The 2013-2018 Crosstrek with the FB20 2.0L engine is generally reliable for a Subaru, but suffers from oil consumption issues that can escalate to catastrophic engine damage if ignored, plus typical CVT concerns seen across the brand.
Excessive Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Failure (FB20 Engine)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning through 1+ quart of oil every 1,000-1,500 miles, Blue smoke from exhaust on cold starts or acceleration, Low oil warning light between oil changes, Eventual rod knock or seized engine if oil level drops critically
Fix: Early stages: monitor closely and top off religiously. Once consumption exceeds 1 qt/1,000 mi, Subaru TSB calls for short block replacement under extended warranty (many 2013-2014 models covered to 100k mi). Out of warranty: short block replacement runs 18-22 labor hours; some shops do piston ring jobs for 12-15 hours but success varies. Catastrophic failure (spun bearings, scored crank) requires full engine rebuild or used engine swap.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
CVT Transmission Shuddering / Judder on Acceleration
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Vibration or shudder during light acceleration from a stop, Hesitation when merging or climbing hills, Occasional slipping sensation between 20-40 mph, Transmission overheating warning in severe cases
Fix: Drain and fill with fresh Subaru CVT fluid (NOT a flush) can help if caught early; some techs do this every 30k mi preventively. Persistent shudder often means torque converter clutch wear or valve body contamination. Subaru extended CVT warranty to 10yr/100k mi on many units. Repair involves transmission removal and internal overhaul (12-16 hours) or remanufactured unit swap.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,000
Head Gasket Seepage (Less Common Than Older Subarus)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 120,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: External oil seepage at head gasket seam, visible on engine block, Slight coolant smell but usually no overheating, Oil residue around spark plug tubes, Rarely progresses to internal coolant/oil mixing on FB20
Fix: External seepage only: some owners defer until other work justifies pulling the engine. Full head gasket job requires engine-out on Crosstrek (due to clearance), 14-18 labor hours. Machine shop resurfacing adds time. Replace timing components, water pump, and all seals while apart. Not the catastrophic failure seen on EJ25 engines but still labor-intensive.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Rear Wheel Bearing Noise
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Growling or humming noise that increases with speed, Noise changes pitch in turns (louder turning one direction), No play in wheel when jacked up until very worn
Fix: Press-in wheel bearing assembly requires hub removal; 2.0-2.5 hours per side. Diagnose by raising vehicle and spinning wheel by hand or road-test at 40+ mph. Replace in pairs if both sides show wear. Some aftermarket bearings fail early; stick with OEM or quality brands like Timken.
Estimated cost: $400-650 per side
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink/red fluid spots under front of vehicle, Low CVT fluid level on dipstick (if equipped; some years have no dipstick), Transmission overheating if leak is severe, Corrosion on cooler lines at fittings or bends
Fix: Cooler lines run from transmission to radiator; corrosion at hard-line-to-rubber transition points is typical. Replace both feed and return lines (sold as kit); 2-3 hours labor. Must refill CVT fluid to spec and verify no air in system. Neglecting this will starve CVT and cause failure.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Brake Light Switch Failure (Recall 20V-666)
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Brake lights stay on continuously, Cruise control inoperative, Push-button start issues (car thinks brake not pressed), Battery drain from lights staying on
Fix: Recalled issue but not all owners completed recall. Switch is above brake pedal; replacement takes 0.5 hours. Check if vehicle had recall service performed; if not, dealer will cover. Non-recall replacement is straightforward DIY or cheap shop job.
Estimated cost: $120-200 if not recall-covered
PCV Valve / Engine Breathing System Sludge (Recall WUH-66)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle or stalling when cold, Check engine light for lean/rich codes, Oil residue in intake tract, Increased oil consumption from crankcase pressure
Fix: Recall WUH-66 covers PCV cleaning and valve replacement on 2012-2015 models with excessive idle hours (rare on Crosstreks). Non-recalled cars: clean PCV valve passages in heads, replace valve, inspect intake for sludge; 2-3 hours. Use quality oil and change intervals under 6k mi to prevent. Can worsen piston ring oil consumption if neglected.
Estimated cost: $250-450 if not recall-covered
Owner tips
Check oil level every 500 miles — oil consumption can sneak up and destroy the engine with zero warning.
CVT fluid exchanges every 30,000-40,000 miles (not flushes) dramatically extend transmission life; don't wait for 100k.
Review Subaru's SOA warranty extensions for your VIN — many FB20 short blocks and CVTs got extra coverage; claim it before mileage expires.
On high-mileage buys, budget for wheel bearings and expect some external head gasket seepage past 130k — not critical but plan accordingly.
Solid commuter if the oil consumption issue was addressed under warranty or you verify stable consumption; avoid high-mileage examples without service records showing CVT fluid changes and short block replacement history.
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.
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Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Consequence: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 21V264000
2021-04-15
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 19V743000
2019-10-18
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) · 19V744000
2019-10-17
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · 19V149000
2019-02-28
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.
Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · 19V149000
2019-02-28
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.
Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · 19V149000
2019-02-28
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.
Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · 19V149000
2019-02-28
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.
Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · 19V149000
2019-02-28
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.
Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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 BRAKES · 17V701000
2017-11-07
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Crosstrek vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect floor mat retention bracket, allowing the floor mat to move out of position and interfere with the accelerator or brake pedal operation.
Consequence: If the floor mat moves out of position and interferes with the accelerator or brake pedal operation, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mat retention bracket and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTR-77.
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