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
194 reports, newest first.
Seats, May 28, 2021
Driver seat mounting, the driver seat was rocking, at 11,000 miles the dealer replaced a bolt under warranty. It started again at 25,800 miles. Now out of warranty, the Dealer did replace the seat base at no charge as goodwill...I am a big man 6'3 250# but that should not exceed the parameters of a seat mount...at this point I am satisficed with the repair but not happy it has occurred twice in a 4 year old car with less than 26,000 miles on it.
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.
Visibility, May 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, a small crack appeared on the windshield. The contact stated that after approximately 2 months, the crack expanded. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Visibility/wiper, May 13, 2021
WHAT LOOKS LIKE A SMALL CHIP APPEARED ON THE WINDSHIELD WITHOUT ANYTHING HITTING IT. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY IN A SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD.
Exterior lighting, May 6, 2021
MY DRIVER'S HEADLIGHT WENT OUT WHICH IS LED WITH ONLY 40,600 MILES. I DISCOVERED THAT IF THE SWIVELING TEST FEATURE FAILS WHEN I FIRST START THE VEHICLE, IT WILL TURN OFF THE HEADLIGHT. THAT IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE LED LIGHT WILL STILL WORK IF THE SWIVELING FEATURE WASN'T MALFUNCTIONING. I FOUND OUT SEVERAL PEOPLE ONLINE HAS THE SAME ISSUE, AND SUBARU WON'T RECALL THIS PROBLEM. MY HEADLIGHT DID TURN BACK ON FOR 1-2 WEEKS BEFORE GOING OUT AGAIN BECAUSE OF THE SWIVELING TEST FEATURE FAIL. MY DEALER TOLD ME THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1437.00 BEFORE TAX. I REFUSED BECAUSE IT'S AN LED THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER GONE OUT WITH ONLY 40,600 MILES ON IT, AND I BOUGHT IT NEW. ALSO, I TOLD THEM IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IF THE SWIVELING FEATURE FAILED, THE LIGHT SHOULD STAY STRAIGHT AND BE KEPT ON, BUT SUBARU'S DESIGN IS TO TURN OFF THE HEADLIGHT. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? I'M FRUSTRATED BECAUSE OF SO LITTLE MILES, AND I DON'T HAVE THE VEHICLE PAID OFF YET SO GETTING RID OF IT ISN'T AN EASY OPTION FOR ME REGARDING MONEY. THANK YOU.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 25, 2021
EYESIGHT SWITCHES ON AND OFF TOO OFTEN FOR NO OBVIOUS REASON WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION REGARDLESS OF A CITY STREET OR ON THE HIGHWAY
Visibility/wiper, Apr 21, 2021
MY 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK'S WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THERE WAS NO ROCK OR ANYTHING THAT I SAW HIT IT. THE CRACK KEEPS GROWING AND IS NOW ABOUT THE LENGTH OF A DOLLAR BILL. I HAVE HAD A CRACKED WINDSHIELD BEFORE ON A DIFFERENT CAR AND IT IS OBVIOUS WHEN SOMETHING LIKE A ROCK HITS IT. HOWEVER, THIS CRACK SEEMED TO HAVE COME OUT OF NOWHERE. WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE CRACK THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS (~35 MPH)
Steering, Apr 20, 2021
POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT ONLY DURING A SHORT RANGE TURN, HAD IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY COULDN'T HEAR THE NOISE- AS SOON AS THEY GAVE IT BACK IT WAS STILL POPPING, IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING. I HAVE FOUND ONLINE THAT THERE COULD BE MANY ISSUES, BUT WAS A RECALL ON EARLIER MODELS. MAYBE 2018 SHOULD BE RECALLED AS WELL. WAS AT THE DEALER 4/2/2021- BOUGHT THE CAR JULY 2020
Visibility/wiper, Apr 3, 2021
I OWN A SUBARU CROSSTREK (2018)OUR CAR WINDSHIELD HAS A CRACK. I'VE NEVER BEEN INTO ANY ACCIDENT OR COLLISION THAT CAN CAUSE SUCH A CRACK. I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE ALL OF A SUDDEN IS A CRACK ON WINDSHIELD ONE DAY. I JUST PARKED THE CAR IN OUR PARKING LOT IN OUR COMMUNITY ( IT'S A COVERED LOT) AND THE NEXT DAY WHEN I WENT IN TO CAR, I NOTICED THE CRACK.. I'VE BEEN SEARCHING AROUND AND NOTICED THAT SUBARU VEHICLES INCLUDING CROSSTREK HAVE TONS OF REPORTED ISSUES OF WINDSHIELD CRACKS.
