Does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek, the most recent reported on February 28, 2019 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (11 complaints), followed by electrical system (5).

How many 2013 Subaru Crosstrek complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 26 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2013 Subaru Crosstrek recalls and problems

1 recall and 26 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2013 Subaru Crosstrek recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 19V149000 · reported February 28, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 1,303,530 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine11
Electrical system5
Power train4
Exterior lighting3
Service brakes2
Unknown or other2
Air bags1
Fuel/propulsion system1
Seat belts1
Seats1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 8, 2026 · Power train
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission seized, causing the vehicle to come to a sudden stop. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to a…

Oct 13, 2021 · Electrical system · 1,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after refueling with the fuel tank at 3/4 tank full, the fuel gauge failed to provide the correct fuel level. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the fuel sending tank, but the failure continued to occur. The contact indicated that…

Jul 26, 2019 · Electrical system · 210,000 miles · fire reported
CAR PARKED AND SOME ELECTRICAL WIRE? CAUSED CAR TO CATCH FIRE? THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE OF THE HATCHBACK/TRUNK AREA WAS BURNT/ MELTED THROUGH TO THE METAL AND THE WIRES AROUND THE BACK WINDOW ON INSIDE WERE HANGING DOWN AND HOT PLASTIC DRIPPED DOWN ONTO A BOX OF PAPERS THAT WERE IN THE HATCHBACK. THE PAPERS HAD BLACK…

Jul 17, 2019 · Service brakes · 10 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BRAKE OR STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN UNKNOWN…

Jun 27, 2019 · Engine
MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND SUBARU DIRECTLY AND THEY BOTH STATED THAT DUE THE THE VOLUME OF CARS AFFECTED THEY WERE NOT TAKING ANY NEW APPOINTMENTS UNTIL 2020 AND TO CALL THEM BACK IN 2020. THE ISSUE IS WITH THE VALVE SPRINGS IN THE ENGINE. A FRACTURE IN THE SPRING COULD CAUSE…

Crosstrek model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2012	0	2	0	0
2013	1	26	1	2
2014	1	16	2	1
2015	1	17	0	0
2016	1	132	4	3

Across all years, the 2019 Crosstrek has the most complaints (285). All Subaru Crosstrek years →

Questions

Does the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek, the most recent reported on February 28, 2019 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek?: Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (11 complaints), followed by electrical system (5).
How many 2013 Subaru Crosstrek complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 26 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 8, 2026.