2018 Subaru Crosstrek Problems

High Complaint Volume

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Part of Generation 2 — 2018–2023.

20172019
Complaints
252
Crashes
16
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Fatalities
Recalls
5

Worst 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#164 complaints

Wipers & Visibility

Avg mileage:24,544 mi
#231 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:14,644 mi
Crash-related:1
#330 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:14,098 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek.

Wipers & Visibility
64
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
24,544
Engine Problems
31
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
14,644
Electrical Faults
30
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
14,098
Transmission / Drivetrain
14
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
11,381
Unintended Acceleration
13
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
Avg Miles
33,528
Body Structure
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
21,700
Visibility:Windshield
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
29,143
Steering Defects
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
29,733
Headlight/Taillight Failures
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
48,533
Seat-Related Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
3
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Airbags
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wiring & Fuses
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Warning
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Sunroof/Moonroof
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2018 Subaru Crosstrek

5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,548,048 vehicles.

21V263000Suspension:rear
~408,271 affected

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.

21V264000Electrical 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
~466,205 affected

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.

19V743000Electrical System:software · Electrical System:ignition
~466,205 affected

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.

19V744000Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)
~205,000 affected

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.

17V701000Brakes · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
~2,367 affected

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.

Other Subaru Crosstrek Years

2018 Subaru Crosstrek — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
Verdict: High Complaint Volume. The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 252 NHTSA complaints, 16 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Wipers & Visibility with 64 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
Top reported problems: Wipers & Visibility (64 complaints, avg 24,544 mi); Engine Problems (31 complaints, avg 14,644 mi); Electrical Faults (30 complaints, avg 14,098 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 21,583 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek include 16 crash-related reports, 1 fire reports, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,548,048 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
This year has a higher-than-normal complaint volume. It's not an automatic no, but focus inspection on the top reported issue (wipers & visibility) and verify open recalls have been addressed.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Subaru Crosstrek reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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