repaired · 2023 Q1
Suspension: rear
Risk. Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 Subaru CrosstrekProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 195 owner complaints about the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, most often about the visibility/wiper. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-264 the manufacturer reports only 88% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Cutlass, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has problems
195 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
64Visibility/wiper
32Electrical system
32Engine1 crash/fire/injury
14Power train3 crash/fire/injury
13Vehicle speed control5 crash/fire/injury
10Structure
9Visibility
6Steering
5Wheels
2812 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 64 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 32 | 0 |
| Engine | 32 | 1 |
| Power train | 14 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 13 | 5 |
| Structure | 10 | 1 |
| Visibility | 9 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 0 |
| Wheels | 5 | 1 |
| 12 other systems | 28 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2018 Subaru Crosstrek recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
Risk. An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2019 Q1
Service brakes
Risk. If the floor mat moves out of position and interferes with the accelerator or brake pedal operation, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Mileage at failure
When do visibility/wiper problems start?
20kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 51 visibility/wiper complaints. 100% were reported before 100,000 miles.
33under 30k miles51under 100k miles0100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Crosstrek year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Crosstrek median. How we score
'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Subaru Crosstrek safety ratings
2018 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Crosstrek owners report
Recent visibility/wiper complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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 had a tendency to…
While driving home in the evening, I was startled by a sudden cracking sound that I heard. Although nothing appeared to have impacted the windshield, I speculated that it may have been caused by a plastic bag in which I stored trash in my vehicle on occasion. The following day, my partner noticed a…
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.
Own a 2018 Crosstrek?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.