2018 Subaru Crosstrek Recalls, Problems & MPG

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 195 owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The EPA rates it 25 to 29 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Recalls
5
Owner complaints
195
Crashes / fires reported
10 / 1
EPA combined
25–29 MPG

2018 Subaru Crosstrek recalls

  • SuspensionApr 15, 2021 · NHTSA 21V263000+

    Risk: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    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.

  • Electrical SystemApr 15, 2021 · NHTSA 21V264000+

    Risk: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    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.

  • Electrical SystemOct 18, 2019 · NHTSA 19V743000+

    Risk: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    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.

  • Engine and Engine CoolingOct 17, 2019 · NHTSA 19V744000+

    Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    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.

  • Service BrakesNov 7, 2017 · NHTSA 17V701000+

    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.

    Fix: 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.

    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.

Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.

Most reported 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems

Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.

  • Visibility/Wiper64
  • Unknown or Other41
  • Engine32
  • Electrical System32
  • Power Train14
  • Vehicle Speed Control13
  • Structure10
  • Visibility9

2018 Subaru Crosstrek gas mileage

EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).

VersionEngineCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Crosstrek AWD2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S7)273329$2,200
Crosstrek AWD2.0 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd232925$2,550

Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.

Questions

Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, most recently for the suspension (Apr 15, 2021). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems?

Owners filed 195 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are visibility/wiper (64), unknown or other (41), engine (32).

What gas mileage does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek at 25 to 29 MPG combined (best version: 27 city / 33 highway).

Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.