2015 Subaru Crosstrek

I am filing a complaint regarding a major CVT transmission failure in my 2015 Subaru Crosstrek at approximately 117,318 miles. Prior to failure, there were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or significant indications of impending transmission failure. The only noticeable symptom was a slight whistling noise coming from the vehicle shortly before the transmission issue became severe. The sudden nature of the failure created a safety concern because the vehicle’s ability to accelerate and respond reliably while driving was compromised without meaningful warning. A sudden loss of reliable transmission function creates potential risk when merging, accelerating, or operating in traffic. The issue has been confirmed by a Subaru dealership, which quoted approximately $10,000 for transmission replacement. Subaru of America was contacted directly and declined assistance despite known widespread CVT issues in Subaru vehicles of this generation and prior warranty extensions issued for CVT-related problems. The vehicle has not been modified or involved in any collision related to this failure. The failed transmission/component is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has been inspected by a Subaru dealership service department. I believe this transmission failure reflects a broader pattern of premature CVT failures affecting 2013–2015 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles and warrants further investigation due to the safety implications and financial burden placed on consumers after sudden drivetrain failure without warning.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While driving at normal operating speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power with no prior warning. There were no dashboard alerts, warning lights, or check engine indicators before the failure occurred. The vehicle became immediately unsafe to operate and had to be pulled over in a main highway center lane divide. After inspection by a licensed mechanic, it was determined that the engine suffered catastrophic internal failure due to oil and engine coolant mixing. This resulted in complete engine failure and rendered the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle has been properly maintained with all routine oil changes and inspections completed on schedule. There was no indication of overheating or mechanical issues prior to the failure. The condition that caused the failure was not detectable through normal maintenance. The sudden loss of power without warning created a significant safety risk to the driver and surrounding traffic. Due to the nature of the failure, the engine requires full replacement, and both 12v and hybrid batteries were also damaged and require replacement. This incident raises concern regarding a potential latent defect related to the engine or cooling system, particularly given reports of similar issues in this model year.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

UNKNOWN exact cause. Rear end of vehicle suddenly appears lower than normal. Suspension seems to be issue. Feels as though vehicle lost suspension in rear with no obvious outward cause. Awaiting inspection at dealership. Does not seem safe to drive in current condition with unknown cause of issue at this time. having vehicle towed to dealership for further diagnostics today.

Reported

Nov 2025

Incident date

Nov 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Sunroof exploded for no reason Comments: My son was driving on freeway in Durham North Carolina last night, our 2015 Subaru Crosstrek XV Touring’s sunroof just exploded for no reason at [XXX] in [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Pressing the horn button on the steering wheel does not sound the horn. However, pushing the “lock” or “panic” button on the key fob still makes the horn beep. So the horn itself works, but pressing on the steering wheel does absolutely nothing. Other buttons on the steering column still work (cruise control, radio controls, etc). Only pressing the horn button doesn’t work thus making me unable to alert other drivers of my presence if they are drifting toward me. This has not been evaluated by a mechanic or dealer yet as I do not have the money to do so. However, a simple search on Reddit will show you that many others are experiencing this with their Subaru Crosstreks. There were no symptoms or issues that led to this. It simply stopped working one day. And I am not someone who hits their horn very often so this is not an overuse issue. Once the horn button stopped working on the steering wheel, it has not worked since. I have not had the ability to alert drivers with my horn for over a month.

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Oil leaking into coolant system. Car has been through several repairs but the problem continues even after multiple repairs of possible source of leakage. Potential hazard or car catching on fire with leaking oil fluid.

Reported

May 2024

Incident date

May 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While driving on the freeway (no overpasses) my sunroof suddenly exploded. when I was able to stop and look at the damage, the remaining part of the sunroof was arched upward. There was no evidence of an object having hit the glass.

Reported

May 2024

Incident date

May 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

During a near collision, attempted to warn other driver of the situation, but the Crosstrek horn did not work. This appears to be a common problem with these vehicles, that the horn does not work reliably in all normal steering wheel positions. Given the horn is an essential piece of safety equipment, this is a significant problem.

Reported

Jan 2024

Incident date

Jan 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Sunroof spontaneously exploded while driving 65mph on highway.

Reported

Dec 2023

Incident date

Dec 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

On Sunday, 11 June I was driving from Brigatine, NJ back to Alexandria, VA. Just east of Baltimore around 11:45am, after about 2.5 hours of driving, I tried to accelerate on I-95. The car did not respond and after several seconds I realized I was slowing. I pulled off to the shoulder and once stopped the engine shut down before putting into park. I only received a check engine light, battery light, and fluid light after the car shut down. I tried to restart, but it would not catch or just sputtered. I waited a minute, tried again and it started but then went out about 20 seconds later. At that point I called AAA for a tow. After the tow was arranged, I started the car for a short time and pulled farther off the highway, then shut it down again. About 45 minutes or so later, I started the car and ran it for several minutes at idle while waiting for the tow truck. The AAA truck showed up, and I took the tow because I did not want to break down in one of the Baltimore tunnels. On 12 June, the Subaru dealership could not confirm any faults and could not replicate. I have no idea what the issue was. I did stop twice during that 2.5 hours for about 5 minutes each time (bathroom breaks). At the time I had about an 1/8th of a tank of gas in the car with 110 miles in range showing on the computer (figured I would make it home and refill then). Temperatures were warm. The Subaru dealership did not charge me for anything and told me they often get cases they cannot replicate.

Reported

Jun 2023

Incident date

Jun 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Car involved in accident 10/2020( remember this was DURING the COVID “shut down”) Was rear ended … tried to get car fixed. Insurance only wanted to do “cosmetics” nothing underlying ( mechanical… the car started to show signs of the damage …running lights stopped working on rear end ONLY. Breaks started to cease up…. I was afraid to drive this way… The “eyesight” prevented my vehicle from hitting truck in front of me ( during the accident on 10/2020). I have since had breaks worked on, I have replace light bulbs, I have had turn signal arm replaced, according to Subaru can will not start now. They keep coming up with more for me to pay for and my vehicle is still not running?!? It had always started before going into the shop (even after sitting in a personal garage for over a year) Accident deemed American family insurance insured fault. I have been charged with “at fault”. I was not at fault and have proof from AM FAM insurance indicating they accept 100percent fault. Car currently at Ramsey Subaru.according to them will not start

Reported

Mar 2023

Incident date

Oct 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 1 injuries

The Engine of the car stopped while on the road. The car is available for inspection upon request. Due to the engine while driving in the middle of the road. The safety of others was at risk The problem was not reproduced by the dealer or by a service center. Yes the manufacturer inspected and failed to reproduce the failure Yes, The error message was “Check Hybrid System, Stop in a safe place, turn engine off, Switch Off, and Restart. Check Owners Manual”

Reported

Mar 2023

Incident date

Feb 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The steering wheel goes to the left so if you take your hands off the wheel for one second it just totally goes to the left. I’m afraid I might get into an accident I’m having it looked at by a Subaru dealer in tomorrow which is February 14th. It’s been doing this for about a year. It didn’t start out as bad as it is now and there were no warning lights that came on. I read on the Internet many other people with the same make & model but the year varies of 2015 cross treks have had this problem and there has been no recalls. I did get a recall in the mail, but it’s a recall that is optional that the power steering box could crack.

Reported

Feb 2023

Incident date

Feb 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owned a 2015 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH and making a left in the roundabout of a residential road, she felt a rear impact and all the air bags deployed. The vehicle then accelerated unintendedly, veered to the right, jumped the curb, and crashed into a tree. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact stated that she sustained significant Hematomas on her left and right calves from the knee air bags deployment. The contact sought medical assistance, A police report was filed. Bystanders informed the contact that the vehicle was not rear-ended; however, the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was towed to an autobody shop where it was totaled. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent a field investigator who retrieved the EDR. The manufacturer then informed the contact that the vehicle had experienced a rear impact and responded as needed based on the EDR. However, the contact stated upon inspecting the vehicle after the accident, the rear of the vehicle did not display signs of a rear impact. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Reported

Feb 2023

Incident date

Nov 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 1 injuries

Several components' issues and scheduled to take back to Subaru dealer on 12/16/2022. Several times after parking car and getting back in, when shifting to 1st gear to take off, the car goes in reverse instead of forward. Rear backup camera sporadically works. Tire pressure light came on and won't turn off. Front end shakes when braking dealer said it was new brakes, but still happening. Front passenger seat belt locked and will not release, no one can sit in front seat. After purchasing the car, and having so many issues, checked the fluid and there was not a drop of oil on the dipstick. Nothing but problems with car from the date of purchase.

