2018 Subaru Crosstrek Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 245 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve visibility/wiper and unknown or other.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 245 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
VISIBILITY/WIPER
64 26.1%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
39 15.9%
ENGINE
30 12.2%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
28 11.4%
POWER TRAIN
13 5.3%
Quick Insights
The top category is VISIBILITY/WIPER, accounting for 26.1% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 29 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has 245 owner complaints in this dataset. VISIBILITY/WIPER is the most common complaint category, representing about 26% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek are VISIBILITY/WIPER (64), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39), ENGINE (30).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 73 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 29 of 29 systems
VISIBILITY/WIPER
64 Reports26% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
CRACK APPEARED IN LOWER DRIVER'S SIDE PORTION OF WINDSHIELD. CAR WAS PARKED WHEN CRACK APPEARED. NO KNOWN SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO WINDSHIELD. CRACK APPEARS TO HAVE STARTED UNDERNEATH WINDSHIELD WIPER AT THE DE-ICER AREA AND THEN SPREAD UPWARDS.
7/26/2018
SUNROOF EXPLODED AND SHATTERED WITHOUT ANY CONTACT
12/21/2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
39 Reports16% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE CAR BATTERY WAS DEAD AND RECHARGED BY SUBARU ROADSIDE ASSIST. WE RAN THECARFOR 40 MINUTES. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE CAR BATTERY WAS DEAD AGAIN. WE CALLED THE RYE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR AND HAD IT TOWED THERE. THE PERSON WHO CHARGED THE BATTERY THE FIRST TIME TOLD US THAT SUBARU'S HAVING A LOT OF CALLS FORDEADBATTERIES BUT NOTADMITTING THERE'S A PROBLEM
2/10/2018
JUNE 2, 2018. PURCHASED A NEW 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK FROM MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND DROVE THE CAR HOME. THE NEXT DAY (JUNE 3, 2018), ON MY FIRST TRIP OUT TO RUN ERRANDS THE CAR STALLED AFTER GOING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE AT SLOW SPEED IN A PARKING LOT. THE NEXT DAY (JUNE 4, 2018), THE CAR STALLED AGAIN TWICE IN RAPID SUCCESSION UNDER SIMILAR CONDITIONS IN ANOTHER PARKING LOT. THE SAME DAY (JUNE 4, 2018), I DROVE THE CAR TO MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. SUBARU ENGINEERS EVALUATED A SIMILAR PROBLEM ON OTHER CROSSTREKS AND DETERMINED THAT THE ISSUE WAS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. 21 DAYS LATER I AM STILL WAITING FOR A REMEDY.
6/25/2018
ENGINE
30 Reports12% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
MY SAFETY CONCERN WITH THE 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK RESULTS FROM A HUGE AMOUNT OF ENGINE REV HANG ( REV HANG - A HIGH (OR 'HANGING') ENGINE RPM AFTER DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH PEDAL. REFERENCE - SUBARU OUTBACK SB# 11-174-17R DATED 6 23 17 ) WHEN SHIFTING UP THROUGH THE LOWER GEARS. AS A RESULT OF REV HANG, IT IS ESSENTIALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE THIS CAR SAFELY AND EFFICIENTLY IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT SEVERELY ABUSING THE DRIVE TRAIN. THE PROBLEM IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC WHILE UP-SHIFTING FROM FIRST AND SECOND GEAR, WHERE REV HANG CAN EXIST FOR 3 TO 4 SECONDS. A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE EXISTS AS YOU ARE AT RISK OF A REAR END COLLISION AS THE CAR ABRUPTLY SLOWS, WITH THE CAR'S BRAKE LIGHTS OFF ( THIS IS ESPECIALLY EVIDENT WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AND GOING UP A HILL ) WHILE YOU SIT AND WAIT FOR ENGINE REV HANG TO DISSIPATE IN ORDER TO UP-SHIFT THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION. I MENTION THIS POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE AS IT IS ONE THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED WHILE DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND GOING UP A HILL IN BOSTON EARLIER THIS MONTH. ADDITIONALLY, I AM CONVINCED THAT THIS REV HANG ISSUE, IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, WILL ULTIMATELY RESULT IN UNACCEPTABLY SHORTENED CLUTCH, TRANSMISSION AND ASSOCIATED DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENT LIFE. ALSO, EXCESSIVE BRAKE WEAR WILL MOST CERTAINLY RESULT, AS ANY AVAILABLE ENGINE BRAKING HAS BEEN ESSENTIALLY ELIMINATED BY ENGINE REV HANG. NOTE ' THIS REV HANG ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO SUBARU OF AMERICA, SEE S OF A SR #:1-31863796593, AND REMAINS UNCORRECTED.
