VehicleVerdict

2018 Subaru Crosstrek electrical system problems

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 33 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 13% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

33

Electrical System complaints

13%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Crosstrek electrical system complaints by model year51 complaints2013: 5 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 39 complaints2017: 17 complaints2018: 33 complaints2019: 51 complaints2020: 10 complaints2021: 14 complaints2022: 4 complaints2023: 5 complaints2024: 7 complaints2025: 6 complaints
Crosstrek electrical system complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have?

NHTSA has 33 complaints about the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek electrical system — 13% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek electrical system?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the electrical system: 19V743000, 21V264000.

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.