Problems · by component

2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek power train problems

25 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek cite power train, 25% of all 100 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
25
25% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving 72 MPH, the vehicle stalled and bucked, with a grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. Additionally, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle, and there was fluid leaking from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the transmission could be replaced with a rebuilt transmission with approximately 50,000 miles or with a new transmission. The contact chose the rebuilt transmission, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,900.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 2, 2026Power trainODI 11761654
“I am filing a complaint regarding a major CVT transmission failure in my 2015 Subaru Crosstrek at approximately 117,318 miles. Prior to failure, there were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or significant indications of impending transmission failure. The only noticeable symptom was a slight whistling noise coming from the vehicle shortly before the transmission issue became severe. The sudden nature of the failure created a safety concern because the vehicle’s ability to accelerate and respond reliably while driving was compromised without meaningful warning. A sudden loss of reliable transmission function creates potential risk when merging, accelerating, or operating in traffic. The issue has been confirmed by a Subaru dealership, which quoted approximately $10,000 for transmission replacement. Subaru of America was contacted directly and declined assistance despite known widespread CVT issues in Subaru vehicles of this generation and prior warranty extensions issued for CVT-related problems. The vehicle has not been modified or involved in any collision related to this failure. The failed transmission/component is available for inspection upon request.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 14, 2026Power trainODI 11737827
“Several components' issues and scheduled to take back to Subaru dealer on 12/16/2022. Several times after parking car and getting back in, when shifting to 1st gear to take off, the car goes in reverse instead of forward. Rear backup camera sporadically works. Tire pressure light came on and won't turn off. Front end shakes when braking dealer said it was new brakes, but still happening. Front passenger seat belt locked and will not release, no one can sit in front seat. After purchasing the car, and having so many issues, checked the fluid and there was not a drop of oil on the dipstick. Nothing but problems with car from the date of purchase.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 13, 2022Power train, Electrical system, Seat beltsODI 11497332
“Driving at night on interstate approximately 70 mph using adaptive cruise control. Suddenly engine revs higher and car slows down. Cruise control deactivates. Applying gas cause the engine to rev but car continues to slows down. Pulled to side of interstate. Infotainment system screen flashes to black then back on. Turned car off and back on again and behaved normally. Was able to continue driving with no issues. This same sequence of events also happened approximately one year ago. So this is the second occurrence. The first time I knew I had a bad O2 sensor so thought it may be related to that but the sensor has now been replaced and the same issue has reoccurred.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 22, 2021Power trainODI 11444668
“I have owned this vehicle since 2018 and at random times on the highway the engine will lose power and the car will drift to a halt. No warning signs beforehand and this has happened at various stages of highway drives. Pressing the accelerator will only cause the car to slow more. After each time I have had it towed to the nearest Subaru dealership and they cannot find any issues. I have read several other complaints on here describing the issue perfectly. It seems either Subaru cannot figure out whats wrong or simply doesn't care. I have been very lucky to have gotten to safety each time this has happened but I feel serious harm can be caused by this problem. My vehicle has been inspected by several different Subaru dealerships and I get the same runaround every time. The service reps cannot find anything wrong with the engine and no codes come up when they plug it in. Subaru needs to figure this out as there is clear documentation here that this is a large problem. This has forced me to sell what otherwise would be a good car and find something else.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 19, 2021Power trainODI 11441045
“I NOTICED THAT WHEN GOT TO ACCELERATE FROM STOPING THAT CAR WON'T GO. WHEN I HIT THE GAS THE VEHICLE MOVES ONLY A LITTLE AND IF I PUSH MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATION PEDDLE HARDER AND ALL THE WAY DOWN THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY SLOWS DOWN. IT HAPPENED THIS MORNING ON CITY STREET ROADS NOT GOING ANY FASTER THAN 45MPH. THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT TO GO AGAIN IS TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDDLE AND RE PLACING IT AND IT THEN WILL GO BACK TO ACCELERATE AS IT SHOULD WHEN I PRESS THE GAS PEDDLE. I HAVE GOTTEN IT LOOKED AT SUBURU DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. IT HAPPENED TO ME TWICE THIS MORNING. ONCE WHEN TURNING OFF MY STREET TAKING A RIGHT TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO 25MPH AND THEN ANOTHER WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AFTER A STOP LIGHT ON A 45 MPH ROAD. I WILL BE REPORTING IT FROM NOW ON EVERY TIME IT HAPPENS. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE, IT COULD EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS RIGHT BEHIND AT THOSE MOMENTS WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 6, 2021Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11415374

Showing 6 of 25 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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