How Long Do Subaru Crosstreks Last?

The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact SUV that has been around since 2012.

With it been in the market for a decade, it has given its owners an amazing and comfortable driving experience. There are still many people who would love to purchase it.

Before a purchase is finalized, you should ask how long do Subaru Crosstreks last?

The SUV can easily last anywhere between 200000 and 250000 miles. That is a respectable number. You are in for a treat with this one.

You can continue with your research, but I suggest sticking around to find out more.

This guide will not only compare the Crosstrek with its top competitors but will also discuss the lifespan of individual hardware.

So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into it!

What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Subaru Crosstrek?

As I discussed in the introduction, the Crosstrek can last anywhere between 200000 and 250000 miles.

Although reaching the lower bound of this range is easy, touching or even crossing the 250000 mile mark is a challenge for those who don’t keep their SUV maintained at all times.

The Crosstrek can only reach the advertised number of mileage if it is kept in check. This means regular maintenance and repair problems as soon as they are noticed.

This number can also be affected if the repairs or replacements are improper. This is something that will be discussed further down in this article.

Does Subaru Crosstrek Last Longer Than Other Similar Vehicles?

There is no better way of testing a vehicle than to put it against the best of the best.

Although this is not an ultimate test to determine which one is superior, it can give you a pretty good idea.

Now, I have chosen three of Crosstrek’s best competitors and will compare three things: reliability, number of complaints, and which one lasts longer.

1. Subaru Crosstrek Vs. Honda HR-V

The HR-V is Honda’s offering in the SUV segment. It is praised and regarded by thousands of people all over the world.

So, now the question arises, how does it stack up against the Subaru Crosstrek?

• In terms of the number of complaints, both have roughly the same number, according to CarComplaints.com. But it must be noted that the Honda HR-V came out four years later than the Subaru Crosstrek.
• So, it accumulated the same number of complaints in a shorter amount of time. So, the Subaru Crosstrek wins this round.
• In terms of reliability, the Subaru Crosstrek cannot beat the Honda HR-V. This means that it has a lesser chance of getting serious issues that require a lot of money to repair. So, the HR-V edges the lead.
• The Subaru Crosstrek takes the lead once again over here. The Honda HR-V is expected to be driven anywhere from 150000 to 200000 miles. The upper limit of Honda’s offering is the lower limit of the Crosstrek.

Although the Honda HR-V is not bad, it does not stand a chance in front of the Subaru Crosstrek.

So, if you are trying to choose between the two, the Crosstrek should be the one you end up with.

2. Subaru Crosstrek Vs. Mazda CX-30

The next competitor on this list is the CX-30 from Mazda. This SUV is a beautiful one and is regarded by many people.

It is a definite competitor to the Subaru Crosstrek, and let’s see who wins when they are put against each other.

• When talking about the number of complaints, these SUVs cannot be compared.
• The Subaru Crosstrek came a decade ago, while the CX-30, from Mazda, came out only two years ago, as of writing this article. So, comparing the total number of complaints does not make sense.
• According to RepairPal.com, the Subaru Crosstrek is more reliable than the Mazda CX-30.
• Although the annual maintenance costs of Mazda’s offering are considerably less, the Crosstrek has still been proven to be reliable in the long run.
• The Mazda CX-30 goes head to head with the Subaru Crosstrek in terms of lifespan. Both of them have a rated mileage of 200000 to 250000 miles.
• So, in this round, no conclusion can be drawn, and I will have to say that it is a tie.

The Mazda CX-30 is a great SUV, and it gives the Subaru Crosstrek serious competition. But unfortunately, it cannot cross it.

So, you can pick either one of the two, and you will not regret your decision. It is just as good.

3. Subaru Crosstrek Vs. Hyundai Kona

The final vehicle that will be compared with the Subaru Crosstrek is one from Hyundai. The Kona is a high-quality SUV that the public has well received.

Let’s look at how it performs against one of its top competitors below:

• The Hyundai Kona came out five years later than the Subaru Crosstrek. So, it is not fair to compare their number of complaints. But, just for mentioning, the Kona is accumulating more complaints about the same period of time.
• Reliability is outstanding in both vehicles. Some websites name the Hyundai Kona as the best, while others mention that the truth is completely different. Well, the Kona wins this round.
• The Hyundai Kona goes head to head with the Subaru Crosstrek when talking about longevity. Both have an estimated mileage of anywhere between 200000 and 250000 miles.

Although the competition was the toughest over here, the Hyundai Kona has won compared to the Subaru Crosstrek.

It is more reliable and can last just as long as Subaru’s offering, making it a better SUV overall.

Related: How Many Miles Will A Hyundai Kona Last?

Life Expectancy Of Subaru Crosstrek Car Parts

The lifespan of a vehicle is directly dependent on the quality of parts present inside it.

This section of the article will discuss the lifespan of some of the most common parts that need to be replaced.

Average Lifespan Of Subaru Crosstrek Brake Pads

When talking about the brake pads on the Subaru Crosstrek, they are nothing out of the ordinary.

They are expected to last anywhere between 30000 and 70000 miles, which is the norm for OEM pads.

The main question that arises is, why is there such a huge gap between these numbers?

Well, that is because each person drives differently. If you are one to slam on the brakes at the last second, then you will tend to be closer to the lower bound of the list.

In the case of the Subaru Crosstrek, or any other vehicle, it is recommended to check their conditions at all times.

If they have worn out too much, your Crosstrek may not be as efficient at braking.

A replacement for the Subaru Crosstrek is recommended at the 60000-mile mark, regardless of the condition.

60000 miles still means four years of service, that is, if you drive at the average rate of around 15000 miles annually.

Average Lifespan Of Subaru Crosstrek Battery

Like with the brake pads, the Subaru Crosstrek battery is normal.

This means it will last for the normal amount of time, around 3 to 5 years. It must be noted that this number is for an OEM battery only.

You will end up closer to the 3-year mark if you drive your vehicle extensively. There are many factors at play that will reduce the vehicle’s lifespan.

One of the main ones is high temperature. Weather conditions can also affect battery health.

If you are one to drive on uneven terrain, then the vibrations can also reduce the battery’s lifespan.

In the case of the Subaru Crosstrek, I would always recommend settling for an AGM battery. It not only has a better lifespan but does not need any maintenance at all.

On the plus side, it is a lot more resistant to vibrations than traditional lead-based batteries. It does cost more, but the investment is worth it.

Average Lifespan Of Subaru Crosstrek Tires

I will be considering both the OEM and aftermarket tires that can be bought for the Subaru Crosstrek right now.

The tires that come preinstalled with this vehicle can be used for up to 60000 miles. That is pretty decent and is better than what other manufacturers put in their vehicles.

If you drive 15000 miles, which is an average for US citizens, in a year, then they will easily work great for four years. In the case of aftermarket tires, the story changes completely.

There are tires for the Crosstrek that can easily last longer than the OEM ones, while some cannot even cross the 10000-mile mark.

The question arises, why is there such a difference? The first one is that brands out there make defective tires.

They cut corners and put tires on the market that reduce the drive quality of your Subaru Crosstrek and last for a lesser amount of time.

Average Lifespan Of Subaru Crosstrek Transmission

The transmission of the Subaru Crosstrek differs from what the competitors offer.

In many vehicles, it can be seen that the transmission needs repairing at least once throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.

However, in the case of the Crosstrek, the transmission has been designed to last for 250000 miles, which is the advertised number for the vehicle too.

This means that it should not cause any issues during its lifespan. That said, owners of the Subaru Crosstrek have faced problems over the years.

These issues can range from simple hesitations to hard shifting. But these problems have such a low rate of occurrence; it is not something you should be worried about.

But if the system does fail, then you are looking at a replacement or repair of the entire transmission, whose price can easily become thousands of dollars.

Average Lifespan Of Subaru Crosstrek Spark Plugs

The OEM spark plugs on the Subaru Crosstrek are pretty good.

They have been designed to last anywhere from 50000 to 60000 miles. So, the first set will easily be able to last you around 4 years.

In the case of aftermarket spark plugs, if you don’t spend too much money, they are expected to last for 30000 miles or two years. That is pretty decent.

You may already be aware of that, but failing spark plugs can result in misfires and stalling of the vehicle.

So, if you do notice that a spark plug is failing, you should not waste any time in getting a replacement arranged.

It is also recommended to get all of the plugs replaced at the same time because a mix of old and new hardware can result in performance degradation.

So, you should replace all of them in one go. This will also ensure that you will not have to keep track of them individually.

Average Lifespan Of Subaru Crosstrek Key Fob

The key fob that comes with the Subaru Crosstrek is simple and practical.

It has a durable design and allows easy access to the vehicle without any issues. That said, the fob is nothing out of the ordinary.

It uses the same batteries as other vehicles’ key fobs. The batteries are supposed to last two to three years.

In the case of the key fob itself, it will last for as long as you want. There have been no complaints of it failing, so this is something you should not worry about.

You should be extra careful when it comes to losing the key. Subaru dealers charge hundreds of dollars to provide you with a replacement, which is unacceptable.

If you do lose one, you can get a third-party shop to do the work for you. You can get a new one for a much more reasonable $50.

What Is Good Mileage For A Used Subaru Crosstrek?

Although there are many things that a person should check for when buying a used Subaru Crosstrek but the most important one is the mileage; by assessing the number, you can have a rough idea of how much the vehicle has been driven.

Combining that with the condition of the SUV, you will be able to decide if the Crosstrek is worth it or not.

If you want to opt for a used Subaru Crosstrek, which I would recommend, you should not buy one that has more than 100000 miles on the odometer.

As the lifespan of the SUV is between 200000 and 250000 miles, you cannot have an idea of where in the range it would stop being viable.

So, to stay on the safe side, you should buy one with a lot more drive left.

How To Increase How Long Your Subaru Crosstrek Last

As the Subaru Crosstrek is an SUV with a traditional engine, many different steps can be taken to ensure that it will get as close to the advertised 250000-mile limit as possible.

Let me list down all of them:

• The first thing you should always do is keep the SUV maintained at all times. This means that from oil changes to the replacement of the transmission fluid, everything must be done at the appropriate time.
• Rusting is a problem that can occur in any vehicle.
• The only possible way of avoiding it is by parking the vehicle in a less humid place. This could be a garage. This only applies to people who live in places where the moisture level is too high.
• Repairs are something that needs to be done during the vehicle’s lifespan. You need to make sure that if new parts are being used, only the highest quality ones are chosen.
• Another thing to keep in mind is to ensure that you get your Crosstrek repaired by a proper professional. Choosing to save some money over here can lead to severe failures further down the line.

Although the lifespan of the Subaru Crosstrek can be improved via dozens of other methods, these are some of the major ones.

Issues such as rusting can reduce the lifespan of the SUV and compromise the structural integrity of the frame of the vehicle.

So, if you do buy one, you should keep the vehicle in excellent condition.

Problems That Limit The Life Of Your Subaru Crosstrek

Although the Crosstrek has been proven to be a reliable vehicle, there have been issues that users have faced over the years.

This section of the article will cover them so that you can understand them better:

1. Failure Of The Head Gasket

This first problem can fail in the engine. The failure can result in the vehicle not performing adequately or the engine simply stalling.

The head gasket on the Subaru Crosstrek would fail, which results in a loss of compression.

2. Use Of Soy Wiring

Being environmentally friendly is not always a good thing. This was certainly the case when Subaru opted for soy wiring for the electrical system.

These wires attract rodents which chew them away. This can result in shorts or a complete failure of the electrical issues.

3. Issues With The Transmission

The final issue that I will be talking about is the unreliability of the transmission system.

Owners complained that the transmission would result in the vehicle shuddering or stalling, which can be pretty dangerous. It can also indicate imminent vehicle failure.

These were some of the more serious problems faced by Subaru Crosstrek users. Although they have a low chance of happening, they can severely reduce the vehicle’s lifespan.

What To Look For When Buying A Subaru Crosstrek

When you buy a used Subaru Crosstrek, there are many things that you should check.

Let me list down the major ones:

• Number of owners.
• Mileage.
• Condition of the interior.
• Number of repairs done.
• Condition of the tires.
• Rusting.

These are the major things that need to be checked before purchasing the vehicle.

You should make sure that the vehicle’s condition is acceptable, or else it will be spending a lot of time at the mechanics rather than with you.

Related: Best And Worst Years For Subaru Crosstrek

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is The Subaru Crosstrek A Reliable Car?

Indeed, it is a reliable SUV. Although it has had its fair share of complaints, it has proven reliable.

This means a low chance of a serious failure occurring during its lifespan. You should consider it if you want to get one that will last in the long run.

Q2. Does Subaru Crosstrek Have A Lot Of Problems?

No, it does not. There have been issues that have been covered in this article, but they have a low chance of occurring.

So, if you are hesitant about buying this SUV just because of the number of complaints, I can assure you that it is nothing to worry about. It is pretty reliable.

Q3. Is It A Good Idea To Buy A Used Subaru Crosstrek?

I always recommend my readers to opt for a used one rather than a new one. This is because you are getting the same vehicle but at a lower price.

After all, why would you not want to save some money?

In the case of the Subaru Crosstrek, which can be driven for more than 200000 miles, you can easily purchase one that has half of that on the odometer.

Q4. Does Subaru Crosstrek Rust Easily?

There have been a few cases of people experiencing a lot of rust in their vehicles, but the issue is not widespread.

The newer models of Subaru Crosstrek do not have this issue because the manufacturer provides the vehicle with 5-year rust coverage. So, you should not be worried about that.

Q5. Is Subaru Crosstrek Expensive To Maintain?

As the vehicle has been designed to go a long way, I will also be talking in the same manner. The Subaru Crosstrek has an average decade cost of just $7915.

That is lesser than the industry average by almost $1000. This means that it is significantly cheaper to maintain than the majority of vehicles.

Conclusion

I hope this article helped you get the information you were looking for.

The article’s first few lines answered the question, how long do Subaru Crosstreks last?

If you managed to stick around, you must be serious about purchasing one for your use.

The Crosstrek is a reliable vehicle and has been loved by almost everyone who has bought it in the last decade.

If I were you, I would not waste a second getting one, new or used, because it will provide you with a driving experience that is one of the best.