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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 194

Of the 2018 reports, 10 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 1 person was injured.

Primary concernVisibility/wiper64 reports · 33% of complaints
Owner complaints194Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship5 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Visibility/wiper64
  2. Other or unspecified41
  3. Electrical system32
  4. Engine32
  5. Power train14
  6. Vehicle speed control13
  7. Structure10
  8. Visibility9

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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: visibility/wiper

64 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Visibility/wiper, Jul 14, 2020

    THE WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED WITH NO IMPACT OR DAMAGE TO CAUSE THE CRACK. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED IN OUR RESIDENCE DRIVEWAY AND NOT DRIVEN (HOME DUE TO COVID) SO I AM CERTAIN NOTHING HAS HIT THE WINDOW TO CAUSE IT TO CRACK. THE CRACK IS VERTICAL STRAIGHT UP FROM THE DEFROSTER ELEMENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND IS 10+ INCHES LONG. DEALER INDICATES THIS IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD COST NEARLY 3K TO REPLACE WINDSHIELD AND RECALIBRATE THE EYESIGHT FUNCTIONALITY. I UNDERSTAND FROM RESEARCH ONLINE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ON SUBARU MODELS, INCLUDING THE CROSSTREK.

  2. Visibility/wiper, Jul 10, 2020

    MY CAR WAS PARKED APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS AND 15 MINUTES TODAY, FRIDAY JULY 10, 2020, FROM 9:15AM UNTIL 11:30AM. WHEN I RETURNED TO MY CAR, THE WINDSHIELD HAD A CRACK ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE STARTING AT TOP OF WINDOW APPROXIMATELY 3 INCHES LONG. IT IS GOING UP AND DOWN ON THE WINDSHIELD, FROM THE TOP. I DID NOT HAVE A ROCK OR DEBRIS HIT MY WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING. THE PARKING LOT IS NOT NEAR A ROADWAY OR WHERE IT COULD BE HIT BY DEBRIS.

  3. Visibility/wiper, Jul 9, 2020

    WINDSHIELD CRACK , WHICH IS LENGTHING. NOTICED WHILE DRIVING BUT DO NOT RECALL AN IINCIDENT WHICH COULD ACCOUNT FOR THIS DAMAGE.

  4. Visibility/wiper, Jul 4, 2020

    THE WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED WHILE STATIONARY IN OUR DRIVEWAY. THE CRACK IS VERTICAL LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF THE WINDOW FROM THE ROOFLINE TO ALMOST THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THE LOCAL SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THIS IS A PROBLEM THEY SEE OFTEN AND WILL NOT BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY.

  5. Visibility/wiper, Jun 24, 2020

    A SMALL PIECE OF PEBBLE HIT MY WINDSHIELD ON THE HIGHWAY. NORMALLY, A SMALL PEBBLE SHOULD NOT MAKE SUCH A BIG DAMAGE, BUT IT CREATED SUCH A BIG CRACK IN THE WINDOW. INTERESTINGLY, IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD, THERE IS THE SAME MAKE/MODEL CAR WITH THE SAME WINDOW CRACK. IT IS VERY DISAPPOINTING TO SEE SUBARU TO HAVE LOW QUALITY WINDSHIELD IN THEIR LATEST MODEL. *TR

  6. Visibility/wiper, Jun 22, 2020

    WINDSHIELD GETS A MASSIVE CRACK OUT OF NOWHERE. VEHICLE WAS IN GARAGE. *TR

  7. Visibility, Visibility/wiper, Jun 22, 2020

    I HAVE HAD 6 ROCK CHIP SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. I DRIVE MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES TO AND FROM WORK. IT SEEMS ANY SLIGHTEST HIT TO THE WINDSHIELD WILL CAUSE A CHIP. IN ALL THE VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED OTHER THAN THIS I HAVE ONLY HAD 4. OUT OF 8 OTHER VEHICLE. I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT SOMETHING ISN'T CORRECT WITH HOW THEY MADE THIS WINDSHIELD. MY 1981 AND 1986 SUBARU'S THAT I HAVE OWNED I NEVER GOT A CHIP IN THE WINDSHIELD. AND I PUT MORE MILES ON THEM THAT MY CURRENT 2018 CROSSTREK. MY FIRST CHIP WAS AT ABOUT 200 MILES AND THEN FROM THERE JUST DOWN HILL. I DREAD THE SOUND OF SOMETHING HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. AT TIMES I AM AFRAID THE WINDSHIELD IS JUST GOING TO SHATTER. *TR

