The AC compressor in 2013-2019 Crosstreks can fail prematurely, leading to a loss of cold air from the ventilation system.
Reviewed by SubaruReview Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · Editorial standards
How this problem ranks against the other documented Crosstrek failures — cost, severity, and DIY difficulty at a glance.
| Problem | Years | Severity | Repair cost | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Compressor Failure (this page) | 2013-2019 | Major | $1,000–$1,600 | 3/5 |
| Crosstrek CVT Judder | 2013-2017 | Major | $4,200–$7,500 | 5/5 |
| CVT Hesitation Off the Line | 2013-2018 | Major | $150–$2,500 | 1/5 |
This is one of several documented Crosstrek problems we track, and it fits inside the broader Reliability & Common Problems guide. If you're weighing repair against replacement, cross-check the Subaru repair-cost database and any open NHTSA recalls on your VIN before booking a shop.
The air conditioning compressor’s clutch mechanism can seize or its internal components can fail, preventing the compressor from engaging and circulating refrigerant. This results in the AC system blowing warm air or no air at all.
Premature wear of the AC compressor clutch or internal components, often due to manufacturing defects or degradation of the refrigerant oil.
Premature wear of the AC compressor clutch or internal components, often due to manufacturing defects or degradation of the refrigerant oil.
National average $1,000–$1,600.
Difficulty 3/5. Replace AC compressor
No cold air from AC vents; AC blowing warm air; Loud grinding or squealing noise from engine bay when AC is on; AC compressor clutch not engaging
Owners typically pay $1,000–$1,600 at an independent Subaru shop, parts and labor included. Our Subaru Head Gasket Replacement Cost guide breaks the job down by parts, labor hours, and where the money actually goes.
The same generation also sees Crosstrek CVT Judder and CVT Hesitation Off the Line. Both are documented with symptoms, cost, and a permanent-fix walkthrough — see the full list in the Crosstrek hub.
We rate it 3/5 on our DIY scale. Confident wrenchers can tackle it in a weekend using the permanent-fix steps above. Cross-reference the reliability & common problems hub for related jobs worth bundling while you're in there.
It's part of our Transmission & AWD cluster, which collects every article covering the same system as this failure.
Dig into the Problems Database to plan your next maintenance sprint, or browse every model hub for buyer's guides, generation breakdowns, and known-issue lists.