This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek engine problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 19 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 20% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek has a documented valve spring fracture defect (NHTSA Recall WTY-84, Campaign 18V772000) that causes abrupt engine stall without warning while driving. Owners report the vehicle simply shuts off and will not restart, creating serious crash risk. The recall was issued in late 2018, but parts distribution failures left owners waiting over a year for appointment availability, with multiple dealerships unable to obtain parts despite manufacturer notification.
Engine oil burning is a widespread complaint affecting these vehicles, with owners reporting consumption of 1 to 3 quarts per 1200 miles—some from new. The oil warning light does not always illuminate reliably despite dangerously low levels. Subaru reportedly told owners this consumption rate is normal, and warranty coverage is limited; out-of-warranty repairs are stated to cost thousands of dollars.
Several owners report serious problems after the valve spring recall was performed: sputtering, hesitation at low speeds, oil consumption jumping dramatically, and in one case, camshaft damage discovered immediately post-repair that the dealership falsely claimed was preexisting. Two separate fire events are reported—one AC compressor fire and one engine fire—both on vehicles with documented maintenance. These failures represent serious safety risks on a vehicle already compromised by a significant recall program.
Same Subaru XV CrossTrek engine reports on nearby years: 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Valve Spring Fracture
Fractured valve springs cause sudden engine stall while driving without warning, making the vehicle unable to restart. This creates an immediate safety risk on the road.
When: Occurs while driving; complaint #1 stalled March 2023, complaint #8 experienced stall without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall while driving; Engine unable to restart; No warning lights before failure; Loss of power
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 18V772000
Repairs/costs cited: Recall fix involves rocker arm adjustment related to excessive lash (complaint #1); repair parts were chronically unavailable across multiple dealerships
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall WTY-84 and Campaign 18V772000 issued for engine valve spring failure. Subaru acknowledged the defect but parts distribution was severely delayed, with some dealers unable to obtain parts for extended periods.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burns oil at abnormally high rates, with owners reporting consumption of 1 quart per 1200 miles to 3 quarts per 1200 miles. Some owners report the oil light does not always illuminate when levels drop dangerously low.
When: Present from early ownership (complaint #13 notes 'since new'); complaint #15 oil light came on at 43,675 miles; complaint #9 at 42,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid oil level depletion; Oil warning light may not illuminate reliably; Owner must add oil frequently (weekly in complaint #10); Safety hazard of engine damage from low oil
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #10 mentions dealer has a fix but only covers vehicles under warranty; out-of-warranty repairs will cost thousands according to owner. Complaint #9 reports dealership/Subaru 'neglecting to properly fix' known issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recall issued for oil consumption. Subaru has reportedly told some owners excessive consumption is acceptable (complaint #13 states Subaru says 1 quart per 1200 miles is normal).
Engine Stall (General)
Engine stalls unexpectedly during normal driving operation, sometimes with repeated occurrences, posing serious safety risk. Distinct from valve spring fracture events where the cause is mechanical failure.
When: Complaint #19 experienced multiple stalls; complaint #2 references recall letter stating 'engine may stall while driving'
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power; Vehicle shuts off without warning; Repeated stalling in some cases; Occurs during normal highway and city driving
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Recall WTY-84
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru issued Recall WTY-84 citing stall risk, but recall processing was severely delayed with some owners waiting over a year for repair appointments and parts unavailability.
Engine Problems After Recall Repair
Some owners report new or worsened engine issues following valve spring recall repair, including sputtering, hesitation, and dramatically increased oil consumption. In one case, camshaft damage was discovered post-repair and disputed as preexisting.
When: Complaint #1 issues occurred immediately after recall repair (next day); complaint #14 experienced sputtering/hesitation after August recall repair; complaint #16 noted power loss after June recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputtering and hesitation at stoplights and low-speed traffic; Oil consumption increased 800% after repair (complaint #14); Power loss and blow-back (complaint #16); Misfire and acceleration problems (complaint #1)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #1: Dealer discovered camshaft damage after repair and falsely claimed it was preexisting to avoid warranty coverage. Complaint #14: Engine consumption ballooned from normal to severe after recall work. Repair costs not specified but implied to be high.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru headquarters initially covered recall repair in complaint #1, but later refused to cover damage caused during the repair when dealership misrepresented the issue.
AC Compressor Fire
AC compressor caught fire while vehicle was being driven, filling cabin with foul smoke that limited visibility and caused coughing. No warning signs or diagnostic lights appeared before failure.
When: October 31, 2020
Symptoms owners cite: Compressor fire; Foul odorous smoke in cabin; Vision impairment from smoke; No warning lights or change in driving before event
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 18V772000 (engine and engine cooling)
Repairs/costs cited: AC compressor and serpentine belt were replaced by dealership. Owner no longer has original failed part.
Engine Fire
Engine burst into flames during normal highway driving on a well-maintained vehicle with all scheduled maintenance completed. Check engine light was illuminated approximately 1 week before the fire, but vehicle drivability appeared normal.
When: Complaint #17 does not specify exact date; CEL present for approximately 1 week before fire
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fire during highway driving; Check engine light illuminated 1 week prior; Normal drivability despite warning light
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Subaru xv crosstrek. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v772000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Suburban Subaru (14 hartford turnpike, vernon, connecticut 06066, (860) 406-7281) was made aware of the recall and stated that the parts were…
The oil level warning light was iluminated. I stopped and added oil. This is a constant problem which is causing me to add a quart of oil once per week. The dealer has a fix but only for vehicles under warranty and since my vehicle is out of warranty, I'll have to pay out of pocket. From online searches, this is an issue affecting many cars. The cost, for me, will be in the thousands of dollars.
Had engine trouble with your 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 19 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 74,669 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Subaru/XV CrossTrek.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.