The best Subaru Crosstrek rear windshield wiper is the one that matches the rear arm on your particular car. Start with the model year, trim and VIN, then compare exact part numbers. A “12-inch rear wiper” label alone does not establish fit, and the 2024 redesign should not be treated as the same application as a 2018–2023 Crosstrek.
These three genuine Subaru choices cover the older 305 mm replacement route and two distinct 2024 rear-blade applications. They are buying options for different cars, not a performance ranking. Have the seller confirm the current replacement number against your VIN before ordering.
Three rear-wiper choices to check
| Exact choice | Best starting point | Critical distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru WP555RRA0112 | Older 12-inch application using SOA591R612 or OE 86542KG080 | Current service replacement for SOA591R612; verify the older OE number and VIN. |
| Subaru 86542VC080 | 2024 Crosstrek Base/Premium 2.0L | Catalog pairs it with rear arm 86532FN100. |
| Subaru 86542FN01A | 2024 Crosstrek 2.5L, excluding Base/Premium | Catalog pairs it with rear arm 86532FN10A; do not substitute the other 2024 blade by length alone. |
1. Subaru WP555RRA0112: the older 12-inch service replacement
Best for: an owner whose existing Subaru rear-blade application resolves to SOA591R612. The current dealer listing for WP555RRA0112 identifies it as a 12-inch rear blade and lists SOA591R512 and SOA591R612 as superseded numbers.
For the earlier cars, the useful OE reference is 86542KG080, cataloged as a 305 mm rear assembly. Genuine-parts catalogs show that number for 2013–2015 XV Crosstrek and 2016–2023 Crosstrek applications. That covers both the 2013–2017 and 2018–2023 generations as a starting point, but the VIN and existing arm still decide the order.
Why choose it: the documented service-part chain is more useful than selecting an arbitrary 12-inch blade from a rack. The older Subaru catalog entry directs 86542KG080 buyers to SOA591R612; the current service listing then identifies WP555RRA0112 as its replacement.
Limitation: this replacement chain does not make every 12-inch blade compatible, and it does not establish fit for the two newer assemblies below. Ask the dealer to confirm the complete chain for your VIN, especially if the rear arm has been changed.
Check Subaru WP555RRA0112 at Subaru Online Parts
2. Subaru 86542VC080: the 2024 Base/Premium 2.0L option
Best for: a 2024 Crosstrek with the Base/Premium 2.0-liter rear-wiper application. The current dealer’s OEM component catalog lists blade 86542VC080 with rear arm 86532FN100 and rubber insert 86548VC080.
The current catalog describes this blade/insert application as 350 mm, approximately 14 inches. That is a reason to stop using an older Crosstrek’s 12-inch recommendation automatically. The complete assembly is the simpler shopping route when the blade’s plastic support or attachment is also worn; an insert alone does not replace those parts.
Limitation: a seller’s general “fits Crosstrek” heading is not enough. Match the model year, trim and full number. Do not transfer this 2024 Base/Premium fitment to every later model year or to a different rear arm.
Check Subaru 86542VC080 at Subaru Online Parts
3. Subaru 86542FN01A: the separate 2024 2.5L application
Best for: the 2024 Crosstrek’s 2.5-liter application excluding Base/Premium, including the Wilderness catalog checked here. Its OEM component listing specifies blade 86542FN01A, rear arm 86532FN10A and insert 86548FN01A.
The blade is described as “Blade R 350” in the exact product listing, while its matching insert is cataloged as 350 mm. Even though that nominal length is similar to the other 2024 option, Subaru lists different assembly and arm numbers. Buy the correct assembly for the cataloged application; do not assume the two are interchangeable.
Limitation: engine size alone is insufficient for an order covering another model year. Confirm the VIN and the supplied part number, including any later supersession. A blade-only purchase also will not repair a damaged arm, pivot or motor.
Check Subaru 86542FN01A at Subaru OEM Parts Online
Check the connector before opening the package
Compare the attachment on the replacement with the original blade. Rear arms have their own connection geometry; front-wiper hook or push-button adapters should not be assumed to fit the rear. A correct length with the wrong connector is still the wrong purchase. Keep the old blade until the replacement is installed and locked securely.
Subaru’s 2023 owner’s manual, section 11-33, shows raising the rear arm, rotating the blade counterclockwise, then pulling the blade assembly off. Installation requires a secure lock and gently lowering the arm. The 2024 manual, printed pages 487–488, illustrates the rear connection and rubber-insert procedure. Follow your own model-year manual if its instructions differ.
Which should you buy?
For an older Crosstrek that uses 86542KG080/SOA591R612, start with the dealer-confirmed WP555RRA0112 replacement. For a 2024 Base/Premium 2.0L, check 86542VC080; for the separate 2024 2.5L application, check 86542FN01A. For 2025 or newer, or any modified rear arm, obtain the VIN-specific number before extending these recommendations.
If you only need the rubber, ask for the insert matching your existing blade assembly. If the plastic frame or connector is damaged, choose the correct complete blade. Confirm whether the listing includes a blade, a rubber refill or an arm so you pay for the part you actually need.
