2020 Subaru CrosstrekRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 71 owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. Most complaints involve visibility/wiper (30) and power train (11). The EPA rates it 25–30 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Visibility/wiper30
- Power train11
- Electrical system11
- Engine5
- Visibility4
- Service brakes2
- Seat belts2
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Forward collision avoidance2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Visibility/wiper
“6-8in windshield crack on passenger side, near the bottom just above defrost vents. No apparent trauma to the windshield in that area. No indication that there was a crack forming otherwise; appeared seemingly overnight. Have not yet reported to insurance, dealer, or mfg. I have seen that there was a class action settled recently regarding some Subaru windshields cracking without warning so this may be a known issue. Car is available for inspection upon request.”
Power train
“Transmission failed at 62,000 miles out of gear on freeway. No power to get into shoulder. . I took it to dealer, they said it needed new transmission. I then took it to a specialist which ran diagnostic and said valve body/solenoid need replacement so I had the work done. Now at 63,000 2 months later same issue happened on the freeway. Specialist is replacing the entire transmission now. I’ve come to understand this is very common with the crosstrek. The 2019 has an extended drivetrain warranty to 100k miles. My 2020 is only warranted to 60k miles. The warranty should be extended to 2020 crosstrek a as well.”
Electrical system
“I own a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. While driving on the freeway in heavy traffic, I had to make a hard stop due to traffic ahead. When the vehicle came to a complete stop, the engine automatically shut off as part of the vehicle’s auto start-stop system. When I released the brake to proceed with traffic, the vehicle attempted to restart, but displayed a “Disabled” message and the auto start-stop system became disabled. I had to turn the vehicle completely off and restart it manually while stopped in active freeway traffic. This created a significant safety concern because the malfunction occurred on the freeway while surrounded by moving traffic. If the engine had failed to restart, the vehicle could have remained stopped in an active traffic lane, potentially increasing the risk of being struck by another vehicle or creating a traffic hazard. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms before the incident. The first indication of a problem was the “Disabled” message immediately after the vehicle attempted to restart following the automatic engine shutoff. I subsequently took the vehicle to a Subaru dealer for inspection. The dealer found a starter cancel code…”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S8) · Manual 6-spd
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 33 | 30 | $2,150 | 298 |
| Crosstrek AWD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
- 30mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.6%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
2020 Crosstrek questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 3, 2026.
What are the most common 2020 Subaru Crosstrek problems?
Owners filed 71 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility/wiper (30), power train (11), electrical system (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek at 25–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek 5 out of 5 stars overall.