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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 12, 2020
CRACKED WINDSHIELD LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON THE CAR.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 24, 2020
CRACKING AND CHIPPING OF WINDSHIELD
Other or unspecified, Feb 23, 2020
THE WINDSHIELD CHIPPED FOR NO REASON. THEN IT SPREAD A CRACK ACROSS THE PASSENGER TO THE DRIVER SIDE. IT WAS PARKED IN A SAFE PLACE AND I DID NOT DRIVE IT AT ALL SINCE I WORKED FROM HOME.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 11, 2020
ON JUNE 30, 2018, I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK LIMITED EDITION ON A CITY STREET. I HEARD A NOISE WHILE DRIVING BUT KEPT DRIVING SINCE I WAS JUST BLOCKS AWAY TO WORK. I PARKED IN THE MONITORED PARKING LOT AND VISUALLY LOOKED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE MY CAR FOR SOME INDICATION OF WHERE THE NOISE CAME FROM, INCLUDING THE WINDSHIELD FROM THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. I SAW NO CRACKS TO THE WINDSHIELD OR OTHER AREA OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS HOT OUTSIDE (90'S).I WENT IN TO WORK. WHEN I GOT OFF WORK I WENT OUT TO MY CAR. I GOT INSIDE MY CAR, IMMEDIATELY NOTICING A 6-8 INCH LONG CRACK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. I WENT HOME IN SHOCK ABOUT THE LARGE CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD. I LATER CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY, AND WAS TOLD MY DEDUCTIBLE AND TO CALL AROUND TO FIND QUOTES ON REPLACEMENT. I WAS TOLD BY ALL THE AUTO SHOPS INCLUDING MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD WOULD NEED REPLACED BUT THE CAR WAS SO NEW THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS IN STOCK AND DIDN'T KNOW HOW LONG IT WOULD BE SINCE THE CAR WAS SO NEW. I DIDN'T GET THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED .I FELT THAT SUBARU SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A NEW WINDSHIELD AS THE CAR WAS ONLY PURCHASED NEW 9 MONTHS BEFORE. I DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO GO THROUGH MY INSURANCE AT THE TIME AND I WAS TOLD BY MY LOCAL DEALER THAT SUBARU DID NOT COVER THE WINDSHIELD IN THE WARRANTY ON THE CAR. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THE DEFECT OF THE WINDSHIELD PREVENTS THE SAFE AND PROPER OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE SUBARU'S EYESIGHT SAFETY SYSTEM, INTENDED TO PREVENT COLLISIONS, IS ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE UPPER WINDSHIELD. I DID RESEARCH ONLINE AT THE TIME IF OTHER OWNERS HAD COMPLAINTS, BUT THE CAR WAS SO NEW I ONLY FOUND ONE. NOW, A SEARCH REVEALS MANY COMPLAINTS OF DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELDS AND A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. I WORRY ABOUT MY SAFETY STILL AND I BELIEVE SUBARU SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD.*DT*JB
Engine, Dec 31, 2019
THE CAR ENGINE HAS STALLED 4 TIMES SINCE JULY WHEN WIFE WAS ACCELERATING ONTO A MAIN STREET OR THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, TURNING FROM A STOP. ON ONE OCCASION, SHE FLUTTERED THE PEDAL AND REGAINED ENGINE POWER. THE OTHER TIMES SHE HAD TO TAKE THE CAR OUT OF GEAR AND RESTART THE ENGINE WITH THE IGNITION KEY. LOOSING POWER IN AN INTERSECTION WITH MODERATE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC HAS SCARED HER AND SHE REFUSES TO THE THE CAR. TWO OF THESE INCIDENTS WERE PRIOR TO THE CAR BEING SERVICED FOR THE COIL INSPECTION AND ECM REPROGRAM RECALL ON NOV. 20, THE OTHER TWO WERE ON DEC.3, 2019. THE AUTO WAS TAKEN TO THE WILMINGTON, NC SUBARU DEALERSHIP FOR A THOROUGH INSPECTION ON DEC. 17, 2019, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED USED FROM A DEALERSHIP IN APRIL. 2019. I, (THE HUSBAND) DRIVE THE CAR 95% OF THE TIME AND HAVE NOT HAD THE PROBLEM OF ENGINE STALLING. THE WIFE IS 5'2" AND IS IN HER EARLY 70S. SHE HAS BEEN DRIVING FOR 55 YEARS AND OUR PREVIOUS CAR WAS A 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK OF WHICH SHE HAD NO PROBLEMS. THE WIFE DOES DRIVE WITH BOTH FEET, ACCELERATING WITH THE RIGHT FOOT AND BREAKING WITH THE LEFT FOOT. ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BOTH WITH HER DRIVING AND WITH ME DRIVING FAIL TO CAUSE A STALL.
