Complaint volume
193 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Subaru Crosstrek Complaints
193 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, grouped by component category.
193 Total complaints
10 Crash reports
1 Fire reports
1 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are visibility/wiper, unknown or other, electrical system. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 10 crash reports, 1 fire report, 1 injury report, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 117 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 23,314 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to visibility/wiper, unknown or other, electrical system?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek complaints?
10 Crash
1 Fire
1 Injury
0 Fatality
6 Towed
1 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Subaru Crosstrek complaint categories?
VISIBILITY/WIPER 56
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18
ENGINE 15
POWER TRAIN 6
VISIBILITY 6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 4
STRUCTURE 4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 3
193 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My car was parked in the covered garage at the Denver airport. I left for 3 days and came back to a large crack in the windshield stemming from the lower driver side to the middle of the windshield. Nothing had hit it. It spontaneously cracked. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Windshield cracked almost all the way across to other side and then down. This vehicle has the eyesight package. I do not remember date it happened but will state 2 years ago. When it happened it quickly moved across windshield. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness | was loosening the shoulder strap to get my child out of the seat and one of the straps came completely off of the seat. the strap hadn't broken, just had come unattached from the seat. now only one strap is usable. sent pictures to cybex and because it was 2 months out of the 2 year warranty, they couldn't replace it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | A windshield that was replaced July 14, 2021 at a Subaru dealership developed a crack for no apparent reason within 6 months (December 2021). The crack began at the bottom passenger-side edge and as of July 17, 2022 the crack has now extended 3/4 the distance across the windshield (upwards towards the top edge of the windshield). This is a very expensive replacement cost ($1,400) at the Subaru dealership. I am concerned about replacing the windshield again if the replacement windshields are defective and prone to cracking. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This issue has happen 2 other times one time last year where Suburu Tow Truck had to be called, 2nd time May 2022 in Larchmont, NY and a Police Office Had To Come Help Me. And, the 3rd time on July 4, 2022, in the super market of Key Food, Throggsneck, NY a stranger had to help me. When, I park my car and I turn off my ignition and the steering wheel is to the left it will lock. The manual says when the steering wheel locks to insert the key and slightly turn the wheel and it will unlock. Well I am not strong enough to do it. Usually, men come to assist me and they have trouble unlocking it. There is something definately not right. I should never have to go through so much trouble and why is my steering wheel locking. I also have issue with my car staining in various places. I don't eat in my car and my car is under a port in a shaded area. I have taking it to the dealer and reported it to suburu they said nothing. But, my car keeps staining. I had my car since 2017. And, I had multiple problems with it. The air conditioner doesn't cool enough, even when it is 70 degrees inside or out, the hose has be change multiple times, my tires rotors have always been black and I never take to a car wash i wash it at home and dry it wheel by wheel, and the back door does open properly and I have been hit in the head several times. I had computer problems where it keeps being reprogramed. But, the steering wheel is freaking me out I have a child and being lockout of my vehicle because I can't turn it on is very dangerous. Please assist. I have a video. it won't let me upload the video? Why [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2022 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | A very, very small pebble hit the windshield while driving and caused a ~9 inch fracture in the windshield. I see that Subaru has had a class action lawsuit for defective windshields, but for some reason did not include the 2018 Crosstrek — but I can assure you, it's the same glass on these vehicles and the smallest pebble caused a nearly foot long crack. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The windshield cracked across the whole front of the car while it was parked in a private lot. There is no sign of impact. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2022 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that upon entering his vehicle after a light snowstorm, he noticed a vertical crack had from the bottom passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact stated that the crack had expanded further up the windshield and obstructed his vision while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and claimed they never heard of such a failure. The contact stated that he was also informed that the windshield was not covered under warranty and was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 80,000 |
| Jan 2022 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | I got a cracked glass on the empty road and this is a same problem like at Impreza | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after a heavy rain and starting the vehicle several warning messages appeared on the instrument panel such as the assist braking and eyesight driver assist needed servicing. The contact also stated that the steering wheel was hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that a sensor in the wheel caused the failure. The sensor was replaced however, the failure reoccurred after heavy rains a month a later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the failure reoccurred due to the computer sensor in the rear driver’s side wheel that was replaced was not reset. The contact stated that in December water was noticed on the driver’s side floor and condensation after a heavy rain. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again where the failure was diagnosed as clogged sunroof draining ports. The contact stated that the sunroof port needed to be replaced and unclogged. The manufacturer was notified, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 32,000 |
| Jan 2022 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Windshield cracked in cold weather. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER | This is the second time my windshield has spontaneously cracked since buying my 2018 Crosstrek. Both the first and this time, the windshield appears to crack for no apparent reason and the crack grows every day until it crosses the entire windshield. These are costly to repair and should NOT crack without any visible damage. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Cowl panel separates from windshield. Taken to dealer on 4/21/21, paid $410 for replacement, 8 months later, 12/11/21, noticed separation again. At dealer to have it replaced. Same issue reported with Impreza, NTSHA IDs: 11408233, 11193248. Cowl separation probably allows water intrusion into engine compartment, possible degradation of window seal and further fogging of windshield. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2021 | POWER TRAIN | under light throttle, car jerks at approximately 25 mph. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2021 | ENGINE | ECM reprogramming. I have sent in a report of 2018 Crosstrek manual transmission models like mine with acceleration delay and hesitation. There has been numerous reports of this issue among the owners. It creates hazardous condition when the driver is unexpectedly experiencing power loss or acceleration delay on lane merging situations. My car hesitates at around 2000 RPM during acceleration. I have approached Subaru dealer last year at approximately 28K miles. The car was deemed " normal". Then I called Subaru of America and I was told no such issues were reported. However, after my own research online on Crosstrek forum, this has been a known issue. In fact, tehre is a Subaru issued service bulletin on the issue described above. The Subaru service bulletin states " applicability: 2018-21 MY Crosstrek 2.0L MT Subject: Lack of power / hesitation during acceleration Number 09-77-21R Date 7/28/21 Revised 08/19/21. It also included 2017-21 MY Impreza 2.0L MT. The service bulletin describes the same problem I have experienced and described above and an ECM reprograming is needed to fix the issue. Subaru of America has not issued a recall on these models. It should have. It should have done so in 2019 or 2010 when owners of these vehicles like me has brought the issue to their attention. Please investigate and contact Subaru of America so potential accidents, hazards can be avoided. These cars need to be recalled. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2021 | ENGINE | There are many online posts of the same issues as my 2018 Crosstrek acceleration hesitancy, stumbling at around 2000 RPM or under light acceleration. This is particularly hazardous when entering highways. The Subaru dealership cannot find any issue with diagnostic error codes. I called Subaru of America they also reports no such recalls on the complaint above. Please investigate this for the Model year 2015 and newer Subaru Crosstreks. Many many people who owns this model has complained this on the online forum for same issue and no response or fix from Subaru. Below is a sample of what other Crosstrek owners experienced what I have experienced also: Subaru XV Crosstrek Engine hesitates during acceleration ...https://www.yourmechanic.com › ... › XV Crosstrek An engine that is hesitating to accelerate is most likely dealing with a fuel/air mixture that is too lean. Engine's that are running inefficiently will begin ... Hesitation during Subaru Crosstrek acceleration - victoriamgclubhttps://victoriamgclub.com › hesitation-during-subaru-c... Feb 24, 2020 — Another possible explanation why you experience hesitation during Subaru Crosstrek acceleration, whether you are driving, stationary, hot, cold ... Engine hesitation after ignition coil recall service - Subaru XV ...https://www.clubcrosstrek.com › threads › engine-hesita... May 30, 2020 — Hi...does the Crosstrek have multiple ignition coils...like one per cylinder, or just one? I had the impression that it was a single one? Problem with Accelerating/Going up hills - Subaru XV ... Sep 17, 2020 Rough Starts regardless of condition? - Subaru XV Crosstrek ... Dec 3, 2014 Engine Stumble? | Subaru XV Crosstrek Forums Apr 11, 2014 Sporadic Starting Problems | Subaru XV Crosstrek Forums Feb 5, 2014 More results from www.clubcrosstrek.com 2019 Subaru Crosstrek - Hesitates - Maintenance/Repairshttps://community.cartalk.com › 2019-subaru-crosstrek... Jun 7, 2019 — 825 miles and the car occasionally hesitates when m | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2021 | SEATS | I recently 10/7/2021 had my Subaru serviced for an oil change, and a couple of safety recalls that were needed. I also had a loose center console, and a