The Subaru Crosstrek is a favorite among subcompact SUVs and is well-liked for its all-wheel-drive feature, good gas mileage, and tough build quality. It goes up against rivals like the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Mazda CX-30, making a name for itself with those who love adventure as well as daily city drivers. But you might be wondering how it stacks up when it comes to long-term reliability, maintenance costs, and common problems.
This article gives you a quick peek at the 2024 Crosstrek’s reliability ratings, possible mechanical issues, and what you might spend on ownership, pulling info from sources like J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, RepairPal, and the NHTSA.
Reliability Scores from Credible Sources
| Source | Reliability Score | Category |
|---|---|---|
| J.D. Power | 85/100 | “Great” |
| Consumer Reports | 4/5 | “CR Recommended” |
| RepairPal | 4.5/5 | “Excellent” |
| NHTSA Recalls | 1 Recall for the 2021 model | – |
J.D. Power: 78/100 Reliability Rating
J.D. Power rates the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek at 85 out of 100, which puts it in the “Great” category. It gets good marks for how long the powertrain lasts, safety features, and fuel efficiency, although there are a few small issues with how the transmission performs.
Consumer Reports: 4/5 Rating
Consumer Reports rated the 2024 Crosstrek a solid 4 out of 5 for reliability and even gave it a CR recommended badge. They pointed out its tough AWD system, great resale value, and safety features. That said, some owners have mentioned experiencing infotainment glitches and some hiccups with the CVT transmission from time to time.
RepairPal: 4.5/5 Rating
RepairPal gives the Crosstrek a high reliability score of 4.5 out of 5 and puts it at the top among 26 compact SUVs. They mention that the average yearly maintenance cost is about $429, which makes it one of the more budget-friendly options in its category.
NHTSA Recalls and Safety Concerns
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA has put out just one recall for the 2021 Crosstrek. This recall dropped on November 9, 2023, for a problem where a switch failure might cause you to lose the rearview image. So far, there haven’t been any recalls for the newer models.
Common Issues with the Subaru Crosstrek
While the 2024 Crosstrek is regarded as a reliable SUV, there are a few common concerns that owners and mechanics have noted about the Crosstrek reliability:
1. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Concerns
- Some Crosstrek models equipped with the CVT experience shuddering, jerky acceleration, or delayed response.
- Subaru has extended warranties for CVT-related repairs on certain model years.
2. Windshield Cracking Issues
- Owners report unexpected windshield cracks developing due to weak glass quality.
- Subaru has acknowledged this issue in certain recalls.
3. Infotainment System Malfunctions
- Some users experience freezing, slow response times, or touchscreen malfunctions.
- Software updates from Subaru dealerships usually resolve these issues.
4. Weak Battery Life
- So far Crosstrek models from 2018–2021 have reported early battery failures, requiring premature replacements.
- Upgrading to a higher-quality battery reduces long-term issues.
5. Oil Consumption in Early Models
- Pre-2018 models with the 2.0L Boxer engine had higher-than-average oil consumption, so 2024 model should be free of this issue.
- Later models saw improvements after engine updates from Subaru.
Maintenance and Ownership Costs
Owning a Subaru Crosstrek is relatively inexpensive compared to luxury or performance SUVs. Below is an estimated breakdown of routine service costs:
| Service Type | Estimated Cost | Frequency |
| Oil Change | $80–$150 | Every 6,000 miles |
| Brake Pad Replacement | $300–$500 | Every 40,000 miles |
| CVT Transmission Service | $400–$700 | Every 60,000 miles |
| Battery Replacement | $150–$300 | Every 3–5 years |
| Windshield Repair | $250–$500 | As Needed |
Is the Subaru Crosstrek Worth Buying?
Pros
- Excellent Fuel Economy – One of the most fuel-efficient AWD SUVs.
- Standard AWD System – Better traction in all weather conditions.
- Low Ownership Costs – Affordable maintenance and high reliability.
- Strong Resale Value – Holds value better than most subcompact SUVs.
Cons
- CVT Transmission Concerns – Can exhibit slow response or jerking.
- Windshield Durability Issues – Prone to cracking under minor impacts.
- Infotainment System Bugs – Requires occasional software updates.
Final Verdict
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is known for being super reliable, fuel-efficient, and a solid AWD SUV. It’s a great pick for anyone who loves adventures or just needs a car for daily drives. Plus, it has some of the lowest upkeep costs in its class and holds its value really well, which is a big win. Just a heads up for those thinking about buying one, you might want to check the CVT transmission and the windshield quality if you’re looking at older models.
If you’re thinking about getting a used Crosstrek, it’s definitely a smart idea to go for a certified pre-owned (CPO) model that comes with an extended powertrain warranty.
If you liked this post, you might want to check out our article titled “Best Crossovers With Best MPG: Top Picks for 2025.”
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