mi“my vehicle was purchased by me at 24k miles i have driven now to 70k miles and need 2 new front axels. i have been sitting at the dealership for 3 hours and they have gone through 3 different replacement axels on the left side. this is not the first time this car has given me issues but being less than 100k miles and needing 2 new axles?? that is i…”
2018-10-13 · Exterior Lighting · 60,000 mi“it is october 2018 and i have replaced my headlights three times since february 2018. the lights continuously burn out. i have read forums online of others complaining about this, as well.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.