loose wobbly drivers seat. Ramsey Subaru, Urbandale IA performed the service. Upon picking the vehicle up on the above date I was informed that all services were performed and fixed with the exception of the drivers seat. I was informed that the drivers seat needed to be replaced because “The welds on the bracket had broken.” With that said they said that would not come under warranty because my Subaru has 51,000 miles on it and it is past the 3 years 36,000 mile warranty. I get that, my assumption when I had the car serviced that the bolts on the seat bracket just needed tightened. I was told by the service advisor that the seat bracket would cost over $800.00 to be fixed. How is a weld defect a consumer issue? That is why I’m contacting you. This is a safety issue for the drivers of Subaru’s and other motorists and Subaru needs to be held accountable and fix this issue with a mandatory recall. Please feel free to contact me at [XXX] or by email in regards to this very serious safety issue. I have read on the internet that isn’t the first issue with the seat bracket welds. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2021 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The third windshield we've had on this car cracked again for now reason. This is available for inspection, and we have documentation of the previous issues, including when Subaru paid part of the second one because they determined there was no reason the windshield should have cracked. Windshield cracked while in the driveway (we were in the car), determined unsafe to drive.The problem keeps occurring. Each windshield replacement has been performed by the dealership we bought the car from. The vehicle has been inspected by the State Farm insurance folks for payment of the first windshield repair. There was no warning for the crack. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2021 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The failure occurred while operating the vehicle in warmer humid weather. The contact indicated that the failure occurred after the vehicle was serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V264000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling) which included replacing the and updating the EMC software. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000. Consumer stated vehicle is still at the dealer. | Crash: No Fire: No | 58,000 |
| Sep 2021 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while her husband was approaching the parked vehicle, he noticed a crack on the upper driver’s side of the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 23,000 |
| Aug 2021 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstek. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number:21V264000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The part was on backorder because of a previous recall for the ignition coil as well. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed the backorder of the part for the recall. The manufacturer also informed the contact that their case would be escalated. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2021 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The battery in my Crosstrek inexplicably drains and sometimes won't hold a charge. I've had to buy a charger/booster after replacing the battery twice. 7/20/2020 and 9/18/2020 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2021 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Purchased used in August 2019 - Premium 6MT. Issue has been present since purchase. There is hesitation with acceleration, not only with extremely slow acceleration, but jerking and surging at times. Dangerous when trying to pull out into traffic and driving in general. Appears to be an issue mostly between 2k-3k and then seems to rev properly after 3k, but have noticed jerking up around 4k and over. Had taken to dealer several times before issue was reproducible, then told to be issue with buildup of carbon in fuel lines. Had fuel lines blown, problem lessened, but did not resolve - this was roughly a year ago, problem has continued and worsened. Changed air filter with no change in problem. Multiple other owners on Subaru forums have this same issue, as well as have posted on this website. Subaru needs to recognize this as an issue and resolve. No dashboard lights appear, no sensor issues have been reported. There is also a "knock" or "bloop" sound that comes from the passenger rear of the car, near the gas tank input, when pulling forward from reversing. Not sure if that is part of issue, perhaps too much air is getting into system? It's a very annoying issue; if I had known, I would have kept my Jetta. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | UNKNOWN My Subaru has always had a little hesitation when accelerating. I brought this up to the dealer and they are telling me it is normal. However, in the last few months, it has gotten worse. Sometimes, when trying to accelerate into traffic, the car feels like it's going to stall or die, then it kicks in and I am able to accelerate. This is intermittent, so I never know when it's going to happen. This is a safety issue, since the hesitation could cause me to get hit. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2021 | SEATS | Driver seat mounting, the driver seat was rocking, at 11,000 miles the dealer replaced a bolt under warranty. It started again at 25,800 miles. Now out of warranty, the Dealer did replace the seat base at no charge as goodwill...I am a big man 6'3 250# but that should not exceed the parameters of a seat mount...at this point I am satisficed with the repair but not happy it has occurred twice in a 4 year old car with less than 26,000 miles on it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |