Worse than most Crosstrek years
Owners filed about 1.6 times as many complaints as a typical Crosstrek year. The main thing to watch is the lights, wipers and visibility, which half of owners reported by about 23,000 miles. A year with fewer complaints: 2020.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Crosstrek years from 2013 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The most reported problem area is the lights, wipers and visibility (76, 39% of complaints), followed by the engine and cooling and the electrical system. That ranks 2nd of 12 Crosstrek years from 2013 to 2024 for complaints. It has 5 recalls.
2 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek before you buy.
Lights, wipers and visibility
76 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 23,000 miles. Parts named most: Windshield (7).
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlight warning light illuminated, and the contact noticed that the passenger's side LED headlight had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a headlight assembly replacement was recommended.…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 90,000 miles
The front windshield spontaneously developed a crack about 5 inches long which later suddenly increased to about 15 inches in length. It is our understanding that this problem has occurred in the windshields of other Subaru models. The internet states that Subaru windshields have had a tendency to crack without impact due to the…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Engine and cooling
33 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 6,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
Dangerous stall in traffic due to ignition coil failure. Ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced during the WRE21 recall campaign only 13k miles ago back in 2021. Stopped at red light awaiting to turn left when the vehicle started shaking violently. No check engine light came on though. When the light turned green, the vehicle was…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I have a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, I am the second owner, the first owner bought it in 2019, I am having acceleration problems, I have already taken it to two different mechanics, they say it is a problem with the computer, they have already checked and scanned it and they tell me that you have to reprogram the ECM for DTC P1603 / Engine…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Electrical system
32 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 9,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
3/3!2026 while driving heat stop working. Called Milea Saburu spoke to Christian made an appointment for 3/5/2026 they had nothing sooner. Told her what happened. Brought in they gave me loaner 12 days later on 3/18/2026 pick up car. Paid bill they told me everything done no problems. I would get my 250 dollars for the car back in 30…Owner complaint, filed 2026
All four tire pressure monitoring sensors failed on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek at approximately 69,000 miles. The TPMS light remains illuminated, and the system no longer provides low-tire-pressure warnings. Subaru of America acknowledged the issue but declined full repair coverage, offering only partial “Goodwill assistance.” Because TPMS…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Transmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 6,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
Vehicle was maintained by dealer and out of the blue, started bucking intermittently while driving resulting in an unsafe driving experience. took it to the dealer to evaluate, told us, "They could change the transmission fluid and filter to see if that fixes the problem." they were not sure that would fix the issue. After researching…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I am writing to formally raise a significant safety concern regarding my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. I recently discovered a malfunction in the transfer case (pictures attached), specifically involving the center differential gear set, which necessitated immediate replacement. This issue first became apparent while driving at low speeds when…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Cruise control and acceleration
13 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 24,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately respond before abruptly accelerating forward. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure and unable to…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 54,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while at a light, the vehicle crashed into an unknown vehicle in front of her. While sitting in traffic at another light, the failure recurred. The vehicle reeved up forward and crashed into an unknown utility vehicle. A claim was submitted to the insurance company. While…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 85,000 miles
Body, doors and structure
10 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (9).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
While driving on a 71 degree, clear day on 16 May 2024, out of nowhere and without prior warning, my sunroof/moonroof glass on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek limited, (50th anniversary edition) just exploded. See pics attached.Owner complaint, filed 2024
The contact owns a 2018 subaru crosstrek. The contact stated that along the top of the windshield their were rough spots in a row above the top of the windshield that looked like rust. The contact spoke with the dealer (west herr automotive group 3552 southwestern blvd, orchard park, ny 14127; (716) 649-7711) who stated that they would…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 21,700 miles
Steering
6 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
This is the 4th Time Since 2022, that my steering wheel has locked after driving. If the steering wheel is to the left when I go to turn it off and not in the middle it will lock. I had to call again Suburu assistance. The first time was in Hartsdale, NY 2022, the 2nd time was in Larchmont, NY had to call the police, the 3rd time was…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Popping noise when turning to the right or the left only during a short range turn, had it to the dealership they couldn't hear the noise- as soon as they gave it back it was still popping, it is very frustrating. I have found online that there could be many issues, but was a recall on earlier models. Maybe 2018 should be recalled as…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 64,000 miles
Driver assist systems
6 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
