2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. This model year has 193 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Visibility/Wiper.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Engine Problems
Considering a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 64 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 41 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 32 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 31 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 14 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 5 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Chest Clip | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Buckle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Harness | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 193 most recent complaints
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.
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 p…
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 …
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 …
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 mechani…
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 vehic…
Vehicle was maintained by dealer and out of the blue, started bucking intermittently while driving resulting in an unsafe driving experience. took it to the dealer to evaluate, told us, "They could change the transmission fluid and filter to see if that fixes the problem." they w…
The front windshield spontaneously developed a crack about 5 inches long which later suddenly increased to about 15 inches in length. It is our understanding that this problem has occurred in the windshields of other Subaru models. The internet states that Subaru windshields have…
All four tire pressure monitoring sensors failed on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek at approximately 69,000 miles. The TPMS light remains illuminated, and the system no longer provides low-tire-pressure warnings. Subaru of America acknowledged the issue but declined full repair coverage…
Driver seat has came loose from its structure, this has been reported by many other owners, the seat track fail and the seat rock back, hopefully it don't fall off track while driving and injure someone, VERY UNSAFE! the other SAFETY issue with our Subaru is the Infotainment syst…
factory alarm is triggered late in the evening while in my garage regardless if vehicle is locked or unlocked
I have a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, I am the second owner, the first owner bought it in 2019, I am having acceleration problems, I have already taken it to two different mechanics, they say it is a problem with the computer, they have already checked and scanned it and they tell me t…
I have had my car jumped twice in the last 7 days. Today I will be replacing the battery with AAA. Is there a recall on my vehicle? I saw an article there is a recall for starting issues and the coils. Please advise. Thank you.
I am writing to formally raise a significant safety concern regarding my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. I recently discovered a malfunction in the transfer case (pictures attached), specifically involving the center differential gear set, which necessitated immediate replacement. This is…
My car randomly blows white smoke put of the exhaust and supposedly had the PCV valve replaced in Jan 2020 by the Subaru service center. I am noticing drastically lower mileage as more white smoke seems to be coming out of the exhaust and cannot help but feel these are all relate…
The main head unit display (8") that controls the climate, audio and other control functions as well as the backup camera video feed is poorly made and subject to rapid delamination at edges and center. We reported and showed this problem to a Subaru dealer multiple times in pa…
The driver seat has been rocking back and forth a bit for a for a couple of weeks and lately started rocking a lot, enough that it rocks back while accelerating and rocks forward while braking causing unintentional excessive breaking. This feels like a safety issue. This is a 201…
I was driving to a friends house . When the engine started sputtering billowing blue smoke , the engine just stopped . I had it towed to my mechanics shop.maui fix auto 808-877-3731 Wailuku Maui Hawaii . He told me engine failed , extended warranty thru geico would not cover. I w…
The passenger window switch on the drivers side door panel is loose and is jammed (will not depress). Nearly impossible to get passenger window to go down.
While driving on a 71 degree, clear day on 16 May 2024, out of nowhere and without prior warning, my sunroof/moonroof glass on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek limited, (50th anniversary edition) just exploded. See pics attached.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek.
Recalls for 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 193 NHTSA owner complaints, 10 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Visibility/Wiper (64 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
#1: Visibility/Wiper (64 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (41 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (32 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 10 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 193 total NHTSA complaints. 1 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?▾
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The largest issue: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV). Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Visibility/Wiper issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Crosstrek reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.