2018 Subaru Crosstrek: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Subaru Crosstrek? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 193 complaints, with Visibility/Wiper as the top reported area.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2018 Subaru Crosstrek trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.6% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.6% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 193 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Visibility/Wiper. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Crosstrek
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 193
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Visibility/Wiper
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Visibility/Wiper, Uncategorized Issues, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the windshield wiper system for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the windshield wiper system for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek are concentrated in the Visibility/Wiper category, with 64 reports. Engine and electrical issues also appear frequently, though the data is limited to a single model year and low confidence. Crash-related complaints are relatively few at 10.
- Visibility/Wiper complaints dominate with 64 reports.
- Engine problems account for 32 complaints.
- Electrical faults total 31 complaints.
- Visibility/Wiper system issues
- Engine problems
- Electrical faults
All 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 193 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 193 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV). 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Visibility/Wiper during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.