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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 →

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

What owners actually said

194 reports
54,800 miles · Feb 11, 2021
Visibility

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 LO…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11395701

16,000 miles · Jan 27, 2021
Visibility/wiper

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11390121

53,000 miles · Jan 24, 2021
StructureUnknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper

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.

NHTSA ODI #11389688

18,000 miles · Jan 23, 2021
StructureUnknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper

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.

NHTSA ODI #11389589

25,000 miles · Jan 13, 2021
Visibility/wiper

WINDSHIELD CRACKED, UNSURE OF TIMING

NHTSA ODI #11387895

Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2021
Structure

WINDSHIELD HAD SMALL CRACK IN IT WHEN I CAME OUT ONE MORNING.

NHTSA ODI #11386236

35,000 miles · Dec 27, 2020
Visibility/wiper

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.

NHTSA ODI #11385159

20,000 miles · Dec 27, 2020
Visibility/wiper

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11385126

9,500 miles · Dec 3, 2020
Visibility

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 …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11377750

8,500 miles · Nov 30, 2020
Visibility/wiper

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 ROCK…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11377073

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.