Recalls (5)
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Rear Stabilizer Bracket Bolts May Detach
- Summary
- 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.
ECM Software May Cause Stall
- Summary
- 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.
ECM Software May Cause Stall
- Summary
- 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.
PCV Valve May Separate
- Summary
- 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.
Incorrect Floor Mat Retention Bracket
- Summary
- 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.
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (195)
195 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The visibility/wiper is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 195 |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 64 | 32.8% |
| Unknown or other | 41 | 21% |
| Electrical system | 32 | 16.4% |
| Engine | 32 | 16.4% |
| Power train | 14 | 7.2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 13 | 6.7% |
| Structure | 10 | 5.1% |
| Visibility | 9 | 4.6% |
| Steering | 6 | 3.1% |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 2.6% |
How 2018 compares with other Crosstrek years
Best and worst Crosstrek years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 16 | 1 |
| 2015 | 17 | 1 |
| 2016 | 132 | 1 |
| 2017 | 94 | 1 |
| 2018 | 195 | 5 |
| 2019 | 284 | 7 |
| 2020 | 69 | 0 |
| 2021 | 115 | 1 |
| 2022 | 31 | 0 |
| 2023 | 34 | 0 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 5 stars overall
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2018 Subaru Crosstrek sw awd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 29 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,300
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 301 g/mi
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 29 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 L 4-cyl · AV-S7 CVT | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 29 | $2,300 | 301 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manual | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | $2,700 | 353 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2018 Crosstrek for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2018 Subaru Crosstrek FAQ
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns: 21V263000 (suspension), 21V264000 (engine), 19V743000 (electrical), 19V744000 (engine), 17V701000 (brake). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems?
Owners filed 195 complaints with NHTSA. Visibility/wiper (64), Unknown or other (41), Electrical system (32) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek get?
EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · AV-S7 CVT version at 27 city, 33 highway and 29 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek get?
NHTSA rated the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek sw awd 5 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (15.6% rollover risk).
How does the 2018 Crosstrek compare with other years?
Among the 2014–2021 Subaru Crosstrek model years at least five years old, the 2014 drew the fewest complaints (16) and the 2019 the most (284). The 2018 drew 195. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.