  8. Visibility/wiper, Jun 21, 2020

    WINSHIELD CRACK ABOUT 6 IN LONG FOR NO APPARENT REASON. CAR WAS PARKED. DAY TEMPERATURE WAS MILD, NOT EXTREMELY COLD OR HOT. IT'S GOING TO COST $600 TO REPLACE DUE TO EYESIGHT CALIBRATION. I GOT IT TEMPORARILY FIXED WITH RESIN. WINDSHIELD TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS NOT CAUSED BY DEBRIS OR FOREIGN OBJECT.

  9. Visibility/wiper, Jun 21, 2020

    WINDSHIELD CRACK APPEARED OVERNIGHT FROM ABOVE THE HEAT VENT.

  10. Visibility/wiper, Jun 19, 2020

    WE HAVE NOW HAD TO REPLACE OR REPAIR SIGNIFICANT CRACKS FROM SEEMINGLY SMALL ROCKS HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. THEY NEVER POCK THE WINDSHIELD BUT RATHER CAUSE LONG CRACKS TO APPEAR THAT CAN OBSCURE VISION OR THE VISUAL AID CAMERAS PROVIDED WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR

  11. Visibility/wiper, May 5, 2020

    MY CAR SAT IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS WITHOUT BEING DRIVEN. IN THAT TIME, THE WINDSHIELD FORMED A CRACK STARTING AT THE BOTTOM NEAR THE HEAT VENT AND GOING UP INTO THE MAIN PART OF THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS NO IMPACT FROM A FOREIGN OBJECT, THE CRACK SEEMED TO FORM SPONTANEOUSLY AT SOME POINT DURING THE THREE DAYS I DIDN'T DRIVE THE CAR. *TR

  12. Visibility/wiper, Apr 27, 2020

    IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS OF OWNING MY SUBARU CROSSTREK, I HAVE HAD THE WINDSHIELD CRACK TWICE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE FIRST TIME MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED, THERE WAS NO "POINT OF IMPACT" THAT I WAS ABLE TO DETECT AND THE WINDSHIELD STARTED TO CRACK NEAR THE HEATING VENT UNDER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THE SECOND TIME THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED, THERE AGAIN WAS NO "POINT OF IMPACT" DETECTED AND THE CRACK SEEMED TO START FROM THE TOP MOST PART OF THE WINDSHIELD RIGHT WHERE THE REARVIEW MIRROR WAS ATTACHED TO THE WINDSHIELD.

  13. Visibility/wiper, Apr 13, 2020

    TRAVELING DOWN HIGHWAY, VEHICLE IN MOTION WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WAS HIT BY SMALL ROCK FROM THE CAR TRAVELING IN FRONT OF ME. RESULTED IN SPIDER CRACK AND WITHIN 30 MINUTES A 10'+ CRACK. NORMAL WINDSHIELDS DO NOT CRACK THIS EASY.

  14. Visibility/wiper, Apr 8, 2020

    I NOTICED THAT MY WINDSHIELD HAD A LARGE CRACK IN IT AFTER DRIVING INTO WORK ONE DAY WITHOUT ANY PRECIPITATING FACTORS (NO WRECK, NO HIT, NO ROCKS, ETC). IT WAS INITIALLY SMALL AND HAS QUICKLY INVOLVED TOP TO BOTTOM OF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD

  15. Visibility/wiper, Mar 15, 2020

    THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY AND A SMALL CRACK APPEARED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDOW. IT QUICKLY SPREAD ACROSS THE WINDOW.