Reported

Dec 2022

Incident date

Aug 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The car has the temp light come on intermittently and then it never came on again. I opened the hood and a hose from the radiator to the overflow tank was not connected. I brought the car to a Subaru dealer. The technician found oil in the radiator of the car. I was told this could be a head gasket and the engine may need to be replaced. The car has around 75,000 miles on it.

Reported

May 2022

Incident date

May 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Intermittently, when I go to shut off the engine, I can not remove my key from the ignition. If I put the car back into park a few times, it seems to release the key. This does not happen often, but it has occurred a few times in the past few months.

Reported

Feb 2022

Incident date

Nov 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Right rear wheel bearing failure at around 71,000 miles. Loud, humm occurs around at around 35 mph and above.

Reported

Jan 2022

Incident date

Oct 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Driving at night on interstate approximately 70 mph using adaptive cruise control. Suddenly engine revs higher and car slows down. Cruise control deactivates. Applying gas cause the engine to rev but car continues to slows down. Pulled to side of interstate. Infotainment system screen flashes to black then back on. Turned car off and back on again and behaved normally. Was able to continue driving with no issues. This same sequence of events also happened approximately one year ago. So this is the second occurrence. The first time I knew I had a bad O2 sensor so thought it may be related to that but the sensor has now been replaced and the same issue has reoccurred.

Reported

Dec 2021

Incident date

Dec 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I have owned this vehicle since 2018 and at random times on the highway the engine will lose power and the car will drift to a halt. No warning signs beforehand and this has happened at various stages of highway drives. Pressing the accelerator will only cause the car to slow more. After each time I have had it towed to the nearest Subaru dealership and they cannot find any issues. I have read several other complaints on here describing the issue perfectly. It seems either Subaru cannot figure out whats wrong or simply doesn't care. I have been very lucky to have gotten to safety each time this has happened but I feel serious harm can be caused by this problem. My vehicle has been inspected by several different Subaru dealerships and I get the same runaround every time. The service reps cannot find anything wrong with the engine and no codes come up when they plug it in. Subaru needs to figure this out as there is clear documentation here that this is a large problem. This has forced me to sell what otherwise would be a good car and find something else.

Reported

Nov 2021

Incident date

Nov 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

caliper seized and caught on fire, front passenger side. Was told by mechanic second Crosstreck this week with same problem.

Reported

Oct 2021

Incident date

Oct 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Fire

My vehicle had the recall for Brake Lamp Light Switch in Feb 2019. I went to the Carr Subaru dealership in Portland Oregon to get my recall fixed. They assured me that the work was done and the Brake Lamp Light Switch was replaced. Fast forward to last week when my car suddenly stopped working. The engine would not start and even while driving the brake lights were not showing. I almost had a collision because the car behind me did not see my brake lights when I was braking!! I now live in Memphis TN and we took the car to the Subaru dealership in town on Hacks Cross Road. They told us that even though my car records show that my Brake Lamp Light Switch was fixed in 2019 it was never actually changed. I was appalled to hear this, shocked that I could have been seriously hurt due to this negligence.

Reported

Sep 2021

Incident date

Sep 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I bought in 2019 4 brand new car tires (Continental TureContact 225/55 R17) at Discount Tires still have receipt. Tires are maintained on a regular bases (rotation and alignment check). I noticed a vibration in my steering wheel and ask my garage to check alignment. He stated alignment is good but he saw on the 2 front tires that there is belt separation. In all my life I never had this happen before. I was told by my garage that looks like a manufacturing problem. This is dangerous and needs to be addressed and Continental needs to be held accountable for this. I went back where I bought the tires with my receipt and told them they need to check all 4 tires for this defect. For right now I cannot drive the car until Discount Tires takes a look at it. These tires have an 80,000 Miles warranty. If I wouldn't been so attentive to my car and tires I and its mechanical, I never would have known, that I am driving my car with unsafe manufactured tires. One question: How difficult is it to manufacture good and SAFE products? DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!!

Reported

Aug 2021

Incident date

Aug 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owned a 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving 15 mph, they pulled up to a red light and stopped, when the light turned green the contact was making a right turn when a 26-foot truck ran thru the light and crashed into the front driver side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated on the vehicle. The contact sustained an injured neck, bruises, and a muscle tear in the left side of their chest. There was medical treatment at the scene where the ambulance took the contact to the hospital by ambulance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where the contact insurance company inspected the vehicle and deemed the vehicle as a total loss. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure The failure mileage was approximate 55,000.

