Model year record

2018 Subaru Crosstrek recalls & problems

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 5 safety recalls and 195 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is visibility/wiper (64 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints195filed by owners

Crashes · fires10 · 1reported in complaints

NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars

2018 Subaru Crosstrek in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

SuspensionApr 15, 2021

Rear

Recall 21V263000408,271 vehicles

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

Electrical systemApr 15, 2021

Software

Recall 21V264000466,205 vehicles

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

Components: Electrical system › Software; Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ecu/ecm) › Software; Electrical system › Ignition; Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe

Electrical systemOct 18, 2019

Software

Recall 19V743000466,205 vehicles

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

Components: Electrical system › Software; Electrical system › Ignition

Engine and engine coolingOct 17, 2019

Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

Recall 19V744000205,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.

Service brakesNov 7, 2017

Service brakes

Recall 17V7010002,367 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Components: Service brakes; Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2018 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	15.6%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2018 Subaru Crosstrek NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2018 Subaru Crosstrek NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Crosstrek AWD

29mpg combined

City / highway	27 / 33 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S7) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Crosstrek AWD

25mpg combined

City / highway	23 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Visibility/wiper	64	0	0	0	20,000 mi
Unknown or other	41	2	1	1	18,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring › Fuses and circuit breakers	32	0	0	0	9,000 mi
Engine	32	1	0	0	5,700 mi
Power train	14	3	0	0	6,050 mi
Vehicle speed control	13	5	0	0	24,000 mi
StructureBody	10	1	0	0	19,850 mi
VisibilityWindshield; Sun/moon roof assembly	9	0	0	0	23,000 mi
Steering	6	0	0	0	24,000 mi
Exterior lighting	5	0	0	0	40,600 mi
Wheels	5	1	0	0	—
Forward collision avoidanceWarnings; Adaptive cruise control	5	1	0	0	12,501 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Wheels
Wheel studs, continually Shearer off because of mismatched threads between bolt and nuts common problem among a lot of of Subaru
Sep 26, 2026
Electrical system
On 06/26/26, while traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power in active traffic due to a blown out/melted Cylinder 4 ignition coil. This unexpected engine failure forced raw fuel into the exhaust system, causing an immediate internal thermal meltdown of the catalytic converter, rendering the vehicle entirely undriveable and creating a severe highway safety hazard. This vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign 21V264000 (Subaru Recall WRE-21), which was intended to permanently remedy an ECM software defect that over-energizes and melts the ignition coils. Subaru of America (Case # 260630-2101598) is denying coverage, claiming…
Jun 26, 2026
Unknown or otherCrash1 injury
2018 Subaru Crosstrek rapidly accelerated unexpectedly while pulling into a parking space with the foot on the brake. Hit a concrete pole and sustained vehicle damage and injuries.
Apr 20, 2026
Electrical system
3/3!2026 while driving heat stop working. Called Milea Saburu spoke to Christian made an appointment for 3/5/2026 they had nothing sooner. Told her what happened. Brought in they gave me loaner 12 days later on 3/18/2026 pick up car. Paid bill they told me everything done no problems. I would get my 250 dollars for the car back in 30 days. Even though they said it was a hold it went through. I live 15 minutes from home. I got in the car heat was blasting turned it off and waited turned it on it worked. Pick up time 4 pm. Drove home parked next day 3/19/2026 turned on car made a tapping nouse after five minutes went away call dealer left message on Andrew manager answering service. Car…
Mar 3, 2026
Engine
Dangerous stall in traffic due to ignition coil failure. Ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced during the WRE21 recall campaign only 13k miles ago back in 2021. Stopped at red light awaiting to turn left when the vehicle started shaking violently. No check engine light came on though. When the light turned green, the vehicle was barely able to move forward then it completely stalled before pulling over to the curb. Since the tail of the car was sticking out into traffic a bit, it was a downright dangerous situation. Car had to be towed to dealership and took them 5 days to diagnose and fix the problem. Ignition coil and spark plug replacements costed $1500. Don't think the recall…
Feb 14, 2026
Suspension
Starting at around 75,000 mileage on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, a persistent howling noise is heard while driving. This noise comes from the rear of the vehicle and occurs at nearly all driving speeds, measuring at around 90.0dB while on a highway (a dangerous level for prolonged exposure). A service shop and the dealership have both diagnosed the noise as an issue with the rear wheel bearings (consistent with Subaru Service Bulletin 05-70-19R). In January 2026, my low tire pressure warning light appeared on my dashboard. I checked the tire pressure with a gauge and found no issue. I assumed (and later confirmed while getting a tire changed) that the tire pressure sensor had a dead battery,…
Feb 1, 2026
Exterior lighting
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlight warning light illuminated, and the contact noticed that the passenger's side LED headlight had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a headlight assembly replacement was recommended. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Feb 26, 2026 · 90,000 miles
Unknown or other
Wheel bearing issue in 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Identified by Subaru but not full recall We were not informed Risk REAR WHEELS WILL FALL OFF Contacted Subaru Advocacy after determining the backing plate was modified due to risk of failure Internet indicated courtesy repair for vehicles under 100,000 miles with new corrected part Repair was denied without full payment not even willing to supply NON DEFECTIVE part at no cost
Feb 27, 2026

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.