Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2026 Subaru Crosstrek WildernessRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (2) and electrical system (1). The EPA rates it 26 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
26mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
5
Top: vehicle speed control
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness as of Nov 13, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 13, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2026 – Oct 2026
  1. Vehicle speed control2
  2. Electrical system1
  3. Lane departure1
  4. Forward collision avoidance1
  5. Structure1
  6. Exterior lighting1
  7. Engine1
  8. Steering1
  9. Service brakes1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Crosstrek Wilderness model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2024121
20257
20265
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 13, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Vehicle speed control

2 reports1 crash
“On XXX while driving my brand-new 2026 Subaru Crosstrek with approximately 63 miles on the odometer, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration. The AT Oil Temp warning flashed, followed by the Check Engine Light and multiple EyeSight and driver assistance warning lights. I immediately pulled off the road because I did not feel it was safe to continue driving. My [XXX] grandson was in the vehicle at the time. The vehicle was towed to the selling Subaru dealership. The dealer diagnosed transmission trouble codes P0700 and P0752 and determined that an internal valve body solenoid had failed. Because the solenoid is not serviceable separately, the entire valve body assembly was replaced under the manufacturer’s warranty. My concern is that a brand-new vehicle experienced a sudden loss of acceleration at only 63 miles, creating a potential safety hazard for my family and other motorists.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2026Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11755083

Electrical system

1 report
“Multiple times the vehicle has allowed lane crossing with no warning neither actual assist or beep into oncoming traffic. A vehicle abruptly stopped approximately 75 feet ahead of me the vehicle did not respond and I did have to slam my brakes. I was able to stop with only 3 feet between me and the stopped vehicle. Automatic collision avoidance neither attempted to stop nor gave any warning. Blind spot monitor allows lane change with turn signal on and a vehicle in blind spot again with no warning. I was on the freeway and the center lane when this happened, I was merging into right lane. Starlink 11.6" media center freezes and lags. Dealership service department claims everything is working fine. Service department claims nothing wrong even this was witnessed by a dealership employee and the dealer manager took my car to the service department after the employee explained these problems were seen with her in the vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 24, 2026Electrical system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11773394

Lane departure

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S8)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Crosstrek Wilderness AWD
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
242926$2,300337
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness as of Nov 13, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 13, 2026Vehicle 21693
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2026 Crosstrek Wilderness questions

How many recalls does the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 13, 2026.

What are the most common 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness problems?

Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (2), electrical system (1), lane departure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness get?

The EPA rates the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness at 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 13, 2026