Electrical System Problems of Subaru Crosstrek - part 2

This vehicle is a plug-in-hybrid. It should not be able to move while plugged in. Problem is attempting to move the vehicle when the charge cable is still attached and the vehicle is on an incline. Subaru does not display a warning message - instead it displays "check engine" and an ambiguous symbol (a red steering wheel). Subaru disables the power to wheels that would have enabled the driver to close the gap to the charging station. Instead the vehicle rolls away from the charging station, breaking power plug at the vehicle port. Even placing the car in park does not prevent damage, the car will roll down hill until the parking gear latches. I have now broken my power plug 3 times. I am a professional electrical engineer. This should not be able to happen Subaru should prevent the car from being able to move if the cable is still attached, and instead display a message that the cable is still attached. With the "check engine" message, I engaged my obd diagnostics and it could not find a "check engine" flag. At this point, I put the car in gear, and even through Subaru disables power, the car then passively rolls down the driveway, breaking the cable at the power port. Instead of the ambiguous "red steering wheel" icon - Subaru needs to lock the car in park and display a real message. When you finally turn the ignition off - Subaru displays a huge "goodbye" message on the auxiliary display. I say finally because if you do restart the ignition with the cable attatched - you will not be able to turn off the ignition - only after exiting the vehicle, disconnecting the plug will you be able to turn off the vehicle. Not being able to turn off the ignition should not be permitted. Numerous errors in the control logic.

See all problems of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

Since at least 2009 all Subaru models have a faulty air bag clockspring. The horn doesn’t work due to this. Subaru knows about this issue. Even 2018 forester is still using the faulty clock spring. We almost had an accident because the horn didn’t work. After researching the issue, I cannot believe a recall has not been issued. Tried to get it fixed at Subaru today. Still not fixed. We cannot drive until the horn is fixed it is dangerous driving in northern va, 66, 495 and not having a horn to give a warning when you are about to be hit.

See all problems of the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

Battery drains rapidly and completely, sometimes overnight. Five times in less than one year. After a full charge only lasts a few days. Battery replaced but still happens. Others tell me it is a parasitic drain caused by "dcm" and/or faulty starlink software. Dealership cannot seem to fix this after repeated attempts.

See all problems of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

During a near collision, attempted to warn other driver of the situation, but the Crosstrek horn did not work. This appears to be a common problem with these vehicles, that the horn does not work reliably in all normal steering wheel positions. Given the horn is an essential piece of safety equipment, this is a significant problem.

See all problems of the 2015 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

The digital communication module (dcm) on this Crosstrek is faulty and is leading to parasitic drain on the car battery. This defect is consistent with other Subaru models such as the outback. However, this specific model and year was not included in the class action suit and order but the issues are similar.

In three separate incidents while car only shows 70 in fuel indicator, my 2016 Crosstrek stalled while driving on a highway. I have brought my car to Subaru dealer, but they cannot find anything wrong with my 2016 Crosstrek. In each of the three separate instances after waiting on the side road for 30 minutes, I was able to restart the car and drive home. My car just had a new engine air filter replaced.

The contact's significant other owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while his significant other was driving from a complete stop, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer replaced the battery, the fuel cap, and cleared the warning lights; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

Ignition key keeps intermittently locking into ignition when trying to retrieve key. Putting vehicle in park, key will turn engine off, but then will not turn all the way to release the key. Key has a key fob, vehicle is placed on parking gear. Sometimes restarting vehicle can help, sometimes shifting gears and driving vehicle again can help. Sometimes turning steering wheel helps. Sometimes all you can do is wait a few to five minutes to be able to turn off vehicle and retrieve car. No warning lights. After my warranty expired was when I noticed the problem. Bought vehicle used less than a year ago. It can be a safety risk if I cannot retrieve my key and then anyone could jump in and steal it as their is no other way to lock the vehicle unless I automatically locky myself out.

See all problems of the 2014 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

Was told I needed a new ecm due to corrupt learning. My vehicles check engine light, traction control light, and cruise control all turned on/ stopped working. My vehicle has received all necessary maintenance in a timely manner, no missed oil changes and no accidents. The dealership stated it was due to damage but this can’t be possible since the only place service has been completed was at the dealership, if it was damaged it would have been caused by the dealership. I have seen multiple threads online stating the same issue with their vehicle same model and similar years and the cost to replace is not cheap.

