VehicleVerdict

2018 Subaru Crosstrek engine problems

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 32 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 13% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

32

Engine complaints

13%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Crosstrek engine complaints by model year34 complaints2012: 2 complaints2013: 11 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 5 complaints2016: 14 complaints2017: 10 complaints2018: 32 complaints2019: 34 complaints2020: 5 complaints2021: 14 complaints2022: 3 complaints2023: 5 complaints2024: 4 complaints
Crosstrek engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have?

NHTSA has 32 complaints about the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek engine — 13% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 19V744000.

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.