2018 Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek carries a complaint index of 77, ranked 4th worst of 14 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 194 complaints, 5 recalls, and 10 crashes, with Visibility & Wipers issues making up 37% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 77/100
- #4 of 14 Crosstrek years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 194
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 10
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Visibility & Wipers
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 27
- 25 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers72 (37%)
- Engine42 (22%)
- Other42 (22%)
- Electrical System36 (19%)
- Structure & Body14 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (7%)
- Steering6 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (3%)
- Brakes5 (3%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicles stalled or hesitated to accelerate at low speeds, in some cases leading to a rear-end or intersection collision.
- The check engine light and AWD warning came on together while climbing an incline, with the vehicle losing power.
- Drivers reported the brake pedal failed to respond during a stop, with one case ending in a crash into a median.
- One owner described sudden unintended acceleration while parking, resulting in body damage after striking a tree.
- The infotainment head unit froze or rebooted while driving, blocking volume and station controls.
- A door speaker produced a constant static buzz even with the audio system off, traced to the amplifier.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V264000Apr 15, 2021Electrical System466,205 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 21V263000Apr 15, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires408,271 vehicles
Suspension:rear
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: 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.
- NHTSA 19V743000Oct 18, 2019Electrical System466,205 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 27 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,425
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Crosstrek years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
- Compared to other Crosstrek model years, 2018 ranks poorly. NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 77, the 4th worst of 14 years tracked, giving it an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
- Visibility & Wipers complaints lead at 37% of all complaints, followed by Engine issues at 22% and Electrical System issues at 19%, according to NHTSA.
- Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Crosstrek, covering the ECM/ignition coil system, a rear stabilizer bracket bolt issue, a PCV valve defect, and a floor mat retention bracket.
- How does the 2018 Crosstrek compare to the 2017 and 2019 model years?
- The 2017 Crosstrek has a lower complaint index of 38 and a Good verdict, while the 2019 model is worse, with a complaint index of 92 and an Avoid verdict.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
- EPA rates the 2018 Crosstrek at 27 mpg combined (25 city / 31 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,425.