See all problems of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v551000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

See all problems of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

Went in for the wrl-23 recall in sept 2023 a very short time after getting notice, the servicing dealer. Found the work needed to replace the dash wire harness as per the instructions, we were told the harness had to be ordered, days later we got a phone call advising the harness was being back ordered, as of 01/19/2024 we again were advised it was still on back order, a call to Subaru of America asking why the part for a recall could be back ordered for four months did not give much help other than being told it would take a week to investigate the issue. Being a retired service manger for another brand auto I felt being lead around how can a recall be made and zero parts available in a reasonable time to make a repair ,which in this case could cause a fire.

I noticed that my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek battery keeps draining when the car sits for several days (something that typically has not happened in the past until my son recently went off to college). I called aaa and they checked out the battery and indicated that the battery was good still, but was borderline. Would likely need to be replaced soon. Since it was the original battery and it would need to be replaced soon - I had them replace it. Even after the battery replacement - the battery drains when the car sits for a few days. I took the car in to my local Subaru dealer and they indicated parasitic drain from dcm is depleting the battery. They tried performing a factory reset on the dcm, but it was unsuccessful. The dealer quoted me $1200 to replace the dcm and had to order it. I also noticed several class-action lawsuits for other Subaru models (which sound like the same issue). I called Subaru customer advocacy to inform them of the situation and currently awaiting a response.

I own a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek with only 37,000 miles. There is a problem with my battery being drained after not driving the car for several days. I have had to call for a jump start 3 times, Aug. 8, 2023, sept. 5, 2023 and Nov. 14, 2023, each time after returning from vacation. I replaced the battery when it happened the second time, but the problem continued to occur. I have taken my car to the Subaru dealership for diagnostic. They checked the draw level in the vehicle electric system found excessive draw of 350mah when everything was turned off. The performed dcm (data control module) check and disconnected the fuse. The draw dropped down to 15mah. I was told I could leave the fuse disconnected, which would leave me with a useless navigation system, loss of front speakers and bluetooth, or replace the dcm that would cost me around $1000. I have done research online and found this is an ongoing problem with Subaru. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure each time. This poses a safety risk if I am in a public parking late at night and I cannot get my car started. I have reported the problem to Subaru of America.

Premature starter failure as noted in TSB 07-198-21 due to failed clutch in starter motor. Only had 35, 750 miles. Defective starter. Issue known to Subaru. Could leave drivers stranded and at risk. This known/ common starter motor failure problem should be a recall.

Recall for lv terminal corrosion was sent. Dealerships had no appointments for 2 weeks. Made appointment at a dealer one week later, dropped off car. Dealer called and stated that parts would not be in for another week. They stated they did not have tools or parts for the repair yet. Not fixed in timely manner.

See all problems of the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

The horn quit working, everything else on my steering wheel and steering column work just not the horn, no way to warn approaching traffic, safety issue, puts myself and family in harms way.

The manufacturer has failed to repair an open recall in a timely manner. Our Crosstrek hybrid's 12-volt battery frequently needs charging and has been jumped a half dozen times in as many months and replaced twice since November.

The starter failed and I was towed to the repair shop where they noted it was unable to kick out bendix to meet flywheel. Upon reviewing Subaru's website and forums, there have been many reports of this problem on the Crosstrek.

I was driving my 2021 Subaru Crosstrek slowly in a parking lot when it unexpectedly accelerated on its own without me pressing the gas pedal. I believe the Crosstrek was now going 40mph. I tried to shut off the engine and brake at the same time but neither one had any effect. I thought maybe I had two options. Either hit another vehicle or pedestrian or turn my car into the curb. I decided to turn into the curb which resulted in the breaking of both axels, flattening all the tires, and sustaining damage to the front fender and headlight. The car was then towed to a garage we’re it was declared totaled. I checked the internet to see if this had occurred to any other Crosstrek. It turns out their is a class action suit pending for the same reason. Police records will show I was not drunk, sleeping, and the car mat was off gas pedal. 12.

See all problems of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

Car caught fire from what seemed to be an electrical issue. Car became engulfed in flames within a few seconds. Fire department was called to extinguish the fire. I was lucky myself to make it out in time. The fire became so big, so quickly, I was concerned for the safety of the surrounding property. Luckily, no one was injured and no property damage took place. Car was inspected and totaled by insurance. The headlights were constantly needing to be changed. Otherwise the car was fine. I had just replaced the battery and just a few hours later the fire happened. The fire appeared to start somewhere under the hood on the passenger side.

