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Subaru has become one of the leaders in standard all-wheel drive in its vehicles. One vehicle that continues to promote everything that the automaker stands for is the Subaru Crosstrek. Originally introduced as a 2013 model, the XV Crosstrek first debuted during the 2012 New York International Auto Show. The first generation lasted through 2016, with the second-generation launching in 2017. The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek is part of this generation, with the next year’s model set to usher in a new generation.
In 2021, Subaru sold 127,466 Crosstrek models, which was an increase over the previous year. However, it didn’t make it to the top two models, as the Forester and Outback still sold more units.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018 2019 2020 2021
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | |
| Steering | |
| Structure:body | |
| Electrical System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Seats |
Most Common 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Despite the standard all-wheel-drive system and superior off-road performance, there are still plenty of complaints coming from consumers. From engine issues to structural complaints, enthusiasts are losing affection for the brand. To top it off, there are plenty of electrical system malfunctions that shouldn’t be occurring.
Problems with the Engine
Lack of Power: There have been multiple complaints about the lack of power coming from the engine. Because the Crosstrek isn’t considered a cheap, economy car, customers are expecting more from it. To get a decent amount of power out of the motor, buyers must choose one of the top two trim levels, which makes the vehicle unaffordable for some.
Engine Noise: Multiple reviews can also be found discussing the horrendous noise that comes out of the engine. The noises seem to be worse when accelerating from a stop or when the pedal is pushed harder for more power. Not only is this noise annoying, but it’s also very noticeable, causing others who ride in the car to wonder what’s going on.
Structural Problems
Instrument Glare: It’s important for owners to see the instrument cluster, but that isn’t simple in the Crosstrek. There’s a plastic covering installed on the display that creates a strange glare. Because of this design, customers have to move around to see the display during particular sun angles.
Minimal Seat Comfort: The interior of the Crosstrek has a lot to offer, from comfort to technology, but Subaru missed the boat with the seating. In the front seats, it can be difficult to get the right positioning, plus there’s no lumbar support, which has been a downside.
Poor Paddle Shifter Positioning: The majority of customers that choose the automatic transmission have no interest in shifting the car. For this reason, there’s no need for paddle shifters. However, consumers don’t care if there are paddle shifters as long as they are out of the way. That’s not the case with the Crosstrek. In fact, the paddle shifters are easy to hit, which causes problems with the vehicle’s performance suddenly.
Lack of Spare Tire: Crosstrek models with the hybrid battery are missing a spare tire. There’s a lack of room in the cargo space, so the spare tire needed to be a sacrifice. However, this has caused quite the surprise for owners that needed it.
Peeling Paint: Several customers have determined that the paint isn’t holding up as it should. Even as early as five months, the paint can start peeling on the grille, with Subaru refusing to take responsibility.
Electrical System Problems
Defective Back Seat Alert: Customers have the back seat alarm going off even when there’s nothing back there. While this system is supposed to remind drivers of pets or children in the back row, it’s giving false alerts. Plus, there’s no option to turn it off.
Dangerous Eyesight System: Drivers find that the Eyesight technologies can cause more harm than good. Adaptive cruise control programs have a tendency to malfunction, causing a drop in speed when it shouldn’t happen. There have also been complaints about lane change systems and other equipment that is designed to keep occupants safe.
Touchy Automatic Windows: In most cars, it’s simple to get the automatic windows to the perfect position, no matter what setting is best. However, the Crosstrek appears to be touchier than other models. Customers spend extra time trying to fight the window from going up or down too far without a happy medium.
2022 Subaru Crosstrek Recalls
Currently, there have been no recalls for the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek. However, with the multitude of complaints and lack of acknowledgment from the company, it might not be too long before we see these recalls arise. Stay tuned as we provide information on recalls as they become available.
