Diagsheet

Second generation

2018 Subaru Crosstrek

  • 194owner complaints
  • 5recalls
  • 10involved a crash
  • 20,000median miles at failure

Newest report Jul 7, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

miles

2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Photo: Cutlass, Wikimedia Commons, CC0

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.

0k25k50k75k100k125k150kyou
Engine stalls or loses power while driving18 reports

middle half of reports, median tick. Darker bars have 75 or more reports.

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      Ahead of you

        How this compares

        2018 Subaru Crosstrek194
        Median 2018 model here (85 vehicles)281
        Median 2018 SUV here (43)330

        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.

        Complaints filed by year

        217
        2318
        2919
        4420
        3421
        1822
        1723
        1224
        725
        826

        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.

        21V-263Apr 15, 2021
        Suspension:Rear

        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
        Risk: 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.
        21V-264Apr 15, 2021
        Electrical System:Software

        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
        Risk: 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.
        19V-743Oct 18, 2019
        Electrical System:Software

        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
        Risk: 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.
        19V-744Oct 17, 2019
        Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)

        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
        Risk: 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.
        17V-701Nov 7, 2017
        Service Brakes

        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
        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.
        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.

        Other model years