Who are we? We are Lemberg Law, a Consumer Law Firm
Lemberg Law is a consumer law firm helping victims of bad manufacturing and run-arounds from auto companies. We are ranked A+ by the BBB. Call our Helpline today! There is no charge unless we win.
Now that America demands compact sport utility vehicles, the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek has become a popular option. Even the automaker states that it is “engineered for a long, interesting life.” What is seen is that this model does provide plenty of adventure, but not for good reasons. The electrical system is faulty, it has a defective engine and spontaneously breaking windshields
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018 2019 2021 2022
Contents
Don’t be stuck with a lemon. You have legal rights to cash, return or buyback.
The law makes Subaru pay legal fees.
We've fixed thousands of lemon problems. Message or call 877-795-3666 today.
NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Electrical System | |
| Visibility:windshield | |
| Structure:body | |
| Visibility | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Power Train | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Engine |
Problems with the Transmission
Many automakers have transitioned to using a CVT instead of a standard automatic transmission. However, this newer technology is causing problems in the Crosstrek.
Here’s one Edmunds review. “The CVT transmission has a very loud high pitch whistle. It drives me up the wall a little.”
It turns out that Subaru has had to make several adjustments to this transmission already. In fact, Service Bulletin #03-83-20R states that customers were complaining about rattling and vibration when driving in fourth gear between 1900 and 2500 RPMs. To fix the problem, Subaru needed to replace the shift forks, as well as the sleeve and hub assembly. If the company had “love” for its car buyers, it would go back to using a reliable transmission.
Problems with the Windshield
Seeing out of the windshield is an essential part of driving, but it becomes impossible when cheap auto glass is used that cracks with every turn and bump.
That’s what this NHTSA complaint talks about. “Immediately after activating my front windshield wipers, I heard a cracking ‘pop’ sound from my windshield and a 12-inch crack appears, stemming from the center of the rear view mirror and extending diagonally to the top edge of the windshield. My car is only seven months old with less than 8000 miles on it and has never been struck by a piece of gravel or debris. This happened on a sunny day while driving 25 mph down a city street in Ames, IA. Since this happened suddenly without any cause, I believe the issue is from a manufacturer defect in the windshield.”
This wouldn’t be the first complaint pointing to such a problem. In fact, it’s the top complaint about this model. Yet, Subaru doesn’t want to show any love by addressing it publically. That doesn’t mean there haven’t been other structure-related concerns that have been talked about. Service Bulletin #12-283-20 states that a new hood stay support needed to be installed to prevent vibration between the hood and components underneath. This is something that most car companies should have figured out a long time ago, but apparently, Subaru was too busy giving out love instead of doing its job.
Problems with the Engine
Propelling the vehicle is the engine. If this system is powerful and durable, the drive is fun. Otherwise, customers just experience never-ending nightmares, leading to a drop in satisfaction.
That’s what is seen with this NHTSA complaint. “We had a remote start installed by the dealership prior to accepting delivery of the car. Two days later, the car would not start. The car was completely unable to start. The Subaru dealership sent a technician to repair the car, rather than towing it to a dealership and repairing it there. The technician confirmed the remote start was defective and rerouted the starting procedure. Since then, the car makes a horrible noise on cold starts. The car was taken in to have the rest of the remote start components removed, but they claimed to know nothing about the sound. We feel these remote starters are unsafe and likely damaging the vehicle’s starter, and possibly other electrical components.”
