2025 Subaru Crosstrek Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Driver-side mirror vibration at highway speed.” Subaru's symmetrical AWD system places unusually high demands on differential fluid and transfer case service — skipping these is the most common cause of premature drivetrain wear. Older Subarus with the EJ25 engine (pre-2011) require timing belt replacement; FB and FA engines (2011+) use a maintenance-free chain. Subaru's published intervals below align with the owner's manual Schedule II (severe) which most US drivers qualify for.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek.

Reported to NHTSA

Driver-side mirror vibration at highway speed

VISIBILITY

8 NHTSA complaints · 2025-03 → 2026-07

I leased. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Premium last May and after I drove it for a few days I discovered the driver side mirror was shaking and made it impossible to see traffic clearly, especially at night
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11751846
Shortly after I bought the new car from a dealership in June 2025, I noticed the driver side mirror vibrates at speed above 60 mph, which makes the images in the mirror become quite blurry and makes it hard to judge the distance of other vehicles especially at night
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11696591
Driver's side mirror wobbles/vibrates at highway speeds causing blurriness of objects and LED light trials. The dealer serviced it with a Subaru provided Service Bulletin #12-268-25 but still have the issue after that initial fix
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11689937

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Infotainment SiriusXM advertisement pop-ups while driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

10 NHTSA complaints · 2025-11 → 2026-06

The infotainment system periodically displays full-screen advertisements for SiriusXM during car operation, interrupting navigation and all other functions that occur on the infotainment system
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11706106
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, an advertisement for a product that the contact had never purchased suddenly took over the infotainment system, which required the driver to interact with the infotainment screen
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11702672
Pop up ads for SiriusXM while driving are a dangerous distraction. They pop up with a sound from the speakers, making me think somethings wrong with my car and distracting me from the road. It also doesn't close by itself
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11701171

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EyeSight lane-keep assist erratic engagement

LANE DEPARTURE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-07

While driving on a road with a round about as I entered into the round about turn the vehicle lane keeping assist pulled the wheels and caused me to slam into the curb damaging the passenger side front and back wheel
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753387
Lane-keep assist function has stopped working correctly. Warning light on dashboard. On a 3 lane freeway, on left side of vehicle the car drifts over the dividing line into traffic before there is a nudge
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682610
Vehicle lane keeping assistance switches itself off and on while driving. After first occurrence, dealer response was that such behavior is not unusual when sun is in front of the vehicle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719893

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Sunroof glass shattering while driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2025-05 → 2026-04

my sunroof exploded. I was on the highway, no trucks around to shed debris, when I heard a pop and then the sound of glass breaking. I was near my home so I got there and then inspected the sunroof. The glass was pushed upward at the center of the sunroof
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11734289
On [XXX], at [XXX] , my sunroof spontaneously exploded outwards while driving at 65mph going north bound. There was not an object that struck the vehicle. The next vehicle ahead of me was nearly 1/4 mile ahead of me
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658700

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Forward collision warning false activation

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-12 → 2026-05

I was driving on a Texas highway on May 2 at the speed limit of 75 mph with the car on cruise control. It was a sunny day and traffic was light
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739643
On two occasions, the vehicle has activated the forward collision warning although there was no nearby vehicle or obstruction. The date of incident is not precise
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724288
Automatic Emergency Braking engaged unnecessarily. It was triggered by a plastic trash bag being blown in front of the vehicle. I was driving about 70 mph and was fortunate to avoid being rear-ended by another vehicle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11707619

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Airbag non-deployment and passenger sensor failure

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-06 → 2026-06

The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH with his wife inside the vehicle, the contact experienced a medical emergency and blacked out, causing the vehicle to accelerate to approximately 70 MPH
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745558
My wife was almost killed yesterday in a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. She was hit by a side impact at over 35 mph through the driver's door, and the airbags didn't work. The side doors locked and buckled from the impact
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11668032
WHEN MY WIFE IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG DOES NOT GO ON. I AM TOLD IT IS ACTIVATED BY WEIGHT. MY WIFE WEIGHTS 95 LBS. I WAS INITIALLY TOLD THAT 80 LBS OR MORE SHOULD ACTIVATE THE AIR BAG. THE AIR BAG DOES NOT TURN ON WHEN SHE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11684820

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 6,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 6,000 miles. WRX/STI 2.0L/2.5L turbo: 3,750 miles. Non-turbo FB engines: 6,000 miles severe / 10,000 normal.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Critical on Subaru AWD — uneven tread depth across all 4 tires (>2/32") forces the center differential to bind, damaging the AWD coupling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Outback and Forester pads commonly last 35,000-50,000 miles depending on terrain.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential / Manual Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace front differential and manual transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. CVT models use proprietary Subaru CVT fluid — a separate item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace rear differential fluid every 30,000 miles. Use Subaru 75W-90 GL-5 — substitutes can cause whining noises within months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

CVT Fluid (Lineartronic)

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru CVT models (Outback, Legacy, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Ascent): replace Lineartronic CVT fluid every 30,000 miles severe / 60,000 normal. Subaru High-Torque CVT-II fluid only — incorrect fluid destroys the chain-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Timing Belt (EJ25 engines, pre-2011)

Every 105,000 mi

Older Subarus with the EJ25 boxer engine (Forester, Outback, Legacy 1996-2010): replace timing belt every 105,000 miles. FB and FA boxer engines (2011+) use a chain — no scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Subaru's brake hold and EyeSight automatic emergency braking depend on uncontaminated fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. WRX/STI: inspect every oil change due to the higher airflow demand of the turbo intake.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium plugs every 60,000 miles on FB engines. WRX/STI 2.5L turbo: 30,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures and EGT.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru Super Coolant (blue): first change at 137,500 miles or 11 years, then every 30,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange — head gasket sealing chemistry depends on the formula.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Behind the glove box on most Subaru models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

No occupant deaths in FARS 2010–2024 crashes are on record for this year and model. That is the census answer for the window, and it says nothing more than that.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek reflects Subaru's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.