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2014 Subaru Xv Crosstrek

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2014 Subaru Xv Crosstrek do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 78.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

51 reports with mileage · 30 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports1 fire reports5 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

20 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2026
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other

Brake light switch failure. Triggering traction control warning light, hill assist warning light, and abs warning light, and disables cruise control. There was previously a recall (NUMBER: WUE-90 NHTSA ID: 19V-149) for the brake light switch for Subaru models with my production date included, but because Hybrid Crosstrek models…

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Brake light switch failure. Triggering traction control warning light, hill assist warning light, and abs warning light, and disables cruise control. There was previously a recall (NUMBER: WUE-90 NHTSA ID: 19V-149) for the brake light switch for Subaru models with my production date included, but because Hybrid Crosstrek models were not included, it will not be replaced under recall. I am still experiencing the same issues and cause, but it is not covered.

NHTSA ODI #11747006

77,441 miles · May 28, 2026
Electrical System

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek on May 22, 2026. The sale was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was recorded at 77,441. The contact later purchased a CARFAX report which was reported at 214,767 in February 2026. The contact reported the information to the local authorities…

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Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek on May 22, 2026. The sale was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was recorded at 77,441. The contact later purchased a CARFAX report which was reported at 214,767 in February 2026. The contact reported the information to the local authorities.

NHTSA ODI #11740610

Mileage unknown · May 4, 2025
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

When attempting to put the car in park, the key will not release and is stuck. Incident happens often in recent past days. Key will not release from ignition.

NHTSA ODI #11658836

Mileage unknown · May 17, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine

The electrical system and engine flickers on and off or sometimes dies entirely. The trigger is unknown and the underlying cause is unknown. It is unsafe because this has occurred while the vehicle is moving. The problem was confirmed and reproduced by a Subaru service center. They were unable to diagnose the issue. There is no …

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The electrical system and engine flickers on and off or sometimes dies entirely. The trigger is unknown and the underlying cause is unknown. It is unsafe because this has occurred while the vehicle is moving. The problem was confirmed and reproduced by a Subaru service center. They were unable to diagnose the issue. There is no warning when it will happen.

NHTSA ODI #11589215

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2024
Electrical System

Ignition key keeps intermittently locking into ignition when trying to retrieve key. Putting vehicle in park, key will turn engine off, but then will not turn all the way to release the key. Key has a key fob, vehicle is placed on parking gear. Sometimes restarting vehicle can help, sometimes shifting gears and driving vehicle a…

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Ignition key keeps intermittently locking into ignition when trying to retrieve key. Putting vehicle in park, key will turn engine off, but then will not turn all the way to release the key. Key has a key fob, vehicle is placed on parking gear. Sometimes restarting vehicle can help, sometimes shifting gears and driving vehicle again can help. Sometimes turning steering wheel helps. Sometimes all you can do is wait a few to five minutes to be able to turn off vehicle and retrieve car. No warning lights. After my warranty expired was when I noticed the problem. Bought vehicle used less than a year ago. It can be a safety risk if I cannot retrieve my key and then anyone could jump in and steal it as their is no other way to lock the vehicle unless I automatically locky myself out.

NHTSA ODI #11580548

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2022
Electrical System

Battery drains excessively and frequently. Will not hold a charge. Frequently replacing battery only to have it fail. The personal safety issue here is being stranded with a dead battery in an unsafe environment with no way to escape, or needing the vehicle for an immediate personal health emergency and having the vehicle not…

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Battery drains excessively and frequently. Will not hold a charge. Frequently replacing battery only to have it fail. The personal safety issue here is being stranded with a dead battery in an unsafe environment with no way to escape, or needing the vehicle for an immediate personal health emergency and having the vehicle not start. I don't know if there is a safety related issue with operating the car with this electrical system issue. There are scores of web searches that depict this issue of parasitic draining of the battery by the vehicle's controller area network. Several class action lawsuits are referenced. I don't find any information that the lawsuits have resolved in a recall of any sort. Thank you for your interest in it this issue.

NHTSA ODI #11465215

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes

Break lights are on, but do not light up when breaking. Changed break lights with many different bulbs, but same problem occurs. Not lighting up when breaking.

