2018 Subaru Crosstrek VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 186 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (57), Unknown Or Other (30), Electrical System (27).
Crosstrek reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Subaru Crosstrek before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2018 Subaru Crosstrek issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Visibility Wiper57
- Unknown Or Other30
- Electrical System27
- Engine14
- Power Train12
- Vehicle Speed Control9
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Check for windshield cracks or chips, especially near the edges
- Test for battery drainage by leaving the car unused for a few days
- Inspect starter motor for premature failure signs
- Verify proper function of the TPMS system
- Test for acceleration hesitation or stalling during a test drive
- Inspect wheel bearings for noise or wear
- Check driver seat for stability and secure mounting
2018 Crosstrek recalls (5)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Crosstrek. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 21V264000Apr 15, 2021
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, causing a short circuit.
Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
- SUSPENSIONNHTSA 21V263000Apr 15, 2021
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.
Consequence: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 19V743000Oct 18, 2019
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 result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 19V744000Oct 17, 2019
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 separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.
- SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNHTSA 17V701000Nov 7, 2017
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Crosstrek vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect floor mat retention bracket, allowing the floor mat to move out of position and interfere with the accelerator or brake pedal operation.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mat retention bracket and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTR-77.
Used-market value
2018 Subaru Crosstrek resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek on the road
9,437 2018 Subaru Crosstrek units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
With a 73/100 score against a 75/100 segment average, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek lands slightly below average for reliability. That points to a mixed record rather than a clear strength, especially for buyers who prioritize predictability.
Complaints are not evenly spread. They cluster most heavily around visibility and wiper-related problems, with a smaller but still meaningful share falling into general “unknown/other” and electrical system reports. Engine and powertrain concerns show up less often, suggesting the main reliability pressure points are more concentrated in the vehicle’s supporting systems than in core propulsion components. Recall activity is elevated, adding to overall uncertainty.
Overall, the data supports a moderate risk level that trends slightly higher than the segment norm.
What you get in a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek report
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2018 Subaru Crosstrek — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
With a 73/100 score against a 75/100 segment average, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek lands slightly below average for reliability. That points to a mixed record rather than a clear strength, especially for buyers who prioritize predictability.
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have?
5 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems?
The most-reported 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (57), Unknown Or Other (30), Electrical System (27).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.