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    Subaru Crosstrek

    EPA MPG: 29 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2018 Crosstrek has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

    The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Subaru Crosstrek owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Apple CarPlay

    "Only works at max volume regardless of what you set the volume to. Its either max volume or ."

    Anonymous A., BC (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "sometimes just doesn't work"

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Intermittent problems with Apple CarPlay connection. Sometimes it drops it's connection other times it just doesn't connect and you have to plug it in several times or turn the car on and off. This has been an issues since purchasing new and I believe is the subject of a class action lawsuit."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Backup or other camera/sensors

    ""the view out the rear of the car from the driver seat is obscured by the configuration of the back window, and the backup camera does not provide a wide enough view to see what is on the sides of the car as you you are backing up. I hit a lawn sprinkler head while backing up because I couldn't see it.""

    Anonymous A., WA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Display screen freezes up

    ""If you clean the screen with just a dry microfiber cloth, it creates areas of the screen that automatically push ("ghost control) non-stop, making it impossible to use. This usually resolves within 4-6 hours and requires turning off the vehicle. Also, the screen will sometimes get stuck on using the volume of your bluetooth phone even after hanging up, therefore rendering audio volume totally useless. This requires turning the vehicle off and back on.""

    Anonymous, TN (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Display screen goes blank

    ""I just never know what to do when this happens. Every time it happens too much, which is right about now, I have to take it to dealer and it's expensive to get the update but I have no choice.""

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Since the day I purchased the car, sometimes the infotainment system does not work. It will not start.The day I purchased the car I was told a fix was coming. I am still waiting. It is a known problem and the subject of a class action suit in the past. I notice it when I want to use the radio.""

    Anonymous, WI (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    ""The on/off/volume knob seems to be hanging loosely. It no longer controls the volume. For now, I can still use the knob to turn the radio on and off. It can't be repaired, so the only option is to replace the radio, which is expensive.""

    Anonymous, (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "The 8 screen is delaminating from the corners. This appears as a white dust type look in each of the corners that is getting progressively worse. There is no fix, except for a replacement radio."

    Anonymous, GA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    ""Again, I have no idea what to do when this happens""

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "It started in late 2024. I have trouble pairing my iPhone with the vehicle. Not every time, but about every other time I use the vehicle. Sometimes it will pair after I've been driving a while, and sometimes it doesn't pair at all."

    Anonymous, TX (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Radio

    "The radio problem is related to the infotainment system failure as discussed earlier."

    Anonymous, WI (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Only works at max volume regardless of what you set the volume to. Its either max volume or ."

    Anonymous A., BC (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Loose/rattling heat shield

    "problem started around 50k miles. Local service station removed broken clamp and shield."

    Anonymous A., NJ (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other exhaust system problem

    "Dealer unable to diagnose problem"

    Anonymous, OR (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "Have been informed that the Eyesight system is faulty. Are you aware that there is a class action suit against Subaru?"

    Anonymous A., WI (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    ""tires, needed 4""

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "tire pressure sensors had to be replaced. , tires flats that could not be repaired.."

    Anonymous, (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Continuing issue with battery discharge in cold weather. Combined with after-market addition of dashcams, the car was dead multiple times. Changing the battery seems to have fixed the issue, and the also teaching the student who drives the car to unplug the dashcam when parked fixed the issue. (So it is not entirely the fault of the vehicle - there was "user error" as well.)"

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Cam shaft position sensor"

    Anonymous, MI (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Head unit was replaced under warranty and now Starlink is not working. TPMS sensor will not display tire pressure and has a warning light on."

    Anonymous A., OK (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Tire pressure monitoring system malfunction"

    Anonymous, NJ (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Brakes and rotor replacement, and valve body replacement""

    Anonymous, NY (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Ball joints

    "Had to get them replaced after car started grinding."

    Anonymous, TX (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other steering/suspension problem

    "Rear suspension needed replacement which required a new alignment"

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "The Subaru dealer says rubber is dry rotting and my lower control arm bushings needs to be replaced."

    Anonymous, NC (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Wheel bearings

    "Rear wheel bearings began making noise when operating the vehicle - increasing noise with increasing speed - at just around 60K miles. Dealer recommended replacing at a cost of $2100+tax. Subaru USA would not compensate cost despite just over warranty. 3rd party repair shops quoted $700 for same repair."

    Anonymous, IL (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Left and right rear wheel bearings failed within 3 months of each other - started making noise and then noise got loud over 100 miles or so. Mechanic said it is normal for Subarus. In both cases, mechanic replaced it within one day.""

    Anonymous, TN (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Both front bearings started making a loud rumbling sound at speed. The dealership replaced them under the extended warranty."

    Anonymous A., WI (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "Discovered A/C not working when weather warmed up. Took to Subaru dealer. Tech did extensive testing and found very small hole. Ordered new condenser and replaced old one 2 days later."

    Anonymous, FL (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Blower (fan) motor

    ""When the A/C is on, the blower turns off intermittently before the car has cooled off. Lowering the temperature setting doesn't do anything. Also, the A/C turns on and off by itself. I live in TX, so this is a huge problem. Two Subaru dealerships and a private repair shop have been reluctant to do anything because they don't know exactly what is wrong. They suggested replacing the control know but it's $600+ repair that might not work. The problem doesn't seem to happen when the heat is on.""

    Anonymous, (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Refrigerant leaks

    ""Third time since 2018 that the refrigerant has leaked, and each time is expensive to correct and recharge.""

    Anonymous, VA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other noises & leaks problem

    "Drive shaft seal leak"

    Anonymous, OH (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "heat shield was noisy. not sure why. Has been repaired."

    Anonymous A., MA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Squeaks or rattles

    ""Constant high-pitched whistle coming from behind glove box. When radio is on, it's not audible. Took it to dealer who said they couldn't hear it -- but pretty they didn't take the car for a drive.""

    Anonymous, (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Glass defects

    "Windshield cracked due to recall issues"

    Anonymous, OH (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other body problem

    "Seat leather tears easily."

    Anonymous A., FL (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Seat controls - manual

    "Driver's seat no longer rolles easily when adjusting. Have to do it before you get in and put weight on it."

    Anonymous, TX (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "brakes don't last under 50000 miles and have to replace brakes and rotors 3 times"

    Anonymous, PA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Pulsation or vibration

    ""Pulsation. Had it checked. Rear wheel bearings, caliper, brake pads, rotors at 50000. All replaced. NEVER had a wheel/brake problem this soon in a car.""

    Anonymous, SC (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    ""When the dealer completed the 60,000 checkup they installed the new spark plugs incorrectly, which caused them to blow up in the motor. The first time I brought it back for servicing because it smelled funny and was getting poor gas mileage they never checked it. For the second servicing the check engine lights were on, so the engine was checked and the blown motor was detected. They wanted to charge $1400 to disassemble the motor in order to do the diagnosis even though I had a bumper-to-bumper warranty up till 100,000 miles. I ended up agreeing to a $1000 charge for a "new motor" to be installed instead of a rebuilt motor and dropping the $1400 fee. (I doubt there was a new motor installed). The car runs fine now.""

    Anonymous A., WA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other major engine problem

    ""I just had the coil problem, I didnt know which box corresponded to my issue.""

    Anonymous, ON (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel injection system

    ""Engine light came on as plugs were fouled as car was nearing 60,000 mile service. Plugs carbonized either due to fuel injector or points caused it. Service person said never saw it happen before that required fuel injector to be replaced this early""

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    ""Burns oil pretty quickly, requiring an extra quart every 4,000 mi. Especially after long drives of over 4 hrs or drives in the mountains.""

    Anonymous, MA (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Driveshaft or axle

    "Had to have the wheel bearings replaced and the rear axle"

    Anonymous, (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Coil

    ""Driving became very rough, car slowed down, stopped along road and had ut towed to garage.""

    Anonymous, ON (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Other electrical system problem

    "The light in the shifter module died at around 50K miles. Research indicates that repair / replacement requires replacing a circuit board in the center shift console. Dealer quoted $600 for the repair."

    Anonymous, IL (2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    2018 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    Engine Major
    Engine Minor
    Engine Cooling
    Engine Electrical
    Transmission Major
    Transmission Minor
    Drive System
    Fuel System/Emissions
    Exhaust
    Suspension/Steering
    Brakes
    Climate System
    Build Quality
    Electrical Accessories
    Body Hardware
    Paint/Trim
    Noises/Leaks
    In-car Electronics
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    SUSPENSION
    Apr 15, 2021
    Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V263000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 408271
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Apr 15, 2021
    A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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 WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V264000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 466205
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Oct 18, 2019
    If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V743000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 466205
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Oct 17, 2019
    An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V744000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 205000
    SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
    Nov 07, 2017
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V701000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2367
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