Why is my Subaru Crosstrek so loud?

A Crosstrek sounding louder than usual is usually due to something in the exhaust, drivetrain, tires, or wind conditions—often a fault or wear that changes the normal sound profile.

To understand why your Crosstrek is loud, note when the noise occurs (idle, acceleration, highway speed), where it seems to come from, and any other symptoms (loss of power, smells, or warning lights). The sections below outline common causes, practical do-it-yourself checks, and guidance on when to seek professional help.

Common culprits behind a loud Crosstrek

Exhaust and engine sounds

The exhaust system and engine area are the primary sources of loud noises when something is worn or leaking. Small leaks or loose heat shields can dramatically change the sound.

• Exhaust leaks at the manifold, gaskets, mid-pipe, or connections


• Damaged or rusted muffler or resonator; blown-out exhaust pipe


• Loose heat shields rattling at certain RPMs


• Partial catalytic converter restriction or failure (can cause louder exhaust and reduced performance)


• Engine misfire or rough running can make the overall engine note noisier

Noise from exhaust or engine problems often comes with other symptoms such as check engine light, reduced power, or unusual odors; addressing leaks or damaged components usually restores normal sound levels.

Drivetrain, tires, and wind

Beyond the exhaust, several other sources can contribute a loud Crosstrek, especially at speed or on rough roads.

• CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) whine or droning, especially under acceleration or at certain RPM ranges


• Worn wheel bearings or damaged suspension components causing rumble or groan


• Aggressive or worn tires that generate road noise or uneven wear


• Wind noise from doors, windows, sunroof, roof racks, or poorly sealed trim

These sources often reflect general wear or changes to the car's aerodynamics or alignment; a test drive and inspection can help confirm whether the noise is from the drivetrain, tires, or the body's seals.

How to diagnose loudness at home

Follow these steps to narrow down the source without specialized tools, starting with safety and visual checks, then listening at key points while the car is stationary or in use.

1. Identify the noise’s timing and location: does it come from the front, rear, under the car, or the engine bay? Does it happen at idle, under acceleration, or at cruising speed?


2. Inspect for obvious exhaust leaks and damaged components: with the engine cool, look for soot around joints, listen for hissing or tapping, and check for loose or damaged heat shields and clamps.


3. Inspect exhaust components for rust, holes, or a collapsed muffler/resonator. If you can access the system safely, gently shake the muffler and hangers to feel for looseness.


4. Check tires and wheels: look for abnormal wear, bulges, or damaged sidewalls; rotate the car to test if noise changes with speed, road surface, or tire rotation.


5. Assess drivetrain sounds: note if the noise changes with acceleration, deceleration, cornering, or loads; a steady whine that increases with speed often points to the CVT or wheel bearings.

Progressively performing these checks will help you pinpoint whether the noise is exhaust-related, drivetrain-related, or due to road/airflow factors. If the noise persists or you notice accompanying symptoms, move to professional diagnostics.

When to seek professional help

Some noise issues are simple to fix, but others require a professional diagnosis, especially if there are safety risks or potential emissions problems.

• Visible exhaust leaks, significant rust, or soot around joints


• Rattling or banging from the exhaust system or heat shields, especially while driving


• Persistent CVT whine with power loss, slipping, or shuddering


• Uneven or loud wheel bearing noise that changes with speed or during turns


• Engine symptoms like misfires, rough idle, reduced power, check engine light on, or strong fuel smell

Take the Crosstrek to a certified mechanic or Subaru specialist if you notice any of these signs. They can perform a diagnostic scan, pressure tests for exhaust leaks, and a road test to verify the source of the noise.

Summary

Loudness in a Subaru Crosstrek typically arises from a handful of common sources: exhaust integrity, drivetrain components, tires, and wind/aerodynamic factors. Start with the two most likely areas—exhaust leaks or damaged parts—and use the home-diagnosis steps to narrow down the source. Addressing exhaust leaks, damaged components, or worn tires usually reduces noise, while persistent or evolving sounds should be evaluated by a professional to prevent further damage or safety risks. Regular maintenance and timely repairs help keep the Crosstrek's operation quiet and reliable.

Why is my Subaru so loud while driving?

Loud helicopter-like noise during driving can stem from worn wheel bearings or differential components. Even if diff fluid levels are normal, inspect the differential for metal shavings indicating wear. Check wheel bearings for play or roughness by lifting each wheel and rotating it.

Why are crosstreks so noisy?

To expand, Subarus have boxer engines, you can think of it like an engine that's been butterfly filleted down the middle and spread out. The internal workings of the engine are more spread out and tend to create more noise, especially after 50-80k miles of wear.

Why do subarus have so much road noise?

Subaru focuses more on performance and practicality rather than luxury. So, things like sound deadening and sound insulation take a back seat. Tire noise and road noise are more noticeable because of this.

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. 

Other potential problems

• Brakes: Some owners have reported issues with premature brake pad/rotor wear, pulsation, or other brake system components. 
• Exhaust system: Problems with mufflers, catalytic converters, or exhaust pipes have been reported by some owners.