Reported

Aug 2021

Incident date

Aug 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 1 injuries

After parking car, it takes several attempts of putting the transmission in park to get the key out of the ignition. Going back and forth between reverse and park. This happens at least 70% of the time. Not a safety problem, but can’t secure the vehicle if I can’t get the key out. Haven’t had the dealer look at it because the car is no longer under warranty, and this seems to be a common problem with Subarus. No warning or symptoms that it’s going to happen.

Reported

Jul 2021

Incident date

Jul 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

At approximately 67,300 miles, while performing routine maintenance, my mechanic discovered that my front wheel bearing set needed replacing. Soon after that, I heard a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. At first, my mechanic couldn't diagnose the problem. When the noise got louder, I returned to my mechanic, and he discovered that the wheel bearings in both of my rear wheels needed replacing. The vehicle had 81,565 miles at the time he replaced them. With some internet research, I found that many Subaru owners with the same vehicle had experienced the same problem. I also found a bulletin from Subaru describing a faulty rear wheel backing plate (Bulletin # 05-70-19). If Subaru had notified me of the defect, I could have had it promptly replaced. Instead, they risked my safety, as a wheel could have stopped while I was driving. I chose not to take it to the dealer, because it is a 1.5 hour drive from my home, on a remote highway. Diagnosis and repair would have been separate appointments, 2 weeks apart, and the dealer told me the chance of reimbursement was 50%. This vehicle is available for inspection.

Reported

Jul 2021

Incident date

Jul 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I NOTICED THAT WHEN GOT TO ACCELERATE FROM STOPING THAT CAR WON'T GO. WHEN I HIT THE GAS THE VEHICLE MOVES ONLY A LITTLE AND IF I PUSH MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATION PEDDLE HARDER AND ALL THE WAY DOWN THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY SLOWS DOWN. IT HAPPENED THIS MORNING ON CITY STREET ROADS NOT GOING ANY FASTER THAN 45MPH. THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT TO GO AGAIN IS TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDDLE AND RE PLACING IT AND IT THEN WILL GO BACK TO ACCELERATE AS IT SHOULD WHEN I PRESS THE GAS PEDDLE. I HAVE GOTTEN IT LOOKED AT SUBURU DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. IT HAPPENED TO ME TWICE THIS MORNING. ONCE WHEN TURNING OFF MY STREET TAKING A RIGHT TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO 25MPH AND THEN ANOTHER WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AFTER A STOP LIGHT ON A 45 MPH ROAD. I WILL BE REPORTING IT FROM NOW ON EVERY TIME IT HAPPENS. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE, IT COULD EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS RIGHT BEHIND AT THOSE MOMENTS WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE.

Reported

May 2021

Incident date

May 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

HEAD GASKET FAILURE, RESULTING IN WATER AND OIL CONTAMINATION. TAKEN TO DEALER FOR SERVICING ON FEBRUARY 12, 2021, AND STILL NOT FIXED AS OF APRIL 21, 2021.

Reported

Apr 2021

Incident date

Feb 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

SINCE I BOUGHT THIS 2015 CROSSTREK IN 2015 THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE TIMES WHERE I HAVE PULLED OUT AND THE VEHICLE PAUSES. LIKE THERE IS NO POWER OR IT IS TAKING A BREATH. NO MATTER THE PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR IT DOES NOT GO. THEN LIKE A GASP IT STARTS TO PICK UP SPEED. DOES NOT SHUT OFF BUT ZERO POWER. IT HAPPENS REGARDLESS THE WEATHER, LENGTH OF TIME CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING. IT HAS CAUSED ME A NARROW MISS BEFORE BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET INTO MY LANE. I WAS PULLING INTO TRAFFIC FROM A SLOW SPEED MOST TIMES. ONCE IT HAPPENED WHILE IN TRAFFIC DRIVING.

Reported

Apr 2021

Incident date

Sep 2015

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WHILE IN MOTION AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY HOOD LATCH FAILED AND HOOD FLEW UP AND SMASHED INTO WINDSHIELD, SHATTERING GLASS ALL OVER AND PUSHING WINDSHIELD IN TOWARDS DRIVER. FRONT WINDSHIELD VIEW WAS COMPLETELY OBSTRUCTED AND DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO SAFELY PULL TO SHOULDER. VEHICLE SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO HOOD, HOOD HINGES, WINDSHIELD AND FENDERS. SUBARU HAS HISTORY OF LAWSUITS AND RECALLS REGARDING FAILED HOOD LATCH. POLICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE.

