Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
730–25K
2725–50K
1350–75K
475–100K
0100–150K
0150K+
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
10,000 miles · Oct 8, 2018
Unknown Or Other
WHEN THE SUNROOF IS OPEN - THERE IS A BLINDING GLARE(ON A SUNNY DAY) PROJECTED FROM THE BASE 6.5 INCH RADIO SCREEN DIRECTLY INTO THE DRIVERS EYES. SINCE THIS IS A BLINDING CONDITION IT MAKES DRIVING WITH THE SUNROOF OPEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS IT COULD BLIND THE DRIVER CAUSING A ACCIDENT - THE RADIO SCREEN SHOULD HAVE EITHER BEE…
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WHEN THE SUNROOF IS OPEN - THERE IS A BLINDING GLARE(ON A SUNNY DAY) PROJECTED FROM THE BASE 6.5 INCH RADIO SCREEN DIRECTLY INTO THE DRIVERS EYES. SINCE THIS IS A BLINDING CONDITION IT MAKES DRIVING WITH THE SUNROOF OPEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS IT COULD BLIND THE DRIVER CAUSING A ACCIDENT - THE RADIO SCREEN SHOULD HAVE EITHER BEEN COATED WITH A NON-REFLECTIVE COVER - OR - TILTED FORWARD SOTHAT SUNLIGHT IS NOT PROJECTED DIRECTLY INTO THE DRIVERS EYES. WROTE SUBARU A LETTER - NO RESPONSE.
NHTSA ODI #11139015
Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2018
EnginePower Train
VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE SINCE PURCHASED IN JUNE 2018 DUE TO JERKY, BUCKING AND HESITANT ACCELERATION AND SHIFTING. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, HESITANCY HAS ALMOST RESULTED IN BEING HIT WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND FROM PARKING SPACE IN LOT. THIS CAN OCCUR IN FWD DRIVE AND REVERSE. VIBRATION AND SHAKING OCCURS …
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VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE SINCE PURCHASED IN JUNE 2018 DUE TO JERKY, BUCKING AND HESITANT ACCELERATION AND SHIFTING. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, HESITANCY HAS ALMOST RESULTED IN BEING HIT WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND FROM PARKING SPACE IN LOT. THIS CAN OCCUR IN FWD DRIVE AND REVERSE. VIBRATION AND SHAKING OCCURS AT ABOUT 1700RMP AND LESS OCCASIONALLY 1100RPM.
NHTSA ODI #11131651
70 miles · Sep 21, 2018
Engine
THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR FOR THE ENGINE STALLING AND HESITATION. THE RECALL DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP TWO TIMES. THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE CONDITION. SUBARU DOES NOT WANT TO GET INVOLVED TO HELP MY DEALER REPAIR THE CAR. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE WHEN IT DOES LOSE POWER ITS …
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THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR FOR THE ENGINE STALLING AND HESITATION. THE RECALL DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP TWO TIMES. THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE CONDITION. SUBARU DOES NOT WANT TO GET INVOLVED TO HELP MY DEALER REPAIR THE CAR. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE WHEN IT DOES LOSE POWER ITS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN.
NHTSA ODI #11130655
19,000 miles · Sep 10, 2018
Electrical System
THE STARLINK ENTERTAINMENT AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM (8" SCREEN) PERIODICALLY FREEZES WHILE DRIVING. WHEN FROZEN, THE TOUCHSCREEN WILL NOT WORK AND THE SYSTEM IS USELESS. SOMETIMES THESE IS NO SOUND AND AT OTHER TIMES IT IS MAXIMUM VOLUME. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST FOUR HOURS, THE SYSTEM WILL UNFREEZE.
NHTSA ODI #11128508
Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 2018
Exterior Lighting
THE INTERIOR LIGHTING IS A RED ORANGE COLOR. FOR SOMEONE LIKE MY WIFE AND I, IN THEIR SIXTIES, IT IS TERRIBLE AS FAR AS BEING ABLE TO SEE, ESPECIALLY THE ODOMETER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WE WOULD NOT KNOW THIS , THE DEALER DOES NOT GIVE A [XXX] AS WELL AS THE PEOPLE AT SUBARU.COM WHO WE COMPLAINED TO AND ASKED IF THE BULBS I…
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THE INTERIOR LIGHTING IS A RED ORANGE COLOR. FOR SOMEONE LIKE MY WIFE AND I, IN THEIR SIXTIES, IT IS TERRIBLE AS FAR AS BEING ABLE TO SEE, ESPECIALLY THE ODOMETER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WE WOULD NOT KNOW THIS , THE DEALER DOES NOT GIVE A [XXX] AS WELL AS THE PEOPLE AT SUBARU.COM WHO WE COMPLAINED TO AND ASKED IF THE BULBS IN AT LEAST THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER COULD BE CHANGED BUT IT IS A SEALED UNIT. ALSO, THE THUMBWHEEL ADJUSTMENT DOES NOT GIVE ENOUGH ILLUMINATION EVEN AT THE HIGHEST SETTING. WE TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE DURING THE SUNNY DAYLIGHT HOURS SO OF COURSE ONE WOULD NOT REALIZE THIS AS A POSSIBLE ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 45 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER BEEN SO PISSED OFF AND DISAPPOINTED WITH A VEHICLE, IF I HAD ONLY KNOWN. IT UPSET MY WIFE AND I SO MUCH THAT WE TURNED IT IN TO OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER THAT WE HAVE PURCHASED VEHICLES IN THE PAST WITH EVEN THOUGH THIS MEANT A LARGE HIT IN OUR POCKETBOOK. THE SUBARU DEALER CAN GO TO [XXX]. MY BIGGEST REASON TO TELL THIS STORY IS THE HOPE THAT SOMETHING CAN BE DONE SO OTHERS WILL NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS. SINCERELY INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11120747
2,900 miles · Aug 7, 2018
Engine
COMPLETE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHEN MAKING LEFT TURN.
