The Subaru Crosstrek replaced the Outback Sport and is currently in its second generation. This article reviews the top 5 Subaru Crosstrek problems of the 1st generation, years 2013 to 2017, that owners have run into.
Watch this video as our mechanic reviews the most common problems with the 2013 to 2017 Subaru Crosstrek in detail
Top 5 Issues with the 1st Gen Subaru Crosstrek (2013 to 2017)
1. Battery Dying
Symptoms of Battery Problems on the 1st Gen Subaru Crosstrek
- Car battery keeps dying
Causes of a Battery Dying
Not driving often enough can cause a battery to keep dying. If the car has not been driven for longer than a month, the battery probably needs to be charged. Consistently driving for short periods can also cause charging problems with the battery, like less than a mile a day to go the grocery store, where the engine doesn’t have enough time to warm up and charge the battery. The battery can also die if lights like the dome light are left on for too long.
How to Fix a Dying Battery
If the battery keeps dying, try conducting a parasitic draw test.
Learn more about how to perform a parasitic draw test
2. Cam Sensor Codes P000A & P000B
Symptoms of Cam Sensor Codes
- Check engine light
- Codes P000A & P000B
Causes of Cam Sensor Codes
A check engine light reading for codes P000A and P000B does not indicate there is an issue with the cam sensors, but it’s common for the codes to appear.
How to Fix Cam Sensor Codes
The camshafts are located at the top and bottom of the engine on both sides.
First, check the engine oil level. If there is enough engine oil, change it. Clear the codes and recheck the oil level. If the codes return, an internal engine component may have failed.
3. Leak Detection Pump Failure
Symptoms of a Bad Leak Detection Pump
- Check engine light code P1449
Causes of a Bad Leak Detection Pump
The leak detection pump is a part of the emissions (EVAP) system. Sometimes it fails on the 1st gen Crosstrek.
How to Fix a Bad Leak Detection Pump
The leak detection pump is located above the rear differential on the passenger side. We recommend disconnecting the hoses and checking them for clogging. Clean the hoses, clear the code, and then test drive the car. If the code returns, the Crosstrek likely needs a new leak detection pump.
4. Rear Splash Guard Corrosion
Symptoms of Rear Splash Guard Corrosion
- Corrosion collects on the rear splash guard
Causes of Rear Splash Guard Corrosion
The original rear splash guard fasteners were not corrosion-resistant.
How to Fix Rear Splash Guard Corrosion
Buy a kit to replace the non corrosive-reistant screw. When installing, make sure the splash guard stays in its correct position or it may sit crookedly once installed.
5. Brake Light Switch
Symptoms of a Bad Brake Light Switch
- Traction control light is on
- ABS light
- Hill holder light on
- Code C1531
How to Fix a Brake Light Switch
The brake light switch is located at the top of the brake pedal assembly. Contact a Subaru dealership since they might have an updated switch that can fix this issue.
1st Generation Subaru Crosstrek Model Years (2013-2017)
- 2013 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2014 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2015 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2016 Subaru Crosstrek
- 2017 Subaru Crosstrek
Related Content
- Car Battery Keeps Dying?
- Why Are My Brake Lights Staying On?
- Top 5 2017 to 2021 Subaru Impreza Problems
- Common Subaru Outback Problems: 4th Generation 2010 to 2014
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