The screen display with the oil temp gauge and water temp gauge will randomly turn off while driving as well as sometimes it will not turn on immediately when the car turns on. I have brought this to the dealers attention and nothing has been done, there has been no warning lights on the dash illuminated. This has been going on randomly for the last 6 months. Another issue is that when the bluetooth or carplay is inuse and there is a call in progress the digital speed display is blocked by a screen that says call in progress. This is very dangerous that the digital speed display is blocked when bluetooth or car play is used to make calls. This has many times resulted in me speeding as the speedometer on the car is marked well with tick marks for how big the arm is that tells you how fast you’re going. There is no reason Subaru should block the digital speed display. The infotainment system powers off randomly, changes the radio station on its own, and changes the volume on its own. This started in 2019 when I got the car and the issue was observed by the dealer and the radio was replaced. However now that the radio was replaced in 2019 or 2020 the radio has been recently not turning on when the car is started, shutting off in the middle of the drive, and sometimes not even connecting to carplay to use navigation. Subaru won't help me anymore or even look at the car now for this concern without charging an insane diagnostic fee (which is wrong to charge for safety concerns).

I purchased this vehicle in January 2023 model. The issue is that the driver side seat is heating up when sitting in the seat even though the heated seat button is not on. This issue happens most but not all of the time and the seat will get so hot it feels like my bottom and lower back is burning on fire to the point where I am extremely distracted while driving. This is a safety hazard, I fear it is only a matter of time before I cause an accident due to this distraction because it is so unbearable that I cannot focus on driving. I have searched to see if others have experienced this and there have been other reports on different forums etc. . Read more...

See all problems of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

-driving at moderate pace between 30 and 40 mph when vehicle engine shut off without warning. Loss of power, no steering and all warning lights illuminated. Difficulty getting vehicle over to side of road so not in way of traffic. Braking was difficult once on side of road.

Battery drain when car isn’t in use for 2 days went through 3 high cca agm batteries since I purchased new. Also the manufacturer oem battery. I only have 16,400 miles on the car and went through 4 total batteries. I had to pay for all the batteries and now I need another one.

Several components' issues and scheduled to take back to Subaru dealer on 12/16/2022. Several times after parking car and getting back in, when shifting to 1st gear to take off, the car goes in reverse instead of forward. Rear backup camera sporadically works. Tire pressure light came on and won't turn off. Front end shakes when braking dealer said it was new brakes, but still happening. Front passenger seat belt locked and will not release, no one can sit in front seat. After purchasing the car, and having so many issues, checked the fluid and there was not a drop of oil on the dipstick. Nothing but problems with car from the date of purchase.

Battery issues.

I have a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Unfortunately I have had a couple of issues. The main thing being the horn. The location of the problem is affecting my air bag, and my rear window defroster. I don’t know if Subaru has a faulty clockspring and relays, that malfunction after a certain amount of time. But for everyone’s safety, it would seem that the Subaru corporation would implement a recall. As a result of the horn not working, I was involved in a fender bender accident, I was unable to alert a driver that they were merging into my lane of traffic. I’ve searched mechanics and auto parts stores, the cost is exorbitant, especially for a senior on a fixed income. I don’t know to whom these reports are or if they are forwarded, but I certainly hope someone in a decision making capacity will help the loyal owners of Subarus. I still, because I have no other option, drive, however I am so very cautious. And I limit my “outings” to as few as possible. It’s a hindrance, a rather very often at inopportune times. Hopefully there will be a chance for Subaru to do the correct thing.

Car is a Subaru Crosstrek hybrid car was connected to its electrical charge cable the connector is a type sae j1772 when the connector is connected to the car, the ignition is supposed to be disabled, and the car is not supposed to be able to be removed from park. Neither safety system was operable. When the car was moved, it broke the connector, exposing the bare pins. Hazard - potential exposure to electrocution or fire there is a small orange indicator on the display when the cable is connected. It should be red, and it should inhibit the operation of the car.