NHTSA ODI #11118217
7,600 miles · Aug 6, 2018
Power Train
THE CVT TRANSMISSION IN THIS CAR IS JERKY, WILL OFTEN ACT AS IF APPLYING THE BRAKES WITH STOPPING, WILL HAVE TROUBLE SHIFTING DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, RESULTING IN JERKING OF THE CAR. WILL OCCASIONALLY VIBRATE AS IF TRAVELING OVER ROUGH PAVEMENT. THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENS. CAN BE IN URBAN OR HIGHWAY TRAFFIC.
NHTSA ODI #11118186
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
5,700 miles · Jul 25, 2018
Engine
MY OIL TEMP ON MY SUBARU IS HIGHER THAN NORMAL...I HAVE HAD IT IN THE DEALER 2 TIMES ALREADY AND EVEN THO THEY SAY THE TEMPS ARE NOT NORMAL THE SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE EVERYTHING LOOK FINE..BUT THEY TELL ME TO CHANGE MY OIL EVERY 3K NOW INSTEAD OF 6K...I HAVE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH ABOUT THE OIL TEMPS AND HAVE N…
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MY OIL TEMP ON MY SUBARU IS HIGHER THAN NORMAL...I HAVE HAD IT IN THE DEALER 2 TIMES ALREADY AND EVEN THO THEY SAY THE TEMPS ARE NOT NORMAL THE SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE EVERYTHING LOOK FINE..BUT THEY TELL ME TO CHANGE MY OIL EVERY 3K NOW INSTEAD OF 6K...I HAVE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH ABOUT THE OIL TEMPS AND HAVE NOT FOUND ANYONE OR ANY OTHER CASE THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM WITH A 2018 CROSSTREK .I HAVE ASK SUBARU WHAT THE OIL TEMP RANGE IS AND AFTER MONTHS OF CALLING SOMEONE FINALLY TELLS ME MAX TEMP IS 247...MY CAR GOES OVER THAT..I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND SAME THING..THEY DO NOTHING..I ASK THEM AGAIN WHAT THE NORMAL TEMP RANGE IS AND THEY DON'T KNOW...THEY TELL ME TO JUST DRIVE IT THAT IT'S UNDER WARRANTY..THE HIGH OIL TEMP PROBABLY DID SOME LONG TERM DAMAGE...SUBARU IS UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING HERE EVEN THO THEY SAY THE TEMPS ARE NOT NORMAL....THE TEMPS RISE UP AT HIGHWAY DRIVING..UP HILLS MOSTLY...NORMAL SPEED...IT'S LIKE THERE IS NO COOLING...GO UP HILLS DURING REGULAR HIGHWAY DRIVING THE OIL TEMP JUST SHOOTS UP...WATER TEMP IS NORMAL
NHTSA ODI #11113508
5,600 miles · Jul 20, 2018
Power Train
THIS CAR IS A LEMON!! I ORDERED MY 2018 CROSSTREK JUNE 2017, TOOK DELIVERY AUG. 7TH. CAR RAN GREAT, LOVED IT! NOV. 2017, 5600 MILES ON IT, IT STARTS INTERMITTENTLY BUCKING/SHUDDERING UNDER ACCELERATION. TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER, THEY HAD IT 3 DAY, COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. SOME TIME PASSES, AND WE'RE INTO WINTE…
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THIS CAR IS A LEMON!! I ORDERED MY 2018 CROSSTREK JUNE 2017, TOOK DELIVERY AUG. 7TH. CAR RAN GREAT, LOVED IT! NOV. 2017, 5600 MILES ON IT, IT STARTS INTERMITTENTLY BUCKING/SHUDDERING UNDER ACCELERATION. TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER, THEY HAD IT 3 DAY, COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. SOME TIME PASSES, AND WE'RE INTO WINTER, THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE, AND I CAN'T GO WITHOUT IT ESPECIALLY WITH THE SNOW. CAR STILL ACTS UP FOR MONTHS, PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE AND MORE FREQUENT. APRIL 2018 TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER, THEY HAVE IT 13 DAYS, CAN'T FIND AN ISSUE. I PICK THE CAR UP ON A FRIDAY, THE SERVICE MANAGER AND A MASTER TECH RIDE WITH ME SO I CAN DUPLICATE THE CONDITION, THEY EXPERIENCE IT LIKE I DESCRIBED. THAT MONDAY, I RETURN IT TO THE DEALER. SUBARU TECH CASE #63 DAYS LATER, AND COUNTLESS CALLS TO SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY TELL ME THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME ON IT! SO, NOW I'VE RESOLVED TO DIAGNOSE MY OWN "BRAND NEW CAR". I SPENT 3 DAYS WITH MY PERSONAL SCAN TOOL HOOKED UP, AND I FIND THE REASON FOR THE BUCKING/ SHUDDER. I'VE CONSULTED THE DEALER, THEY ARE DISCUSSING WITH SUBARU TECH ON WHY I SEE WHAT I'M SEEING ON THE LIVE DATA. SO, TO SUM UP 80+ DAYS AT THE DEALER, THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING, I HAVE IT 3 DAYS, AND I FIND THE REASON FOR THE SYMPTOM! NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WON'T BUY ANOTHER SUBARU, AND THIS ONE WILL BE GOING BYE BYE! I DON'T BLAME THE DEALER, THEY CAN ONLY DO WHAT SUBARU ALLOWS. THIS IS SUBARU CORPORATE'S FAULT, AND THEY DON'T WANT TO COME TO THE TABLE ON MAKING IT RIGHT WITH THE CUSTOMER.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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