How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?

NHTSA lists 36 electrical system complaints for the 2018 Crosstrek, which is 19% of the 194 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek electrical system?

Yes. Two recalls, 19V743000 and 21V264000, cover the Engine Control Module continuing to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off; both led to software updates and ignition coil replacement.

At what mileage do these electrical problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 15,000 miles at the time these electrical failures were reported.

Have these electrical issues caused crashes or fires?

No. NHTSA records 0 crashes and 0 fires among the complaints in the Electrical System category for the 2018 Crosstrek.

Is the 2018 Crosstrek worse than other years for electrical complaints?

Its 19% share is similar to 2017 (21%) and 2019 (19%), but lower than 2016's 29%, so 2018 is not an outlier among Crosstrek years.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 36 electrical system complaints for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 19% of all 194 complaints for the year. Median mileage at failure was 15,000 miles. Two related recalls (19V743000 and 21V264000) cover the ignition coil staying powered after shutoff.

Electrical System complaints: 36; 19% of 194
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 15,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

The infotainment head unit and Starlink touchscreen freeze while driving, cutting off radio, volume control, phone, and navigation until the vehicle is shut down and left off for a period of time.
The audio system spontaneously blares at high volume when starting or reversing, even though the radio was previously off, which owners describe as startling during backing maneuvers.
The Harman Kardon premium speakers produce a constant static buzz from the passenger door speaker even when the audio system is turned off.
Some owners report a loss of power when brakes were applied, with the dealer unable to determine a cause.
Rear power windows and LED brake lights failed due to wiring issues, including a brake light wire reported as shorting out.
Instrument cluster lighting was described as a red-orange tone that made gauges hard to read, especially for older drivers.

When 2018 Subaru Crosstrek electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 26, 2017, latest Jul 7, 2026.

36 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2017 to Jul 2026; peak Jun 2018 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek

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 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.

Electrical System complaints by Crosstrek model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20121 (50%)
20137 (27%)
20144 (25%)
20151 (6%)
201638 (29%)
201720 (21%)
201836 (19%)
201954 (19%)
202011 (16%)
202117 (15%)
20225 (16%)
20236 (18%)
202421 (18%)
20257 (16%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?: NHTSA lists 36 electrical system complaints for the 2018 Crosstrek, which is 19% of the 194 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek electrical system?: Yes. Two recalls, 19V743000 and 21V264000, cover the Engine Control Module continuing to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off; both led to software updates and ignition coil replacement.
At what mileage do these electrical problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 15,000 miles at the time these electrical failures were reported.
Have these electrical issues caused crashes or fires?: No. NHTSA records 0 crashes and 0 fires among the complaints in the Electrical System category for the 2018 Crosstrek.
Is the 2018 Crosstrek worse than other years for electrical complaints?: Its 19% share is similar to 2017 (21%) and 2019 (19%), but lower than 2016's 29%, so 2018 is not an outlier among Crosstrek years.