Engine, Dec 19, 2019
THREE RECALLS FOR DECEMBER 2019 ON A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. SUBARU SERVICE PROGRAM NUMBERS ARE; WUR-03, SUBARU SAFETY RECALL WUQ-02 NHTSA RECALL ID 19V-743, AND SUBARU SAFTERY RECALL WUP-01 NHTSA ID 19V-744
Vehicle speed control, Dec 17, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE. A PICK UP TRUCK CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER PANEL OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT CALLED SUBARU OF GRAPEVINE (2651 WILLIAM D TATE AVE, GRAPEVINE, TX 76051, (817) 438-1700) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Engine, Dec 9, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PCV BLEW UP AND STRANDED THE CONTACT ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FAULKNER NISSAN OF HARRISBURG (3925 PAXTON ST, HARRISBURG, PA 17111) WHERE IT REMAINED FROM NOVEMBER 16, 2019 TO NOVEMBER 27, 2019. THE DEALER HAD TO REMOVE THE ENGINE TO CLEAN UP THE PCV DEBRIS AND OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V744000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED ON DECEMBER 2, 2019 AND THEY PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER AND PROMISED TO CALL BACK. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BACK ON DECEMBER 9, 2019 AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE LEMON LAW SINCE IT WAS ONLY WITH THE DEALER FOR NINE DAYS. THE CONTACT FELT THAT HE WAS ONE OF SIX PEOPLE THAT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE AND HIS ENGINE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,850.*DT*JB
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 9, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED TWO RECALL NOTIFICATIONS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 19V744000 (ENGINE & ENGINE COOLING) AND 19V743000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. NORTHTOWN SUBARU (3930 SHERIDAN DR, HAMHERST, NY) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Power train, Dec 3, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE FORWARD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Dec 2, 2019
2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK, MILEAGE 17,000 AS OF 12/02/2019. VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN ON A CITY STREET AT 35 MPH STARTED TO FEEL HEAVY/RIGID AND LOSING MOTIVE POWER. EXHAUST STARTED TO DISCHARGE NON-STOPPING HEAVY BLACK SMOKE LIKE THAT OF TIRES BURNING. ALSO, THERE WAS A VERY STRONG PLASTIC-LIKE SMELL IN THE SMOKE. IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE NEAREST SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND TOOK THE VEHICLE IN. I WAITED OVER 4 LONG HOURS UNTIL THE TECHNICIAN SAID I HAD TO LEAVE THE CAR AS THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS SINCE ALL TESTS PERFORMED HAD COME OUT OK. A LOANER WAS PROVIDED THE FOLLOWING DAY AND A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT 100% SURE ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THAT THEY SUSPECTED IT HAD TO DO WITH MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER WUP01 (NHTSA 19V744000) AND THAT IT WOULD TAKE AT LEAST 2 WEEKS TO REPAIR. SUBARU OF AMERICA FAILED TO SEND LETTERS OR EMAILS CONCERNING 2 OPEN RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE SINCE OCTOBER 2019. I DO NOT HAVE DOCUMENTATION TO SUBMIT AT THE TIME OF THIS COMPLAINT AS I HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED ANY COPIES FROM THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP. MY LIFE AND THE LIVES OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS WHEN WE HAVE BEEN RIDING ON THE VEHICLE HAVE BEEN AT GREAT RISK BECAUSE SUBARU HAS FAILED TO INFORM OF THESE RECALLS WHICH COULD HAVE ENDED UP IN A FATALITY. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE FROM A MANUFACTURER I HAVE PUT ALL MY TRUST IN.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 6, 2019
A CRACK DEVELOPED IN THE WINDSHIELD, STARTING JUST UNDER THE WIPERS IN THE WIPER DEFROST REGION. BY THE TIME I NOTICED THE CRACK, IT HAD PROPAGATED LONGER THAN WAS SAFE TO REPAIR. THE CRACK ALSO DEVELOPED INTO A COMPLEX CRACK (SPLIT INTO TWO DIRECTIONS FROM THE INITIAL CRACK). THE CRACK LENGTH SPANNED ~70% OF THE WIDTH OF THE WINDSHIELD, APPROXIMATELY 3-4 INCHES ABOVE THE WIPER BLADES. THERE WAS NO APPARENT REASON WHY THE CRACK OCCURRED. I DO NOT REMEMBER A ROCK OR OTHER DEBRIS STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING, AND I AM THE ONLY INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS DRIVEN THE VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 1, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED TWO RECALL NOTIFICATIONS IN THE MAIL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 19V744000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 19V743000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). PRIOR TO THE NOTIFICATIONS, THE CONTACT INFORMED CMA'S COLONIAL SUBARU (2122 RUFFIN MILL RD, SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, VA 23834, 888-929-4456) THAT SHE HEARD A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE NOISE WAS RELATED TO THE ENGINE COOLING OFF AND THAT AN OIL CHANGE WAS NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 30, 2019
DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD YESTERDAY AND CAR WAS PARKED IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT. DROVE OUT THIS MORNING AND NOTICED A ROUGHLY 6" LONG CRACK IN FRONT WINDSHIELD IN BOTTOM LEFT CORNER. NO APPARENT CAUSE FOR THE NEW CRACK.