SkipThatYearREAL DATA. SMARTER CAR DECISIONS.
← New search

2018 Subaru Crosstrek

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Crosstrek years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek are substantially higher than the model-year median of 43.

About this comparison →
194Owner complaints

Model-year median: 43

5Recall campaigns

View recall details →

0Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
17
2015131
201694
2017194
2018284
201969
2020115
2021
Compare all Crosstrek years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Visibility/wiper
64Unknown Or Other
41Electrical System
32Engine
32Power Train
14
All reported categories
Vehicle Speed Control
13Structure
10Visibility
9Steering
6Exterior Lighting
5Seats
4Wheels
4Forward Collision Avoidance
3Lane Departure
3Service Brakes
3Electronic Stability Control (esc)
2Fuel/propulsion System
2Suspension
2Air Bags
1Back Over Prevention
1Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
1Engine And Engine Cooling
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

117 reports with mileage · 77 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 64 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports

Visibility/wiper complaints

64 reports
Clear category filter
15,000 miles · Aug 1, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper

1) VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED NEW WITH REAR POWER WINDOWS NOT WORKING. 2) LED BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING AT 15000 MILES , NOTICED WHEN I WAS BACKING UP IN FRONT OF GLASS DOORS. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER WIRE WAS SHORTING OUT AND ENTIRE LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER DID NOT STOCK PART SO I WAS SENT OFF WITH NON WORKING BRA…

Read full complaint

1) VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED NEW WITH REAR POWER WINDOWS NOT WORKING. 2) LED BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING AT 15000 MILES , NOTICED WHEN I WAS BACKING UP IN FRONT OF GLASS DOORS. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER WIRE WAS SHORTING OUT AND ENTIRE LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER DID NOT STOCK PART SO I WAS SENT OFF WITH NON WORKING BRAKE LIGHT UNDER WARRANTY UNTIL THEY COULD GET PART.

NHTSA ODI #11241027

27,500 miles · Mar 19, 2019
Visibility/wiper

AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE WIPER BLADES DO NOT PROPERLY CLEAR AND WILL LEAVE AREA OF PUDDLED WATER ON THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING VISIBILITY FOR THE DRIVER TO BE MADE. AT STANDSTILL THE WIPER BLADES WILL VIBRATE WHEN YOU CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD WITH THE WASHER FLUID. BUT A VERY NOTICEABLE VIBRATING WIPER BLADE IS VISIBLY SEEN. THIS HAS BEEN A…

Read full complaint

AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE WIPER BLADES DO NOT PROPERLY CLEAR AND WILL LEAVE AREA OF PUDDLED WATER ON THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING VISIBILITY FOR THE DRIVER TO BE MADE. AT STANDSTILL THE WIPER BLADES WILL VIBRATE WHEN YOU CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD WITH THE WASHER FLUID. BUT A VERY NOTICEABLE VIBRATING WIPER BLADE IS VISIBLY SEEN. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM DAY ONE. I WAS ABLE TO FIND A SET OF AFTERMARKET BLADES THAT SOMEWHAT FITS THE ADAPTER THAT WILL FULLY MAKE IT OPERATIONAL. HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT PROPERLY SECURED TO THE WIPERARMS. I JUST HAD SERVICE AT 27,500 MILES AND WITH THE SAME RESULTS OF REPLACING THE WIPERARMS. DEALERSHIP DOES NOT SEEM TO BE TOO INTERESTED IN FIXING THE ISSUE. DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE WIPER ARM CONNECTIONS POINT. THERE ARE NO AFTERMARKET WIPER BLADES I'VE BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE THAT WILL PROPERLY FIT THE WIPERARMS FOR BOTH FRONT BLADES. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NOT TO MENTION THE WINDSHIELD WILL BOIL UP FASTER WITH HOW THE WINDSHIELD WASHER SOLUTION WILL REMAIN ON THE WINDSHIELD AND WIPER ARMS AT HIGHWAY SPEED...... HIGHWAY SPEED IS ANYWHERE FROM 60-80 MPH.

NHTSA ODI #11190041

11,923 miles · Dec 21, 2018
Visibility/wiper

SUNROOF EXPLODED AND SHATTERED WITHOUT ANY CONTACT

NHTSA ODI #11163019

5,000 miles · Jul 26, 2018
Visibility/wiper

CRACK APPEARED IN LOWER DRIVER'S SIDE PORTION OF WINDSHIELD. CAR WAS PARKED WHEN CRACK APPEARED. NO KNOWN SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO WINDSHIELD. CRACK APPEARS TO HAVE STARTED UNDERNEATH WINDSHIELD WIPER AT THE DE-ICER AREA AND THEN SPREAD UPWARDS.

NHTSA ODI #11113915

Official recalls

5

21V263000 · Suspension:rear

Apr 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

21V264000 · Electrical System:ignition; Electrical System:software; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm):software; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Apr 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Electrical System:software

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.

Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm):software

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.

Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Electrical System:ignition

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.

Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

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.

Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

19V743000 · Electrical System:ignition; Electrical System:software

Oct 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

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.

Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Electrical System:ignition

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.

Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

19V744000 · 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

17V701000 · Service Brakes; Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Nov 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.