4/26/2018
AFTER BEING PURCHASED ON APRIL 4TH, 2018, WITH 125 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, I RAN THE VEHICLE ROUGHLY 2000 MILES, AT WHICH TIME MY VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING MAJOR ISSUES. THE FIRST OCCASION, I WAS DRIVING IN BUMPER TO BUMPER STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON I25 IN DOWNTOWN DENVER, I STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH TRAFFIC, AND AT THAT TIME THE CAR HAD A "COMPUTER MALFUNCTION" AS I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER, ESSENTIALLY KILLING MY CAR, LEAVING ME STUCK IN THE CENTER LANE OF A 5 LANE HIGHWAY. THE SECOND OCCASION WAS THE SAME MALFUNCTION, I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD ON A CITY STREET , AND THE CAR DID THE SAME THING, HAD A "COMPUTER MALFUNCTION" AND I HAD TO BE TOWED TO A DEALER FOR SERVICE, THE ENTIRE ECM WAS REPLACED. THE THIRD BREAK DOWN WAS THE EXACT SAME MALFUNCTION AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME I WAS GOING 40 MILES PER HOUR. EXITING FROM HIGHWAY 34 IN GREELEY, CO. THE DASH LIGHTS ALL LIT UP AND MY VEHICLE SLOWED ITSELF TO A STOP AND I WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER.
5/29/2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
28 Reports11% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
PURCHASED NEW 2018 CROSSTREK WITH HARMAN KARDON PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEM. AFTER ONE WEEK THERE WAS A CONSTANT STATIC BUZZ COMING FROM THE DOOR SPEAKER ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE, EVEN WHEN THE AUDIO SYSTEM WAS TURNED OFF. DEALER SAYS THAT THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE AMPLIFIER.
9/26/2017
UPON STARTING THE CAR, THE RADIO BLARES AFTER A FEW SECONDS, WHEN BACKING UP, FOR INSTANCE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER IT HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. ACCORDING TO SUBARU, THAT'S THE WAY IT'S DESIGNED. I THINK ITS A SAFETY HAZARD, AS THE FIRST MOMENTS WHEN DRIVING CAN REQUIRE SPECIAL ATTENTION (WHEN BACKING UP, FOR INSTANCE), AND THE RADIO BLARING WITHOUT WARNING CAN BE DISCONCERTING AND JARRING. CAN THIS BE CONSIDERED A DESIGN FLAW, AND THE VEHICLES WITH THIS NEW SYSTEM RECALLED?
10/20/2017
POWER TRAIN
13 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
AFTER BEING PURCHASED ON APRIL 4TH, 2018, WITH 125 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, I RAN THE VEHICLE ROUGHLY 2000 MILES, AT WHICH TIME MY VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING MAJOR ISSUES. THE FIRST OCCASION, I WAS DRIVING IN BUMPER TO BUMPER STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON I25 IN DOWNTOWN DENVER, I STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH TRAFFIC, AND AT THAT TIME THE CAR HAD A "COMPUTER MALFUNCTION" AS I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER, ESSENTIALLY KILLING MY CAR, LEAVING ME STUCK IN THE CENTER LANE OF A 5 LANE HIGHWAY. THE SECOND OCCASION WAS THE SAME MALFUNCTION, I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD ON A CITY STREET , AND THE CAR DID THE SAME THING, HAD A "COMPUTER MALFUNCTION" AND I HAD TO BE TOWED TO A DEALER FOR SERVICE, THE ENTIRE ECM WAS REPLACED. THE THIRD BREAK DOWN WAS THE EXACT SAME MALFUNCTION AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME I WAS GOING 40 MILES PER HOUR. EXITING FROM HIGHWAY 34 IN GREELEY, CO. THE DASH LIGHTS ALL LIT UP AND MY VEHICLE SLOWED ITSELF TO A STOP AND I WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER.