Reported

Apr 2021

Incident date

Mar 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH TRYING TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION. IT WON'T LET ME TURN ALL THE WAY FROM ACC TO REMOVE THE KEY. I'VE TRIED TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, RESTART IGNITION AND TRY TURNING ALL THE WAY OFF AGAIN AND STILL STUCK. I HAD TO START AND PUT CAR IN REVERSE, THEN PULL FOWARD AND WAS ABLE TO TURN KEY COMPLETELY TO THE OFF POSITION AND WAS ABLE TO REMOVE KEY. IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE. I HAVE CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THEM AS WELL.

Reported

Mar 2021

Incident date

Mar 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2015 CROSSTREK. WAS DRIVING ON I476 IN PA ON A 35 DEGREE SUNNY DAY ON 2/6/2021 FOR ABOUT 3-5 MILES AT STEADY SPEED OF 65 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR BUMPED (ALTHOUGH NOTHING WAS IN THE ROAD/NO POTHOLE) WITH A LOUD NOISE (NOTHING FLEW OFF CAR) AND ABRUPTLY SLOWED TO A CRAWL EVEN WITH FOOT STILL ON THE GAS. LUCKILY WE WERE IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE WITH AN OPEN SHOULDER TO SWERVE INTO OTHERWISE THE PERSON BEHIND US LIKELY WOULD HAVE SLAMMED INTO US (SEEING AS NO BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD HAVE GONE ON SINCE FOOT WAS ON THE GAS). TIRES, UNDERBELLY AND UNDER HOOD LOOKED FINE. 76K MILES. NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE CAR WHATSOEVER OTHER THAN REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED DUE TO AGE A FEW MONTHS PRIOR. OTHERWISE JUST MAINTENANCE PER THE MAINTENANCE AND WARRANTY MANUAL. NO ISSUES OR INDICATIONS OF ANY PROBLEM LEADING UP TO IT AND JUST HAD THE SERPENTINE BELT REPLACED JUST DUE TO AGE (PRECAUTIONARY) THE DAY PRIOR. HAD MECHANIC GENERALLY INSPECT CAR THE DAY BEFORE WHEN BELT WAS BEING CHANGED BECAUSE PLANNED TO DRIVE TO NC THE END OF THAT WEEK. CALLED AAA WHO (AFTER 2 HR WAIT) TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC. OUR MECHANIC SPOKE TO CONCORDVILLE SUBARU (MELISSA B.) AND WE HAD IT TOWED THERE. WERE TOLD BY CONCORDVILLE, 'TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REBUILT. THE GEARS JAMMED IN THE TRANSMISSION AND SOME BROKE AND THERE WAS SOME COLLATERAL DAMAGE. THE WARRANTY IS EXTENDED SO IT SHOULD BE COVERED AND I'LL WORK WITH THE SUBARU INSPECTOR TO HAVE THE COLLATERAL DAMAGE COVERED.' THE NEXT DAY WHEN THEY WERE TOLD BY US THAT WE HAD THE DIFFERENTIAL FLUID CHANGED (PER SUBARU MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE) THEY SAID IT'S PROBABLY A DIFFERENTIAL ISSUE SO WON'T BE COVERED AND IF WE WANT TO SEE IF THERE IS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE IT IS $1000 ALL IN FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND $8K FOR A TRANSMISSION REBUILD IF IT'S NOT COVERED 'AND I DOUBT THE INSPECTOR WILL APPROVE MORE THAN 25% BEING COVERED.' (MELISSA B.) (VIA EMAIL)

Reported

Feb 2021

Incident date

Feb 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2015 CROSSTREK XR - CONCURRENT WITH COMPLAINT #11396151 AS A SUBARU OWNER WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAFETY ISSUE EXPRESSED IN THE ABOVE-REFERENCED COMPLAINT, I AM ALSO AN ATTORNEY WITH MASS TORT (DEFENSE) EXPERIENCE, AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW: 1) WHY A SAFETY RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED WHEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME FAILURE AND MANIFESTING RESULTS HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED WITH THE NHTSA, AS THEY APPEAR TO MEET THE ELEMENTS FOR A RECALL SET FORTH IN NHTSA PUBLICATIONS.; 2) IF THE NHTSA GAVE SUBARU A 'PASS' BY NOT ISSUING A RECALL BECAUSE PERHAPS (?) SUBARU COUNTERED WITH BUT FOR THE GOV'S MODEL FEDERAL FUEL EFFICIENCY STANDARDS HAVING GONE INTO EFFECT IN 2012 IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEGUN EQUIPPING ITS VEHICLES WITH CVTS TO MEET THOSE FUEL EFFICIENCY STANDARDS. I.E., DID SUBARU CLAIM OR DID THE NHTSA BELIEVE THAT THE USE OF CVTS WAS URGED BY THE NHTSA, AND APPROVED BY THE NHTSA, AND THEREFORE THE NHTSA IS PARTLY RESPONSIBLE/LIABLE FOR ANY SAFETY ISSUES AND OCCURRENCES, AND PERHAPS CHOSE TO OVERLOOK THE SAFETY CONCERNS? (NOT SAYING THIS IS THE CASE- I'M ASKING IF IT IS THE CASE.) 3) WERE THERE ACCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE, AND DID ANY OF THOSE CAUSE INJURIES OR DEATHS HAVE RESULTED FROM SUCH ISSUES THAT WERE NOT REPORTED TO THE NHTSA. (CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITY THAT WHEN ONE SEES A MANGLED VEHICLE THEY USUALLY DO NOT THINK, 'LET'S TAKE APART THE TRANSMISSION TO SEE IF IT FAILED' AS WELL AS CONSIDERING THAT THE LETTER OWNERS RECEIVED FROM SUBARU SAID THE WARRANTY WAS BEING EXTENDED FOR 'CUSTOMER SATISFACTION' AND THAT THERE WERE 'NO SAFETY CONCERNS' LEADING PEOPLE TO BELIEVE THERE WERE, IN FACT, NO SAFETY CONCERNS (DESPITE COMPLAINTS SHOWING ON THIS NTHSA COMPLAINT SITE?) 4) TO WHAT EXTENT HAS NTHSA INVESTIGATED THESE INCIDENTS? (OF TRANSMISSION FAILURES ABRUPTLY STOPPING VEHICLES IN THE MIDDLE OF EXPRESSWAYS AT 60-80 MPH? THANK YOU.

Reported

Feb 2021

Incident date

Feb 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON AND STAYED LITE WHILE I CONTINUED TO DRIVE HOME. NO COLLISION OR INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCURRED BETWEEN THE TIME THE CAR WAS TURNED ON AND THEN TURNED OFF AT HOME. ALSO NO ACCIDENT HAS HAPPENED IN MY TIME OWNING THE VEHICLE.

Reported

Dec 2020

Incident date

Dec 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WHEN I GO TO PARK AND TURN OFF THE KEY IT LOCKS HALF WAY AND WON'T COME OUT. HAVE TO REVERSE AND PULL FORWARD SOMETIMES SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT WILL TURN COMPLETELY OFF. SUBARU HAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE DATE: 03/15/18 16-112-18R REVISED BULLETIN ABOUT AN ISSUE WITH THE "SHIFT SELECTER MECHANISM." SUBARU IS AWARE OF THE PERSISTENT PROBLEM, BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL.

Reported

Oct 2020

Incident date

Oct 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

KEY KEPT GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED (AND THE SHIFTER IN THE PARK POSITION). THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FROM SUBARU FOR FIVE OF THEIR MODELS. APPARENTLY THE CAUSE IS CONTAMINATION OF THE PARK-RANGE SWITCH INTERNAL COMPONENTS. THEY DID THE REPAIR WORK AND IT WORKS FINE NOW. I SENSE A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM.

Reported

Sep 2020

Incident date

Sep 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I WAS DRIVING MY 2015 SUBARU CROSSTREK. I HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY FOR AN HOUR. I WAS GOING ABOUT 78MPH. THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED GETTING LOUD AND THE TACHOMETER WAS REVVING DOWN. IT WENT QUICKLY FROM 3 TO 0 AND IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN. WHEN I REALIZED IT WAS REVVING DOWN AND GETTING LOUDER I BEGAN TO SHIFT TOWARDS THE LANES ON THE RIGHT TO THE BREAK DOWN LANE. MY CAR DIDN'T MAKE IT. IT WAS ABOUT 3 MIN FROM WHEN I REALIZED SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I GOT STUCK IN THE LANE RIGHT NEXT TO THE PASSING LANE WITH 2 OTHER LANES ON THE RIGHT OF ME TO GET TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. MY CAR HAD POWER, MY HAZARDS WERE ON, MY RADIO WAS ON, MY WINDOWS OPENED AND THE CAR WOULDN'T TURN ON. I GOT MY CAR TOWED TO MY MOMS AND IT TURNED ON AT ARRIVAL ABOUT 14 MIN AFTER IT SHUT DOWN ON ME. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME 14 MIN AWAY AND THEN DRIVE IT 35 MIN TO A SUBARU DEALER. THE DEALER SAYS ITS THE BATTERY BUT IT DOESNT MAKE SENSE TO ME IF THE CAR IGNITION WOULDN'T GO ON BUT LIGHTS RADIO AND WINDOWS WORKED AND 15 MIN LATER THE CAR TURNED ON AND DROVE LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED.

Reported

Aug 2020

Incident date

Aug 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN I HEARD A LOUD POP. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND GOT OUT TO SEE THAT ME SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED.

Reported

Jul 2020

Incident date

Jul 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

REAR VIEW MIRROR FELL OFF THE WINDSHIELD IN 2018 LEAVING A LARGE AREA OF BROKEN GLASS I MADE CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I HAD THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED. IT FELL OFF AS I WAS DRIVING AND WAS ADJUSTING THE MIRROR. *TR

Reported

Jun 2020

Incident date

Mar 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

REVERSE LIGHTS AND REAR VIEW CAMERA WILL NOT TURN OFF. THEY STAY ON IN DRIVE, NEUTRAL, PARK AND THE MANUAL MODE. I'VE BEEN TO THE SUBARU DEALER AND ANOTHER MECHANIC AND THEY CANNOT RESOLVE WITHOUT MAJOR LABOR HOURS TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. CARS BEHIND ME WILL BELIEVE I AM REVERSING INTO THEM SINCE THE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON (THEY MAY DECIDE TO TAKE UNNECESSARY EVASIVE ACTION). THIS IS ALSO BLINDS DRIVERS WHO ARE BEHIND ME AS THE BRIGHT REVERSE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. THIS IS NOT SAFE. THIS HAPPENS IN MOTION, IN PARK, ETC. I'VE DONE NO MODIFICATIONS TO THIS CAR AND THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN JUMP STARTED. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO UPLOAD VIDEOS OF THIS INCIDENT OCCURRING AS I HAVE MANY. WITH THE REVERSE CAMERA STAYING ON THE CAR'S INFOTAINMENT CENTER IS RENDERED USELESS. THIS IS ALSO EXTREMELY DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING AS YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH A CONSTANT VIDEO FEED OF WHAT'S BEHIND YOU.

Reported

Dec 2019

Incident date

Dec 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

CV JOINTS WENT BAD AROUND 100,000 MILES WHEN WARRANTY EXPIRED. ALL FREEWAY DRIVING, EVEN THO CAR WAS PURCHASED FOR MORE OFF ROAD/UNPACKED ROAD USE, WHICH HASN'T HAPPENED MUCH. GUESS IF I DID USE IT MORE OFF ROAD THIS WLD HAVE HAPPENED EARLIER & BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE.

Reported

Nov 2019

Incident date

Jun 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

EXPERIENCING TROUBLE REMOVING IGNITION KEY, AND GETTING WORSE OVER TIME. I MUST START THE VEHICLE A FEW TIMES, PLACE IT IN REVERSE THEN RETURN TO PARK. THEN I AM ABLE TO REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 66000 MILES. THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR.

Reported

Nov 2019

Incident date

Nov 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY FOR 1.5 HRS WHEN CAR JUST WENT LIMP. ACCELERATOR WOULDN'T WORK, STARTED TO PULL OVER, CAR CAME TO STOP AND IT WAS DEAD, EXCEPT FOR ELECTRICAL. TRIED TO RESTART FOR OVER AN HOUR AND ALTHOUGH IT CRANKED, IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. AGAIN ALL ELECTRICAL WAS FULLY FUNCTIONAL. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED, THE NEXT DAY IT STARTED RIGHT UP AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON ON THE DASH AT ALL. VEHICLE IS SERVICED AS SCHEDULED, AND ONLY HAS 47,000. AFTER RESEARCHING FORUM I HAVE FOUND IT IS SOMEWHAT A POPULAR THING BUT DEALEERSHIPS CANNOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, YET IN KEEPS RECURRING TO OWNERS. SEEMS TO BE A FACTORY ISSUE OR SOME SORT OF FAULTY PART THAT IS CUTTING THE FUEL PROCESS. WHEN YOU ARE STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY IN THE DARK, IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND JUST HOPE NO OTHER CAR HAPPENS TO SWERVE AND HIT YOU. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BECAUSE IT SOUNDS LIKE A POPULAR OCCURRENCE WITH THE VEHICLE.

Reported

Oct 2019

Incident date

Oct 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

VARIOUS WARNING SYMBOLS ON THE DASH WILL ILLUMINATE FOR NO REASON WHEN THE CAR IS OPERATING AND IS IN MOTION ON EITHER HIGHWAY OR CITY STREET. DIFFERENT SYMBOLS AT DIFFERENT TIMES. INCLUDED ARE LOW TIRE PRESSURE, DYNAMIC CONTROL, HILL START ASSIST, ABS. THESE WARNING LIGHTS WILL JUST COME ON EITHER BY THEMSELVES OR SEVERAL AT A TIME. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL ALSO BECOME NON-RESPONSIVE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE WHILE IN MOTION IN TRAFFIC ON A CITY STREET. THE CAR WILL ACTUALLY START TO DECELERATE. PUMPING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAS BROUGHT RESPONSIVENESS BACK. BRAKE LIGHTS WILL ALSO COME ON ON THEIR OWN WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED, ENGINE OFF, NOT OPERATING AND WILL COMPLETELY DRAIN THE BATTERY. CANNOT EVEN UNLOCK THE CAR WITH THE KEY FOB. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST MONTH.

Reported

Oct 2019

Incident date

Oct 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WHILE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, WITH HAND BRAKE APPLIED AND SHIFTER IN PARK POSITION THE KEY DOES NOT ALWAYS RELEASE. HAPPENS SPORADICALLY AND MORE SO WITH THE WHEELS TURNED. UNABLE TO PARK UP HEEL OR PULL THE KEY OUT.

Reported

Sep 2019

Incident date

Sep 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

IN JULY, THIS YEAR (2019), THE KEY BEGAN STICKING IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. GRADUALLY WORSENED OVER A PERIOD OF 2 WEEK TO THE POINT THAT IT COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH AT ALL. BOB MOORE DEALERSHIP FIXED THE ISSUE COSTING ME OVER $500.00. DURING THE PAST WEEK THE SAME IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM HAS BEGAN TO OCCUR AGAIN.

Reported

Sep 2019

Incident date

Jul 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU XV CROSSTREK. WHILE DRIVING AND RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE FOR APPROXIMATELY FOUR SECONDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD THEN RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SERVCO TOYOTA HONOLULU (2850 PUKOLOA ST #200, HONOLULU, HI 96819, (808) 564-1100) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT A FAILURE CODE WAS NOT FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TEST DRIVEN, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,000.

Reported

Sep 2019

Incident date

Sep 2015

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

AT TIMES WE ARE NOT ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK. WE LOOKED AROUND THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT SUBARU HAD RELEASED A SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS. BULLETIN NUMBER 16-112-18R ADDRESSES THE ISSUE THAT WE ARE HAVING WITH OUR CROSSTREK. PEOPLE ARE SAYING ONLINE THAT THEY ARE SPENDING $400+ TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED. WHY ISN'T SUBARU DOING A RECALL ON THIS IF LOT OF CARS ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE? THE PRICE TO GET THIS FIXED IS A LOT CONSIDERING THE CAR IS NOT THAT OLD AND THIS IS NOT A WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE. IT IS A DESIGN FLAW AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE ADDRESSING IT.

Reported

Sep 2019

Incident date

Sep 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU XV CROSSTREK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT FAILED TO ENGAGE PROPERLY. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF FOR THIRTY MINUTES TO ONE HOUR OR MORE IN ORDER TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. AT THAT TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DICK HANNAH SUBARU (7407 NE VANCOUVER PLAZA DR, VANCOUVER, WA 98662, (360) 605-1520) FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED OVER EIGHT TIMES BY TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

Reported

Sep 2019

Incident date

Jul 2015

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ENGAGE WHEN CAR IS IN PARK. UNABLE TO COMPLETELY TURN OFF VEHICLE OR REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION

Reported

Aug 2019

Incident date

Aug 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.