VehicleVerdict

2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 253 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.4 times the median Crosstrek year — the 2018 model ranks #2 of 15 Crosstrek years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 73 reports (29% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

253

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Crosstrek years?

Crosstrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted355 complaints2012: 3 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 22 complaints2015: 27 complaints2016: 164 complaints2017: 132 complaints2018: 253 complaints2019: 355 complaints2020: 82 complaints2021: 151 complaints2022: 41 complaints2023: 51 complaints2024: 130 complaints2025: 57 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Crosstrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Crosstrek years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers7329%
Other4217%
Electrical System3313%
Engine3213%
Transmission146%
Speed Control135%
Body & Structure104%
Driver Assistance94%
Steering62%
Lighting52%
Seats42%
Tires & Wheels42%
Brakes31%
Suspension21%
Fuel System21%
Airbags10%

Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V263000SuspensionApril 15, 2021 · 408,271 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.

Consequence

Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.

21V264000Electrical SystemApril 15, 2021 · 466,205 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

Consequence

A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

19V743000Electrical SystemOctober 18, 2019 · 466,205 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.

Consequence

If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.

19V744000EngineOctober 17, 2019 · 205,000 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.

17V701000BrakesNovember 7, 2017 · 2,367 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Crosstrek vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect floor mat retention bracket, allowing the floor mat to move out of position and interfere with the accelerator or brake pedal operation.

Consequence

If the floor mat moves out of position and interferes with the accelerator or brake pedal operation, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mat retention bracket and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTR-77.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

MY CAR SAT IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS WITHOUT BEING DRIVEN. IN THAT TIME, THE WINDSHIELD FORMED A CRACK STARTING AT THE BOTTOM NEAR THE HEAT VENT AND GOING UP INTO THE MAIN PART OF THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS NO IMPACT FROM A FOREIGN OBJECT, THE CRACK SEEMED TO FORM SPONTANEOUSLY AT SOME…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 2, 2020

8/17/23 I left my vehicle on with the air conditioning running. Left on because my dogs were in the car. Came out of restaurant after 40 minutes & car was on fire inside the vehicle. Opened back door on drivers side & back seat was on fire. Black smoke coming out of the car. Car was put out by fire…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 17, 2023 · fire

1) VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED NEW WITH REAR POWER WINDOWS NOT WORKING. 2) LED BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING AT 15000 MILES , NOTICED WHEN I WAS BACKING UP IN FRONT OF GLASS DOORS. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER WIRE WAS SHORTING OUT AND ENTIRE LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER DID NOT STOCK PART SO I WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 25, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS REAR ENDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO BODY DAMAGE TO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 3, 2018 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS REAR ENDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO BODY DAMAGE TO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 3, 2018 · crash

2018 Subaru Crosstrek — common questions

Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 253 complaints put the 2018 model at #2 of 15 Crosstrek years. It is one of the Crosstrek years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Crosstrek problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (73 complaints), other (42 complaints), electrical system (33 complaints).

Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Crosstrek years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Crosstrek years to avoid are 2019, 2018, 2016, 2021, 2017, 2024. The cleanest record among Crosstrek years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.