2018 Subaru Crosstrek: Recalls and Reported Problems
Every NHTSA safety recall recorded for this model year, what owners report most often, and how to check whether one specific vehicle still has open work.
Two identical Crosstreks can differ entirely: one may have had every recall repaired, the other none.
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, alongside 194 owner complaints filed with the agency, most often about visibility/wiper. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by a franchised dealer, with no expiry on safety recalls. A recall applies to a production range, so check the specific VIN — a previous owner may already have had the work done.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek at a glance
What owners report most
These are the vehicle systems named most often in complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. A complaint is an unverified owner report: it does not establish a defect, and a high count can simply reflect a popular model. Use it to decide where an inspection should look hardest.
| Vehicle system | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 64 |
| Unknown Or Other | 41 |
| Electrical System | 32 |
| Engine | 32 |
| Power Train | 14 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 13 |
Recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Each campaign below is an official NHTSA record. The remedy is performed free of charge by a franchised dealer, and safety recalls never expire — but a campaign covers a production range, so only a VIN lookup confirms whether a particular vehicle is included and whether the work is still outstanding.
| Campaign | Component | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| 21V263000 | SUSPENSION:REAR | 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. |
| 21V264000 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE | 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. |
| 19V743000 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE | 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. |
| 19V744000 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) | 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… |
| 17V701000 | SERVICE BRAKES | 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. |
How to check one specific Crosstrek
- Copy the 17-character VIN from the windshield or driver-door label — not from the listing.
- Run it through NHTSA’s free recall lookup to see open campaigns for that exact vehicle.
- Ask the seller for repair documentation on any campaign that shows as completed.
- Check title, odometer, and total-loss history separately; recalls say nothing about a vehicle’s past.
- Book an independent pre-purchase inspection focused on the systems owners report most.
What this data cannot tell you
- Whether a specific vehicle is included in a campaign, or whether its recall work was completed — only a VIN lookup answers that.
- Whether a complaint is accurate. NHTSA publishes owner reports without verifying them.
- How reliable the model is overall: complaint volume tracks how many vehicles were sold as much as how they hold up.
- Anything about title brands, accident history, odometer records, or liens on an individual vehicle.
Primary sources behind this page
Open the underlying public source and verify that its scope matches the question you are asking.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls covering the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek as of 2026-09-11. Whether a specific vehicle is affected — and whether the repair was already done — depends on its VIN.
What are the most common 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems?
Owners most often report visibility/wiper, unknown or other, electrical system issues to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports and do not establish a defect, but they show where to focus an inspection.
Are Subaru recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no charge by a franchised dealer, and federal safety recalls do not expire. Bring the VIN and ask the dealer to confirm open campaigns before the appointment.
Can I check recalls on a specific 2018 Subaru Crosstrek VIN?
Yes. NHTSA's free VIN lookup reports open recalls for an individual vehicle, including whether the repair is still outstanding. Model-level lists like this page cannot tell you that.