Subaru Crosstrek VIN Number Check

A free NHTSA vPIC decode tells you which Subaru Crosstrek you are looking at. Then check its model year against 19 NHTSA recall campaigns and what owners have reported.

VIN prefixJF24S4

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Subaru Crosstrek

About the Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru has sold the Crosstrek in the US since the 2013 model year, and there have been three generations. GP first (2013–2017), then GT (2018–2023), and the GU took over for 2024–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 19 vehicle recall campaigns and 1,460 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the GT. Its 2019 and 2018 model years alone account for 478 of them, with owners bringing up visibility most often and the electrical system after that. EPA rates the GP at 25–31 mpg combined, while the GU, whose lineup includes hybrid versions, gets 26–36 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years2013–2026

GenerationsGP · GT · GU

NHTSA recall campaigns19

Owner complaints1,460 at NHTSA

Subaru Crosstrek photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Subaru Crosstrek generations

Three generations since the 2013 model year. The GT (2018–2023) has both the most owner complaints and the most recall campaigns (11).

3 / 3

2024–20263rd generation

Photo: Raum 7597, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

201320202025

2024–2026· Generation 3 of 3

GU · 3rd generation

PlatformSubaru Global

EPA combined mpg26–36

NHTSA recalls4

Engines (EPA)

2.0 L 4-cyl · 2024–2025
2.5 L 4-cyl · 2024–2026
2.5 L 4-cyl (hybrid) · 2026

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD
CVT (2024–2026)

Known issues to check

Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) (34)Forward collision avoidance (24)Exterior lighting (16)1 high-risk recall campaign

Mentions in 171 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · GUJF2GUADC?RH······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, built in Japan

Check a Crosstrek VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Crosstrek model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 19 campaigns on file for Crosstrek model years 2013–2026, and the 2019 shows up in more of them than any other year (8), ahead of the 2018 (5). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Subaru Crosstrek owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Between them, the 2019 and 2018 hold 478 of the 1,460 complaints, or 33%. Tap any bar or generation.

1,460NHTSA complaints, 2013–2026

83mention a crash

20mention a fire

46injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearGU: 171 complaints · most for the 2024 (119)

Top complaint areas · GU

Mentions in 171 complaints, 2024–2026.

Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors)34

Forward collision avoidance24

Exterior lighting16

Steering14

Electrical system14

Lane departure13

Crashes 14Fires 2Injuries 7

2024–2026 (GU)

NHTSA data summary

Its first model year, the 2024, drew more complaints than any other (119 of 171). Owners across the generation name visibility most often (34 mentions), then forward collision avoidance (24).

What Crosstrek owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2024–present (3rd generation)

Owner data is thin for this generation. NHTSA complaints on the 2024 are scattered across tires, steering, screens and cracked windshields, and CarComplaints has only five reports for 2024, including an infotainment system that stopped working and a horn malfunction. Recalls on 2024 models cover an instrument panel harness that can chafe and short circuit and front driveshaft outer races that may crack and break. [1] [2]

2018–2023 (2nd generation)

Cracked windshields dominate NHTSA complaints for the 2019, and CarComplaints ranks the same problem first for 2018, followed by a radio that does not work and a rear end that slides easily. Recalls cover a power steering connector on 2019 models that can short and cut assist, an engine control module on 2018–2019 models that may keep powering the ignition coil after shutdown and cause a short circuit, and a 2019 rear door window that may be improperly tempered. [3] [4]

2013–2017 (1st generation)

Owner complaints are light for this generation, sold as the XV Crosstrek for 2013–2015. NHTSA reports on the 2016 are few and scattered, with some owners describing a loss of power steering or shifting concerns. CarComplaints lists a car that pulls to one side, broken door actuators and a broken clock spring as the top 2016 problems, with few reports in total. [5] [6]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the steering connector, engine control module and rear window recalls on 2018–2019 models and the harness and driveshaft recalls on 2024 models.
Check the windshield carefully for cracks and ask whether it has been replaced.
Test the radio or infotainment screen, the horn and the door locks, and on the drive make sure the car tracks straight.

Sources (6) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner complaints · by model year

Crosstrek complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid and plug-in Crosstrek versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

1,460complaints, 2013–2026

83mention a crash

20mention a fire

46injuries reported

Most complaints: 2019 (284), 2018 (194), 2016 (135)

2019 · 284 complaints

Crashes 6 · fires 3 · injuries 5

Visibility/wiper113

Electrical system53

Unknown or other49

Engine34

Power train24

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Crosstrek CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 41 Crosstrek versions for model years 2013–2026 (gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 151 g/mi, for the 2023 plug-in hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

GP2013–2017

25–31 mpg · CO₂ 286–349 g/mi

GT2018–2023

25–35 mpg · plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone · 90 MPGe plug-in hybrid · CO₂ 151–355 g/mi

GU2024–2026

26–36 mpg · CO₂ 246–337 g/mi

Model year2026

29combined MPG

307CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$2,300EPA yearly fuel cost

—/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

6/10Greenhouse gas rating

—Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2026: Crosstrek AWD · Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L — 29 MPG · 307 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasHybridPlug-in hybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Plug-in hybrids: mpg is on gas alone; MPGe combines gas and electricity. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Crosstrek vs Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-30

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2018–2023. NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the Crosstrek, against 10 for the Honda HR-V and 5 for the Mazda CX-30. Pick a range to compare.

Subaru CrosstrekGU

Model years 2024–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 4
NHTSA owner complaints: 171
EPA combined mpg: 26–36
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0, 2.5 L
Also listed: hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) 34
Forward collision avoidance 24
Exterior lighting 16

Honda HR-V

Model years 2024–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 4
NHTSA owner complaints: 169
EPA combined mpg: 27–28
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0 L
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Steering 67
Forward collision avoidance 25
Electrical system 22

Mazda CX-30

Model years 2024–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 2
NHTSA owner complaints: 61
EPA combined mpg: 25–29
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.5 L
Also listed: turbo
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 19
Forward collision avoidance 17
Brakes 8

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Subaru Crosstrek VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on a Crosstrek

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Blue Subaru Crosstrek (third generation) SUV, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

Locate the Crosstrek VIN on the plate at the lower driver's side windshield. Door jamb sticker and a B-pillar label are the secondary locations. The GU generation starts with the 2024 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (R for 2024) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Subaru Crosstrek VIN questions

Which Subaru Crosstrek model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2019 leads with 284, ahead of the 2018 (194) and 2016 (135). Those first two alone make up 33% of the 1,460 Crosstrek complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Subaru Crosstrek had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 19 vehicle campaigns for model years 2013–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, GT leads with 11. Then come the GP (4) and GU (4), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Subaru Crosstrek recalls are high risk?

NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 26V-106. Park-outside advisories came with 26V-106. It should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Crosstrek generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the GP is 2013–2017 and the GT 2018–2023. GU spans 2024–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (R is 2024).

What fuel economy does the Subaru Crosstrek get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2024–2026 GU at 26–36 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 25–31 mpg for the 2013–2017 GP (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Subaru Crosstrek compare with the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30 on recalls?

For 2024–2026 models the Crosstrek has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Honda HR-V has 4, the Mazda CX-30 2. Complaints run 171, 169 and 61 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Subaru Crosstrek have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Crosstrek 5 stars overall. One version, AWD, is rated.

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