Subaru Crosstrek GT
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Crosstrek GT (2018-2023) sits on the new Global Platform and is far stiffer, quieter and safer than the GP. In Europe it ran as the XV, later the Crosstrek, with a petrol and a mild e-Boxer hybrid; the US also got the plug-in hybrid. Audience: families and outdoor drivers who want a modern AWD compact SUV with current driver aids.
Engines: the FB20 2.0 naturally aspirated four stays the workhorse — leisurely but reliable, buy with confidence on good maintenance. The FB20 hybrid/PHEV variants pair the boxer with an electric motor; they drive relaxed but add electronics issues. No engine to avoid, but the hybrids need a closer look at the 12V system.
Repair themes: wheel bearings remain the Subaru perennial, humming from mid mileages. The big one on hybrids is DCM/battery drain — parasitic draw can flatten the 12V battery, a recall addressed a corroding harness terminal, and a US class action alleges the drain returns even after a battery swap. EyeSight shows false pre-collision braking (class action). The CVT can shudder. The acoustic-glass windshield cracks spontaneously — class action and settlement. Add a PCV recall, the Denso fuel-pump recall, Starlink infotainment freezes, and notably thin paint that chips easily.
Test-drive red flags: humming wheel bearings; a weak 12V battery and signs of jump-starts (especially hybrid); phantom EyeSight braking; CVT shudder; cracks or a fresh windshield (ask why); a hanging or rebooting infotainment; lots of paint chips on the nose and edges.
2026 market: tidy GT Crosstreks vary widely by market and trim; in the US the used Crosstrek averages around $23,000, early 2019s from about $14,500, clean 2022/2023 well above. In Europe correspondingly in euros, with a premium for the hybrids.
Insider pick: an FB20 petrol (2021-2023) with recalls done (PCV, Denso pump) and current EyeSight software. The pure petrol sidesteps the hybrid battery worries entirely and is the most fuss-free AWD daily. If you want the hybrid, scrutinize the 12V system and whether the harness recall is closed.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Subaru Crosstrek GT is available with 2 engine variants — from 150 to 175 hp.
The 2.0-litre NA petrol boxer with a timing chain replaced the older EJ20. At around 110 kW the output is modest, but the engines run mechanically simple and long-lived. The best-known issue is the early 2012–2013 builds, where poorly honed oil-control rings caused raised oil use — extended to an eight-year warranty by a US class action. There was also a recall for fracture-prone valve springs on 2012–2014 models that should be done. A cam-carrier oil leak is also common, whose reseal needs the engine out and is correspondingly costly. Find a cared-for example with recalls done and a steady oil level and you get a frugal, robust engine.
- !! Recall: Valve Spring Fracture
A defectively made valve spring with a design weakness and material contamination can fracture. The result is an abnormal noise, power loss and the engine stalling with no restart. Recall NHTSA 18V-772 covers build years 2012–2014 and should be completed.
- !! Oil Consumption Early Models (2012-2014) from 50,000 km
Class action: 2012-2013 Impreza, 2013 Crosstrek. Settlement with 8 year/100k mile warranty extension. Significantly improved after 2014.
Symptoms: Oil level warnings, elevated oil consumption between changes - !! Cam Carrier Seal Leak from 90,000 km
Robot-applied RTV sealant on cam carrier and timing cover fails around 50,000-60,000 miles. Very labor-intensive: engine must be removed. Known FB engine problem affecting both FB20 and FB25.
Symptoms: Oil seeping from cylinder head side or front of engine, oil smell after driving, dropping oil level
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 2.5-litre NA petrol boxer with a timing chain uses port or direct injection depending on the year. At 125–134 kW it gives enough torque for the mid-size models and is fundamentally solid. The early 2011–2014 builds are affected by the known oil-consumption issue (piston rings, settled by a US class action). Across the years a cam-carrier oil leak appears, whose repair needs the engine out and can run into four figures. The direct-injection units from 2019 tend to coke the valves and have a fragile electronic thermo-control valve whose cracking plastic housing can cause overheating — here too the maker extended the warranty significantly. Otherwise a reliable daily engine with no timing-belt service.
- !! Thermo Control Valve Failure (2019-2022) from 60,000 km
The direct-injection engines' electronic thermo-control valve (from 2019) has a plastic housing that cracks; coolant vapour destroys the internal electronics. Stuck closed, the engine overheats within minutes. Subaru extended the warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles (part 21319AA010 → 21319AA040).
Symptoms: Check-engine light with codes P0128/P0125/P26Ax, no or delayed heater warmth, fluctuating coolant temperature, in severe cases sudden overheating. - !! Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2011-2014) from 40,000 km
Class action for 2011-2014 Forester, Legacy, Outback. Piston rings didn't seat due to variable bore roughness. Worst cases: 1 quart per 800 miles.
Symptoms: Extreme oil consumption, frequent top-ups needed, blue smoke possible - !! Cam Carrier Seal Leak from 100,000 km
Known FB engine problem: seal between cam carrier and cylinder head fails. Labor-intensive due to poor access. Service bulletins published.
Symptoms: Oil stain under engine, oil smell while driving, visible oil seepage at cylinder head
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Bearing Wear Bearing issues continue on the GT: rear wheel bearings fail early (documented from 55,000 miles). Multiple failures on the same vehicle reported. Symptoms: Howling hum above 40 mph, noise from rear, changes when changing lanes from 60,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 17 weaknesses have been documented for the Subaru Crosstrek GT (2018–2023) — 8 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. One problem engine: FB25 (2.5L NA). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Gearbox, Body.
Crosstrek (FB20, 2018–2023) — Be Careful: Recall: Valve Spring Fracture, Oil Consumption Early Models (2012-2014), Cam Carrier Seal Leak. Power: 152 PS.
Crosstrek (FB25, 2021–2023) — Stay Away!: Thermo Control Valve Failure (2019-2022), Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2011-2014), Cam Carrier Seal Leak. Power: 182 PS.
What to watch out for with the Subaru Crosstrek? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee