2018 Subaru Crosstrek Problems

194 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Visibility/Wiper · verdict AVOID 40/100

Source NHTSA public complaint and recall record · methodology

What breaks, by owner reports

Visibility/Wiper64
Unknown Or Other41
Electrical System32
Engine32
Power Train14
Vehicle Speed Control13

In the owners’ words

“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.”NHTSA complaint, 2018 Subaru Crosstrek owner
“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 ”NHTSA complaint, 2018 Subaru Crosstrek owner
“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”NHTSA complaint, 2018 Subaru Crosstrek owner

Recall campaigns

ReportedComponentSummary
17/10/2019Engine 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 separa
15/04/2021Suspension:RearSubaru 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.
15/04/2021Electrical System:Software SAFETYSubaru 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, caus
18/10/2019Electrical System:Software SAFETYSubaru 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
07/11/2017Service Brakes SAFETYSubaru 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 w

Questions owners ask

Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

On the federal record it scores 40/100: 194 owner complaints (24.25 per year on the road) and 5 recall campaigns, 3 touching safety-critical systems.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?

The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Visibility/Wiper, with 64 of 196 categorised reports.

Share this verdict

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek scored 40/100 on the federal record.

Full 2018 data pagecosts, verdict, every numberAll Crosstrek yearswhich year to avoid Most complained-about carsthe national ranking