Electrical System Problems of Subaru Crosstrek - part 1

On 06/26/26, while traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power in active traffic due to a blown out/melted cylinder 4 ignition coil. This unexpected engine failure forced raw fuel into the exhaust system, causing an immediate internal thermal meltdown of the catalytic converter, rendering the vehicle entirely undriveable and creating a severe highway safety hazard. This vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA campaign 21v264000 (Subaru recall wre-21), which was intended to permanently remedy an ecm software defect that over-energizes and melts the ignition coils. Subaru of America (case # 260630-2101598) is denying coverage, claiming that because the recall was executed 90,000 miles/5 years ago, and because the current software calibration id (cid) matches their post-recall database, the thermal melting is standard "wear and tear. " I am filing this complaint because a safety recall remedy must be permanent and effective. The physical evidence, a melted plastic coil housing with a hole blown through it, is an engineering impossibility under normal wear and tear and proves that the original software patch failed to permanently mitigate the high-voltage overloading defect. Over a 5-year period of gradual thermal degradation, the defect reoccurred, creating the exact highway hazard the recall was mandated to prevent. I request a federal investigation into the long-term efficacy and failure rates of the wre-21 software reflash.

See all problems of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving and stopping on a red light at around 25 mph, vehicle was shaking till it completely stalled. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed with ignition coil failure and pending repairs. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 19v743000 (electrical system). The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,500.

See all problems of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

Brake light switch failure. Triggering traction control warning light, hill assist warning light, and abs warning light, and disables cruise control. There was previously a recall (number: wue-90 NHTSA 19v-149) for the brake light switch for Subaru models with my production date included, but because hybrid Crosstrek models were not included, it will not be replaced under recall. I am still experiencing the same issues and cause, but it is not covered.

See all problems of the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

On [xxx] ~[xxx] pm, at highway speed on [xxx] eastbound near frisco, CO (a mountain interstate), returning to denver from salt lake city, my 2021 Subaru Crosstrek suddenly and without warning dropped into reduced-power limp mode and began lurching and shaking while the engine kept running. I lost the ability to accelerate or maintain speed. At the same moment the check engine light came on and multiple active safety systems automatically disabled: eyesight, pre-collision braking, vehicle dynamics (traction/stability) control, and hill start assist. It took about two minutes to manage the lurching, power-limited vehicle across multiple lanes of traffic to reach the shoulder. My partner was in the vehicle. Had this happened on a bridge, a grade without a shoulder, a tunnel approach, or in heavier traffic, I believe a collision was a realistic outcome. The vehicle was towed to a Subaru dealer and diagnosed with a failed thermo control valve. Sixteen trouble codes were stored, including p26a6, p0606, p060b, p2138, p2135, p2122, p2119, p2004, p2005, and p0191. Mileage was 49,983. There was no prior symptom. The vehicle had a full multi-point inspection at the same dealer only 11 days and ~1,400 miles earlier ([xxx]); nothing was flagged. This failure mode is already known to Subaru, addressed by technical service bulletin 09-119-24 and a warranty extension to 15 years/150,000 miles; the dealer repair order confirms the TSB. I am concerned Subaru handles a safety-relevant failure, one that disables collision-avoidance systems at highway speed, through a quiet warranty extension rather than a recall or owner notification. Owners get no warning and discover it only when it fails dangerously. I request NHTSA open a formal safety defect investigation. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

In the middle of driving car stuttered, engine light went on, and car stalled. Unable to restart, engine cranks but would not turn over. Had car towed for repair. Diagnostic shows engine coil short causing blown fuse. Subaru has an active recall for this identical issue for my same year and model 2019 Crosstrek but the recall does not cover my VIN.

The dcm on our 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is causing a parasitic drain on the battery. It left us stranded several times. We replaced the battery twice in the past 15 months. There is a class action lawsuit against Subaru for this exact problem, but they won't replace it on our vehicle because it has over 45,000 miles. A defective dcm is a widely known problem with many Subaru models. We never received notice of this problem from Subaru, nor were there any warnings, messages, or indications that this was a problem, until we took it to a mechanic for service, who sent us to a Subaru dealer because it had to be repaired by them.

My 2020 Subaru Crosstrek experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalled due to a blown ignition fuse. Diagnostic code p1604 (startability malfunction) was stored. Inspection by wayne Subaru (invoice #25340) confirmed the cylinder 3 ignition coil had shorted and physically melted. This is the exact failure mode described in Subaru safety recall wre-21 (NHTSA campaign 21v825000), which currently only covers 2018–2019 models. My vehicle experienced a thermal event and a stall despite being a 2020 model. The dealer replaced only the melted coil and did not update the ecm software. This leaves the vehicle at risk of a repeat stall in traffic, as the underlying software defect that causes coils to overheat remains unaddressed in the 2020 model year and the remaining coils may already be at risk.

See all problems of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

While driving 2020 Crosstrek hybrid, the dashboard lights suddenly flashed and then engine stalled, leaving me with no brakes and no steering. I rolled through straight through an intersection with four stop signs and I could not stop. Luckily no one was driving or walking at the time. I couldn't start car, even with a jump start. I bought a new interstate battery with higher specs. Three days later the same thing happened, the car stalled while driving just about to park. The dashboard lights also flashed and I saw hybrid system this time. Car was towed to the dealer and there was a huge amount of corrosion with the electrical system underneath the car. Previously, four times this winter the car batter was completely dead after being parked in a garage and twice in a parking lot. I was told by a mechanic who gave me a jump start that there's a parasitic drain somewhere.

Purchased vehicle 8/27/2025 within 1 day and 1 month of 2 separate class action lawsuits. Purchased from carmax wilmington. Car produced electrical shock to my hand first time I attempted to pair the vehicle. Parkway stated at that time I was under an additional warranty but the vehicle would require constant “updates”. This was an intentional deception to prevent me from pursuing what is required under the law, which is the replacement of head unit and subsequent by back of the vehicle when those services fail. "I am reporting a severe pre-crash safety module defect and subsequent dealer concealment on a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. Two weeks prior to being rear-ended, parkway Subaru in wilmington, nc, executed seven failed eyesight safety recalibration sequences. The service department concealed the component failure, falsely stating the vehicle 'just needed updates,' releasing an unsafe vehicle with non-functional automated braking into commerce. Post-collision, the vehicle was redirected to an uncertified shop to perform unauthorized repairs and cover up the pre-existing safety failure. Service manager selena tighe verbally threatened me to suppress my references to federal class-action safety filings.

See all problems of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

3/3!2026 while driving heat stop working. Called milea saburu spoke to christian made an appointment for 3/5/2026 they had nothing sooner. Told her what happened. Brought in they gave me loaner 12 days later on 3/18/2026 pick up car. Paid bill they told me everything done no problems. I would get my 250 dollars for the car back in 30 days. Even though they said it was a hold it went through. I live 15 minutes from home. I got in the car heat was blasting turned it off and waited turned it on it worked. Pick up time 4 pm. Drove home parked next day 3/19/2026 turned on car made a tapping nouse after five minutes went away call dealer left message on andrew manager answering service. Car parked at work 8 15 am to 3 40 pm. Drove home got home at 3 50 am turned off heat heart rushing water like down a creak. Turned off car looked in the front some liquid gushing out car smelled like it was burning. Put paper under car with rock to see color of fluid it was blue new it was coolant call dealer againt went to voice mail manager andrew hung up went to dealer. Arrived at 4 40 pm chris service advisor check said was not save to drive burning smell still there got another loaner another 200 dollar on top of the 250. Called saburu customer advocacy this morning spoke to latoya 11 15 am 3/20/2026 case number xxx-xxx waiting for someone to call me by Tuesday. I requested a 3 year gold plus warranty as a goodwill gesture to restore my confidence in the vehicle and protect my engine integrity. I am deeply concerned that the gushing coolent damaged the internal engines seals or may have been compromised due to the heat, the hoses or gadgets now or over time. I have puctures and documents that the system won't allow download. If the car continues to have reoccurring issues due to this complete repair failure. I am asking them to replace my 2018 saburu crosstrex that has only 52, 315 miles with an equal value car without issues. My car is 10 years old low mileage. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information ac.

