The Lemon Index2018 Subaru Crosstrek.
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is about average by owner complaints: 132 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 90, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 25 to 29 mpg combined. The best Subaru Crosstrek year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 195 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Crosstrek year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 5K to 35K miles on the car (117 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 11K–35K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 0K–28K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 0K–23K miles
Recalls 5
- suspension 2021
The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
- electrical 2021
The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
- electrical 2019
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.
Show all 5 recalls
- engine 2019
The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
- brakes 2017
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 at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 523 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This bulletin announces part information for new Active Valve Control System (AVCS) oil…
- This bulletin announces a design change to the PCV valve used on the models listed above
- This Service Information bulletin announces a change to the required thread sealer used when…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–2550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Windshield cracked on the driver's side while driving on the interstate. The crack occurred in early october. There was no reason the windshield should have cracked.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek owner · NHTSA complaint 11385159
More owner reports
Small pebble hit windshield. Not moving at high rate of speed. Now windshield is cracked.
NHTSA complaint 11265495
What looks like a small chip appeared on the windshield without anything hitting it. The car was parked in a driveway in a Suburban neighborhood.
NHTSA complaint 11416396
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 90; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Crosstrek year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (43%), engine (17%) and electrical (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have?
5 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek get?
25 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Subaru Crosstrek problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 5,600 and 35,000 miles. The middle report was at 18,000 miles, from 117 complaints.
Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 8% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Crosstrek year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2013 and 2014.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works