2018 Subaru Crosstrek Complaints

WHEELS — Filed 09/26/2026

Wheel studs, continually Shearer off because of mismatched threads between bolt and nuts common problem among a lot of of Subaru

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 06/26/2026

On 06/26/26, while traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power in active traffic due to a blown out/melted Cylinder 4 ignition coil. This unexpected engine failure forced raw fuel into the exhaust system, causing an immediate internal thermal meltdown of the catalytic converter, rendering the vehicle entirely undriveable and creating a severe highway safety hazard. This vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign 21V264000 (Subaru Recall WRE-21), which was intended to permanently remedy an ECM software defect that over-energizes and melts the ignition coils. Subaru of America (Case # 260630-2101598) is denying coverage, claiming that because the recall was executed 90,000 miles/5 years ago, and because the current software Calibration ID (CID) matches their post-recall database, the thermal melting is standard "wear and tear." I am filing this complaint because a safety recall remedy must be permanent and effective. The physical evidence, a melted plastic coil housing with a hole blown through it, is an engineering impossibility under normal wear and tear and proves that the original software patch failed to permanently mitigate the high-voltage overloading defect. Over a 5-year period of gradual thermal degradation, the defect reoccurred, creating the exact highway hazard the recall was mandated to prevent. I request a federal investigation into the long-term efficacy and failure rates of the WRE-21 software reflash.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/20/2026

2018 Subaru Crosstrek rapidly accelerated unexpectedly while pulling into a parking space with the foot on the brake. Hit a concrete pole and sustained vehicle damage and injuries.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 03/03/2026

3/3!2026 while driving heat stop working. Called Milea Saburu spoke to Christian made an appointment for 3/5/2026 they had nothing sooner. Told her what happened. Brought in they gave me loaner 12 days later on 3/18/2026 pick up car. Paid bill they told me everything done no problems. I would get my 250 dollars for the car back in 30 days. Even though they said it was a hold it went through. I live 15 minutes from home. I got in the car heat was blasting turned it off and waited turned it on it worked. Pick up time 4 pm. Drove home parked next day 3/19/2026 turned on car made a tapping nouse after five minutes went away call dealer left message on Andrew manager answering service. Car parked at work 8 15 am to 3 40 pm. Drove home got home at 3 50 am turned off heat heart rushing water like down a creak. Turned off car looked in the front some liquid gushing out car smelled like it was burning. Put paper under car with rock to see color of fluid it was blue new it was coolant call dealer againt went to voice mail manager Andrew hung up went to dealer. Arrived at 4 40 pm Chris service Advisor check said was not save to drive burning smell still there got another loaner another 200 dollar on top of the 250. Called saburu customer advocacy this morning spoke to Latoya 11 15 am 3/20/2026 case number XXX-XXX waiting for someone to call me by Tuesday. I requested a 3 year gold plus warranty as a goodwill gesture to restore my confidence in the vehicle and protect my engine integrity. I am deeply concerned that the gushing coolent damaged the internal engines seals or may have been compromised due to the heat, the hoses or gadgets now or over time. I have puctures and documents that the system won't allow download. If the car continues to have reoccurring issues due to this complete repair failure. I am asking them to replace my 2018 saburu crosstrex that has only 52, 315 miles with an equal value car without issues. My car is 10 years old low mileage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE — Filed 02/14/2026

Dangerous stall in traffic due to ignition coil failure. Ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced during the WRE21 recall campaign only 13k miles ago back in 2021. Stopped at red light awaiting to turn left when the vehicle started shaking violently. No check engine light came on though. When the light turned green, the vehicle was barely able to move forward then it completely stalled before pulling over to the curb. Since the tail of the car was sticking out into traffic a bit, it was a downright dangerous situation. Car had to be towed to dealership and took them 5 days to diagnose and fix the problem. Ignition coil and spark plug replacements costed 1500. Don't think the recall fixed the root problem and this could potentially happen again.

SUSPENSION — Filed 02/01/2026

Starting at around 75,000 mileage on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, a persistent howling noise is heard while driving. This noise comes from the rear of the vehicle and occurs at nearly all driving speeds, measuring at around 90.0dB while on a highway (a dangerous level for prolonged exposure). A service shop and the dealership have both diagnosed the noise as an issue with the rear wheel bearings (consistent with Subaru Service Bulletin 05-70-19R). In January 2026, my low tire pressure warning light appeared on my dashboard. I checked the tire pressure with a gauge and found no issue. I assumed (and later confirmed while getting a tire changed) that the tire pressure sensor had a dead battery, and that the warning light was related to this dead sensor rather than an issue with the tire pressure. Before getting the sensors replaced, I drove for a week with the low tire pressure warning light on my dashboard. I ignored this sensor because I confirmed daily with a pressure gauge that the tire pressure was fine. However, one day while driving in February 2026, I got a flat tire on the front passenger side. I drove with this flat tire for at least six miles, not knowing I had a flat. The howling noise from the rear wheel bearings masked the noise from the flat tire, and I could not audibly distinguish anything out of the ordinary with my car. Unfortunately, this occurred in the same period of time that my tire pressure warning light was giving false flags for low tire pressure. I feel it important to log this issue because - had my rear wheel bearings not been making a howling noise - I would have noticed the flat tire immediately and would not have posed a safety risk to myself or other vehicles.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 02/26/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlight warning light illuminated, and the contact noticed that the passenger's side LED headlight had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a headlight assembly replacement was recommended. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/27/2026

Wheel bearing issue in 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Identified by Subaru but not full recall We were not informed Risk REAR WHEELS WILL FALL OFF Contacted Subaru Advocacy after determining the backing plate was modified due to risk of failure Internet indicated courtesy repair for vehicles under 100,000 miles with new corrected part Repair was denied without full payment not even willing to supply NON DEFECTIVE part at no cost

POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/28/2026

Vehicle was maintained by dealer and out of the blue, started bucking intermittently while driving resulting in an unsafe driving experience. took it to the dealer to evaluate, told us, "They could change the transmission fluid and filter to see if that fixes the problem." they were not sure that would fix the issue. After researching issue, saw there were numerous complaints about the transmission in the 2018 crosstreks. Call a professional transmission shop and will be making an appointment with them in the near future. They told me (and I found out through my own research) if is was the transmission filter and fluid, it would act up all the time, not just intermittently. And... the dealer wanted to charge me $665 to change the filter/fluid and not sure it would fix the problem, seriously? so now I have to wait and see what the transmission shop says. I have also seen post about the ignition box also gives issues, so who knows, maybe it is the ignition cutting out causing it to "buck" every here and there. Either way, the vehicle is unsafe to drive and could potentially cause a major accident if the transmission locks up or the ignition totally cuts out. Should be a recall either way and Subaru should be responsible for it. This is nothing we have done that could've prevented this issue.

VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 07/07/2025

The front windshield spontaneously developed a crack about 5 inches long which later suddenly increased to about 15 inches in length. It is our understanding that this problem has occurred in the windshields of other Subaru models. The internet states that Subaru windshields have had a tendency to crack without impact due to the windshield's angle or thinness to accommodate Eyesight technology.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/26/2025

All four tire pressure monitoring sensors failed on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek at approximately 69,000 miles. The TPMS light remains illuminated, and the system no longer provides low-tire-pressure warnings. Subaru of America acknowledged the issue but declined full repair coverage, offering only partial “Goodwill assistance.” Because TPMS is a federally mandated safety system, a full-system failure poses the risk of operating the vehicle without tire-pressure warning capability. The dealership quoted approximately $1,000 to restore the system. Subaru’s decision to deny full coverage leaves the safety defect uncorrected.

SEATS,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 08/13/2023

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!

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/20/2025

factory alarm is triggered late in the evening while in my garage regardless if vehicle is locked or unlocked

ENGINE — Filed 02/01/2025

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/05/2025

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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 10/15/2023

WAITING IN LINE TO PICKUP PRESCRIPTION, STOPPED WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTO CAR APPROX 15 FT IN FRONT OF ME. EYE SIGHT BRAKING DID NOT STOP CAR, NOR DID IMMINENT COLLISION WARNING ENGAGE. CAR IS AT DEALERSHIP AND THEY CONDUCTED TEST; FOUND NOTHING. AWAITING SUBARU ENGINEER TO PULL AND CHECK "BLACK BOX".

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/17/2023

8/17/23 I left my vehicle on with the air conditioning running. Left on because my dogs were in the car. Came out of restaurant after 40 minutes & car was on fire inside the vehicle. Opened back door on drivers side & back seat was on fire. Black smoke coming out of the car. Car was put out by fire department. It could have blown up. Car is total loss. FD & PD investigated. No foul play. Unknown reason. Happened in Carthage NC 28327 notified State Farm insurance but haven’t notified Subaru yet

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 11/15/2022

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while at a light, the vehicle crashed into an unknown vehicle in front of her. While sitting in traffic at another light, the failure recurred. The vehicle reeved up forward and crashed into an unknown utility vehicle. A claim was submitted to the insurance company. While pulling into a parking spot, the vehicle lunged forward over the parking block, crashed into the concrete wall and railing, and stopped. There was an abnormal burning smell. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployments, police reports, or fires in either incident. The vehicle was taken to an independent body center, which stated there was an electrical issue but declined to accept the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. They will check the block box. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 11/09/2022

On Nov 9 2022 the owner was pulling into a parking space at a mall and the Subaru Crosstrek 2018 suddenly accelerated and slammed into the wall of a store. The airbags did not go off. The driver was going at a slow speed and putting on the brake. The driver and occupant suffered some impact from the seat belts but no other injuries. If pedestrians had been on the sidewalk in front of the parking space there could have been injuries. The wall was not damaged and no police report was filed.The incident was reported to the insurance company and the car was repaired for $11,710. On Jan 17 2023 the owner was pulling into a parking space at a mall and there was a quick sudden acceleration but not as forceful as before and putting on the brake stopped the car.

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 11/02/2022

While I was doing parallel parking, the car on its own went into involuntary, sudden, uncontrolled acceleration & hit a tree & bushes resulting into considerable body damage. Then I called Subaru national customer relations representative & I was told to go to the local Subaru dealer where I had purchased the car about four and a half years ago. The mechanic there told me that he had never heard such incident & he said that since there is no engine light on, there is nothing to scan. And he thought the car was okay. So, I am driving it very cautiously. But, I am concerned. We thought the newer such cars are safer with the high-tech computers on board but I countered this safety problem that I had never come across before.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 04/25/2020

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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 11/28/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO ACCELERATE. A PICK UP TRUCK CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER PANEL OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT CALLED SUBARU OF GRAPEVINE (2651 WILLIAM D TATE AVE, GRAPEVINE, TX 76051, (817) 438-1700) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

AIR BAGS — Filed 04/17/2019

AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT AT HIGHWAY SPEED (~80MPH).

POWER TRAIN,WHEELS — Filed 02/11/2019

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.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 06/03/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS REAR ENDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO BODY DAMAGE TO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO IRVINE SUBARU (23663 ROCKFIELD BLVD, LAKE FOREST, CA 92630, (949) 837-3500) WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED PER TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 10144878 (EQUIPMENT, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.