Driver seat has came loose from its structure, this has been reported by many other owners, the seat track fail and the seat rock back, hopefully it don't fall off track while driving and injure someone, VERY UNSAFE! the other SAFETY issue with our Subaru is the Infotainment system goes on and off intermit with no warning while driving…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The main head unit display (8") that controls the climate, audio and other control functions as well as the backup camera video feed is poorly made and subject to rapid delamination at edges and center. We reported and showed this problem to a Subaru dealer multiple times in past and they simply indicated it as 'temporary moisture' yet…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Brakes and stability control
5 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2018 subaru crosstrek. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced on 3/32/2018 at a local dealer for an unknown brake recall. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 20 MPH the brake pedal was depressed, failed to respond and the vehicle hydroplaned crashing into the median. There were no warning…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 40,247 miles
Waiting in line to pickup prescription, stopped with foot on brake and vehicle [VIN] into car approx 15 ft in front of me. Eye sight braking did not stop car, nor did imminent collision warning engage. Car is at dealership and they conducted test; found nothing. Awaiting subaru engineer to pull and check "black box".Owner complaint, filed 2023
Wheels and tires
5 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
Wheel studs, continually Shearer off because of mismatched threads between bolt and nuts common problem among a lot of of SubaruOwner complaint, filed 2026
On [XXX], 1 wheel lug nut seized up on the lug and then the lug snapped off when trying to remove the nut. On [XXX], 3 lug nuts seized up on the lugs when attempting to remove the lugs. On both occasions, I have had to bring the vehicle in for repairs to have the lugs and nuts replaced. Total cost of these repairs approx $250. On [XXX]…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Seats and seat belts
4 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The driver seat has been rocking back and forth a bit for a for a couple of weeks and lately started rocking a lot, enough that it rocks back while accelerating and rocks forward while braking causing unintentional excessive breaking. This feels like a safety issue. This is a 2018 car and my previous car (Audi A4) that I had for 14 years…Owner complaint, filed 2024
I recently 10/7/2021 had my Subaru serviced for an oil change, and a couple of safety recalls that were needed. I also had a loose center console, and a loose wobbly drivers seat. Ramsey Subaru, Urbandale IA performed the service. Upon picking the vehicle up on the above date I was informed that all services were performed and fixed with…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Fuel system
2 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
This morning August 29 2022 I started my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, when I put it in gear the car just took off before I could stop it. The idle when about 5000 RPM and then up and down. I was able to get the vehicle stopped and parked. I tried starting the vehicle again and the same. The vehicle is on its way to Crews Subaru North…Owner complaint, filed 2022
UNKNOWN My Subaru has always had a little hesitation when accelerating. I brought this up to the dealer and they are telling me it is normal. However, in the last few months, it has gotten worse. Sometimes, when trying to accelerate into traffic, the car feels like it's going to stall or die, then it kicks in and I am able to accelerate.…Owner complaint, filed 2021
Suspension
2 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
Starting at around 75,000 mileage on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, a persistent howling noise is heard while driving. This noise comes from the rear of the vehicle and occurs at nearly all driving speeds, measuring at around 90.0dB while on a highway (a dangerous level for prolonged exposure). A service shop and the dealership have both…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Water is collecting under the passenger side strut tower dust cover in the engine compartment and causing rust/corrosion of the strut shaft/nut and strut tower pocket. Vehicle new and has less than 4000 miles on the odometer.Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 3,800 miles
Air bags
1 complaintAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
Subaru Crosstrek complaints by year
Compare the 2018 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2018 small SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | Worse than most years | 5 |
| 2018 Honda HR-V | About average | 3 |
| 2018 Kia Soul | One of the better years | 1 |
| 2018 Jeep Compass | Among the worst years | 6 |
2018 Subaru Crosstrek recalls
Suspension Rear
- Risk
- Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Electrical system
- Risk
- A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Electrical system
- Risk
- If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Engine and cooling Crankcase
- Risk
- An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Brakes
- 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.
- Fix
- Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mat retention bracket and replace it if necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
The most reported problem areas on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek are the lights, wipers and visibility (76 complaints), the engine and cooling (33 complaints) and the electrical system (32 complaints). Within the lights, wipers and visibility, owners most often name the windshield.
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek a good year to buy?
Worse than most Crosstrek years. Owners filed about 1.6 times as many complaints as a typical Crosstrek year. The main thing to watch is the lights, wipers and visibility, which half of owners reported by about 23,000 miles. A year with fewer complaints: 2020. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Crosstrek years from 2013 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The most recent, from Apr 2021, covers the rear. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the lights, wipers and visibility gave a mileage of about 23,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 6,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Subaru Crosstrek years should I avoid?
The Crosstrek years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2019. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2020. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
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