Second generation
2018 Subaru Crosstrek
The most reported problem on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is windshield, with 69 complaints, usually around 22,000 miles.
- 194owner complaints
- 5recalls
- 10involved a crash
- 20,000median miles at failure
Newest report Jul 7, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Crosstrek doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2018 model year.
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 194 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, below the median of 331 for 2018 SUVs on this site. Of the 12 Crosstrek model years since 2014, it has the 2nd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017 and 2019
- Each model year from the 2017 to the 2019 draws more complaints for its age than the one before it: 10 a year, then 22 for the 2018, then 36.
- Top problem
- One problem takes up much of the file: windshield, named in 69 of the 194 complaints (36%). A quarter of the 53 owners who gave a mileage for windshield saw it by about 12,000 miles, and half by about 22,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 11 of the 194 complaints (6%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 10 reports mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire and 1 person was hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as windshield. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2020 at 44 and have dropped every year since, to 7 in 2025. So far in 2026, 8 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: windshield cracks or distorts, 69 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
194 complaints is 1.4 times fewer than the median 2018 model on this site and 1.7 times fewer than the median 2018 SUV. Among the 5 Crosstrek model years here it ranks 2nd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru filed 516 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. 30 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Windshield cracks or distorts 2 bulletins · 69 complaints
This bulletin announces a design change made to the windshield side cowl panels to address isolated concerns of a buzzing / rattle-type sound heard while driving.
This bulletin announces design changes made to the rear quarter glass assembly in response to a small number of reports describing a rattling - type sound origination from the lower molding.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 11 bulletins · 13 complaints
This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
9 more on this problem
This bulletin provides helpful information about operating conditions observed in the field for Technicians to use when diagnosing customer concerns which may arise while operating Harman Gen 3 Navigation and Display Audio systems.
This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing customer concerns of the Navigation systemâs functionality.
This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing a customer concern of the display screen being either frozen (unresponsive) or black (blank).
This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to use when diagnosing concerns of the Apple CarPlay and / or Android Auto feature not connecting or launching properly when a compatible device is connected to the head unit.
This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure to use for addressing a customer concern of a delayed or slow response when using the soft keys on the touch screen of the audio / navigation head unit.
This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing customer concerns involving Bluetooth (BT) functionality.
This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing the following customer concerns: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed ...
This bulletin announces availability of new audio system amplifiers to address the following operating concerns with the Harman Kardon Gen 3 infotainment system: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the knob ...
This Service Information bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to use when diagnosing concerns of the Apple CarPlay and / or Android Auto feature not connecting or launching properly when a compatible device is connected to the head unit
Battery dies or the car will not start 3 bulletins · 8 complaints
This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised ...
Subaru has extended the Data Communication Module (DCM) warranty from 3 years 36,000mi to 8 years or 100,000mi. In rare cases, customers may experience a dead battery as a result of the DCM continually trying to access the 3G network.
1 more on this problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is extending the Data Communication Module (DCM) warranty from three years (36 months or 36K miles) to eight years (96 months or 100K miles), whichever comes first.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 5 bulletins · 6 complaints
This Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR580 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
3 more on this problem
This Service Information Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
Diagnostic Information for Alleged Chain Slip Condition on TR580 / TR690 Transmissions.
This Service Information Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT transmissions.
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 1 bulletin · 5 complaints
This bulletin the announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump Sense Circuit Range/Performance) detection.
Check engine light or misfire 8 bulletins · 5 complaints
This bulletin announces the design change made to the high-pressure fuel pump developed to prevent DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure – Too Low Bank 1). (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
This bulletin announces the availability of new oxygen sensors developed to address the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) detected by the Engine Control Module: • P0137: O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2 • P0138: O2 Sensor Circuit High ...
6 more on this problem
This bulletin announces availability of new reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) developed to remedy the following DTCs: • P0016: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A • P0017: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft ...
This bulletin announces the availability of new oxygen sensors developed to address the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs);
This Service Information Bulletin announces diagnostic service procedures to be followed when DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1) is detected by the Engine Control Module (ECM).
This bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE.
This bulletin announces design changes made to the fuel injector assembly in response to misfire DTC P030x, engine knocking, and/or DTCs P219C-D-E-F.
This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the Engine Control Module (ECM) for hard starting in sub-freezing temperatures, DTC P0400, and surging in high altitudes.
Complaints filed by year
44 complaints came in 2020. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
All 5 recalls on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
Windshield, with 69 of the 194 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 22,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems start?
Of the 119 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 10,000 miles and half by about 20,000.
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek better or worse than the 2017 and 2019?
Counted per year on the road, the 2018 has more complaints than the 2017 and fewer complaints than the 2019: 22 a year against 10 and 36.
How many 2018 Subaru Crosstrek complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
11 of them (6%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for windshield on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
No recall on file for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is on the same system as windshield. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.