When the car is put in park the key will not come out of the ignition. Sometimes to be removed from ignition. Therefore the key will get stuck. The transmission has to be put back in drive and then back into park for the ignition system to recycle and release the key. Sometimes it takes about 2 or 3 times to get the key out. I have had to turn the car on put it in drive then park push the lock switch then turn the car off. I have been told that Subaru knows the problem exists. No recalls have been made.

See all problems of the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

Within 10 days of purchasing this vehicle a certified Subaru dealership documented the following safety defects. Both front cv axles failing and clicking on turns creating loss of vehicle control risk. Eps electronic power steering fault codes creating safety critical steering concern. Can bus communication fault u0073 affecting multiple vehicle safety systems simultaneously. Cvt transmission fluid critically low at 1 to 2 quarts. These defects were professionally documented by Subaru of portland certified technicians on [xxx] at 113,494 miles. Repair quote for safety related defects totals $7,516. 51. Vehicle was sold by overland automotive llc 2900 se cornelius pass rd ste 105 hillsboro or 97123 with these defects undisclosed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the vehicle decelerated and lost drive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road, where the vehicle completely shut off and lost power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with battery failure. The battery was replaced; however, the following morning, while attempting to start the vehicle, there was no electrical power to the vehicle. The hybrid system check error message was displayed. The contact researched and found information related to NHTSA campaign number: 23v080000 (electrical system). The contact stated that there was corrosion on the battery. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, an advertisement for a product that the contact had never purchased suddenly took over the infotainment system, which required the driver to interact with the infotainment screen and to return the screen to normal functionality. The contact was concerned that the issue was a distraction for the driver and was temporarily preventing access to the infotainment system safety features. Upon investigation, the contact learned that the manufacturer had enabled product advertisement on the infotainment screen of the vehicle while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

See all problems of the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

I got a pop-up message while attempting to back up using my rear backup camera that almost caused an accident. This blocked view of the camera and locked up the entire infotainment system until I could clear it. The pop up was: "enjoy siriusxm free thru 12/1. " this kind of distraction while operating a vehicle that weighs almost a ton while the vehicle is in motion is dangerous and irresponsible. This advertisement disables and interferes with safety features on this vehicle.

Advertisement for xm radio service popped up on console screen of the car, and would not go away unless manually dismissed (touch) - while driving, covering the entire screen. This is entirely unnecessary and distracting, all to serve an advertisement for a service I don't want or use.

See all problems of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

Advertisement pops up for siri’s radio while driving. Distracts from navigation and other primary functions.

Sirius xm advertizing obscures the entire screen making car data and navigation unavailable unless a driver takes their eyes of the road to press a tiny x on a corner. There are some offers when I bought the care where I had to shut the car off to get the ad to disappear. I do not want to have driver distraction from ads that could lead to an accident or have me pull over in traffic to shut off. Please ask them to stop this behavior.

To whom it may concern, I am filing a formal dispute and safety complaint regarding my 2022 Subaru Crosstrek limited. On November 12, 2025, while driving at approximately 70 mph on the highway, the vehicle suddenly stopped operating automatically without warning. This was a terrifying and dangerous event for me and my family. We could have been seriously injured or worse. The service department later claimed that the issue might be related to the battery, but I am not convinced that this explanation is accurate or acceptable. A vehicle with only around 41,000 miles should not suddenly lose power or stop at highway speed. This is a serious safety defect and raises strong concerns about the vehicle’s reliability, engineering, and overall safety. I request that Subaru of America open a formal investigation into this incident and document it as part of my ongoing complaints. I also ask that this matter be reviewed under the florida lemon law and bbb auto line programs, since this issue demonstrates a clear and dangerous failure of the vehicle’s systems that should not occur under normal operation. Please confirm receipt of this dispute and provide a case reference number and next steps for resolution. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] ?? 786-718-0305 [xxx] et 2022 Subaru Crosstrek limited vi [xxx] 29 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

