2018 Subaru Crosstrek electrical system problems

Related recalls

• 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 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.

What owners say

1. 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
2. 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
3. Filed Nov 4, 2025KYElectrical System

   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, offering only partial “Goodwill assistance.” Because TPMS is a federally mandated safety system, a full-system failure poses the risk of operating the vehicle without tire-pressure warning…

   NHTSA complaint #11697529 · source
4. Filed Mar 27, 2024CAElectrical System

   Hello, My subaru crosstrek 2018 has been brought to Subaru service departments in both CA and MA for the same issue. I have brought in my car 3-4 times for recurrent problems where the battery in the car dies. The battery has been replaced multiple times and I have brought it to Subaru Service departments both in Massachusetts and California, all of whom tell me that the battery needs to be replaced, over and over again. I called and filed a report with Subaru of America who…

   NHTSA complaint #11579749 · source
5. Filed Jan 30, 2024MAElectrical System

   I noticed that my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek battery keeps draining when the car sits for several days (something that typically has not happened in the past until my son recently went off to college). I called AAA and they checked out the battery and indicated that the battery was good still, but was borderline. Would likely need to be replaced soon. Since it was the original battery and it would need to be replaced soon - I had them replace it. Even after the battery…

   NHTSA complaint #11568829 · source
6. Filed Nov 12, 2023FLElectrical System

   Purchased NEW car 2018 and ALWAYS serviced at dealership. No problems until January 2022, radio issues. Dealer replaced radio - ever since then, the battery of the car keeps dying. The radio was replaced at least 3 times. Approximately Jan 21, 2023, I had to pay to replace the battery because service department said it needed to be replaced. Jan 23rd, the car was dead in my garage - they replaced the battery. On Jan 27th, car was dead again in the garage. Dealer had car…

   NHTSA complaint #11554730 · source
7. Filed Oct 20, 2023OHElectrical System

   Was told I needed a new ecm due to corrupt learning. My vehicles check engine light, traction control light, and cruise control all turned on/ stopped working. My vehicle has received all necessary maintenance in a timely manner, no missed oil changes and no accidents. The dealership stated it was due to damage but this can’t be possible since the only place service has been completed was at the dealership, if it was damaged it would have been caused by the dealership. I…

   NHTSA complaint #11551056 · source
8. Filed Aug 18, 2023NYElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Premature starter failure as noted in TSB 07-198-21 due to failed clutch in starter motor. Only had 35, 750 miles. Defective starter. Issue known to Subaru. Could leave drivers stranded and at risk. This known/ common starter motor failure problem should be a recall.

   NHTSA complaint #11539297 · source
9. Filed May 2, 2023COElectrical System

   the horn quit working, everything else on my steering wheel and steering column work just not the horn, no way to warn approaching traffic, safety issue, puts myself and family in harms way.

   NHTSA complaint #11519951 · source
10. Filed Jan 13, 2023TXElectrical SystemEngineSteering

    -driving at moderate pace between 30 and 40 mph when vehicle engine shut off without warning. loss of power, no steering and all warning lights illuminated. difficulty getting vehicle over to side of road so not in way of traffic. braking was difficult once on side of road.

    NHTSA complaint #11501620 · source
11. Filed Jan 4, 2023PAElectrical System

    Battery drain when car isn’t in use for 2 days went through 3 high CCA AGM batteries since I purchased new. also the manufacturer OEM battery. I only have 16,400 miles on the car and went through 4 total batteries. I had to pay for all the batteries and now I need another one.

    NHTSA complaint #11500202 · source
12. Filed Oct 17, 202239,000 miNYTowedElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

    The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. While driving on a ramp at slow speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ignition fuse needed to be replaced. The fuse was replaced, and the vehicle…

    NHTSA complaint #11489578 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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