Is the Subaru Crosstrek made in the USA?
The Crosstrek is not typically assembled in the United States; most units sold in the U.S. are produced abroad, primarily in Japan, for global markets. This article explains where Crosstreks are built and what that means for buyers today.
Where is the Crosstrek Built?
Current production site and scope
The Crosstrek is part of Subaru’s Impreza-based lineup and has historically been assembled in Japan. The primary production site widely cited for Crosstreks is Subaru’s plant in Japan, with the Oizumi/Oizumi Plant (Gunma Prefecture) commonly associated with Crosstrek/XV production for global markets, including the United States. For the U.S. market, most Crosstreks sold here are imported rather than built domestically at Subaru’s Indiana plant.
- The main manufacturing location for Crosstreks is Japan (notably the Oizumi/Oizumi Plant in Gunma Prefecture).
- Vehicles sold in the United States are predominantly imported from Japan rather than assembled in the U.S.
- The Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant in Lafayette, Indiana, produces other Impreza-based models, but Crosstrek production has not been a primary function of that facility in recent years.
In short, the Crosstrek you see on American roads is largely a product of Japanese manufacturing, with labeling and supply timing reflecting import production rather than U.S. assembly.
Has Production Ever Been Moved to the United States?
Historical and current production pattern
There has not been a sustained, publicly announced move to assemble Crosstreks in the United States for the U.S. market. Subaru’s U.S. plant in Lafayette focuses on other Impreza-based models and does not routinely handle Crosstrek assembly. As a result, Crosstreks sold in the U.S. have historically been imported from Japan.
- Early Crosstrek models were built in Japan for global distribution, including the United States.
- There has been no sustained shift to U.S. manufacturing for the Crosstrek that would change its import status noted in most model years.
- Subaru continues to source Crosstreks for the U.S. market from Japanese production lines, rather than from Lafayette.
For buyers, this means Crosstreks in the U.S. are typically imported from Japan, with only indirect connections to U.S. assembly lines through corporate manufacturing planning.
What This Means for Buyers
Practical implications for consumers
Understanding where the Crosstrek is built helps explain labeling, availability, and potential delivery timelines. Here are practical points to consider.
- Window sticker labeling often notes “Made in Japan” or “Assembled in Japan,” rather than “Made in USA.”
- Import timing and supply can influence availability and delivery windows, especially during periods of strong demand or global shipping constraints.
- Warranty coverage and service availability are unaffected by the country of manufacture; Subaru’s nationwide network supports Crosstreks regardless of where they were built, within warranty terms.
Despite the domestic production presence at Lafayette for some models, the Crosstrek remains predominantly imported for U.S. buyers, aligning with Subaru’s global production approach for this model line.
Summary
The Subaru Crosstrek is not typically produced in the United States. It is largely manufactured in Japan and imported for the U.S. market, while Subaru’s Indiana plant concentrates on other Impreza-based models. For buyers, this means standard labeling and supply dynamics reflect import production rather than U.S.-based assembly, though warranty and service remain consistent across the Subaru network.
As Subaru’s manufacturing strategy evolves, the company may adjust production flows, but as of now, the Crosstrek remains primarily a product of Japanese production for the American audience.
Are Subaru Crosstreks made in the USA?
Located in Lafayette, Indiana, this plant is the only Subaru factory outside Japan and the primary source for several key models sold in the United States, including the Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Crosstrek.
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.
Which Subaru Crosstreks are made in Japan?
All non-Hybrid Crosstrek models are produced in the United States, while the Crosstrek Hybrid is produced in Japan.
Which Subaru models are made in the USA?
The Subaru models made in the USA are the Ascent, Crosstrek, Legacy, and Outback, which are assembled at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant. The Subaru Impreza is also made in the USA, according to some sources.
- Ascent: The largest SUV, with three rows of seating, is built in Indiana.
- Crosstrek: This popular crossover is also manufactured in Indiana.
- Legacy: The Legacy sedan is produced at the Indiana plant.
- Outback: This versatile crossover is assembled at the Indiana facility.
- Impreza: Some sources indicate the Impreza is also made in the USA, though it may also be produced in Japan.
