Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Visibility/wiper64
- Unknown or other41
- Electrical system32
- Engine32
- Power train14
- Vehicle speed control13
- Structure10
- Visibility9
- Steering6
- Exterior lighting5
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 29 2018 Crosstrek vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 10 people died inside them, and 4 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek failed the safety check 1.44% of the time — 13% less often than the average 2018 passenger car (1.65%). Median odometer at inspection: 57,658 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 1 variant; 1 of 1 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD | ★★★★★ | 15.6 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Optional
- Lane departure warning
- Optional
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 2 variants: combined 8.1–9.4 L/100 km (about 25–29 mpg US), CO₂ 188–220 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 8.8 | 7.2 | 8.1 |
| Crosstrek AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 10.5 | 8.1 | 9.4 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
5 Transport Canada recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek.
| 2024546 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" a… |
| 2021226 15 Apr 2021 | Suspension Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolts for the rear stabilizer bracket could loosen over time. This may cause a rattling notice from the rear of the vehicle. I… |
| 2021228 15 Apr 2021 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine control module (ECM) may have been programmed incorrectly. As a result, the internal temperature of the ignition coils … |
| 2019525 17 Oct 2019 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles, the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve could fail. If you continue to operate the vehicle after this happens, pieces of th… |
| 2019526 17 Oct 2019 | Engine This recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2021-228. Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine control unit (ECU) may have been programmed incor… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Subaru told its dealers about the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010925 | This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last being Decemeber 3rd. This update is for approximatelt 714,000 VINs. |
| 11010922 | This bulletin announces repair procedures to be used when diagnosing dark current draw (parasitic draw) on vehicles equipped with Gen 1 Data Control Modules. |
| 11009701 | This bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold. This regulation applies to any automobile retailer installing accessories on a vehicle prior to its first sale. |
| 11009685 | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. |
| 11008283 | This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer. |
| 11008282 | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. |
| 11008281 | This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines. |
| 11008280 | This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries. |
| 11008279 | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. |
| 11008276 | The CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units. |
| 11008275 | "In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the Warranty coverage time period for the fuel pump impeller to 15 years." |
| 11008273 | Denso low pressure fuel pump warranty extension. |
| 11008267 | This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter. |
| 11008262 | This bulletin announces the procedures required to reprogram the DCM (Data Communication Module) in Gen1 Subaru vehicles in response to the 3G network sunsetting. |
| 11008259 | This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement. |
| 11008258 | This bulletin announces the availability of new oxygen sensors developed to address Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) detected by the Engine Control Module. |
| 11006942 | This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM). These files address concerns of the starter motor not operating in low ambient temperatures (less than 0 Degrees Celsius/ 32 Degrees Fahrenheit). |
| 11006940 | This bulletin announces the design change made to the high-pressure fuel pump developed to prevent DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low Bank 1). |
| 11006935 | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure for 2025MY vehicles. |
| 11006934 | The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site. |
| 11006932 | This Service Information Bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when the Data Communication Module (DCM) is being tested as a dark current/standby current source. |
| 11006931 | This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16. |
| 11006929 | This bulletin provides a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.0 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed. |
| 11005624 | This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available. |
| 11005617 | This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers). |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)