2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility/wiper is the leading concern among 194 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 14 Crosstrek model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 10 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 1 person was injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, softwareApr 15, 2021
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.
A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V264000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearApr 15, 2021
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.
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V263000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareOct 18, 2019
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.
If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 19V743000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)Oct 17, 2019
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.
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 19V744000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakesNov 7, 2017
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 17V701000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
41 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Apr 25, 2026, crash
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2026
Wheel bearing issue in 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Identified by Subaru but not full recall We were not informed Risk REAR WHEELS WILL FALL OFF Contacted Subaru Advocacy after determining the backing plate was modified due to risk of failure Internet indicated courtesy repair for vehicles under 100,000 miles with new corrected part Repair was denied without full payment not even willing to supply NON DEFECTIVE part at no cost
Other or unspecified, Mar 5, 2025
I have had my car jumped twice in the last 7 days. Today I will be replacing the battery with AAA. Is there a recall on my vehicle? I saw an article there is a recall for starting issues and the coils. Please advise. Thank you.
Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2024
My car randomly blows white smoke put of the exhaust and supposedly had the PCV valve replaced in Jan 2020 by the Subaru service center. I am noticing drastically lower mileage as more white smoke seems to be coming out of the exhaust and cannot help but feel these are all related.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Back over prevention, Aug 7, 2024
The main head unit display (8") that controls the climate, audio and other control functions as well as the backup camera video feed is poorly made and subject to rapid delamination at edges and center. We reported and showed this problem to a Subaru dealer multiple times in past and they simply indicated it as 'temporary moisture' yet it is NOT moisture related and a design/manufacturing flaw. The car is now out of warranty and the problem only exacerbated with time to point where rear view camera functionality / visibility is impaired ... not ot mention the unsightly look of the main center display. This is a common widespread problem among many Subaru users as reported in various online forums, however, Subaru continues to deny fault/liability with fixing what is surely inferior design/quality on their side.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 2, 2024
I was driving to a friends house . When the engine started sputtering billowing blue smoke , the engine just stopped . I had it towed to my mechanics shop.maui fix auto 808-877-3731 Wailuku Maui Hawaii . He told me engine failed , extended warranty thru geico would not cover. I work as the equivalent of a park ranger. For the state of Hawaii being a first responder this is techically my 3 Subaru purchased from the dealer . This vehicle died at 60,000. Miles and 5 years I bought this car for reliability , to get to work and respond asap . My car is dead I wish some one in Subaru had “love “ like they do in commercials. I need help fixing my car please .
Other or unspecified, May 19, 2024
The passenger window switch on the drivers side door panel is loose and is jammed (will not depress). Nearly impossible to get passenger window to go down.
Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2024
Dealer indicated control arm bushings needed to be replaced because they were cracked. I've owned about 20 cars and have never replaced a control arm bushing...much less on a car that is only a few years old (2018). I was told this needed to be fixed because the failing control arm bushings could cause me to lose control of the car. I realize things breakdown and need to be repaired, but as I said I've had about 20 cars over my lifetime and never replaced or been told that I needed to replace a control arm bushing. I question if that part is defective on Subaru Crosstrek (especially when I consider that my local mechanic indicated Subaru has had all kinds of problems with their control arm bushings).
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2023
Front hood latch opens while driving. This happens often. There is a secondary latch, so the hood does not swing fully open. But the first latch (connected to the open lever in the car) pops open by itself. I worry that secondary latch might fail, and front hood would open blocking vision. When I brought it to Subaru dealer in June 2023, they "cleaned and lubed hood latch" charging me for service. It still opens while driving. I am in the shop now. They say they will lube again. They would have to order a new latch and charge me over $200. Should I do this?
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2023
Several times the car wouldn’t start but all the lights came on but the engine would not turn over. If I waited a while it finally started.
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2023, fire
8/17/23 I left my vehicle on with the air conditioning running. Left on because my dogs were in the car. Came out of restaurant after 40 minutes & car was on fire inside the vehicle. Opened back door on drivers side & back seat was on fire. Black smoke coming out of the car. Car was put out by fire department. It could have blown up. Car is total loss. FD & PD investigated. No foul play. Unknown reason. Happened in Carthage NC 28327 notified State Farm insurance but haven’t notified Subaru yet
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2023
Premature starter failure as noted in TSB 07-198-21 due to failed clutch in starter motor. Only had 35, 750 miles. Defective starter. Issue known to Subaru. Could leave drivers stranded and at risk. This known/ common starter motor failure problem should be a recall.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 19, 2023
I was driving on Tuesday, January 17 and my steering made a pooping nose strug and swirl to the right then continue driving. I found it strange but this never happened. Then on Thursday, January 19, 2023, I put my vehicle into the driveway, my engine was not even off yet, my steering wheel to the left with key still in the ignition it locked. I know how to unlock my wheel but with this I can't this is the 4th time it has happened. It is freaking me out because every time my son is in the car. If this happens when I am driving it going to take the grace of God to save us. The first time was in Hartsdale, NY parking lot Subaru assistance was called, he made a report, 2nd time it happened by Trader Joes Larchmont, NY Police came out they made a report, 3rd time a Man in KeyFood Bronx, NY 2022,help me and 4th Time January 19, 2023 Entourage Automotive Corp tow was called. He wants to tow my car in the morning to Subaru Service because he says it too stiff and hard to turn. He had to lean his body on it and then turn it hard. I can't do that and it not suppose to do that. In December 21, 2022, my car was park under the port, when I went out the hand rest was wrinkled. When I took my car in for 4 tires I indicated this to Will the service guy and he said I could buy a new one and have it replace. It was strange he never hard of it. Well know through some research this is a big issue with vehciles from 2017 to 2022 and they have a cover for it now. but it should have been a recall to fix the ones it already happen too now.https://subaru.oemdtc.com/3574/2017-2021-subaru-center-console-armrest-cover-wrinkled-appearance My car is staining from the ceiling to the side of the upper doors, as well as water stains.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2023, crash
On Nov 9 2022 the owner was pulling into a parking space at a mall and the Subaru Crosstrek 2018 suddenly accelerated and slammed into the wall of a store. The airbags did not go off. The driver was going at a slow speed and putting on the brake. The driver and occupant suffered some impact from the seat belts but no other injuries. If pedestrians had been on the sidewalk in front of the parking space there could have been injuries. The wall was not damaged and no police report was filed.The incident was reported to the insurance company and the car was repaired for $11,710. On Jan 17 2023 the owner was pulling into a parking space at a mall and there was a quick sudden acceleration but not as forceful as before and putting on the brake stopped the car.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2022
BATTERY ISSUES
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2022
A crack developed on the front windshield of my 2018 Subaru crosstrek out of nowhere. There was no accident or incident of a object (rock, dirt, etc…) that hit my windshield. I noticed the damage getting into my car that is parked inside a closed, locked garage.
Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2022
My car was parked in the covered garage at the Denver airport. I left for 3 days and came back to a large crack in the windshield stemming from the lower driver side to the middle of the windshield. Nothing had hit it. It spontaneously cracked.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2022
This issue has happen 2 other times one time last year where Suburu Tow Truck had to be called, 2nd time May 2022 in Larchmont, NY and a Police Office Had To Come Help Me. And, the 3rd time on July 4, 2022, in the super market of Key Food, Throggsneck, NY a stranger had to help me. When, I park my car and I turn off my ignition and the steering wheel is to the left it will lock. The manual says when the steering wheel locks to insert the key and slightly turn the wheel and it will unlock. Well I am not strong enough to do it. Usually, men come to assist me and they have trouble unlocking it. There is something definately not right. I should never have to go through so much trouble and why is my steering wheel locking. I also have issue with my car staining in various places. I don't eat in my car and my car is under a port in a shaded area. I have taking it to the dealer and reported it to suburu they said nothing. But, my car keeps staining. I had my car since 2017. And, I had multiple problems with it. The air conditioner doesn't cool enough, even when it is 70 degrees inside or out, the hose has be change multiple times, my tires rotors have always been black and I never take to a car wash i wash it at home and dry it wheel by wheel, and the back door does open properly and I have been hit in the head several times. I had computer problems where it keeps being reprogramed. But, the steering wheel is freaking me out I have a child and being lockout of my vehicle because I can't turn it on is very dangerous. Please assist. I have a video. it won't let me upload the video? Why [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2022
The windshield cracked across the whole front of the car while it was parked in a private lot. There is no sign of impact.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Dec 16, 2021
This is the second time my windshield has spontaneously cracked since buying my 2018 Crosstrek. Both the first and this time, the windshield appears to crack for no apparent reason and the crack grows every day until it crosses the entire windshield. These are costly to repair and should NOT crack without any visible damage.
Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2021
Cowl panel separates from windshield. Taken to dealer on 4/21/21, paid $410 for replacement, 8 months later, 12/11/21, noticed separation again. At dealer to have it replaced. Same issue reported with Impreza, NTSHA IDs: 11408233, 11193248. Cowl separation probably allows water intrusion into engine compartment, possible degradation of window seal and further fogging of windshield.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2021
The third windshield we've had on this car cracked again for now reason. This is available for inspection, and we have documentation of the previous issues, including when Subaru paid part of the second one because they determined there was no reason the windshield should have cracked. Windshield cracked while in the driveway (we were in the car), determined unsafe to drive.The problem keeps occurring. Each windshield replacement has been performed by the dealership we bought the car from. The vehicle has been inspected by the State Farm insurance folks for payment of the first windshield repair. There was no warning for the crack.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 17, 2021
UNKNOWN My Subaru has always had a little hesitation when accelerating. I brought this up to the dealer and they are telling me it is normal. However, in the last few months, it has gotten worse. Sometimes, when trying to accelerate into traffic, the car feels like it's going to stall or die, then it kicks in and I am able to accelerate. This is intermittent, so I never know when it's going to happen. This is a safety issue, since the hesitation could cause me to get hit.
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2021
Sunroof exploded while driving at highway speed. Nothing hit my car while driving, no cars were in front of me. Glass and debris fell on my while I was driving. The car was taken to the dealer for repair because local auto glass shops would not work on the sunroof. The car has been with the dealer for almost a week. They are telling me that there is not a sunroof glass available in the United States.
Other or unspecified, Mar 12, 2021
OUT OF NOWHERE MY WINDSHIELD HAD A 5 INCH CRACK, FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THERE IS NO CHIP, JUST A CRACK. THERE IS NOTHING THAT I KNOW OF THAT CAUSED THIS. I SEE ONLINE THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH SUBARU WINDSHIELDS CRACKING. I DO NOT HAVE A PICTURE, JUST A COPY OF THE RECEIPT FOR REPLACEMENT.