What is the high mileage for a Subaru Crosstrek?

The high-mileage threshold for a Subaru Crosstrek typically starts around 200,000 miles, with many examples pushing into the 200k–250k range and some reports of 300,000 miles or more when they’re well maintained. In short, reaching the 200k mile mark is common, and exceeding it is not unusual for careful owners.

The Crosstrek has earned a reputation for durability thanks to its robust AWD system, a relatively simple inline engine lineup, and a design that emphasizes longevity. This article breaks down what “high mileage” means for the Crosstrek, how to maximize longevity, what issues tend to appear as miles add up, and how to shop wisely for a high-mileage example.

What does high mileage look like for a Crosstrek?

To give you a sense of where the mileage milestones lie, here are the common benchmarks and owner experiences you’ll hear about in the Crosstrek community.

• 200,000 miles (about 320,000 kilometers) is widely regarded as the starting point of “high mileage” for a Crosstrek.


• Many Crosstreks reach 200k–250k miles with regular maintenance and careful driving.


• A minority of examples push beyond 300,000 miles, including engines and transmissions that have benefited from attentive upkeep.

In practice, the exact outcome depends on model year, prior wear, maintenance habits, and climate. The trend, however, is clear: Crosstreks can run long with steady care.

Keys to longevity: maintenance and care

Long life isn’t guaranteed, but structured upkeep makes a big difference. The following practices are commonly cited by owners who reach high mileages.

• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, with timely oil changes using a quality synthetic oil.


• Pay attention to the CVT: many Crosstreks use a continuously variable transmission that benefits from fluid changes and proactive inspection around mid-life mileage.


• Monitor for wear on wear items: brakes, tires, suspension components, wheel bearings, and exhaust—address warnings promptly.


• Protect the underbody in winter climates and address rust promptly to extend frame life.


• Keep an eye on oil consumption and fix leaks or gasket issues early to avoid long-term damage.


• Stay on top of recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs), and have a trusted mechanic review the vehicle’s history.

Following these guidelines does not guarantee 300,000 miles, but it significantly improves the likelihood of reaching or exceeding 200,000 miles in a Crosstrek.

Buying a used Crosstrek with high mileage: what to check

When shopping for a Crosstrek with substantial miles, a thorough pre-purchase check becomes essential. Here are the most important checks to perform or verify.

• Verify service records and maintenance history, focusing on oil changes, CVT fluid changes, and any timing-chain-related services if applicable.


• Test-drive to assess CVT behavior: smooth acceleration, no slipping or shuddering, and listen for unusual noises.


• Inspect for oil leaks, coolant leaks, and obvious engine wear; check for excessive exhaust smoke or unusual coolant consumption.


• Check for rust, frame or underbody damage, and prior collision repairs, especially in older models.


• Have a qualified technician perform a pre-purchase exam and request a compression test if engine health is uncertain.

With the right checks, a high-mileage Crosstrek can be a solid value if the price reflects potential upcoming maintenance needs.

What to expect after reaching high mileage

As miles accumulate, expect routine maintenance to demand more attention and potentially higher parts replacement costs. However, the Crosstrek’s overall design has proved resilient when upkeep is consistent, and drivers who stay ahead of wear typically ride out the years with fewer major surprises.

In the end, high mileage is less a fixed number than a function of care. The Crosstrek can serve as a dependable daily driver well into the 200,000-mile spectrum and beyond for many owners.

Summary: The high-mileage reality for the Subaru Crosstrek centers on the 200,000-mile milestone as a general threshold, with the potential for 250,000 miles and even 300,000 miles for well-maintained examples. Proper maintenance—especially oil and CVT fluid changes, attention to wear items, and adherence to recalls—helps maximize longevity.

Will Subaru go 300,000 miles?

On average, a well-maintained Subaru Outback can last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles!

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. 

How many miles do Subaru Crosstreks usually last?

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. 

Is it worth buying a Subaru with over 200k miles?

You should only consider buying a Subaru with 200k miles if it has a complete maintenance history, has had major components replaced, and passes a thorough pre-purchase inspection. While Subarus can last beyond 200k miles, a vehicle at this mileage will have significant wear and tear and is likely to need costly repairs soon.
 
What to look for

• Maintenance records: A well-maintained Subaru is crucial for longevity. Look for consistent service, especially for the timing belt (if applicable), head gaskets, and other engine components. 
• History: An inspection of the vehicle history report is important to understand the car's past. Look for signs of accidents or a history of consistent use. A vehicle with one or two owners is often a better bet. 
• Pre-purchase inspection: Have a trusted mechanic thoroughly inspect the car, focusing on the engine, transmission, suspension, and any other potential failure points at this mileage. 
• Past repairs: Ideally, major repairs like the head gasket, water pump, and transmission should have already been completed. 

Potential issues at 200k miles

• Engine and transmission: These are the most expensive components to replace. Be prepared for potential failures or significant maintenance costs. 
• Suspension and brakes: Components like the suspension, brakes, and exhaust can rust out or wear out, requiring replacement. 
• Other components: Expect a higher likelihood of smaller issues like worn-out seals, bushings, and other small parts that can lead to costly repairs if not addressed. 

When to avoid

• No service history: Without records, it's a high-risk purchase. You won't know how well the car was maintained. 
• Major issues found in inspection: If a pre-purchase inspection reveals any major problems with the engine, transmission, or other core systems, walk away. 
• High number of owners: A car with many owners is more likely to have been poorly maintained or neglected.