2018 Subaru Crosstrek: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek: 5 recalls, 195 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes, Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #17V701000 · 2017 · 2,367 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #19V744000 · 2019 · 205,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Electrical, Electrical Vehicle recall #19V743000 · 2019 · 466,205 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle May stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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,…
Suspension Vehicle recall #21V263000 · 2021 · 408,271 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Missing bolts May allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021.
Electrical, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #21V264000 · 2021 · 466,205 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A short circuit in the ignition coils May cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility/Wiper (64): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Other / unknown (41): the most common themes are electrical failure (4), stalls / loses power (4).
- Electrical (32): the most common themes are electrical failure (12), stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (5).
- Engine (32): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (12), noise or vibration (6).
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 195 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 15 Crosstrek model years for complaints (2.5× the average Crosstrek year). Complaints peaked in 2020 (44 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 18,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (94 complaints, 1 recalls), 2019 (285 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 33 | 29 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems?
Owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (64), other / unknown (41), electrical (32).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (AV-S7)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.