# Subaru Crosstrek check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 39 - **Most complaints:** 2021 (10) - **Related recalls:** 4 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 39 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Subaru Crosstrek (2015-2026 models), most for the **2021** model year (10). There are **4 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Subaru Crosstrek check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 4 | 100 | 4% | | 2016 | 2 | 136 | 1% | | 2017 | 1 | 97 | 1% | | 2018 | 6 | 195 | 3% | | 2019 | 9 | 286 | 3% | | 2020 | 2 | 71 | 3% | | 2021 | 10 | 115 | 9% | | 2022 | 1 | 31 | 3% | | 2023 | 2 | 36 | 6% | | 2024 | 1 | 120 | 1% | | 2026 | 1 | 11 | 9% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Subaru Crosstrek recalls related to the check engine light **[23V754000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V754000)** (2024 models, reported 2023-11-09): A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. **[23V755000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V755000)** (2021 models, reported 2023-11-09): An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. **[19V856000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V856000)** (2019 models, reported 2019-12-02): An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. **[19V744000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V744000)** (2018 models, reported 2019-10-17): An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Subaru Crosstrek owners report - "The AT Oil Temp warning flashed, followed by the Check Engine Light and multiple EyeSight and driver assistance warning lights. I immediately pulled off the road because I did not feel it was safe to continue driving. My [XXX] grandson was in the vehicle at the time. The vehicle was towed to the selling Subaru..." -- owner of a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, complaint filed 2026 - "At 45,261 miles, the check engine lights came on and the vehicle would barely start and run. It was towed to a dealer and was again diagnosed with carbon build-up on the intake valves. This is the second occurrence in just over a year. It was repaired, and again, other than the repair, nothing was done to prevent..." -- owner of a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, complaint filed 2026 - "...devices below driver and passenger seats malfunctioned and caused all Eyesight and safety systems to fail along with check engine light turning ON, all safety systems failed, all wheel drive offline and power steering went manual." -- owner of a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, complaint filed 2024 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Subaru Crosstrek check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 4 related recalls (23V754000, 23V755000, 19V856000, 19V744000) covering 2018-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Subaru Crosstrek years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2019 and 2021 Crosstrek model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 10 for 2021. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Subaru Crosstrek with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Subaru Crosstrek has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Subaru dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Subaru Crosstrek warning lights - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/subaru-crosstrek): 6 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/subaru-crosstrek): 6 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/subaru-crosstrek): 20 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Subaru Crosstrek - [Subaru Crosstrek specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/subaru-crosstrek) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/subaru-crosstrek Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.