Battery drains excessively and frequently. Will not hold a charge. Frequently replacing battery only to have it fail. The personal safety issue here is being stranded with a dead battery in an unsafe environment with no way to escape, or needing the vehicle for an immediate personal health emergency and having the vehicle not start. I don't know if there is a safety related issue with operating the car with this electrical system issue. There are scores of web searches that depict this issue of parasitic draining of the battery by the vehicle's controller area network. Several class action lawsuits are referenced. I don't find any information that the lawsuits have resolved in a recall of any sort. Thank you for your interest in it this issue.

Today my vehicle make a single click sound and the car rattle a little while driving on the highway and suddenly everything shut off. All my guages, lights, and I lost power on the vehicle. Within seconds I had power again and my guages came back on and I was able to continue on the highway safely. About 5 minutes later it did the same thing; click, shook and lost all power. Except this time the radio stayed on. Luckily I was driving downhill and was able to coast to the next offramp. I pulled over only being able to use the brakes and hazards. I had no turn signals or power. I was able to stop safety on the offramp and turn the engnition off. I started the car and everything started just fine. I drove on the main streets to my destination. At my destination, I checked the battery terminals and air filter, everything looked fine. Subaru has reported of a recall on my year of vehicle that is a new recall from this month for the ignition coil but the recall does not come up using my VIN. The description sounds like these incidents. The vehicle is my family's only vehicle but is available for inspection. I am hoping to get Subaru to check my ignition coil as a part of their recall to ensure this issue is fixed. My daughter who is currently learning to drive was driving the vehicle 10 minutes prior. I cannot imagine her driving when it does that again.

Driving on the freeway my car lost power I pulled off to the side and tried to restart it. As I have the ignition turned over for 30 to 40 seconds the starter sounded erratic and the oil temperature light was flashing. I sat there for about ten minutes and tried again and it did the same thing but it started. This power loss has happened twice. The erratic noise coming from the ignition, and the hesitation of starting is a regular ongoing issue along with the oil temperature light. Since the first stall at about 117000 miles on the odometer the car has been burning oil at a rate of a full quart about every 3000 miles. #2 around 120000 miles my key wouldn't come out of the ignition. This happened first on a late night in a high crime area. I actually had to leave my keys in my ignition while going into a gas station to pay for fuel. Since then this happens every time I turn off my vehicle and put it into the park position. Usually I have to wait around ten minutes to be able to remove the keys. Both of these issues cause a great deal of anxiety on the freeway or having to leave the key in the ignition.

See all problems of the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.

When starting the vehicle in a narrow area, the reverse automatic braking will sometimes activate. This causes the anti-lock brake system to actuate while the car is backing up making a rapid clicking noise. After backing up approximately 6-8 feet, the vehicle will stall, the steering wheel will lock, and all warning dash lights such as "check engine" will be on. Air conditioning codes are triggered u0401 (confirmed - invalid data received from ecm/pcm "a"), and u0416 (invalid data received from vehicle dynamics control module). Powering off the vehicle for a minute or two and starting the vehicle will return normal operation. This is a safety hazard if the car stalls when backing out from a driveway into a busy intersection. The car will also stall by locking the steering wheel and showing check engine and other errors on the dash, as well as activating the u0401 + u0416 codes when starting the vehicle (push button + brake), and then rapidly shifting out of park, and then using the accelerator. When this occurs, the hybrid system will not start, and the engine will not turn over. No power is transferred to the transmission.

Vehicle had a parasitic draw, was in the shop for an extended amount of time, I believe wiring issues were caused from this as well, I had to replace my driver side window switch, buy an optima battery, and drive 3. 5hrs to a Subaru dealership in the middle of the winter hoping I’d make it safely and without stalling, the dcm was found to be at fault similarly to other vehicle owners included in another recall that somehow excluded 2019 Crosstrek drivers and included other my variants such as the outback and forester of which also had a bulletin posted about this parasitic draw and how to go about warrantying the costs associated with the repair. I incurred many costs travelling, horrible gas mileage during this time, and a battery replacement. Additionally I lost my workstudy position the following semester due to the unstable vehicle issues and attendance concerns when shuttling the car to the dealer for these warranty repairs (if even covered at all).

Unable to remove key from ignition when placed in park.

The key gets stuck in the ignition. We have to turn the ignition to acc or start the car then switch it back to off multiple times for it to release. We have not had the issue looked at yet. It's easily reproduceable. No other symptoms are present. Subaru issued a recall for this issue for vehicles with a cvt transmission but there are countless complaints of this happening to non-cvt transmission Subaru vehicles.

See all problems of the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek 🔎.