5/29/2018
VEHICLE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING TWO TIMES IN TRAFFIC CAUSING NEAR COLLISIONS. ITS BEEN AT DEALER FOR MORE THAN A WEEK. THE DEALER SAYS THEY COULDN'T REPAIR IT SO SUBARU SENT OUT ENGINEERS AND DETERMINED THEIR WAS A FAULT WITH NO REPAIR PROTOCOL AVAILABLE. THEY SAY THEY WILL HAVE TO KEEP MY CAR UNTIL THEY CAN REPAIR IT. THEY MENTIONED ANOTHER CAR IN THE PHOENIX AREA HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY STATED THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE TO DEVELOP NEW SOFTWARE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA CASE #[XXX] ON JUNE 18, 2018. I ASK THEM TO RETURN THE VEHICLE THAT I HAVE HAD FOR LESS THAN 2 MONTHS, BUT THERE IS NO RESOLUTION FROM THEM AT THIS TIME. THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY HAD AIR CONDITIONER ISSUES THAT THE DEALER SERVICE TEAM SAY ARE RESOLVED, BUT AS YET WE HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE THE REPAIR, TO SEE IF THE AC IS ACTUALLY WORKING PROPERLY. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FOR ITS OUTSTANDING SAFETY RATING IN THE TRANSPORTATION OF OUR ELDERLY MOTHER TO AND FROM MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS AND ANY COLLISION COULD BE A LIFE THREATENING EVENT FOR HER, IN HER CURRENT CONDITION. WE ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AND VERY DISAPPOINTED IN SUBARU FOR CONTINUING TO SELL THIS VEHICLE TO THE PUBLIC WITH THE KNOWLEDGE IT HAS A DEFECT THAT CAN TURN IT OFF AT ANY TIME CAUSING A COLLISION. PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
6/20/2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
13 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
UPON STARTING CAR IN DRIVEWAY FOUND POWER STEERING SLUGGISH AND REQUIRING GREAT FORCE (OPERATIVE, BUT NO APPARENT BOOST). ENGINE SLUGGISN LIKE LIMP-HOME MODE. ADDITIONALLY MIL, TC AND OTHER LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON DASH. I TOOK PHOTO. I FORGET IF IT THREW ODB CODES, BUT I REMEMBER THAT IT TWO BATTERY DISCONNECT CYCLES, AND TWO ODB CODE CLEARING CYCLES, TO REGAIN NORMAL FUNCTION. I FORGET ID ANY ODB CODES WERE SET. HERE ARE THE CONDITIONS: DAYTIME MORNING, ABOUT 11AM, AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ABOUT 65 DEGREES. CAR PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. I PREVIOUSLY (ABOUT 30 MINUTES BEFORE) MOVED CAR FROM STREET TO DRIVEWAY. DATE LISTED BELOW IS APPROXIMATE. I WILL UPDATE WHEN I CHECK EXIF DATA ON PIX.
5/23/2019
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. SKIES ARE GREY. IT'S ABOUT 1300. NO RAIN. IN RIGHT LANE. 2 CARS AHEAD EXITED AND CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT SEE THE WHITE TRUCK AHEAD OF US WHO WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR TRAFFIC. THE CAR INCREASED SPEED, ACCELERATING INTO THE BACK OF THE TRUCK. WE APPLIED OUR BREAKS AND AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT GOING FROM ABOUT 50 MPH TO THE SLOW TRAFFIC SPEED OF ABOUT 20 MPH IN 10 YARDS. IT WAS QUITE SCARY. I SIMILAR INCIDENT WITH THE CAR NOT SEEING A WHITE TRUCK HAPPENED ABOUT A YEAR AGO IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC DRIVING THROUGH SEATTLE.
8/18/2019
STRUCTURE:BODY
9 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WATER COLLECTING IN FRONT DOORS AND NOT DRAINING OUT OF DOOR WHEN PARKED FACING UPHILL. THE DRAIN HOLES IN THE FRONT DOORS ARE NOT LOCATED IN THE REAR CORNER OF THE DOOR. IF THE VEHICLE IS ON AN INCLINE FACING UPHILL, WATER CAN NOT ESCAPE THE REAR CORNERS OF THE DOOR INTERIOR UNTIL THE VEHICLE OR DOOR IS LEVEL.
4/25/2018
SINCE I BOUGHT THE SUBARU CROSS I HAVE ENCOUNTER MULTIPLE PAINT CHIPPING IN THE BODY AND HAD A WINDSHIELD CRACK AND PAID OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE SAFELITE REPAIR THE WINDOW.
3/13/2020
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
7 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I HAVE HAD 6 ROCK CHIP SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. I DRIVE MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES TO AND FROM WORK. IT SEEMS ANY SLIGHTEST HIT TO THE WINDSHIELD WILL CAUSE A CHIP. IN ALL THE VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED OTHER THAN THIS I HAVE ONLY HAD 4. OUT OF 8 OTHER VEHICLE. I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT SOMETHING ISN'T CORRECT WITH HOW THEY MADE THIS WINDSHIELD. MY 1981 AND 1986 SUBARU'S THAT I HAVE OWNED I NEVER GOT A CHIP IN THE WINDSHIELD. AND I PUT MORE MILES ON THEM THAT MY CURRENT 2018 CROSSTREK. MY FIRST CHIP WAS AT ABOUT 200 MILES AND THEN FROM THERE JUST DOWN HILL. I DREAD THE SOUND OF SOMETHING HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. AT TIMES I AM AFRAID THE WINDSHIELD IS JUST GOING TO SHATTER. *TR
6/22/2020
MY WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED TWICE AND CHIPPED OTHER TIMES, I BELIEVE IT TO BE DEFECTIVE! *TR
6/25/2020
STEERING
6 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
VEHICLE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING TWO TIMES IN TRAFFIC CAUSING NEAR COLLISIONS. ITS BEEN AT DEALER FOR MORE THAN A WEEK. THE DEALER SAYS THEY COULDN'T REPAIR IT SO SUBARU SENT OUT ENGINEERS AND DETERMINED THEIR WAS A FAULT WITH NO REPAIR PROTOCOL AVAILABLE. THEY SAY THEY WILL HAVE TO KEEP MY CAR UNTIL THEY CAN REPAIR IT. THEY MENTIONED ANOTHER CAR IN THE PHOENIX AREA HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY STATED THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE TO DEVELOP NEW SOFTWARE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA CASE #[XXX] ON JUNE 18, 2018. I ASK THEM TO RETURN THE VEHICLE THAT I HAVE HAD FOR LESS THAN 2 MONTHS, BUT THERE IS NO RESOLUTION FROM THEM AT THIS TIME. THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY HAD AIR CONDITIONER ISSUES THAT THE DEALER SERVICE TEAM SAY ARE RESOLVED, BUT AS YET WE HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE THE REPAIR, TO SEE IF THE AC IS ACTUALLY WORKING PROPERLY. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FOR ITS OUTSTANDING SAFETY RATING IN THE TRANSPORTATION OF OUR ELDERLY MOTHER TO AND FROM MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS AND ANY COLLISION COULD BE A LIFE THREATENING EVENT FOR HER, IN HER CURRENT CONDITION. WE ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AND VERY DISAPPOINTED IN SUBARU FOR CONTINUING TO SELL THIS VEHICLE TO THE PUBLIC WITH THE KNOWLEDGE IT HAS A DEFECT THAT CAN TURN IT OFF AT ANY TIME CAUSING A COLLISION. PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
6/20/2018
UPON STARTING CAR IN DRIVEWAY FOUND POWER STEERING SLUGGISH AND REQUIRING GREAT FORCE (OPERATIVE, BUT NO APPARENT BOOST). ENGINE SLUGGISN LIKE LIMP-HOME MODE. ADDITIONALLY MIL, TC AND OTHER LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON DASH. I TOOK PHOTO. I FORGET IF IT THREW ODB CODES, BUT I REMEMBER THAT IT TWO BATTERY DISCONNECT CYCLES, AND TWO ODB CODE CLEARING CYCLES, TO REGAIN NORMAL FUNCTION. I FORGET ID ANY ODB CODES WERE SET. HERE ARE THE CONDITIONS: DAYTIME MORNING, ABOUT 11AM, AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ABOUT 65 DEGREES. CAR PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. I PREVIOUSLY (ABOUT 30 MINUTES BEFORE) MOVED CAR FROM STREET TO DRIVEWAY. DATE LISTED BELOW IS APPROXIMATE. I WILL UPDATE WHEN I CHECK EXIF DATA ON PIX.
5/23/2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE INTERIOR LIGHTING IS A RED ORANGE COLOR. FOR SOMEONE LIKE MY WIFE AND I, IN THEIR SIXTIES, IT IS TERRIBLE AS FAR AS BEING ABLE TO SEE, ESPECIALLY THE ODOMETER. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WE WOULD NOT KNOW THIS , THE DEALER DOES NOT GIVE A [XXX] AS WELL AS THE PEOPLE AT SUBARU.COM WHO WE COMPLAINED TO AND ASKED IF THE BULBS IN AT LEAST THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER COULD BE CHANGED BUT IT IS A SEALED UNIT. ALSO, THE THUMBWHEEL ADJUSTMENT DOES NOT GIVE ENOUGH ILLUMINATION EVEN AT THE HIGHEST SETTING. WE TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE DURING THE SUNNY DAYLIGHT HOURS SO OF COURSE ONE WOULD NOT REALIZE THIS AS A POSSIBLE ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 45 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER BEEN SO PISSED OFF AND DISAPPOINTED WITH A VEHICLE, IF I HAD ONLY KNOWN. IT UPSET MY WIFE AND I SO MUCH THAT WE TURNED IT IN TO OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER THAT WE HAVE PURCHASED VEHICLES IN THE PAST WITH EVEN THOUGH THIS MEANT A LARGE HIT IN OUR POCKETBOOK. THE SUBARU DEALER CAN GO TO [XXX]. MY BIGGEST REASON TO TELL THIS STORY IS THE HOPE THAT SOMETHING CAN BE DONE SO OTHERS WILL NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS. SINCERELY INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
8/17/2018
1) VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED NEW WITH REAR POWER WINDOWS NOT WORKING. 2) LED BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING AT 15000 MILES , NOTICED WHEN I WAS BACKING UP IN FRONT OF GLASS DOORS. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER WIRE WAS SHORTING OUT AND ENTIRE LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER DID NOT STOCK PART SO I WAS SENT OFF WITH NON WORKING BRAKE LIGHT UNDER WARRANTY UNTIL THEY COULD GET PART.
8/1/2019
WHEELS
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
VEHICLE WAS CLIMBING A RESIDENTIAL STREET WITH A GRADUAL INCLINE IN SNOW APPROXIMATELY 3 INCHES OF FRESH POWDER WITH NO ICE UNDERNEATH. VEHICLE HAD ONLY 3,150 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND THE TIRES WERE STOCK ALL SEASON YOKOHAMA WITH A GOOD MUD/TREAD RATING. THE VEHICLE WAS CLIMBING THE HILL VERY WELL UNTIL AT THE CREST A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND AWD LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE TIRES FAILED TO CLEAN THE SNOW PROPERLY AND I SLID BACK INTO A GUARDRAIL FOR APPROXIMATELY 500 FEET AND THERE WAS COSMETIC DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE RIGHT WHEEL WAS BENT. DEALERSHIP WHERE I TRADED THE VEHICLE INTO HAD 2 OTHER CUSTOMERS TRADE THEIR 2018 CROSSTREKS DUE TO POOR AWD SYSTEM AND VERY DANGEROUS ALL SEASON TIRES.
3/2/2019
AT LESS THAN 60,000 MILES MY WHEEL BEARINGS STARTED MAKING A LOUD HUMMING NOISE. THE NOISE GETTING LOUDER THE FASTER I GO. IT'S IS A CONSTANT NOISE THAT ONLY GOES AWAY WHEN I STOP. I HAVE NEVER TAKEN THE CAR OFF ROAD.
8/9/2020
SEATS
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Driver seat mounting, the driver seat was rocking, at 11,000 miles the dealer replaced a bolt under warranty. It started again at 25,800 miles. Now out of warranty, the Dealer did replace the seat base at no charge as goodwill...I am a big man 6'3 250# but that should not exceed the parameters of a seat mount...at this point I am satisficed with the repair but not happy it has occurred twice in a 4 year old car with less than 26,000 miles on it.
5/28/2021
I recently 10/7/2021 had my Subaru serviced for an oil change, and a couple of safety recalls that were needed. I also had a loose center console, and a loose wobbly drivers seat. Ramsey Subaru, Urbandale IA performed the service. Upon picking the vehicle up on the above date I was informed that all services were performed and fixed with the exception of the drivers seat. I was informed that the drivers seat needed to be replaced because âThe welds on the bracket had broken.â With that said they said that would not come under warranty because my Subaru has 51,000 miles on it and it is past the 3 years 36,000 mile warranty. I get that, my assumption when I had the car serviced that the bolts on the seat bracket just needed tightened. I was told by the service advisor that the seat bracket would cost over $800.00 to be fixed. How is a weld defect a consumer issue? That is why Iâm contacting you. This is a safety issue for the drivers of Subaruâs and other motorists and Subaru needs to be held accountable and fix this issue with a mandatory recall. Please feel free to contact me at [XXX] or by email in regards to this very serious safety issue. I have read on the internet that isnât the first issue with the seat bracket welds. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
10/13/2021
SERVICE BRAKES
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (RELIABLE SUBARU, 438 S INGRAM MILL RD, SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802, (417) 720-8373), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 677.
6/28/2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED ON 3/32/2018 AT A LOCAL DEALER FOR AN UNKNOWN BRAKE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 20 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED CRASHING INTO THE MEDIAN. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RK SUBARU OF VINELAND (612 N DELSEA DR BUILDING 2, VINELAND, NJ 08360) WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, HE WAS AWAITING A CALLBACK. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THIS DEALER SERVICED THE RECALL FOR THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,247.
4/27/2020
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE WINDSHIELD SUDDENLY CRACKED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A CITY STREET. NO IMPACT OR REASON FOR IT. CRACK BEGUN ON THE TOP MIDDLE SECTION OF THE WINDSHIELD AND EXTENDED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE WINSHIELD IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. WINDOW REPLACEMENT AND EYESIGHT ADAS CALIBRATION REQUIRED.
4/2/2021
EYESIGHT SWITCHES ON AND OFF TOO OFTEN FOR NO OBVIOUS REASON WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION REGARDLESS OF A CITY STREET OR ON THE HIGHWAY
4/25/2021
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
UPON STARTING CAR IN DRIVEWAY FOUND POWER STEERING SLUGGISH AND REQUIRING GREAT FORCE (OPERATIVE, BUT NO APPARENT BOOST). ENGINE SLUGGISN LIKE LIMP-HOME MODE. ADDITIONALLY MIL, TC AND OTHER LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON DASH. I TOOK PHOTO. I FORGET IF IT THREW ODB CODES, BUT I REMEMBER THAT IT TWO BATTERY DISCONNECT CYCLES, AND TWO ODB CODE CLEARING CYCLES, TO REGAIN NORMAL FUNCTION. I FORGET ID ANY ODB CODES WERE SET. HERE ARE THE CONDITIONS: DAYTIME MORNING, ABOUT 11AM, AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ABOUT 65 DEGREES. CAR PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. I PREVIOUSLY (ABOUT 30 MINUTES BEFORE) MOVED CAR FROM STREET TO DRIVEWAY. DATE LISTED BELOW IS APPROXIMATE. I WILL UPDATE WHEN I CHECK EXIF DATA ON PIX.
5/23/2019
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE TURNED OFF (COMPUTERS AND ALL). THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS BEING TURNED OFF (FROM GOING ABOUT 75) BECAUSE I WAS APPROACHING TRAFFIC AND IT JUST TURNED OFF. BRAKES STILL WORKED AND I GOT ON THE SHOULDER. THEN WHEN TRYING TO TURN IT BACK ON, IT WOULD HAVE VERY STRANGE NOISE LIKE AN OLD FAN OR CLUNKING. I WOULD PRESS MY ACCELERATOR ALL THE WAY DOWN AND IT WOULD ONLY GO 5 MILES AN HOUR. FINALLY AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AN RESTARTING ENOUGH TIMES IT RAN NORMALLY. BUT THEN THE COMPUTER WAS ON THE FRITZ. FLASHING THE HIGH INCLINE SIGN, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SIGN, AND FLASHING ALL THE CRUISE CONTROL. AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON.
9/10/2019
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
UNKNOWN My Subaru has always had a little hesitation when accelerating. I brought this up to the dealer and they are telling me it is normal. However, in the last few months, it has gotten worse. Sometimes, when trying to accelerate into traffic, the car feels like it's going to stall or die, then it kicks in and I am able to accelerate. This is intermittent, so I never know when it's going to happen. This is a safety issue, since the hesitation could cause me to get hit.
6/17/2021
This morning August 29 2022 I started my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, when I put it in gear the car just took off before I could stop it. The idle when about 5000 RPM and then up and down. I was able to get the vehicle stopped and parked. I tried starting the vehicle again and the same. The vehicle is on its way to Crews Subaru North Charleston. Even the tow truck driver wouldn't drive the vehicle. This makes the vehicle unsafe. What if someone was walking past my driveway when this happen? It took about 40 feet to get the car stopped with my foot on the brake hard and to park the car. I have a video showing the RPM at 3900 but could upload it to your site. The consumer stated he would like the complaint removed, the floor mat holding the accelerator down was the problem.
8/29/2022
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The main head unit display (8") that controls the climate, audio and other control functions as well as the backup camera video feed is poorly made and subject to rapid delamination at edges and center. We reported and showed this problem to a Subaru dealer multiple times in past and they simply indicated it as 'temporary moisture' yet it is NOT moisture related and a design/manufacturing flaw. The car is now out of warranty and the problem only exacerbated with time to point where rear view camera functionality / visibility is impaired ... not ot mention the unsightly look of the main center display. This is a common widespread problem among many Subaru users as reported in various online forums, however, Subaru continues to deny fault/liability with fixing what is surely inferior design/quality on their side.
8/7/2024
Driver seat has came loose from its structure, this has been reported by many other owners, the seat track fail and the seat rock back, hopefully it don't fall off track while driving and injure someone, VERY UNSAFE! the other SAFETY issue with our Subaru is the Infotainment system goes on and off intermit with no warning while driving and radio goes on HIGH VOLUME creating health and HEARING damage, very unhealthy for anyone in vehicle when this happens, Dealership says there is no recall for these items, well there should be, let's keep AMERICA safe again, thanks!
8/13/2025
SUSPENSION
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
WATER IS COLLECTING UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT TOWER DUST COVER IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND CAUSING RUST/CORROSION OF THE STRUT SHAFT/NUT AND STRUT TOWER POCKET. VEHICLE NEW AND HAS LESS THAN 4000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER.
4/25/2018
AIR BAGS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT AT HIGHWAY SPEED (~80MPH).
4/19/2019
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
WITH THE CRACK COVERING THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM, THE WARNING SIGNAL WAS ALWAYS FLASHING AND CAUSING MY STEERING TO PULL TO ONE SIDE. SINCE IT WAS DOING THIS IT WAS CAUSING THE CAR TO PULL TO ONE SIDE OR BRING MY TIRES COSTING ME AN ADDITIONAL $800 TO REPLACE THE TIRES BALANCE AND ALIGNMENT FOR MY CROSSTREK, PLUS THE DOWNTIME THAT I HAD TO TAKEOFF FROM WORK TO GET MY CAR WORKED ON AT THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP.
11/27/2020
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
THE WINDSHIELD SUDDENLY CRACKED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A CITY STREET. NO IMPACT OR REASON FOR IT. CRACK BEGUN ON THE TOP MIDDLE SECTION OF THE WINDSHIELD AND EXTENDED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE WINSHIELD IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. WINDOW REPLACEMENT AND EYESIGHT ADAS CALIBRATION REQUIRED.
4/2/2021
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
EYESIGHT SWITCHES ON AND OFF TOO OFTEN FOR NO OBVIOUS REASON WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION REGARDLESS OF A CITY STREET OR ON THE HIGHWAY
4/25/2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The failure occurred while operating the vehicle in warmer humid weather. The contact indicated that the failure occurred after the vehicle was serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V264000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling) which included replacing the and updating the EMC software. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000. Consumer stated vehicle is still at the dealer.
9/22/2021
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after a heavy rain and starting the vehicle several warning messages appeared on the instrument panel such as the assist braking and eyesight driver assist needed servicing. The contact also stated that the steering wheel was hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that a sensor in the wheel caused the failure. The sensor was replaced however, the failure reoccurred after heavy rains a month a later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the failure reoccurred due to the computer sensor in the rear driverâs side wheel that was replaced was not reset. The contact stated that in December water was noticed on the driverâs side floor and condensation after a heavy rain. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again where the failure was diagnosed as clogged sunroof draining ports. The contact stated that the sunroof port needed to be replaced and unclogged. The manufacturer was notified, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.
1/13/2022
STRUCTURE
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after a heavy rain and starting the vehicle several warning messages appeared on the instrument panel such as the assist braking and eyesight driver assist needed servicing. The contact also stated that the steering wheel was hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that a sensor in the wheel caused the failure. The sensor was replaced however, the failure reoccurred after heavy rains a month a later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the failure reoccurred due to the computer sensor in the rear driverâs side wheel that was replaced was not reset. The contact stated that in December water was noticed on the driverâs side floor and condensation after a heavy rain. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again where the failure was diagnosed as clogged sunroof draining ports. The contact stated that the sunroof port needed to be replaced and unclogged. The manufacturer was notified, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.
1/13/2022
CHEST CLIP, BUCKLE, HARNESS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
was loosening the shoulder strap to get my child out of the seat and one of the straps came completely off of the seat. the strap hadn't broken, just had come unattached from the seat. now only one strap is usable. sent pictures to cybex and because it was 2 months out of the 2 year warranty, they couldn't replace it.
7/23/2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. While driving on a ramp at slow speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ignition fuse needed to be replaced. The fuse was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.
10/17/2022
VISIBILITY
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that upon inspection, a crack was discovered on the front windshield. The contact stated that the crack was located above the rearview mirror and extended approximately twelve inches. The contact stated that there was no impact on the windshield to cause the windshield to crack. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
6/8/2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The main head unit display (8") that controls the climate, audio and other control functions as well as the backup camera video feed is poorly made and subject to rapid delamination at edges and center. We reported and showed this problem to a Subaru dealer multiple times in past and they simply indicated it as 'temporary moisture' yet it is NOT moisture related and a design/manufacturing flaw. The car is now out of warranty and the problem only exacerbated with time to point where rear view camera functionality / visibility is impaired ... not ot mention the unsightly look of the main center display. This is a common widespread problem among many Subaru users as reported in various online forums, however, Subaru continues to deny fault/liability with fixing what is surely inferior design/quality on their side.
8/7/2024
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
Are complaints about the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
Are complaints about the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Subaru Crosstrek: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 245
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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