2018 Subaru Crosstrek
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 195
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Visibility/wiper
Campaigns on file for 2018
None on file
33% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 195 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 25 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2016 | 132 |
| 2017 | 94 |
| 2018 | 195 |
| 2019 | 286 |
| 2020 | 71 |
| 2021 | 115 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 36 |
| 2024 | 119 |
| 2025 | 47 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Visibility/wiper
33% · 64 reportsEngine
16% · 32 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-18
Also filed under Power train
Electrical system
16% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers.
Show complaint excerpts
Upon starting the car, the radio blares after a few seconds, when backing up, for instance, regardless of whether it has been turned off. According to Subaru, that's the way it's designed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-20
Purchased new 2018 Crosstrek with harman kardon premium audio system. After one week there was a constant static buzz coming from the door speaker on the passenger-side, even when the audio system was turned off.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-09-26
Power train
7% · 14 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Vehicle was climbing a residential street with a gradual incline in snow approximately 3 inches of fresh powder with no ice underneath.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-02
Vehicle speed control
7% · 13 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Waiting in line to pickup prescription, stopped with foot on brake and vehicle accelerated into car approx 15 ft in front of me. Eye sight braking did not stop car, nor did imminent collision warning engage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-27
Also filed under Forward collision avoidance and service brakes
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2017-11-14Service brakes, vehicle speed control17V701000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Crosstrek vehicles.
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.
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2018Complaint volume 195 complaints filed for this model year.
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2019-12-02Engine and engine cooling19V744000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve.
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.
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2019-12-04Electrical system19V743000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge.
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2021-05-17Suspension21V263000 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.
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.
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2021-06-01Electrical system, engine and engine cooling21V264000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Subaru Crosstrek — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility/wiper: 64 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 32 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 32 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V701000 · Service brakes, vehicle speed control
- Recall 19V744000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 19V743000 · Electrical system
- Recall 21V263000 · Suspension
- Recall 21V264000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
- The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.