The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,548,048 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 253 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the visibility/wiper. Last updated July 5, 2026.
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…
SUSPENSION21V2630002021-04-15408,271 affected
Defect
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.
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. …
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING19V7440002019-10-17205,000 affected
Defect
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…
SERVICE BRAKES17V7010002017-11-072,367 affected
Defect
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.
Complaints by component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
64
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
41
2crashes1fires1injuries
ENGINE
31
1crashes
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
30
POWER TRAIN
14
3crashes
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
13
5crashes
STRUCTURE:BODY
9
1crashes
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
7
STEERING
6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
5
Total complaints253
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“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 problems. I would get…”
“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 vehicles under 100,000…”
“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 mechanic, where a…”
“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 came on though. When…”
“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 exposure). A…”
“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 were not sure that…”
“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, offering only…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.