2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems, complaints & recalls

2018 Subaru Crosstrek recalls (5)

• Recall 21V264000Apr 15, 2021466,205 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

  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.

• Recall 21V263000Apr 15, 2021408,271 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.

• Recall 19V743000Oct 18, 2019466,205 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · 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.

• Recall 19V744000Oct 17, 2019205,000 vehicles
  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.

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

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 17V701000Nov 7, 20172,367 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

Recent 2018 Subaru Crosstrek complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Oct 2, 2026CAWheels & Tires

   Wheel studs, continually Shearer off because of mismatched threads between bolt and nuts common problem among a lot of of Subaru

   NHTSA complaint #11768549 · source
2. Filed Jul 7, 2026COElectrical SystemEngine

   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 creating a severe highway safety hazard. This vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign…

   NHTSA complaint #11748847 · source
3. Filed Apr 25, 2026FLCrash1 injuredOther / Unknown

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11733779 · source
4. Filed Mar 20, 2026NYElectrical System

   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 problems. I would get my 250 dollars for the car back in 30 days. Even though they said it was a hold it went through. I live 15 minutes from home. I got in the car heat was blasting turned it off and…

   NHTSA complaint #11725821 · source
5. Filed Mar 11, 2026MAEngine

   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 came on though. When the light turned green, the vehicle was barely able to move forward then it completely stalled before pulling over to the curb. Since the tail of the car was sticking out into…

   NHTSA complaint #11723589 · source
6. Filed Mar 10, 2026PASuspension

   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 exposure). A service shop and the dealership have both diagnosed the noise as an issue with the rear wheel bearings (consistent with Subaru Service Bulletin 05-70-19R). In January 2026, my low tire…

   NHTSA complaint #11723204 · source
7. Filed Mar 4, 202690,000 miCOLighting

   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 mechanic, where a headlight assembly replacement was recommended. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11722003 · source
8. Filed Feb 27, 2026MAOther / Unknown

   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 vehicles under 100,000 miles with new corrected part Repair was denied without full payment not even willing to supply NON DEFECTIVE part at no cost

   NHTSA complaint #11720935 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology