Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek a bad year?
195 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine and transmission complaints are in line with other Crosstrek years.
Keep it
Engine and transmission complaints for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek are in line with other Crosstrek years. Visibility and wipers stands out for this year: see below.
The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.
What 2018 Crosstrek owners report, by mileage
Each system owners named in five or more complaints, with the mileage range where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Read at 23,000 miles.
| SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | MIDDLE HALF FILED AT | TYPICAL US REPAIR BILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility and wipersSTANDS OUT | 72 (37%) | 12k–35k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Electrical system | 32 (16%) | 4k–36k miles · around this mileage | 12-volt battery replacement $100–$400 · Starter motor replacement $350–$1,200 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 14 (7%) | 6k–36k miles · around this mileage | CV axle / CV joint replacement (one side) $300–$1,500 · Automatic transmission replacement $2,500–$7,000 |
| Engine | 33 (17%) | 2k–22k miles · mostly behind | — |
| Speed control | 13 (7%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Body structure | 10 (5%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Steering | 6 (3%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Exterior lighting | 5 (3%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Wheels | 5 (3%) | too few with a mileage | — |
Bills are typical US ranges from the sources named in the tool (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), printed only for systems that stand out or sit at or ahead of 23,000 miles. Not a quote.
What owners reported alongside their complaints
Of 195 complaints: 10 mention a crash · 1 mentions a fire · 1 reports an injury · 6 say the car was towed.
10 complaints were filed in the last 12 months, the newest in Oct 2026.
Counts of what owners wrote in their complaints, not verified by anyone.
Recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek: 5
The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit. A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach. Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving. An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
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. 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.
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year; the campaign size counts every model and year it lists. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: dealers fix open recalls free.
Service bulletins from Subaru: 235
Repair instructions Subaru sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Ask a dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
Diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404…
Step-by-step diagnostic procedure for resolving Remote Engine Start (RES) failures for both Telematics and remote engine start equipped vehicles
Diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT…
When diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR580 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed
Neighbouring years
2017 Crosstrek: 95 complaints, keep it · 2019 Crosstrek: 286 complaints, keep it.
Every Subaru Crosstrek year
2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025 · 2026 · All Crosstrek years side by side
Other Subaru models: Subaru Ascent · Subaru Forester · Subaru Impreza · Subaru Legacy · Subaru Outback · Subaru WRX · Subaru XV Crosstrek. All makes and models.
Questions
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek a bad year?
195 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine and transmission complaints are in line with other Crosstrek years. At 23,000 miles the tool says: Keep it.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
By owner complaints to NHTSA: visibility and wipers (72), electrical system (32), transmission and drivetrain (14), engine (33), speed control (13).
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have?
5 recall campaigns list this model year: Exhaust (NHTSA 21V-264), Suspension (NHTSA 21V-263), Electrical system (NHTSA 19V-743), Exhaust (NHTSA 19V-744) and more. A recall may cover only some cars; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Method: counts of unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared only with other years of the same model (sales volumes are unknown, so no failure rate is computed). A system stands out at 40+ complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. The mileage range is the 25th to 75th percentile of the mileages owners reported. Data received by NHTSA through November 5, 2026. Repair prices are typical US ranges from named sources, not quotes. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Check this car at your own mileage.