Recalls · problems · safety

2018 Subaru Crosstrek: recalls and problems

5 recalls and 195 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is visibility/wiper.

5recalls
195complaints
10crashes reported
1fires reported
1injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Visibility/Wiper64 · 33%
  • Unknown Or Other41 · 21%
  • Electrical System32 · 16%
  • Engine32 · 16%
  • Power Train14 · 7%
  • Vehicle Speed Control13 · 7%
  • Structure10 · 5%
  • Visibility9 · 5%
  • Steering6 · 3%
  • Wheels5 · 3%

What owners report

Wheels

Wheel studs, continually shearer off because of mismatched threads between bolt and nuts common problem among a lot of of subaru

Electrical System,Engine

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.

Unknown Or OtherCrash

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.

Electrical 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

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2018 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Crosstrek. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.