The 2013 Crosstrek is Subaru's first-gen XV platform with the FB20 2.0L boxer engine — generally reliable transportation, but shares the FB-series head gasket and oil consumption issues that plagued early-build units, plus CVT quirks typical of Subaru's Lineartronic generation.
FB20 Excessive Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning more than 1 quart per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke on cold start or acceleration, Low oil warning light between changes, Carbon buildup on intake valves causing rough idle
Fix: Subaru issued a recall/service campaign for affected VINs. If out of warranty, requires short block replacement (rings alone rarely solve it long-term). 12-16 labor hours for short block swap including fluids and timing components.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
CVT Judder and Transmission Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Shudder or vibration during light acceleration 20-40 mph, Pink ATF drips under front of vehicle, Burning smell if fluid leaks onto exhaust, Delayed engagement when cold
Fix: Judder often responds to CVT fluid drain-and-fill with Subaru High Torque fluid (2-3 services). Cooler line leaks at crimped fittings require line replacement. Cooler line fix: 1.5 hours. Fluid service: 0.5 hours per drain/fill cycle.
Estimated cost: $300-800
Head Gasket Seepage (External, Driver Side)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant smell after hot engine shutdown, Crusty residue on left head/block seam, Slow coolant loss without visible leaks elsewhere, No overheating or combustion gases in coolant (internal gasket failure rare on FB engines)
Fix: FB-series head gaskets fail externally, not internally like EJ engines. Requires head removal, machining check, gasket set, timing belt area resealing. 8-10 hours labor for both sides preventive replacement.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500
Rear Wheel Bearing Noise
Common · low severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Humming or grinding that increases with speed, Noise changes pitch in turns, Often passenger-side rear first
Fix: Sealed hub/bearing unit. Replace one side as needed unless noise is from both. 1.5 hours per side including alignment check.
Estimated cost: $350-550
Brake Light Switch Failure (Recall 16V-574)
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: Brake lights inoperative or stuck on, Push-button start disabled, Cruise control won't engage, Transmission won't shift out of park
Fix: Covered under recall; switch corrodes internally due to grease contamination. Dealer replaces free. DIY: 0.3 hours, above brake pedal.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall) or $120-180 if self-pay
PCV Valve and Intake Manifold Carbon Buildup
Common · low severityTypical onset: 80,000+ mi
Symptoms: Rough idle when warm, Hesitation on throttle tip-in, Check engine light P0171/P0172 (lean/rich codes), Oil accumulation in intake tubing
Fix: Direct-injection FB20 has no fuel wash on intake valves. Walnut-blast cleaning required every 80-100k. PCV valve replacement is cheap maintenance (replace every 60k). Walnut blast: 3-4 hours. PCV: 0.5 hours.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Solid daily driver if the short block was already replaced under warranty or oil consumption is confirmed low — otherwise budget $5k-7k for an engine in the near future; avoid high-mileage examples without service records.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.