Subaru Crosstrek GU
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Crosstrek GU (2024-2026) is the current, fifth generation on an evolved Global Platform — stiffer, quieter, with revised EyeSight and new infotainment. In Europe as the Crosstrek with a beefed-up AWD character, broadly positioned in the US. Audience: buyers who want a brand-new or nearly new compact AWD SUV with modern aids — and are willing to carry early-production risk.
Engines: the FB25 2.5 naturally aspirated four is new to the Crosstrek and replaces the wheezy FB20 — finally enough torque for the AWD body, while staying robust and simple. Buy with confidence provided the recalls are done. The hybrid variant pairs the boxer with Subaru's new hybrid tech; too young for a long-term verdict, so look closely.
Repair themes: as a young generation, recalls dominate. The most serious is the driveshaft recall (WRP-23): the front driveshaft's outer race can crack and break — loss of drive power or rollaway in park. Verify it's been done. Then a wire-harness short-circuit recall: the instrument-panel harness can rub on the steering-beam bracket, damage the insulation and cause a short with loss of power — roughly 35,000 vehicles affected. EyeSight still shows phantom braking (NHTSA complaints on 2023-2026 models). The CVT can shudder early even with strengthened internals. Infotainment hangs and the obligatory wheel bearings round it out.
Test-drive red flags: any clunk or vibration from the front driveline (driveshaft); warning lights or power dropouts (harness); phantom EyeSight braking on the drive; CVT shudder; a hanging infotainment; open recalls on the VIN. Pull the recall history before you buy — non-negotiable.
2026 market: as new, the Crosstrek starts around $25,000 in the US; young, low-mileage used cars sit just below. In Europe correspondingly in euros, with the usual premiums for top trim and hybrid.
Insider pick: a 2025 FB25 petrol with the driveshaft and harness recalls provably closed and current EyeSight software. The new 2.5 finally makes the Crosstrek feel confident, and a post-recall car removes the biggest early-production risks. Only buy the hybrid if you accept a young model and possible teething troubles.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Subaru Crosstrek GU is available with 3 engine variants — from 148 to 182 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: Front driveshaft may crack and break (WRP-23) Manufacturing defect during heat treatment: the outer race of the front driveshaft develops cracks and can fracture. A broken driveshaft causes loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when parked without the brake applied. NHTSA campaign 23V754000. Dealers inspect and replace both driveshafts free of charge. | Low |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 14 weaknesses have been documented for the Subaru Crosstrek GU (2024–2026) — 8 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: FB25 (2.5L NA). Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Gearbox, Suspension.
Crosstrek (FB20, 2024–2026) — Be Careful: Recall: Valve Spring Fracture, Oil Consumption Early Models (2012-2014), Cam Carrier Seal Leak. Power: 152 PS.
Crosstrek (FB25, 2024–2026) — 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
What problems and weaknesses does the Subaru Crosstrek GU have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee