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How long does a Subaru Crosstrek last?

The Subaru Crosstrek is a popular compact crossover SUV known for its reliability and longevity. On average, a well-maintained Subaru Crosstrek can last between 200,000 to 300,000 miles with proper care and regular maintenance.

Factors Affecting Subaru Crosstrek Lifespan

Several key factors contribute to the long-lasting nature of the Subaru Crosstrek:

Robust Construction: Subaru is renowned for building vehicles with a focus on durability and safety. The Crosstrek's unibody construction and use of high-strength steel help it withstand the rigors of daily driving and off-road use.

Reliable Powertrain: The Crosstrek's standard 2.0-liter Boxer engine is known for its longevity and low maintenance requirements. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system also adds to the vehicle's overall reliability.

Proper Maintenance: Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other recommended maintenance tasks are crucial for maximizing the Crosstrek's lifespan. Owners who follow the manufacturer's service schedule can expect their Crosstrek to last well beyond 200,000 miles.

Driving Conditions: The Crosstrek's rugged design makes it well-suited for a variety of driving conditions, from city streets to off-road trails. However, owners who subject their Crosstrek to frequent towing, heavy loads, or extreme driving conditions may see a slightly shorter lifespan.

By taking good care of their Subaru Crosstrek and following the recommended maintenance schedule, owners can expect their vehicle to provide reliable transportation for many years to come.

Extending the Crosstrek's Lifespan

To further extend the lifespan of a Subaru Crosstrek, owners can consider the following tips:

Regular Maintenance: Adhere to the manufacturer's recommended service schedule, including oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance tasks.

Gentle Driving: Avoid aggressive acceleration, sudden braking, and high-speed driving, as these can put unnecessary stress on the vehicle's components.

Proper Storage: When not in use, store the Crosstrek in a garage or covered area to protect it from the elements and minimize wear and tear.

Rust Prevention: Regularly wash and wax the Crosstrek to prevent the buildup of salt, dirt, and other corrosive materials that can lead to rust and premature deterioration.

By following these best practices, Subaru Crosstrek owners can maximize the lifespan of their vehicle and enjoy many years of reliable, safe, and comfortable transportation.

How many miles can I expect to get out of a Subaru Crosstrek?

A Subaru Crosstrek can last for 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance, with many owners reporting high mileage without major issues. Longevity depends heavily on consistent, routine maintenance like oil changes and filter replacements, as well as a driving style that avoids excessive strain on the vehicle. While some may need major repairs at high mileage, many Crosstreks can be kept on the road for a long time, with some owners even exceeding 300,000 miles.

Factors affecting lifespan

Maintenance: Regularly following the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual is crucial. This includes routine tasks like oil changes and replacing air filters, and can significantly extend the life of the vehicle.
Driving style: Aggressive driving, such as frequent hard acceleration and braking, can put unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle and reduce its lifespan.
Repairs: At higher mileage, it's realistic to expect some repairs. Some owners have reported needing to replace components like wheel bearings, while others have had to address engine issues, though many still find the cost of repairs cheaper than a new car.
Engine: While engine swaps are a potential consideration for high-mileage vehicles, many Crosstreks can achieve high mileage without needing one.
Quality of maintenance: The quality of the maintenance performed can impact the car's life. Some owners mention using higher-quality parts or performing more frequent maintenance than what the manual requires, which can help longevity.

What is the common problem of a Subaru Crosstrek?

Common Subaru Crosstrek problems include infotainment and electrical glitches (like screen freezes or connectivity issues), problems with the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) such as shuddering or delayed acceleration, and exterior issues like easily cracked windshields or fading paint. Some older models have specific issues, such as excessive oil consumption or engine problems.
This video discusses common problems with the Subaru Crosstrek, including issues with the transmission, engine, and electrical systems: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · May 5, 2025
Infotainment and electrical problems

Glitches: The infotainment screen can freeze, become unresponsive, or reboot unexpectedly.
Connectivity: Issues with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay are frequently reported.
Other electronic issues: Malfunctions in driver-assist functions, the backup camera, and key fobs have been noted.
A/C system: Some owners report the A/C system intermittently failing to respond to settings.

Transmission and engine concerns

CVT issues: Many owners report shuddering, hesitation, or a droning noise from the CVT.
Engine noise: The engine can be loud during hard acceleration due to the CVT keeping RPMs high.
Oil consumption: Older models, particularly from 2012–2015, have reported excessive oil consumption.
Engine failure: Some older models experienced engine failure due to fractured valve springs, leading to recalls.

Exterior and interior issues

Windshield cracking: Some models are susceptible to windshields cracking easily under minor stress.
Paint and trim: Fading, peeling, or cracking paint and issues with exterior trim have been reported.
Rust: Some owners have reported issues with rust.
Interior rattles: Rattles from the A-pillars or behind the dashboard can occur.

What year to stay away from a Subaru Crosstrek?

Years to potentially avoid for the Subaru Crosstrek include the 2016 and 2018 models due to issues like drivetrain vibrations, infotainment problems, and oil consumption. The early years of the first generation, specifically 2013-2015, should also be approached with caution due to common issues like oil consumption and head gasket problems with the 2.5-liter engine.
Years with more reported issues

2016: Has been associated with drivetrain vibrations and faulty infotainment systems.
2018: This model year is known for excessive oil consumption, glitchy technology, and a serious safety concern regarding the rear wheels kicking out, causing fishtailing.
2013-2015: These early models, particularly with the 2.5L engine, are prone to head gasket problems and excessive oil consumption. The 2012 Impreza shared this generation and also had issues with its CVT and oil consumption.

Other years to consider

2017: Generally considered a safer bet with fewer reported issues and recalls.
2019: While some sources suggest avoiding it due to numerous recalls and a significant number of complaints related to the ECM software causing unexpected engine stalls, other owners have reported it as reliable.
2021: This model year has received positive marks for reliability.
2023: This year is often recommended as one of the better choices in the second generation.

Will a Subaru last 300,000 miles?

The average Subaru Forester lifespan ranges between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, with many well-maintained models exceeding 300,000 miles. That's up to 20 years of reliable service, making it one of the most durable compact SUVs on the market.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.