Which Crosstrek is made in Japan?
The Crostrek models made in Japan are the Japanese domestic market Crosstrek XV (JDM) and the limited 2013–2015 Crosstrek Hybrid; United States–market Crosstreks are produced in Lafayette, Indiana.
Subaru assigns production by market and model year. While the U.S. Crosstrek lineup has largely been built at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana, Japan has produced certain variants for the Japanese market and a short-lived hybrid that was built there for export. Understanding where your car was built depends on the model year and the market it was intended for.
Where Crosstreks are Made
Below is a concise breakdown by market and notable variants, illustrating which Crosstreks originate in Japan versus North America.
- United States and Canada market Crosstreks: built at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana.
- Crosstrek Hybrid (model years 2013–2015): assembled in Japan for export to the United States, produced at Subaru’s Japanese plants under a Toyota technology collaboration.
- Japanese Domestic Market Crosstrek XV: built in Japan for sale in Japan (and select export markets), produced at a Subaru factory in Japan (Gunma region).
These patterns reflect how Subaru allocated production across plants to balance demand, supply chains, and collaboration programs for hybrids.
Notes on verification
If you want to confirm the exact production location for a specific Crosstrek, check the window sticker or the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) details. Dealers can provide precise factory codes for a given vehicle, and production footprints can shift with model-year updates.
Summary
In short, Japan-made Crosstreks include the Japanese Domestic Market XV and the early Crosstrek Hybrid (2013–2015); the majority of Crosstreks sold in the U.S. today are built in Lafayette, Indiana. Production footprints can vary by year and market, so checking the VIN or window sticker remains the most reliable way to confirm where a particular Crosstrek was manufactured.
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.
Is the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek made in Japan?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Crosstrek Premium is produced in Gunma, Japan, while Sport, Limited and Wilderness trim levels are produced at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. in Lafayette, Indiana.
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.
Where are Subaru Crosstreks made in the US?
Lafayette, Indiana
The Base and Premium trim levels of the Subaru Crosstrek are made in Japan. The Sport, Limited, and Wilderness configurations, which have a 2.5-liter engine, are made at the SIA in Lafayette, Indiana. The compact Crosstrek provides just as much capability as its larger siblings, just in a smaller package.