A/c control head and connector burned on both ends. Dealer service center stated it was a significant safety/fire hazard if we had not immediately taken in to be checked. No warning, no fuses out. Only indication something was wrong is a/c turned on but only on 1,2 and 4. Then, same day, only on 4. Next day took to Subaru service center. When we asked how would replacing parts stop this from happening again, we were told original parts had a “design flaw” and was “defective”. Replacement/new parts wiring system actually corrects the oem defect.

See all problems of the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unidentified recall; however, the recall repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the vehicle occasionally experienced an abnormal battery energy consumption, although the battery was previously recharged. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ringing sound coming from underneath the dashboard. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the ringing sound persisted. After the contact connected the bluetooth, the ringing stopped. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,158.

Dashboard warning lights required an inspection by a qualified mechanic and made the assessment of a faulty ecm relatively easily by noting the excessive heat emitting from the ecu.

Since purchasing the vehicle, I have had numerous problems with the lane departure warning. It is inconsistent on a daily basis. The only time it responds the way it is supposed to, is if there is average light and very vivid road/lane markings. It sometimes does not respond to yellow lines in the road unless they are very vivid. It often misses white lines unless there is a strong contrast to the road. When it rains, all systems on my dashboard show that they are off and the word "eyesight" has a slash through it. There have been some instances where the car has not turned off, despite pushing the control repeatedly. . . And not allowing me entrance to the car despite the key in my hand and trying to open the locked car.

All four tire pressure monitoring sensors failed on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek at approximately 69,000 miles. The tpms light remains illuminated, and the system no longer provides low-tire-pressure warnings. Subaru of America acknowledged the issue but declined full repair coverage, offering only partial “goodwill assistance. ” because tpms is a federally mandated safety system, a full-system failure poses the risk of operating the vehicle without tire-pressure warning capability. The dealership quoted approximately $1,000 to restore the system. Subaru’s decision to deny full coverage leaves the safety defect uncorrected.

The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start and was jumpstarted several times by a dealer’s mobile technician. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was determined that the battery was in good condition, and the failure could be related to the manual transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that a aaa technician who assisted in jumpstarting the vehicle confirmed that the alternator and the battery were in good condition. The technician informed the contact that the vehicle was experiencing a parasitic battery drain; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the battery. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with head gasket failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Factory alarm is triggered late in the evening while in my garage regardless if vehicle is locked or unlocked.

Phone charger does not work. Power was out and I could not charge phone. Best I've ever got was 1% on a 1 hour drive. The phone however gets extremely hot. Anecdotally, my usb port also didn't work leaving me with no way to have a charged phone during a prolonged power outage. The wireless charger is a widespread common problem. Below, I have included links to multiple threads and videos where even more multiple comments are posted of people having the same issue. For background, I use wireless charging on my nightstand, my motorcycle, my work desk, all for this phone, all different chargers in this case. It's the charger not working. It is a 100% real issue and here are all the other countless people having the same problem: [xxx] same problem from this dealer employee. [xxx] same problem posted on Subaru forum. [xxx] multiple people complaining about similar issue in this forum. [xxx] mutiple people reporting a similar issue in this forum as well. [xxx] guy removing the charger, comment section full of people having the same problem as me. This should be a recall. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

When attempting to put the car in park, the key will not release and is stuck. Incident happens often in recent past days. Key will not release from ignition.

