2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK Complaints and Recall Information
The 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK has 6 complaints and 10 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues with the transfer case, acceleration problems tied to engine control module programming, loose driver seats, and intermittent malfunctions in the infotainment system. Several complaints mention safety concerns linked to these defects.
Common Issues- Transfer case failure. A loud clunking noise at low speeds leads to discovery of metal shavings and malfunction in the center differential gear set, requiring replacement.
- Acceleration problems. Engine control module faults cause jerky acceleration, knocking noises, and vehicle stalls when warm, attributed to DTC P1603.
- Battery starting issues. Repeated battery jumps and concerns over recalls related to ignition coils have been reported.
- Driver seat instability. The seat track loosens causing the seat to rock and partially detach, raising safety risks.
- Infotainment system malfunctions. System intermittently shuts off and turns on at high volume unexpectedly, posing a health risk.
- Factory alarm triggers. Alarm activates late at night inside garages without apparent cause, regardless of locking status.
The 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK has 10 recalls affecting various systems including the electrical ignition, engine control modules, exhaust components, suspension, and brakes. These recalls address risks such as engine stalling, loss of power, and potential crash hazards. Remedies involve software updates, part replacements, and inspections at no cost to owners.
Recalls- Ignition system and ECM software (Recall 19V743000 / 21V264000). About 466,205 vehicles are affected. The ECM may continue powering the ignition coil after engine shutoff causing a short circuit and fuse blow. This can stall the engine increasing crash risk. Dealers will update ECM software, inspect or replace ignition coils, and replace front exhaust pipe if needed. Owners are notified by Subaru. No "Do Not Drive" advisory issued.
- PCV valve defect (Recall 19V744000). Approximately 205,000 vehicles equipped with aluminum PCV valves risk valve separation and components entering the engine, causing loss of power. Dealers will inspect or replace the PCV valve and replace the engine if parts are missing. No "Do Not Drive" advisory issued.
- Rear stabilizer bracket bolts (Recall 21V263000). Affected vehicles numbering 408,271 have bolts that may loosen and detach, allowing bracket movement and raising crash risk. Dealers will retorque and replace bolts free of charge.
- Accelerator pedal and floor mat bracket (Recall 17V701000). About 2,367 vehicles may have incorrect floor mat retention brackets that permit mats to interfere with accelerator or brake pedals. Dealers will inspect and replace brackets as needed to prevent pedal interference and crash risk.
Owners of 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK vehicles facing repeated repairs related to these defects, unresolved recall issues, or safety concerns may have rights under their state lemon laws. Consulting legal resources could help clarify these options.
2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK Summary
2018
Model Year
6
Total Complaints
5
Total Recalls
1548048
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK
466205 vehicles affected
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
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.
Risk: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK
408271 vehicles affected
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.
Risk: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK
205000 vehicles affected
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 driving.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK
466205 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
Risk: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK
2367 vehicles affected
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
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.
Risk: 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.
Complaints
2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2119691LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
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!
2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2119690SEATS
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!
2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2102225ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
factory alarm is triggered late in the evening while in my garage regardless if vehicle is locked or unlocked
2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2071927ENGINE
I have a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, I am the second owner, the first owner bought it in 2019, I am having acceleration problems, I have already taken it to two different mechanics, they say it is a problem with the computer, they have already checked and scanned it and they tell me that you have to reprogram the ECM for DTC P1603 / Engine idle drop or stall, when the car accelerates it makes a jerky or knocking noise when I go 15 miles or stop and move forward again the car locks, this only happens when the car is already warm and has been used for about 10 minutes
2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2070804UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have had my car jumped twice in the last 7 days. Today I will be replacing the battery with AAA. Is there a recall on my vehicle? I saw an article there is a recall for starting issues and the coils. Please advise. Thank you.
2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2061538POWER TRAIN
I am writing to formally raise a significant safety concern regarding my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. I recently discovered a malfunction in the transfer case (pictures attached), specifically involving the center differential gear set, which necessitated immediate replacement. This issue first became apparent while driving at low speeds when I heard a loud, distinctive "clunking" noise, indicating a possible malfunction within the transmission. As a precaution, I took the vehicle to my service mechanic for further diagnosis. After thorough inspection, my mechanic at Roberts Auto Shop (invoice attached) promptly identified the transfer case as the source of the problem. Subsequently, I contacted my local Subaru dealership, North Tampa, where I have previously serviced my vehicle, to inquire whether this issue is known to affect earlier models of the Crosstrek. The service manager expressed surprise that this problem occurred in my manual transmission vehicle, noting that it is typically documented in vehicles with CVT transmissions but rarely in manual models. I further inquired about the availability of any extended warranties or safety recalls related to this known issue. The manager informed me that the vehicle's powertrain warranty covers only up to 60,000 miles or five years, both of which I have exceeded, as my vehicle currently has just over 70,000 miles. My primary safety concern arises from the discovery of metal shavings inside the defective transfer case during its replacement. While the amount is currently minimal, there is a significant risk that this could quickly escalate into a complete transmission failure, posing a considerable safety hazard. I am planning to report this issue to Subaru of America for further investigation and would appreciate your assistance in investigating this matter. I also request that Subaru be held accountable for this known defect, particularly given its potential to jeopardize vehicle safety. Thank you for your support.