2020 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Report
2020 Subaru Crosstrek: Strong Crash Ratings, but Persistent Windshield and Powertrain Complaints
AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek
Reliability Score
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek receives a reliability score of 75 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windshield Cracking/Fragility Numerous reports of windshields cracking spontaneously or from minor impacts, often without a clear point of impact, leading to visibility issues and replacement costs. |
Medium | Common | unknown miles |
| Cvt Transmission Failure Multiple instances of transmission making whining noises, hesitating, and requiring full replacement at relatively low mileages. |
High | Occasional | 6000-34000 miles |
| Rear Differential Failure (Phev) PHEV models experiencing clunking/grinding sounds and complete rear differential failure, sometimes multiple times. |
High | Occasional | 12000-50000 miles |
| Unintended Acceleration/Braking Issues Reports of vehicles failing to respond to brake pedal input, jerking, or unintendedly accelerating, leading to crashes. |
High | Rare | 5-12000 miles |
| Battery Drain/Failure Repeated instances of the battery draining after a few days of not driving, requiring jumpstarts. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Fuel Tank Design Flaw (Phev) PHEV models have a design flaw where regular fuel corrodes the fuel tank, requiring part replacement (TSB 09-82-23R). |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek:
The most frequent complaint category, primarily due to windshield cracking and fragility, with 29 complaints.
Issues including transmission failure, rear differential problems, and hesitation, accounting for 6 complaints.
Problems such as battery drain, warning lights, and auto engine shut-off malfunctions, with 4 complaints.
Reports of unintended acceleration or braking issues, with 2 complaints.
Complaints related to seat belt functionality or issues, with 2 complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek
Is the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating. However, it has 64 complaints, with notable patterns in windshield fragility and powertrain issues, including 6 crashes and 3 injuries reported.
What are common problems with the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?
The most reported issues for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek are related to VISIBILITY/WIPER (29 complaints), primarily spontaneous windshield cracking. Other common problems include POWER TRAIN issues (6 complaints) like transmission and rear differential failures, and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM problems (4 complaints) such as battery drain.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?
As of the provided data, there are no recalls issued by NHTSA for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek.
How does the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Are there specific powertrain issues with the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes, there are 6 complaints related to the POWER TRAIN, including reports of CVT transmission failure (whining, needing replacement) and rear differential failure, particularly in the PHEV models, sometimes occurring multiple times at relatively low mileages.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek boasts strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring windshield fragility and powertrain issues, especially for PHEV models, and consider extended warranties or pre-purchase inspections focusing on these areas.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Subaru Crosstrek
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The data includes 64 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.