Subaru · Crosstrek · 2018
2018 Subaru Crosstrek
5
Recalls
193
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 5 recalls and 193 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: visibility/wiper (56 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is visibility/wiper with 56 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Compare the recall list with the complaint mix to see whether the most reported issues overlap with formal NHTSA safety campaigns.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek currently shows 5 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 193 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are visibility/wiper (56), unknown or other (25), electrical system (18).
- Vehicle
- 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
- Recalls
- 5
- Complaints
- 193
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
15.6% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: Optional
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 21V263000April 15, 2021
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.
Remedy Status
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 ID: 21V264000April 15, 2021
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.
Remedy Status
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 ID: 19V743000October 18, 2019
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 19V744000October 17, 2019
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 17V701000November 07, 2017
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
193 totalUNKNOWN OR OTHER
CRASH1 injuryApr 20, 2026
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 3, 2026
3/3!2026 while driving heat stop working. Called Milea Saburu spoke to Christian made an appointment for 3/5/2026 they had nothing sooner. Told her what happened. Brought in they gave me loaner 12 days later on 3/18/2026 pick up car. Paid bill they told me everything done no p...
Preview excerpt
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 27, 2026
Wheel bearing issue in 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Identified by Subaru but not full recall We were not informed Risk REAR WHEELS WILL FALL OFF Contacted Subaru Advocacy after determining the backing plate was modified due to risk of failure Internet indicated courtesy repair for vehic...
Preview excerpt
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlight warning light illuminated, and the contact noticed that the passenger's side LED headlight had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechani...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Feb 14, 2026
Dangerous stall in traffic due to ignition coil failure. Ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced during the WRE21 recall campaign only 13k miles ago back in 2021. Stopped at red light awaiting to turn left when the vehicle started shaking violently. No check engine light ...
Preview excerpt
SUSPENSION
Feb 1, 2026
Starting at around 75,000 mileage on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, a persistent howling noise is heard while driving. This noise comes from the rear of the vehicle and occurs at nearly all driving speeds, measuring at around 90.0dB while on a highway (a dangerous level for prolonged ...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN
Jan 28, 2026
Vehicle was maintained by dealer and out of the blue, started bucking intermittently while driving resulting in an unsafe driving experience. took it to the dealer to evaluate, told us, "They could change the transmission fluid and filter to see if that fixes the problem." they w...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 26, 2025
All four tire pressure monitoring sensors failed on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek at approximately 69,000 miles. The TPMS light remains illuminated, and the system no longer provides low-tire-pressure warnings. Subaru of America acknowledged the issue but declined full repair coverage...
Preview excerpt
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Jul 7, 2025
The front windshield spontaneously developed a crack about 5 inches long which later suddenly increased to about 15 inches in length. It is our understanding that this problem has occurred in the windshields of other Subaru models. The internet states that Subaru windshields have...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 20, 2025
factory alarm is triggered late in the evening while in my garage regardless if vehicle is locked or unlocked
Showing 10 recent complaints from 193 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2018 Subaru models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Subaru Crosstrek Years
2019 Subaru CrosstrekCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.7r274c2017 Subaru CrosstrekCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.1r97c2020 Subaru CrosstrekCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.64c2016 Subaru CrosstrekCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.1r131c2021 Subaru CrosstrekCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.1r100c2015 Subaru CrosstrekCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.1r97c
More 2018 Subaru Models
2018 Subaru OutbackAnother 2018 Subaru option for same-year comparison.3r791c2018 Subaru ForesterAnother 2018 Subaru option for same-year comparison.3r481c2018 Subaru ImprezaAnother 2018 Subaru option for same-year comparison.5r148c2018 Subaru LegacyAnother 2018 Subaru option for same-year comparison.3r111c2018 Subaru WRXAnother 2018 Subaru option for same-year comparison.2r40c2018 Subaru BRZAnother 2018 Subaru option for same-year comparison.2r1c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have?
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 5 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
NHTSA has received 193 owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek are visibility/wiper (56 reports), unknown or other (25 reports), electrical system (18 reports).
Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 5 recalls on record for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.