2018 Subaru Crosstrek recalls and problems
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 5 safety recalls and 195 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2018 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek recalls
Recall 21V-264: Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling
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.
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. 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.
Recall 21V-263: Suspension
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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 19V-743: Electrical System
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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 19V-744: Engine and Engine Cooling
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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 17V-701: Service Brakes, Vehicle Speed Control
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.
Fix: 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.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 64 | |
| Unknown or Other | 41 | |
| Electrical System | 32 | |
| Engine | 32 | |
| Power Train | 14 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 13 | |
| Structure | 10 | |
| Visibility | 9 | |
| Steering | 6 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | |
| Wheels | 5 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 5 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 9
- Visibility › Windshield — 7
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 2
- Lane Departure › Warning — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 18,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2018 Subaru Crosstrek complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Subaru Crosstrek years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek: 21V-264 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling), 21V-263 (suspension), 19V-743 (electrical system), 19V-744 (engine and engine cooling), 17V-701 (service brakes, vehicle speed control). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
Owners report visibility/wiper problems most often (64 reports), followed by unknown or other (41). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 18,000 miles.
Are Subaru recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.