Visibility/wiper, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 2, 2021
THE WINDSHIELD SUDDENLY CRACKED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A CITY STREET. NO IMPACT OR REASON FOR IT. CRACK BEGUN ON THE TOP MIDDLE SECTION OF THE WINDSHIELD AND EXTENDED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE WINSHIELD IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. WINDOW REPLACEMENT AND EYESIGHT ADAS CALIBRATION REQUIRED.
Structure, Mar 30, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALONG THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD THEIR WERE ROUGH SPOTS IN A ROW ABOVE THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD THAT LOOKED LIKE RUST. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DEALER (WEST HERR AUTOMOTIVE GROUP 3552 SOUTHWESTERN BLVD, ORCHARD PARK, NY 14127; (716) 649-7711) WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD RECEIVE A REPAIR BEFORE THE LEASE WAS UP HOWEVER HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ONE. THE DEALER STATED THEY WERE STONE CHIPPED HOWEVER THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT LOOKS MORE LIKE RUST. . THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,700.
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.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 4, 2021
WHEN CROSSING ACROSS TRAFFIC TO GET IN THE LANE FROM RIGHT OR LEFT TURNS. THERE IS SLOW AND SLUGGISH AS IT WANTS TO STALL OR STAY OUT IN CROSS TRAFFIC TO CAUSE A COLLISION!! IT HAS HAPPENED SINCE I PURCHASED IT FROM A NON SUBARU DEALER BEGINNING OF 2021.THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL AS THIS SLUGGISH ACCELERATION PROBLEM CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2021
ON MY WAY TO WORK AT 6:30AM, MY 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK WITH EYESIGHT MAY HAVE HAD TINY ROCK CREATE A PIN SIZED CHIP IN WINDSHIELD. I PARK MY CAR ON THE ROOF OF A PARKING GARAGE. WHEN MY SHIFT WAS OVER AT 7:30PM, I NOTICED A FRACTURE ABOUT THE SIZE OF ONE AND A HALF DOLLAR BILLS OR CLOSE TO 5 OR 6 INCHES IN LENGTH. THE FRACTURE WAS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER LEFT HAND CORNER. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID TO FILE A QUOTE WITH MY AUTO INSURANCE. SINCE ITS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 13, 2021
DRIVING MY 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK DOWN THE HIGHWAY TODAY (2/13/2021) WITH NO OTHER CARS VISIBLE ON THE ROAD WITH ME IN THEIR DIRECTION I TURNED ON MY DEFROST AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS. I NOTICED AT THAT AFTER THAT FUNCTION A CRACKING LINE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD GREW UP FROM THE BOTTOM AND CURVED LEFT. THE CRACK CONTINUED FOR ABOUT 7-10" DURING THE REMAINING 3 HOUR DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY. TO BE CLEAR THERE WAS NO CHIP OR IMPACT. I HAVE PICTURES FROM THE MOMENT I REALIZED IT BEHIND THE WHEEL AND AGAIN OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AT THE END OF MY TRIP. THERE IS NO IMPACT JUST A PERFECT CRACK STARTING FROM BELOW THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, WHICH IS PROECTED FROM DEBRE BY THE HOOD AND WIPERS. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED MAY 2018, MANUFACTURED AFTER FEB 2018 AND IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD.