Pressing the horn button on the steering wheel does not sound the horn. However, pushing the “lock” or “panic” button on the key fob still makes the horn beep. So the horn itself works, but pressing on the steering wheel does absolutely nothing. Other buttons on the steering column still work (cruise control, radio controls, etc). Only pressing the horn button doesn’t work thus making me unable to alert other drivers of my presence if they are drifting toward me. This has not been evaluated by a mechanic or dealer yet as I do not have the money to do so. However, a simple search on reddit will show you that many others are experiencing this with their Subaru Crosstreks. There were no symptoms or issues that led to this. It simply stopped working one day. And I am not someone who hits their horn very often so this is not an overuse issue. Once the horn button stopped working on the steering wheel, it has not worked since. I have not had the ability to alert drivers with my horn for over a month.

See all problems of the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

Hello! I started financing my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek in 04/2023. A month after that date, I had a head gasket issue. Then in 2024, a radiator cap deformed after going to the dealer to get an oil change at sf Honda. (the time on that was suspicious being that I didn’t touch that cap at all. ) so I had to pay for that repair. Now in 2025, after getting an oil change at Subaru, a day after that oil change, a lot of lights came onto my dashboard. I have two diagnosis reports from other places because I didn’t have the money to pay Subaru $300 to “diagnose” the issue, especially after my car just came from there a day before the problem existed. Since I got into this vehicle, I’ve been suspicious whether or not it’s safe for me, reason also being, I found out in 2024, that this car has been into 5 wrecks. Which I was not aware of prior. And now, they are making me feel, there is nothing they can do, unless I have a CO-signer, or the approved “credit” score. And now that my vehicle has “7” recalls! I am hoping I can get out of this vehicle. Thanks!.

Subaru owners have reported experiencing premature parasitic battery drain in vehicles equipped with starlink in-vehicle technology. The defect presents itself when the equipped data communications module (dcm) attempts to communicate with 3g cellular networks. As 3g networks within the u. S. Are no longer functioning, the call will continuously fail even after the vehicle has been turned off, draining the battery and resulting in a no-start safety risk for drivers. According to those familiar with the issue, the only solution to the battery drain defect is to remove the dcm fuse, thus disabling vital safety features such as hands-free calling. This issue is happening to me specifically, as I have had to jump my car multiple times within a week long period if in a bad cell range area. I have brought this into the dealership multiple times, under warranty, and presented this to them. They refuse to fix, even though multiple online threads and lawsuits point to this issue being known.

Purchased in August 2024, had to get a new battery 2 days after purchase & then went to the dealership January 2025 because my battery kept dying & I was stranded at the airport late night. They acknowledged is has a parasitic draw but did not notate the source. They claimed I needed a new battery when my previous Subaru branded battery was only 5 months old. The new battery was almost $600 which is double/ triple a store branded equivalent. I purchased yet another battery but non-Subaru branded since theirs did not last even 6 months. Still have been experiencing the same issue. I pulled the dcm fuse and let my car sit for several days as a test. The battery did not die with the dcm fuse removed. The front speakers and bluetooth are linked to the dcm fuse so they do not work if it is unplugged.

On the morning of 12/26/24 - I stepped inside my 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and turned on the engine. The vehicle was parked in a commuter parking lot near my home to begin with. When I turned on the vehicle - I noticed a loud roaring sound when the engine turned on which I thought was very strange. Additionally I did not have my foot on the gas pedal at all during this time. I proceeded to place the car in drive and all of sudden the car experienced a unintended acceleration straight forward with a sudden burst that I never experienced before. I proceeded to press the brake pedal and tried to turn the steering wheel - but both functions were non-responsive which was incredibly frightening. My car then went straight into a tree with great impact and the vehicle was damaged beyond repair. Also - the vehicle's windshield mounted motion detection camera system (Subaru eyesight) along with motion detector auto breaking system did not engage before I hit the tree which was very troubling. Thankfully the airbag deployed and other then some medium knee pain I was not injured nor was anyone else injured. A local paramedic truck happen to be onsite at the same time and called local authorities. Overall the malfunctioning of the vehicle is of great concern to me.