  16. Visibility/wiper, Mar 14, 2020

    I PURCHASED MY 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK FROM HARVEY SUBARU IN BOSSIER CITY LA IN MARCH OF 2018. I CAN'T RECALL THE EXACT DATE, BUT THE CAR WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK AND THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. THE WARRANTY WAS HONORED AND THEY REPLACED THE SUNROOF WITH NO HASSLE. I ASSUME THEY WILL HAVE SERVICE RECORDS DETAILING THE INCIDENT. IT WAS IN THE SUMMER OF 2018 IF I RECALL CORRECTLY. I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS RELATED TO THE WINDSHIELD ISSUES SUBARU IS HAVING BUT I FELT LIKE I NEEDED TO REPORT IT.

  17. Visibility/wiper, Mar 14, 2020

    WINDSHIELD CRACKED TWICE, ONCE A SMALL CRACK WHICH WAS REPAIRED AND SECOND TIME A LARGER CRACK WHICH NEEDED WINDSHIELD REPLACED. NO OBVIOUS CAUSES IN EITHER CASE

  18. Visibility/wiper, Mar 13, 2020

    MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED AND SPIDERED OUT WAS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED.

  19. Visibility/wiper, Mar 13, 2020

    DROVE FROM WORK TO HOME. LEFT PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AS IT ALWAYS IS.HUSBAND WENT TO GET IN IT LATER AND CAME AND ASKED WHAT HAPPENED. THE CRACK WAS NOT THERE WHEN I GOT HOME. IT HAPPENED IN THE DRIVE WAY, WITHIN A COUPLE OF HOURS OF BEING HOME. THIS IS CONCERNING AS THE CRACK IS NOW RUNNING INTO OUR NAVIGATION SITES, SO THE CAR GIVES OFF INCORRECT READING, NOT PICKING UP THE WHITE LINES OR DISABLING THE SIGHT DETECTION, USUALLY ONLY STAYS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL A FEW MINUTES THEN RETURNS TO NORMAL. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT OR INSURANCE CLAIM FILED. I AM UNABLE TO GET A PICTURE TO UPLOAD. I CANNOT GET THEM ANY SMALLER THAN 6.2 MB. I HAVE THEM IF NEEDED.

  20. Structure, Visibility/wiper, Mar 13, 2020

    SINCE I BOUGHT THE SUBARU CROSS I HAVE ENCOUNTER MULTIPLE PAINT CHIPPING IN THE BODY AND HAD A WINDSHIELD CRACK AND PAID OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE SAFELITE REPAIR THE WINDOW.

  21. Visibility/wiper, Feb 24, 2020

    CRACKING AND CHIPPING OF WINDSHIELD

  22. Visibility/wiper, Feb 23, 2020

    WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM CENTER OF BOTTOM EDGE WITHOUT CONTACT FROM ANY OBJECT. CRACK APPEARED IN THE MORNING WHEN I WENT TO START MY 2018 CROSSTREK.

  23. Visibility/wiper, Feb 23, 2020

    A VERY SMALL SURFACE CHIP ON THE OUTER PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD (BLACK AREA, DRIVER'S SIDE) DEVELOPED INTO AN APPROXIMATELY TWO FOOT LONG HORIZONTAL CRACK ACROSS THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK DEVELOPED OVER A PERIOD OF THREE WEEKS DURING WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS.

  24. Visibility/wiper, Feb 23, 2020

    WINDSHIELD CRACKED NEAR LEFT COLUMN WHILE DRIVING WITHIN TWO MONTHS OF BUYING THE BRAND NEW CAR. THERE WERE NO ROCKS OR OTHER OBVIOUS SIGNS OF DAMAGE. CRACK SPREAD ACROSS THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD AND TOOK 4+ MONTHS TO GET REPLACED DUE TO NOT ENOUGH EXTRA WINDSHIELDS IN THE AREA.

  25. Visibility/wiper, Feb 22, 2020

    CAR WAS PARKED IN A CAR PORT UNDER A CONDO AT THE BEACH NO BAD STORMS NO BAD WEATHER CAME BACK THE NEXT MORNING TO A CHIP NOW WALKED 4 TO 5 INCHES.