Visibility, Feb 11, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAD CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT NO OBJECT HAD IMPACTED THE WINDSHIELD TO CAUSE THE CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER ADVENTURE SUBARU LOCATED AT 1991 MENTOR AVE, PAINESVILLE, OH 44077 WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,800.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 27, 2021
I HAVE A TOTAL OF TWO WINDSHIELD CRACKS ON MY ORANGE 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE FIRST OCCURED IN 05/23/2019. I WAS DRIVING ON MIRA MESA BLVD IN SAN DIEGO APPROACHING I-15 NORTH RAMP WHEN A SMALL ROCK FLEW A FROM CARS TIRE AND HIT MY WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, LOWER PORTION NEAR THE WIPER BLADES. I WAS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 45 WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE ROCK CAUSED A SMALL CHIP AND TWO CRACKS. AS I DROVE ON THE FREEWAY TO WORK, THE CRACK BEGAN TO PROPAGATE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED A WINDSHIELD REPAIR COMPANY AND HAVE THEM SEAL THE CRACK TO PREVENT IT FROM SPREADING. COST $75 THE SECOND OCCASION ON 01/24/21 I WAS DRIVING ON THE I-5 FREEWAY NEAR OCEANSIDE HEADING NORTH. I WAS PASSING A TRUCK WHEN A DIME SIZE ROCK FLEW ONCE AGAIN AND HIT MY WINDSHIELD. I WAS DRIVING AT 75 MPH. THIS HIT RIGHT ON THE DRIVER-SIDE AROUND EYE LEVEL TO THE DRIVER. AT THIS POINT, IT SEEMED THE WINDSHIELD WAS WEAK SO I'M GETTING IT REPLACED. COSTING ME $400. THIS WINDSHIELD IS WEAK AND I SHOULD HAVE NOT HAVE TO REPLACE OR REPAIR IT AT SUCH A RAPID RATE.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jan 24, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ON MY WAY HOME IN LIGHT SNOW MY WINDOW CRACKED STARTING AT 6 INCHES AND IS NOW OVER A FOOT LONG AND GROWING.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jan 23, 2021
MY WINDSHIELD GOT A BIG CRACK OUT OF NOWHERE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. IN ADDITION MY WINDSHIELD WIPER NOZZLES AND PUMP HAVE BOTH BEEN REPLACED DUE TO PROBLEMS CLEANING WINDOW BUT CONTINUE TO MALFUNCTION STILL AND I CAN'T SEE CLEARLY BECAUSE OF IT.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 13, 2021
WINDSHIELD CRACKED, UNSURE OF TIMING
Structure, Jan 3, 2021
WINDSHIELD HAD SMALL CRACK IN IT WHEN I CAME OUT ONE MORNING.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 27, 2020
WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THE CRACK OCCURRED IN EARLY OCTOBER. THERE WAS NO REASON THE WINDSHIELD SHOULD HAVE CRACKED.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 27, 2020
A LONG (10-12 INCH) CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THAT A SMALL PEPPLE HIS THE WINDSHIELD WIHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. NO NOTICABLE DAMANAGE UNTIL A FEW DAYS LATER WHEN I NOTICED A LONG (10-12) INCH CRACK IN THE WINDSHEILD NEAR THE DASH (BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD) AND TRAVELING UP AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE WINDSHIELD.
Visibility, Dec 3, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING HER PARKED VEHICLE AT HER RESIDENCE, SHE NOTICED A VERTICAL CRACK ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRACK WAS NOT CAUSED BY AN IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP AND THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,500.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 30, 2020
AFTER ONLY ONE YEAR OF OWNERSHIP, THE VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD CRACKED. WHILE PREPARING FOR OUR EARLY MORNING COMMUTE, MY WIFE AND I APPROACHED THE VEHICLE AND QUICKLY REALIZED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK EXTENDING FROM THE UPPER LEFT-HAND SIDE TO THE LOWER RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD (VIEWING THE VEHICLE FROM THE OUTSIDE). NO ROCKS OR SHARP OBJECTS EVER STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.