2018 Subaru Crosstrek: common problems and reliability

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 193 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper and electrical system. Owners most often flag underpowered base 2.0l engine — described as weak, sluggish, and struggling with highway merging and passing. owners recommend the 2.5l. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2018 model year

193
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
10
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

visibility/wiper
64
electrical system
31
engine
31
power train
14
vehicle speed control
13

Recalls affecting the 2018 Crosstrek

engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)

Campaign 19V744000

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 separat…

suspension:rear

Campaign 21V263000

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.

electrical system:software

Campaign 21V264000

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, causi…

electrical system:software

Campaign 19V743000

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 …

What owners say across generations

Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a strong reputation for practicality, safety, and all-weather capability. The vehicle is widely praised for its standard all-wheel-drive system, excellent ground clearance, and suitability for outdoor lifestyles, inclu

  • Underpowered base 2.0L engine — described as weak, sluggish, and struggling with highway merging and passing. Owners recommend the 2.5L. Frequency: very frequent.
  • CVT transmission concerns — reliability worries beyond 100,000 miles, recommendations for strict fluid change intervals (every 60k miles), laggy throttle response. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Infotainment system lag — touchscreen response delays, slow menu navigation, system freezes requiring restart. Climate controls integrated into touchscreen criticized. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Windshield cracking — described as an "Achilles' heel" of Subaru vehicles, prone to chips and cracks. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Oil consumption — primarily reported in older models (pre-2015), but concerns persist for later FB-series engines. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Crosstrek.

Typical used price

Used Crosstrek listings typically run $17,995–$26,567 across 2013 to 2026 model years.

Other Crosstrek model years

2025 Crosstrek2024 Crosstrek2023 Crosstrek2022 Crosstrek2020 Crosstrek2017 Crosstrek2013 Crosstrek
Full Subaru Crosstrek owner reportCompare against another car