While Subaru hasn’t talked about the engine and remote starter combination, there have been other engine-related problems addressed. For example, Service Bulletin #11-200-20R points out that the Engine Control Module needs to be reoptimized to handle starting in sub-freezing temperatures or while in high altitudes. So, basically, only customers in warm climates and altitudes are allowed to feel the love.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Subaru pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Complaint Data
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Nov 27, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The windshield has cracked twice and had to be replaced. The first time was december 2021 and the second time was november 2022. Each time, we did not even see impact with a pebble. We just assume that was what caused the crack. My wife and I have been driving for fifty years and this is the first time we have had to replace a windshield. Subaru needs to fix this problem. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Oct 23, 2022 |
| State | WA |
| Description | My car was parked outside when one morning I noticed a 2-inch crack started from the edge of the windshield on the passenger side of my vehicle which grew to 19 inches in the following days. The crack feels smooth from the outside and to my knowledge didn't happen due to any impact. My vehicle is available for any inspection. I have not taken my car to the manufacturer regarding this issue yet. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Oct 18, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Repeatedly battery drains after a few days of not driving. Won't start. Requires a jumpstart. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 30, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I was driving on the I-5 north. The car had already been in operation for over 2 hours by this point. While traveling around 70 mpg, the speed limit on that section of the highway, my front driver's side door, which had been locked, became unlocked and unlatched on its own — my car's "open door" warning went off and significant wind noise entered the car's cabin. Additionally, the cabin's interior lights all turned on, a normal feature that occurs when the car is stopped and the door opened, but incredible dangerous when traveling at night and at high speeds. I was in a safety corridor on the highway, so there was no shoulder to pull off to. If I tried pulling the door closer to the frame of the vehicle, I was able to get the "door open" indicator to turn off and the lights to dim, but the door would not latch. When I released my grip, however, the door returned to its unlatched/open state. Unable to tell how long the safety corridor would last, I was forced to open and close the door manually while still in motion to correct the problem. Had this been a one-lane section of the highway or had traffic been coming in the lane to my immediate left, it's possible this procedure would have caused an accident. I am unable to attach dashcam footage of this incident to this report, but have uploaded it here for you (and subaru) to review: https://www. Youtube. Com/watch? V=t5vn_yonpgi please note that the time on the dash cam is incorrect - this occurred around 5 am. |
| Category | Visibility |
| Date | Aug 16, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 subaru crosstrek. The contact stated after entering the vehicle it was discovered that the front windshield had developed a crack extending approximately four inches from the top of the windshield to the rearview mirror attachment. The contact indicated that no object or rocks had made contact with the windshield to cause the crack. The cause of the failure was not determined. The windshield was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 13,000. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Jun 06, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | May 19, 2022 |
| State | NH |
| Description | The contact owned a 2020 subaru crosstrek. The contact stated that as attempted to park her vehicle at 5 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning and drove onto a boulder. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. Three of the contact's front teeth were knocked out as a result of the failure. The police were called to her property; however, a police report was not filed since the failure happened on private property. The contact was able to make an appointment with a dentist where she was treated for a fractured jaw; in addition, two front teeth were extracted from her jaw. Once her jaw had healed, dental implants were used to replace her missing teeth. The vehicle was towed to an independent auto body mechanic and later sold the vehicle since she no longer felt safe driving it. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, they claimed to have never heard of such a failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The whereabouts of the vehicle are unknown. The failure mileage was 5,104. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Apr 10, 2022 |
| State | CO |
| Description | My 2020 subaru crosstrek has repeatedly had its windshield crack for little to no reason. I have noticed my windshield crack in a similar spot (near the vin number area) multiple times with no incidents where a rock or other debris struck the windshield. This provides a visual distraction and safety issue while driving. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Mar 07, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The vehicle has experience numerous times now, and has been to the dealer for repairs regarding an unanticipated loss of all ability to accelerate or maintain speed until the vehicle is shutdown and restarted. This has caused significant stress when traveling on a fast moving freeway in the fast lane and then having to quickly get to the shoulder to "power-cycle" the vehicle. The dealer has seen the vehicle 5 times for this issue in the 10 months we have owned it, starting at 6k miles and we just got it back from 2 weeks with the dealer; today it has 9k miles. The dealer has told is that the vehicle losing all power and ability to accelerate or maintain speed is a safety feature. I feel having my wife and three children in a vehicle the significantly increases the chances for collision as very much the opposite of a safety feature. We have tried working with the dealer over the past 6 months and 3k miles, but need the help of an advocate who can influence the dealer to correct the issue before someone gets hurt or worse. The date shown below is only the first instance of many instances of power loss. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Feb 20, 2022 |
| State | WI |
| Description | Windshield cracked across bottom portion. Many other subaru owners have had the same problem. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Feb 14, 2022 |
| State | ME |
| Description | Windshield defective/easily damaged. Minor roadway pebble created a pit. Seems to be an issue with many subarus. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jan 31, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | My front windshield cracked one day on its own sitting in my driveway. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Dec 15, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The windshield seemed to just start cracking for no known reason. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Nov 20, 2021 |
| State | OR |
| Description | Battery drains quickly. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Oct 25, 2021 |
| State | KS |
| Description | Windshield spontaneously cracked |
| Category | Structure:body, Unknown Or Other, Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Oct 12, 2021 |
| State | CO |
| Description | Driver side rear door window exploded while driving. Shattering was unexpected. No rocks were heading that way and car is only 1. 5 years old. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Oct 12, 2021 |
| State | IL |
| Description | 2020 crosstrek windshield cracked. The windshield easily chips. Crack started in lower windshield. Car was parked in carport when crack started. Subaru does not fix windshield and told us to call glass company. Car taken to glass replacement center for replacement of windshield. Subaru dealer told us over the phone that the pictures show there is chip in windseild and subaru will not cover repair. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Sep 28, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Stalls sometimes when in intersection or when making a turn from dead stop ,then goes along fine. Seems like it is fuel or computer problem |
| Category | Visibility:windshield |
| Date | Jun 25, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2020 subaru crosstrek. The contact stated while entering the vehicle she noticed that the front windshield had a 10-inch crack on the driver's side. The contact stated that an object had not struck the windshield to cause the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Jun 21, 2021 |
| State | VA |
| Description | If car sits unused for 2 or 3 days, the battery will have slowly drained down to the point where the car won't start. It seems that the car's internal electronics drains the battery down, even if the car isn't being operated. Even if the car is being operated, the battery is only charged up to about half of a full charge which contributes to the battery drain problem. The dealer says that the car should be started up every day to keep this problem from occurring, but that doesn't seem reasonable, and is practical if the car needs to be parked a few days at the airport. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | May 11, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Windshield cracked for no reason. Crack formed underneath the edge of the rubber window seal and has spread a crack six inches in height. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | May 03, 2021 |
| State | ID |
| Description | My car wouldn't start after stopping to visit a friend. The friend watched under the hood when I pressed the start button. He saw sparks from under the hood. I had driven over 27 miles that day before this happened. The dealer said it was because I made too many short trips. They offered to install a battery charger which I don't feel should be necessary on a brand new car. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | May 03, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Windows will not always go down when temperatures at or below 26 degrees fahrenheit. Reported problem to dealer on january 6, 2021. Made service appointment for january 19,2021. They verified problem. Dealer ordered replacement driver's side run channel, appointment made for installation january 26, 2021. Morning of january 28, 2021, temperature 20 degrees f, none of the windows would go down. No frost/snow/ice on windows. Service appointment january 28-29 diagnosed 'possible window freezing needing to defrost in winter time'. February 17, 2021, temperature 10 degrees f, windows did not go down. Drove car 30 minutes to the dealer, defrost and heat on high. Service technician verified windows did not go down, left car with dealer. February 19, 2021 one window still did not go down. Recorded video of windows not going down on march 2,2021,contacted subaru of america, service record # 1-66493397585. Initial phone call from services department left voicemail offering 'compensation for the problem'. I refused compensation. Received email recommending purchasing an accessory to 'alleviate this concern'. Phoned subaru of america again, service record #1-67542809043, and again advised purchase of accessory to 'alleviate this concern'. April 2, 2021, windows not going down, recorded second video. Phoned dealer, who initiated a third service record #1-67810220574 with subaru of america. Received a phone call from the services department at subaru of america informing me that there is no problem with the car windows. There are instances in keene,ny when temperature is below zero at night never above 15 degrees f daily and windows would not go down for days. Vehicle is always parked outside. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Apr 30, 2021 |
| State | GA |
| Description | I woke up with a huge crack in my windshield. No idea how it happened. This is the third one. I've had this car for 11 months. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Apr 29, 2021 |
| State | SC |
| Description | While driving down the interstate with no vehicles around my vehicle or passing in the opposing direction the sunroof violently shattered allowing glass to rain down on the driver and passenger. There were no cars nearby or trees overhead |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Mar 08, 2021 |
| State | GA |
| Description | I bought my 2020 subaru crosstrek in may of 2020. The windshield is up to two cracks. I had the first filled through my insurance company and I just discovered the second today. Both cracks happens while driving on the interstate. |
| Category | Visibility:windshield |
| Date | Mar 04, 2021 |
| State | PA |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2020 subaru crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the windshield cracked without incident. The crack formed vertically on the top edge of the driver's side windshield at a length of approximately 6 inches. The contact stated that the crack obstructed her vision while driving. Flemington subaru (167 nj-31, flemington, nj 08822) was contacted informed her to contact a local dealer for assistance. Patriot subaru (769 portland rd, saco, me 04072) was then notified of the failure and informed her that they do not repair windshields. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000. |
| Category | Visibility:windshield |
| Date | Mar 01, 2021 |
| State | IL |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2020 subaru crosstrek. The contact stated while driving the vehicle she became aware of a crack in the center of the front windshield. The contact stated there was no impact to the windshield when the crack was formed. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the windshield was repaired. The contact stated that there was another crack on the windshield on the driver's side windshield. The failure was not repaired a second time. The contact had not notified a local dealer or the manufacturer of the failure. The failure mileage was 17,000. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Feb 16, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I got home from work, cleaned the windshield and there was no cracks... I didnt use the car the rest of the day. Next morning there was a crack in the windshield the car was not in motion and was parked |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jan 11, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | As I was driving to work in the morning around 7am with only 2 other cars in other lanes not near me, I heard a sudden crack. I looked over to the right lower side of my windshield and saw a dent and a crack about 2-3 inches. I don't think it's a rock but that wouldn't have caused such a loud and big crack all of a sudden. I have other cars(not subarus) and I have never seen a crack form like that before. Upon further research, this is a common problem with the newer subarus, this is incredibly dangerous and I'm actually scared to drive my subaru! This scare is a safe car but with a windshield like that, its worrying me. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Dec 14, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | There is a stress crack on passenger side front on windshield from rearview mirror inside the vehicle going upward in an arch and ends at the top of the windshield. It was in our garage and there is nothing that could have fallen onto the car from the roof of the garage. Noticed crack on 12/13/2020 |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Oct 14, 2020 |
| State | PA |
| Description | I've only had my brand new 2020 subaru crosstrek for 4 1/2 months and I just got a 2nd crack in my windshield. Last month a small pebble flew off of a construction truck, hit my windshield and cracked it, while I was driving on the highway. Two days ago, I heard a light tap while driving 55 mph on a city street and now I have another crack. I was the only one on the road and didn't see anything hit my windshield. I assume it was a pebble that hit my windshield but I'm not sure. I'm now afraid of the windshield because I drive a long distance to work. My fear is my entire windshield shattering in my face or my passenger's face while driving on the highway. This is a huge safety issue. I will be going to safelite again to get this 2nd crack repaired. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Sep 15, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Windshield cracked from a tiny rock while traveling approximately forty miles per hour on a freeway. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Aug 14, 2020 |
| State | WI |
| Description | Windshield cracked while driving. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Aug 02, 2020 |
| State | NV |
| Description | 4 inch crack suddenly appeared on the passenger side of the windshield. It starts from the bottom of the windshield. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jul 29, 2020 |
| State | WI |
| Description | I had my 2020 subaru crosstrek (brand new, off the truck) for less than a month when a crack appeared in the lower left passenger side of my windshield. I didn't have any history of something hitting the windshield, it just cracked. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jul 04, 2020 |
| State | IA |
| Description | Immediately after activating my front windshield wipers, I hear a cracking "pop" sound from my wind shield and a 12 inch crack appears, stemming from the center of the rear view mirror and extending diagonally to the top edge of the wind shield. My car is only seven months old with less than 8000 miles on it and has never been struck by a piece of gravel or debris. This happened on a sunny day while driving 25 mph down a city street in ames, ia. Since this happened suddenly without any cause, I believe the issue is from a manufacturer defect in the wind shield. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jun 28, 2020 |
| State | SD |
| Description | After my first longer distance trip I noticed a windshield crack in the middle of my windshield starting at the bottom and extending approximately 5 inches up. My car was in a garage a the time. I was in the process of showing off my "new car". Less than 3000 miles were on the odometer at the time. At no time during my drive had or have I encountered an object striking the windshield, but do find a small area under the wiper blades. I have yet to notify my subaru dealership of the crack. It apparently was not noticed during a routine service appointment. I do not live close to a dealership. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jun 14, 2020 |
| State | WA |
| Description | After 3 months of ownership a large round chip has appeared on my windshield. I have not heard any rock or debris while moving or stationary. My friend has the same car and had the exact same problem happen twice. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | May 29, 2020 |
| State | MI |
| Description | Just under 1600 miles noticed crack extending from the right hand edge of the windshield approx 6 in. Some flaking along the line. Took to dealer, sales manager looked at it and said it was a stone chip. His boss came out and said it was a stone chip from 10 ft away then a third person came out of the show room and from 15 ft said it was stone chip and to just turn it into my insurance company. My wife drives the car and said that nothing hit the windshield while she was driving. Was told that I have to have an oem replacement windshield (wonder how long that one will last) or the subaru eyesight would not align properly and therefore not work. I haven't got a cost for the glass and installation yet but alignment takes 1. 5 hours at 2. 00 per hour. And if the total is more than 0. 00 it counts as a ding on my insurance. *tr |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | May 16, 2020 |
| State | CT |
| Description | While sitting at red light, I heard a pop. After examining car, realized that the windshield had cracked near the rear view mirror. *tr |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Apr 22, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | We had a remote start installed by the dealership prior to accepting delivery of the car. Two days later, the car would not start. The car was completely unable to start. The subaru dealership (sport subaru south in orlando fl) sent a technician to repair the car, rather than towing it to a dealership and repairing it there. The technician confirmed the remote start was defective and rerouted the starting procedure. Since then, the car makes a horrible noise on cold starts. The car was taken in to have the rest of the remote start components removed, but they claimed to know nothing about the sound. We feel these remote starers are unsafe and likely damaging the vehicle's starter, and possibly other electrical components. We have video of the car not starting and the engine noise. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Mar 14, 2020 |
| State | MD |
| Description | There is a chip on the windshield about 2 months after I purchased my 2020 subaru crosstrek. I do not know exactly when or how this happened and have only been driving on paved roads. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Mar 03, 2020 |
| State | WA |
| Description | Minor rock chip, no larger than a watch screw, near the window mount quickly developed into a 4-inch crack over a period of approximately 12 hours. Rock chip occurred on city streets, moving no faster than 40 mph. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jan 17, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I was driving at 70 mph on smooth interstate highway with light traffic . There was a loud explosion. After stopping in a safe location, I discovered the moon roof had shattered into tiny pieces. I am positive there were no rocks or structures above.. There was 1500 miles on the car. The sliding ceiling was closed or there would be shattered glass all over the interior. No one was injured but it was very distracting and could have caused me to loose control. The moonroof glass may have been faulty. The dealer replaced it at no cost to me. |
Share your story
Does this ring a bell? Have you had a bad experience too? Sound off and share your experience with other visitors in the comment box below.
About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
See more posts from Brian Jones BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT