Subaru Crosstrek Fuse Box: Location & Guide
TL;DR
Check the engine bay fuse box for lights, wipers, and cooling fan issues, and the driver's footwell fuse box for interior, infotainment, and accessory circuit issues - the lid diagram is always the accurate source for your exact model year.
Where the fuse boxes are located
Every generation of the Subaru Crosstrek (including the badge-engineered first-generation XV Crosstrek) uses two fuse and relay boxes. The engine compartment fuse box sits toward the front of the bay, close to the battery on the driver's side, under a black plastic cover secured by clips or small tabs. The interior fuse box is tucked under the dashboard on the driver's side, near the left kick panel or below the steering column, behind a small panel that pries or unclips by hand - no tools are usually needed.
How to access each box
For the engine bay box, unlatch or unclip the cover along its edge and lift it straight up or swing it back on its hinge. For the interior box, open the small trim panel by pulling gently at the edge nearest the door, or unscrewing one or two retaining screws on some trims, then let the panel drop down or pop free. Always work with the ignition off before touching either box.
| Generation / years | Fuse box | Location | How to access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st gen (XV Crosstrek), 2013-2017 | Engine bay | Front of engine compartment, driver's side near battery | Unclip black cover, lift up |
| 1st gen (XV Crosstrek), 2013-2017 | Interior | Under dash, driver's side kick panel area | Pull small trim panel free by hand |
| 2nd gen, 2018-2023 | Engine bay | Front of engine compartment, driver's side near battery | Unclip cover along the edge, lift off |
| 2nd gen, 2018-2023 | Interior | Lower dash, left of steering column | Pop out small cover panel by hand |
| 3rd gen, 2024-present | Engine bay | Front of engine compartment, driver's side near battery | Unclip cover, lift up |
| 3rd gen, 2024-present | Interior | Lower left dash, near door | Release trim panel clips by hand |
Finding the official fuse legend
The underside of every fuse box cover carries a printed diagram naming each circuit. This diagram, together with the owner's manual chapter on fuses (usually near the end, in the maintenance or troubleshooting section), is the only source you should trust for exact positions and amp ratings on your specific model year and trim - these details can shift between trims and mid-cycle updates.
Commonly blown fuses by function
Owners most often report issues traced back to these circuits: the 12V accessory outlet (stops charging phones or dash cams), the radio and infotainment circuit (screen goes blank or won't power on), interior lighting (dome or map lights stop working), the blower motor circuit (no airflow from HVAC vents), and the fuel pump relay circuit (car cranks but won't start). These are described by function because exact fuse numbers vary by year and trim - always confirm against your lid diagram.
Checking and replacing a fuse
Pull the suspect fuse with the plastic tweezers usually clipped inside the fuse box cover. Visually inspect the thin metal strip inside - a blown fuse shows a melted or broken strip. If it looks intact, a test light or multimeter across both terminals confirms whether current passes. Replace only with a fuse of the identical amperage rating printed on the box - never a higher rating, since that removes the circuit's protection and risks wiring damage or fire.
When a repeat blow means a deeper problem
If a freshly replaced fuse blows again immediately or within a short time, that circuit likely has a short or a failing component drawing excess current, not a simple worn-out fuse. Continuing to replace it with the same or a higher rating will not fix the underlying fault and can be unsafe. At this point a scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes and a proper electrical inspection by a qualified technician is the right next step.
Summary
| Engine bay fuse box location | Front of engine compartment, driver's side, near battery |
|---|---|
| Interior fuse box location | Under dash, driver's side, near kick panel or steering column |
| Access method | Unclip or pry small cover panels by hand, no tools usually needed |
| Official fuse legend | Printed diagram on box lid plus owner's manual fuse chapter |
| Common problem circuits | 12V outlet, radio/infotainment, interior lights, blower motor, fuel pump relay |
| Replacement rule | Match amp rating exactly, never go higher |
| Repeat blow meaning | Likely a short or failing component - scan for fault codes |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Subaru Crosstrek: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the interior fuse box on a Subaru Crosstrek?
On every Crosstrek generation, the interior fuse box sits under the dashboard on the driver's side, near the left kick panel or just below the steering column. A small trim panel covers it and typically unclips or pulls free by hand without tools.
Why does my Subaru Crosstrek 12V outlet or radio keep losing power?
These are common complaint areas tied to dedicated fuses in the interior fuse box. First check whether the corresponding fuse has a broken or melted metal strip. If it is intact, the fuse is fine and the fault lies elsewhere in the wiring or the component itself.
Can I put a higher amp fuse in my Crosstrek if it keeps blowing?
No. Always replace a blown fuse with one of the exact same amperage rating shown on the fuse box lid diagram. A higher rating defeats the fuse's purpose of protecting the wiring, and can allow enough current through to melt wiring or start a fire.
How do I know if a fuse is actually blown?
Pull the fuse and look at the thin metal strip visible through its clear plastic body - if it is broken or melted apart, the fuse is blown. When it is hard to tell visually, a test light or multimeter across the two terminals with the fuse still in place, ignition on, will confirm whether current is flowing through it.