NHTSA ODI #11421255

109,500 miles · Mar 30, 2021
Electrical System

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I TURNED ON THE BLOWER FAN AND AC. THE AC WAS NOT COOLING DOWN THE CABIN (OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 71-74 DEGREES). AFTER 40 MINUTES THE BLOWER FAN SHUT DOWN AND STOPPED WORKING. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS IS WHAT THEY FOUND: INSTRUMENT WIRE HARNESS, COMPONE…

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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I TURNED ON THE BLOWER FAN AND AC. THE AC WAS NOT COOLING DOWN THE CABIN (OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 71-74 DEGREES). AFTER 40 MINUTES THE BLOWER FAN SHUT DOWN AND STOPPED WORKING. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS IS WHAT THEY FOUND: INSTRUMENT WIRE HARNESS, COMPONENT(S) AND SWITCH HAD MELTED, CAUSING A HAZARDOUS SITUATION. IT REMAINS A HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. SUBARU DENIES ANY RESPONSIBILITY IN THE DEFECTIVE/FAILED/UNSAFE COMPONENTS AND WILL NOT COVER EXPENSE. REASON: VEHICLE GROSSLY OVER WARRANTY PERIOD (BY 10,000 MILES).

NHTSA ODI #11405603

59,600 miles · Jul 19, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN ALL THE LIGHTS ON DASH COME ON. CONSTANT JERKING/BUCKING OF THE CAR WITHOUT INCREASING PRESSURE TO THE GAS PEDDLE. METER RPMS INDICATOR NEEDLE IS ERRATIC MOVING BACK AND FORTH WHILE THE ENGINE REVS. THE MPG NEEDLE GOES FROM PLUS TO MINUS ERRATICALLY ALSO. AT THIS TIME THE CAR IS NOT DEPENDABLE. I …

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I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN ALL THE LIGHTS ON DASH COME ON. CONSTANT JERKING/BUCKING OF THE CAR WITHOUT INCREASING PRESSURE TO THE GAS PEDDLE. METER RPMS INDICATOR NEEDLE IS ERRATIC MOVING BACK AND FORTH WHILE THE ENGINE REVS. THE MPG NEEDLE GOES FROM PLUS TO MINUS ERRATICALLY ALSO. AT THIS TIME THE CAR IS NOT DEPENDABLE. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO GRANITE SUBARU 4 TIMES FOR THE SAME COMPLAINT. THEY SAY THEY HAVE USED THE DIAGNOSTIC METER TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM BUT IT STILL REMAINS, NOW EVEN WORSE. I HAVE DISCUSSED THE PROBLEM WITH A ENGINEER AND 2 AUTO MECHANICS WHO FEEL THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE COMPUTER. I MENTIONED THIS TO GRANITE SUBARU AND WAS TOLD THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. MY PLAN AT THIS TIME IS TO BRING MY CAR TO AUTOZONE AND HAVE THEM EVALUATE MY CAR. I AM HOPING TO GET A LIST OF ERROR CODES TO BRING TO SUBARU WITH THE HOPE THAT THE 5TH TIME WILL BE MY LAST. I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR WHAT HAS TRANSPIRED SO FAR BUT DO NOT HAVE A WAY TO UPLOAD THEM AND SEND WITH THIS REPORT. PLEASE SEND ADDRESS AND I WILL MAKE COPIES AND SEND. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI #11340262

Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2019
Electrical System

THE HORN HAS STOPPED WORKING ON THE VEHICLE. DOES NOT MATTER WHAT POSITION THE STEERING WHEEL IS IN OR IF I AM DRIVING OR STATIONARY. I AM AT 72,000 MILES. I HAD THE ISSUE CHECKED BY A MECHANIC - FUSES WERE CHANGED AND CHECKED, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH WHICH REVEALED OTHER DRIVERS WITH THE SAME …

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THE HORN HAS STOPPED WORKING ON THE VEHICLE. DOES NOT MATTER WHAT POSITION THE STEERING WHEEL IS IN OR IF I AM DRIVING OR STATIONARY. I AM AT 72,000 MILES. I HAD THE ISSUE CHECKED BY A MECHANIC - FUSES WERE CHANGED AND CHECKED, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH WHICH REVEALED OTHER DRIVERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I SAW A RECALL IN AUSTRALIA WHICH: VIBRATION OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD COULD RESULT IN A METAL PLATE WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN WEARING AWAY THE WIRING INSULATION. THE SHORT CIRCUIT COULD DISABLE CONTROL OF THE WIPERS, HEADLIGHTS, HORN, DRIVER'S AIRBAG AND FEATURES ACTUATED THROUGH THE MULTI-FUNCTION STEERING WHEEL, SUCH AS CRUISE CONTROL, AUDIO SYSTEM AND MOBILE PHONE CONNECTIVITY. THE ISSUE COULD ALSO SHORT OUT THE FUSE FOR THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM'S ECU SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ODI #11245986

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.