Subaru Crosstrek 2018 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Crosstrek 2018 and 195 complaints filed by owners. It has 74% more complaints than the average Subaru Crosstrek from 2016–2025 (112 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Subaru Crosstrek 2018? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Subaru Crosstrek 2018
Suspension
NHTSA campaign 21V263000 · 2021-04-15
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 21V264000 · 2021-04-15
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 19V743000 · 2019-10-18
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Engine and cooling
NHTSA campaign 19V744000 · 2019-10-17
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Brakes
NHTSA campaign 17V701000 · 2017-11-07
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
195 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
10 with a crash · 1 with a fire · 1 injuries
Most reported problems on the Subaru Crosstrek 2018
- Wipers: 64 (33% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 32 (16% of complaints)
- Engine: 32 (16% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 14 (7% of complaints)
- Throttle and cruise control: 13 (7% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Subaru Crosstrek 2018
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Test every wiper speed and the washer.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Subaru Crosstrek recalls by year
- 2016 : 1 recalls · 132 complaints
- 2017 : 1 recalls · 97 complaints
- 2018 : 5 recalls · 195 complaints
- 2019 : 7 recalls · 285 complaints
- 2020 : 0 recalls · 69 complaints
- 2021 : 1 recalls · 115 complaints
- 2022 : 0 recalls · 31 complaints
- 2023 : 0 recalls · 34 complaints
- 2024 : 2 recalls · 120 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 44 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Subaru Crosstrek 2018 have?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Crosstrek 2018. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Crosstrek 2018?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: wipers (64 of 195 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 14, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).