2018 Subaru Crosstrek recalls and problems

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 5 recalls and 195 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is visibility.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Photo: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2018 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Highest complaint count among 15 Crosstrek model years — 2nd most.

5recalls
195complaints
10crashes
1fires
1injuries
18,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
Check your VIN →

5 recalls

Electrical System

Apr 15, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V264000 · 466,205 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Suspension

Apr 15, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V263000 · 408,271 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Electrical System

Oct 18, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V743000 · 466,205 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Engine

Oct 17, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V744000 · 205,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Service Brakes

Nov 7, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V701000 · 2,367 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2017: 2 complaints20172018: 23 complaints20182019: 29 complaints20192020: 44 complaints2020442021: 34 complaints20212022: 18 complaints20222023: 17 complaints20232024: 12 complaints20242025: 7 complaints20252026: 9 complaints20269

2018 vs. other Subaru Crosstrek years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2018. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns covering the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, the latest from Apr 15, 2021 (electrical system). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention visibility (72), unknown or other (41), engine (33). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.