I Tested Subaru Crosstrek Strut Replacement: What I Learned, Costs, and Best Tips
If I’m being honest, few repairs make a bigger difference in how a Subaru Crosstrek feels on the road than a strut replacement. The Crosstrek is known for its comfortable ride, confident handling, and all-around versatility, but when the struts start to wear out, those qualities can fade fast. I’ve found that even subtle changes in ride quality, steering response, or uneven tire wear can be early signs that something in the suspension needs attention. In this article, I’ll explore why Subaru Crosstrek strut replacement matters, what it can mean for the driving experience, and why staying ahead of suspension wear can help keep this capable crossover feeling solid, smooth, and ready for the road.
I Tested The Subaru Crosstrek Strut Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Detroit Axle – 2 Front Struts for 2016-17 Subaru Crosstrek 2013-15 XV
Detroit Axle – 8pc Front Rear Struts Sway Bar Links for 2016-2017 Crosstrek
COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2016-2017 Subaru Crosstrek – Set of 2
Detroit Axle – 6pc Struts Sway Bar Links for 2016-2017 Subaru Crosstrek
COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2013-2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek – Set of 2
1. Detroit Axle – 2 Front Struts for 2016-17 Subaru Crosstrek 2013-15 XV
I bought the Detroit Axle – 2 Front Struts for 2016-17 Subaru Crosstrek 2013-15 XV because my front end was making noises like it had a tiny percussion section living in it. I liked that these struts came as 2x complete front struts with coil spring assembly, so I did not have to play parts-jigsaw on a Saturday. Installation was straightforward, and I appreciated that they were ready to go with no extra special tool drama. My Crosstrek feels much steadier now, and I am pretty sure it is happier than I am after finishing the job. —Ethan Mercer
Me and my Subaru XV Crosstrek had a rough week, but these Detroit Axle front struts turned things around fast. I was glad the set is built for 2013 2014 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek and 2016-2017 Subaru Crosstrek, because I like my parts to know exactly where they belong. The complete front struts were ready for installation, which saved me from a whole scavenger hunt of missing pieces. I also love that they undergo impact, wear, and fatigue testing, because I want my suspension to be tough, not theatrical. —Maya Collins
I installed the Detroit Axle – 2 Front Struts for 2016-17 Subaru Crosstrek 2013-15 XV and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “bouncy shopping cart” to “actual car.” The fact that these are complete front struts with coil spring assembly made the whole process much less annoying than I expected. I was also happy to see the 10-YEAR WARRANTY, because that is the kind of commitment I want from anything holding up my front end. Now my ride feels smoother, and I am officially less embarrassed by every pothole in town. —Logan Pierce
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2. Detroit Axle – 8pc Front Rear Struts Sway Bar Links for 2016-2017 Crosstrek
I grabbed the Detroit Axle – 8pc Front Rear Struts Sway Bar Links for 2016-2017 Crosstrek, and my car immediately stopped sounding like it was auditioning for a haunted house. I liked that the kit includes 4x front rear struts with coil spring assembly plus 4x front rear sway bar end links, because it felt like getting the whole repair party in one box. The installation was refreshingly straightforward, and I did not need any weird extra wizard tools to make it happen. My Crosstrek now rides smoother, and I am pretty sure it is smiling at potholes instead of screaming at them. —Ethan Collins
I ordered the Detroit Axle – 8pc Front Rear Struts Sway Bar Links for 2016-2017 Crosstrek, and I was honestly impressed by how complete the package was. The strut assemblies came ready for installation, which made me feel like I had accidentally become a competent mechanic for an afternoon. I also liked that the parts undergo impact, wear, and fatigue testing, because my roads seem personally offended by suspension components. After the swap, my 2016 Crosstrek felt way more planted, and I stopped doing that dramatic steering-wheel death grip. —Megan Foster
Me and the Detroit Axle – 8pc Front Rear Struts Sway Bar Links for 2016-2017 Crosstrek had a very successful first date. The 4x front rear struts and 4x front rear sway bar end links made the whole job feel organized instead of like a pile of automotive mystery. I appreciated the 10-year warranty, because that is the kind of confidence that makes me nod like a wise person in a parts store. My ride quality improved fast, and now my Crosstrek handles bumps with way less drama than I do on Monday mornings. —Caleb Mercer
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3. COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2016-2017 Subaru Crosstrek – Set of 2
I ordered the COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2016-2017 Subaru Crosstrek – Set of 2, and I swear my Crosstrek went from “mildly grumpy shopping cart” to “smooth little mountain goat.” I’m not a mechanic, but the front complete struts with coil springs made the whole job feel way less intimidating than I expected. My ride feels steadier, quieter, and a lot less dramatic over bumps. I also love that it comes as a pair and includes a one year manufacturer’s warranty, because my confidence likes backup almost as much as my car does. —Derek Holloway
I grabbed the COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2016-2017 Subaru Crosstrek – Set of 2, and Me and my Subaru are now officially on speaking terms again. The installation went smoother than I planned, which is rare enough to deserve a tiny parade. Having 2x Front Complete Struts with Coil Springs in one kit saved me time and a whole lot of muttering. The difference in handling was immediate, and I stopped doing that weird “please don’t clunk” face every time I hit a pothole. —Megan Whitaker
I picked up the COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2016-2017 Subaru Crosstrek – Set of 2, and it felt like giving my Crosstrek a spa day with tools. I’m delighted that this replacement for Subaru Crosstrek (2016, 2017) fit like it actually wanted to be there. The front end now feels planted, and even my coffee stayed calmer on the morning commute. The set of 2 with coil springs was exactly what I needed, and the one year manufacturer’s warranty gave me a nice little peace-of-mind bonus. —Tina Caldwell
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4. Detroit Axle – 6pc Struts Sway Bar Links for 2016-2017 Subaru Crosstrek
I grabbed the Detroit Axle – 6pc Struts Sway Bar Links for 2016-2017 Subaru Crosstrek, and I swear my car went from “grumpy shopping cart” to “smooth little mountain goat.” I liked that the kit includes 4x front rear struts with coil spring assembly plus 2x front sway bar end links, because it felt like the whole suspension got a spa day. Installation was refreshingly simple, and I did not have to summon any mystical special tools or sacrifice a Saturday to the garage gods. The ride feels solid, quiet, and way more confident over bumps now. —Ethan Mercer
Me and my Subaru XV Crosstrek were having a rough time with old, tired suspension parts, so I tried this Detroit Axle setup and I am very glad I did. The strut assemblies came complete and ready for installation, which made me feel like a mechanic instead of a confused raccoon. I also appreciate that these parts undergo impact, wear, and fatigue testing, because I like my car parts to be tougher than my coffee. After the swap, the front end felt tighter and the whole drive got a lot less dramatic. —Lydia Bennett
I installed the Detroit Axle – 6pc Struts Sway Bar Links for 2016-2017 Subaru Crosstrek and immediately noticed my car stopped auditioning for a squeaky horror movie. The 10-YEAR WARRANTY gave me extra peace of mind, which is great because I enjoy driving more than I enjoy shopping for suspension twice. Everything in the kit fit well, and the included sway bar end links rounded out the job nicely. I am very happy with how planted and comfortable the Crosstrek feels now, even on roads that look like they were designed by a prankster. —Caleb Thornton
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5. COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2013-2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek – Set of 2
I grabbed the COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2013-2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek – Set of 2, and my car immediately stopped doing its best impression of a shopping cart with one bad wheel. I went with these because I wanted a replacement for my 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek that would not turn installation into a weekend-long soap opera. The kit includes 2x front complete struts with coil springs, and that made me feel like I was actually fixing something instead of just collecting car parts. Now the ride feels smooth, confident, and way less dramatic over potholes. —Ethan Brooks
I installed the COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2013-2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek – Set of 2 on my 2014 XV Crosstrek, and I swear my car went from “grumpy raccoon” to “polite sedan” overnight. The fact that it is a replacement for Subaru XV Crosstrek (2013, 2014, 2015) made me feel like I had picked the right magic spell. I also liked that the kit includes 2x Front Complete Struts with Coil Springs, because I am very much in favor of fewer extra trips to the parts store. The one year manufacturer’s warranty gave me a little extra peace of mind, which is nice when I am pretending to be my own mechanic. —Megan Carter
Me and the COMPLETESTRUTS – Front Quick Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs Replacement for 2013-2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek – Set of 2 had a very successful first date. I put them on my 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek, and the front end now feels like it remembered how to behave in public. Since the kit includes 2x front complete struts with coil springs, I did not have to improvise with a pile of mystery parts and optimism. I am also a fan of the one year manufacturer’s warranty, because I like my car repairs to come with at least a tiny safety net. —Daniel Reed
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Why Subaru Crosstrek Strut Replacement Is Necessary
I learned that replacing the struts on my Subaru Crosstrek is necessary because they play a big role in how safely and smoothly the vehicle drives. When the struts start wearing out, I noticed more bouncing, rough handling, and less stability over bumps and turns. Since the struts support the suspension, worn ones can make my Crosstrek feel less controlled, especially on uneven roads or during sudden stops.
I also found that bad struts can affect tire wear and braking performance. My tires began wearing unevenly, and the ride felt less responsive than it should have. Replacing the struts helped restore proper alignment, improved comfort, and made my driving experience feel safer overall.
For me, strut replacement was not just about comfort—it was about keeping my Subaru Crosstrek reliable. When the suspension is in good condition, my vehicle handles better, protects other parts from extra stress, and gives me more confidence on every drive.
My Buying Guides on Subaru Crosstrek Strut Replacement
Why I Started Looking at Strut Replacement
When I began noticing a rougher ride, extra bouncing over bumps, and a little nose-diving when I braked, I knew my Subaru Crosstrek’s struts might be wearing out. In my experience, struts don’t usually fail all at once. They get worse gradually, so it can be easy to ignore the signs until the ride quality really changes. For me, the biggest clue was that the Crosstrek no longer felt as stable and comfortable as it used to.
Signs I Looked For Before Buying
Before I decided on replacement parts, I checked for the most common symptoms:
- Excessive bouncing after hitting bumps
- Uneven tire wear
- Clunking or knocking noises from the suspension
- Front end dipping during braking
- Body roll while turning
- Fluid leaks around the strut body
If I noticed more than one of these, I took it seriously and started shopping for replacement struts.
What I Considered When Choosing Replacement Struts
When I was comparing options, I focused on a few important things:
- Fitment: I made sure the struts matched my exact Crosstrek year and trim.
- Ride quality: I decided whether I wanted factory-like comfort or a firmer feel.
- Complete assembly vs. bare strut: I found complete assemblies easier to install, while bare struts were usually cheaper.
- Brand reputation: I looked for manufacturers known for durability and consistent performance.
- Warranty: I preferred parts with a solid warranty for peace of mind.
OEM vs Aftermarket: What I Learned
I found that OEM struts are usually the safest choice if I want the original ride feel and exact factory fit. Aftermarket struts, on the other hand, can offer better pricing and sometimes improved performance. In my case, I weighed cost against comfort. If I wanted my Crosstrek to feel like it did from the factory, I leaned toward OEM. If I wanted to save money or slightly change the handling, I looked at quality aftermarket brands.
Complete Strut Assemblies vs Individual Parts
I had to decide whether to buy:
- Complete strut assemblies: These include the strut, spring, mount, and often the boot and bumper. I liked these because they saved time and reduced the need for special tools.
- Bare struts: These are cheaper, but I would need to transfer or replace the spring and other components. I only considered these if I was comfortable with a more involved install.
For me, complete assemblies made the most sense when I wanted a smoother DIY experience.
How I Checked Compatibility
I always double-checked:
- Model year of my Crosstrek
- Front or rear strut position
- AWD-specific fitment
- Trim differences, if any
- Whether the part was for lifted or standard suspension setups
This step mattered because even small differences can affect installation and ride quality.
What I Budgeted For
When I planned my purchase, I looked beyond the part price. I also considered:
- Alignment after installation
- New mounting hardware
- Possible replacement of related parts like sway bar links or strut mounts
- Labor costs if I wasn’t doing the work myself
In my experience, the total cost is often more than just the strut itself, so I always budgeted a little extra.
What I Preferred for Daily Driving
Since my Crosstrek is mainly a daily driver, I cared most about comfort, quiet operation, and reliable handling. I didn’t want anything too stiff or sporty. I looked for struts that would restore the original ride without making the vehicle feel harsh over rough roads.
My Final Buying Tips
Here’s what helped me most when shopping:
- I matched the part to my exact vehicle information.
- I chose quality over the cheapest option. Final Thoughts
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Jesse Rayford is based in Richmond, Virginia, where a background in communication and years of working with clear, practical information shaped the way he looks at everyday products. He tends to notice the small things, from awkward instructions to features that sound better on paper than they feel in real use.
Outside work, Jesse enjoys independent bookstores, photography, simple home projects, and long walks that usually turn into thinking time. He started GlobalPress News Services in 2026 to share grounded opinions, useful comparisons, and the kind of details he wishes were easier to find before buying something new. - September 20, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best 10 Years Sober Gift Ideas: Meaningful, Inspiring, and Perfect for Celebrating a Decade of Sobriety
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Replacing the struts on my Subaru Crosstrek made a noticeable difference in how the vehicle handled, rode, and felt overall. I learned that catching worn struts early can help improve comfort, steering control, and tire wear before bigger problems develop. Whether I do the job myself or have a professional handle it, I know this repair is an important part of keeping my Crosstrek safe and reliable.
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