CSR

Subaru · NHTSA safety record

2018 Subaru Crosstrek

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 194 safety complaints about the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with the US government. Of those, 10 describe a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 1 person was injured and no death is recorded. 5 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is visibility and the wipers, named in 64 complaints, 33% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 18,000 miles, the median across the 117 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers September 2017 to July 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

194 complaints on file

194

Complaints

10

Describe a crash

1

Mention fire

1

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
VISIBILITY/WIPER 64 · 33%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 41 · 21%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 32 · 16%
ENGINE 32 · 16%
POWER TRAIN 14 · 7%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 13 · 7%
STRUCTURE 10 · 5%
VISIBILITY 9 · 5%
STEERING 6 · 3%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 5 · 3%
SEATS 4 · 2%
WHEELS 4 · 2%
0 27 54

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 194.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2020 at 44.

48 36 24 12
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2017 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2018 Subaru CROSSTREK, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test SW AWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 15.6%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

5 on file

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

21V264000 · April 15, 2021

The defect
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.
The risk
A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 466,205 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:REAR

21V263000 · April 15, 2021

The defect
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.
The risk
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 408,271 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

19V743000 · October 18, 2019

The defect
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.
The risk
If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 466,205 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

19V744000 · October 17, 2019

The defect
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.
The risk
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 205,000 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES

17V701000 · November 7, 2017

The defect
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 2,367 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 injured · crash

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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

fire

8/17/23 I left my vehicle on with the air conditioning running. Left on because my dogs were in the car. Came out of restaurant after 40 minutes & car was on fire inside the vehicle. Opened back door on drivers side & back seat was on fire. Black smoke coming out of the car. Car was put out by fire department. It could have blown up. Car is total loss. FD & PD investigated. No foul play. Unknown reason. Happened in Carthage NC 28327 notified State Farm insurance but haven’t notified Subaru yet

NHTSA complaint 11539358. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

crash · towed · 18,000 miles

AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT AT HIGHWAY SPEED (~80MPH).

NHTSA complaint 11202567. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

crash · towed · 20,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE. A PICK UP TRUCK CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER PANEL OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT CALLED SUBARU OF GRAPEVINE (2651 WILLIAM D TATE AVE, GRAPEVINE, TX 76051, (817) 438-1700) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE

NHTSA complaint 11289688, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 21V264000 (Subaru Recall WRE-21), which was intended to permanently remedy an ECM software defect that over-energizes and melts the ignition coils. Subaru of America (Case # 260630-2101598) is denying coverage, claiming

NHTSA complaint 11748847, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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 traffic a bit, it was a downright dangerous situation. Car had to be towed to dealership and took them 5 days to diagnose and fix the problem. Ignition coil and spark plug replacements costed $1500. Don't think the recall

NHTSA complaint 11723589, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION
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 pressure warning light appeared on my dashboard. I checked the tire pressure with a gauge and found no issue. I assumed (and later confirmed while getting a tire changed) that the tire pressure sensor had a dead battery,

NHTSA complaint 11723204, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

90,000 miles

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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Subaru Crosstrek

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 44 0 —
2024 118 2 —
2023 34 0 —
2022 31 0 —
2021 115 1 —
2020 69 0 —
2019 284 7 —
2017 94 1 —
2016 132 1 —
2015 17 1 —
2014 16 1 —
2013 26 1 —

Other 2018 Subaru models

Every Subaru on this site — 99 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst