2018 Subaru Crosstrek Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
69/100
#5 most-complained of 14 Crosstrek years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has a Complaint Index of 69, ranked 5th worst of 14 model years, and earns a 'Caution' verdict. NHTSA lists 194 complaints, 5 recalls, and 10 crashes tied to owner reports, with Visibility & Wipers issues making up 37% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 194
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 10 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 27
- 25 city / 31 hwy
Top 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle stalling or hesitating at low speeds, in one case leading to a rear-end crash.
- Some describe sudden, unintended acceleration while parking or sitting at a stop, resulting in collisions.
- Brake pedals reportedly failed to stop the vehicle in time during low-speed stops, including one case involving hydroplaning into a median.
- Electrical complaints include head units freezing and requiring a shutdown to reboot, and audio systems producing a constant static buzz.
- One owner reported the check engine and AWD warning lights illuminating while climbing an incline in snow, followed by a loss of power.
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?
- NHTSA data gives the 2018 Crosstrek a Complaint Index of 69 and a 'Caution' verdict, ranking it 5th worst among 14 model years of the Crosstrek. It has 194 complaints and 5 recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
- Visibility & Wipers complaints lead at 37% of all reports, followed by Engine issues at 22% and Electrical System issues at 19%, according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Crosstrek, covering the Electrical System (ignition coil/ECM issue), a Suspension recall for loose rear stabilizer bracket bolts, the Engine PCV valve, and a Brakes-related floor mat bracket issue.
- How does the 2018 Crosstrek compare to other model years?
- The 2018 model's Complaint Index of 69 is worse than 2013-2017 and 2020, 2022 (all rated 'Good' or 'Best'), but better than 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2025, which are all rated 'Avoid'.
- At what mileage do 2018 Crosstrek problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 18,000 miles overall, with Visibility & Wipers issues appearing around 22,000 miles and Engine issues around 16,500 miles.