Automatic Emergency Braking problems of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek

Two problems related to automatic emergency braking have been reported for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek based on all problems reported for the 2020 Crosstrek.

1 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 03/24/2025

The 2019-2021 Crosstrek hybrid has an issue with the fuel tank design. Subaru has finally released a TSB (reference: 09-82-23r) that explains the issue in more detail and how the defective parts need to be replaced. In short, the fuel tank has a design flaw such that regular fuel corrodes the fuel tank and causes clogging in the vapor vent tubes. Subaru says it's related to fuel with high ethanol content, however I have been filling up with regular fuel and have still experienced the issue. I have personally owned two of these vehicles and experienced the occasional p0452 check engine light which when diagnosed by a licensed shop pointed to this fuel evap system issue. Subaru has finally acknowledged that this is a known issue and issued the TSB, however they have not yet issued a recall. The repairs for this issue are expensive and the symptoms are an occasional check engine light. I am concerned because this issue is not easily detectable and is expensive to repair. Since this involves the fuel tank and fuel vapors tubes I am concerned there might be a fire risk or health risk, but since there is no recall issued I don't know if it can be ignored or needs immediate attention. Subaru does cover this repair under 3 yr / 30k mile warranty but with the irregular symptoms it is hard to detect and diagnose it and Subaru only issued the TSB in Jan 2024 when the 2021 model became 3 years old and out of warranty. It seems like Subaru knew about the issue but didn't want to address it under warranty so they issued the TSB only after all the cars were out of warranty and only now when the consumers have to pay out of pocket are they diagnosing it correctly. Also, this issue triggers the check-engine light only occasionally and at random, and when the light goes on all the vehicle safety aids like pre-collision braking and rear cross traffic warnings are disabled. I think this is dangerous because drivers tend to get used to having those features.

2 Automatic Emergency Braking problem

Failure Date: 11/20/2022

The auto engine shut off was disengaged by the dealer while doing some repair. When we picked up the car, noticed engine trouble icons signifying this. We called the dealer and advised of this situation. We had asked if it could be disconnected and was told no, it is forbidden and a safety issue. So when I advised it was turned off, the dealer then refused to work on the car any further or to turn it back on. They are the only local Subaru dealer in knoxville. That certified mechanic is the one who did not reconnect this safety feature and then refused to fix it. What ever measures need to be taken to this dealer (grayson Subaru - knoxville) I need to do so. This has created a huge safety issue with the car and driving and a authorized / approved Subaru dealer refuses to follow the law.


Other Forward Collision Avoidance related problems of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek

Automatic Emergency Braking problems
2
Adaptive Cruise Control problems
1


Safety Ratings of Crosstrek Cars
Fuel Economy of Crosstrek Vehicles
Crosstrek Service Bulletins