2018 Subaru Crosstrek recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek and 195 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are visibility/wiper (64), unknown or other (41), electrical system (32). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 25–29 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2018 ranks #12 of 13 Crosstrek model years for fewest complaints (2013–2025), with more complaints than the average year (104). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 1.6 per model year.
Recalls 5
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Suspension · rear
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.
Electrical system · software
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.
Electrical system · software
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.
Engine and engine cooling · exhaust system · emission control · crankcase (pcv)
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.
Service brakes
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Wheel studs, continually Shearer off because of mismatched threads between bolt and nuts common problem among a lot of of Subaru
On 06/26/26, while traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power in active traffic due to a blown out/melted Cylinder 4 ignition coil. This unexpected engine failure forced raw fuel into the exhaust system, causing an immediate internal thermal meltdown of the catalytic converter, rendering the vehicle entirely undriveable and cre…
2018 Subaru Crosstrek rapidly accelerated unexpectedly while pulling into a parking space with the foot on the brake. Hit a concrete pole and sustained vehicle damage and injuries.
Safety ratings
2018 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek.
Crosstrek AWD
Auto (AV-S7) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Crosstrek AWD
Man 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, most recently for suspension · rear (04/15/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
Based on 195 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (64), unknown or other (41), electrical system (32).
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek safe?
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2018 ranks #12 of 13 Crosstrek model years for fewest complaints (2013–2025), with more complaints than the average year (104). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 1.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek range from 25 to 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: CROSSTREK, Crosstrek.