2018 Subaru Crosstrek: problems, recalls and what it’s worth

Known problems on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek

No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek recalls

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.

• Suspension

  Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Details 21V263000

  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.

  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

  A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Details 21V264000

  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.

  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

  If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Details 19V743000

  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.

  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 & cooling

  An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

  Details 19V744000

  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.

  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.

• Brakes

  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.

  Details 17V701000

  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.

  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 safety investigations and free repairs

No open safety investigations.

Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):

• Warranty extension: This letter provides information regarding the warranty extension for the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM).
• Brakes: Owner notification schedule: WUR-03 Impreza & Crosstrek Brake Hose Swelling Customer Satisfaction Program.

A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.

Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek safety and fuel

From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.

What owners complain about

194 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.

Other Subaru Crosstrek years

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024