What if your 2022 Crosstrek is a lemon? Your Lemon Law Rights
Think you might have a lemon? Let our team work out your lemon case at no cost to you. That’s because the law makes Subaru pay legal fees. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Complaint Data
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 28, 2023 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The windshield is weak and cracks at a small piece of gravel going less than 40mph. I have had this 2022 crosstrek for less than a year and it has received a crack. My 2019 crosstrek received 4 windshield replacements due to cracking windshields. As a driver, I feel that subaru has a weak windshield that cannot sustain any amount of trauma which feels unsafe. If one pebble can crack my windshield that blocks my visibility, I cannot see when I drive. This is dangerous. Subaru needs to address these issues. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other, Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jan 23, 2023 |
| State | MI |
| Description | Its widely known that subaru has a problem with their windshields dating back to 2015. There have been several class action lawsuits wherein their windshields crack for no reason. My windshield cracked and it was determined there was an impact point where the crack propagated. I contest that based on their sub-standard windshields, there is not way to determine impact vs non-impact crack formation. The repair for the windshield was quoted at 00!! Part of the quote includes re-calibrating the eyesight technology which is required. Subaru's recommendation was to file a comprehensive insurance claim. My insurance company, progressive, indicated that this type of claim, while comprehensive, would cause a rate increase. Subaru refused to conduct a 3 way call with progressive to discuss the matter. I wonder why? There are countless claims of subaru windshields cracking. Any impact whatsoever will result in an unrepairable crack. A reputable windshield replacement personnel told me most folks simply can't afford a window replacement and continue to drive with a crack. Subaru's windshields can't possibly meet current automotive standards for window integrity. If window replacement costs are in excess of 00 and in some cases exceed 00, nobody will be able to afford the repair resulting in unsafe conditions. Saddling the insurance companies cost everyone - particularly when their are inherent design flaws with subaru windshields. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
| Date | Jan 13, 2023 |
| State | MI |
| Description | I was travelling down a 3-lane road wherein another vehicle in front of me, several car lengths away, merged into the middle lane to turn left. The turning vehicle approached the intersection and was stopped several seconds waiting for opposite traffic to clear to make their turn. As I proceeded through the intersection at 55mph, the eyesight technology must have falsely locked on the vehicle in the turn lane and applied the automatic emergency braking. This resulted in a sudden skidding and a near miss rear-end collision from a vehicle behind me. I was able to apply the gas and avoid being rear-ended. I immediately disarmed the pre collision braking, called subaru, and gave them an ear-full. They recommended having the eyesight re-calibrated. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist, Steering |
| Date | Dec 22, 2022 |
| State | MD |
| Description | My lane keeping assistance feature was turned on by someone else. Nobody has access to my vehicle and I keep it armed when away from the vehicle. In addition, I noted the vehicle was well within the street lines. There was no reason to take control of the wheel. Given I was not driving outside street lines, I worried about the possibility that someone was controlling the wheel. A dealer has not confirmed or reproduced the problem. The vehicle has not been inspected regarding my issue; however, it is a brand new vehicle. No accidents have occurred. There were no warning signs. I finally noted the lane keeping assist icon was turned on. But again, there was no reason to take control of the wheel. I have also noted the door locking system has been behaving strangely, unlocking, locking unexpectedly. My key fob works properly. The incidents started to happen at the beginning of december 2022. The latest occurrence happened more recently. As a result, I decided to report the incidents. Thank you. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Nov 15, 2022 |
| State | RI |
| Description | Noticed a crack in windshield (out of no where, no stone hit our car). Crack started in the middle bottom of windshield. Crack was 5 times the size the next day! Very dangerous! |
| Category | Structure:body, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Oct 27, 2022 |
| State | UT |
| Description | Driving on freeway, keeping a regular and safe distance from other vehicles around me, when all the suddenly I hear a loud boom. Didn't see anything fly at my car, like rocks, things off other cars, etc. Then, immediately after I pulled over with my hazards on, I thought I had popped a tire, but I heard air whooshing through something like my window was rolled down. But all of my windows were fine and rolled up, except for my sunroof/moonroof. The glass moon/sunroof had shattered into tiny pieces. If my internal cover wasn't covering the opening, then I probably would've gotten cut my glass dropping in on me. Not safe at all to have glass moon/sunroofs spontaneously explode. |
| Category | Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes |
| Date | Sep 17, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 19, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Had the car for about 3 months, I was driving and the window chipped pretty easily. Got that window chip repaired, and not long after that, I noticed another chip happen, small one but the windshield should not be chipping this easily. |
| Category | Seats |
| Date | Jun 25, 2022 |
| State | WI |
| Description | I was driving about 55 mph on a county highway and an animal appeared in the road. I hit the brakes suddenly, and my work bag containing my laptop and file folders that I had placed on the backseat behind my driver seat flew forwards and hit the back of my seat. I felt the impact in my spine, and by the next morning I had moderate back pain moving and breathing as if my ribs were bruised. I can only imagine what would happen if I was going at a faster speed on the freeway (locally the speed limit is 70 mph, but people typically drive 80 mph). This morning my husband was just tapping on the backseat with his hands and I could feel everything while sitting in the front. I am disappointed in the car and afraid to put things in the back seat. I feel as if having a solid or semi solid barrier built inside the seat back would have been a no-brainer safety feature. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Feb 28, 2022 |
| State | WA |
| Description | Windshield cracked after 3 weeks. Was hit by a very small rock when travelling at 30 mph, and a 10 inch crack appeared. In 40+ years of driving, I have never had a rock cause that much damage to a windshield, even at 60 mph. |
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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.
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There are a lot of Subaru haters out there trying their best to bring down the brand.
I’m not sure what they’re talking about. My 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Limited drives like a dream. Great car. No problems. End of story.