Model year guide

2018 Subaru Crosstrek

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 46 on record.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Subaru Crosstrek at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints194
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined25–29 mpg
Typical price$21,534

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek recalls 5

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv) NHTSA Campaign #19V744000 · 17/10/2019

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.

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 serv…

Suspension:rear NHTSA Campaign #21V263000 · 15/04/2021

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.

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.

Electrical System:software NHTSA Campaign #21V264000 · 15/04/2021

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.

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 …

Electrical System:software NHTSA Campaign #19V743000 · 18/10/2019

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.

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, …

Service Brakes NHTSA Campaign #17V701000 · 07/11/2017

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 5 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 194 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek MPG & running costs

Combined25–29 mpg
City25 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,500

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek worth?

Low
$16,995
Typical price
$21,534
High
$26,301

From 38 comparable 2018 Subaru Crosstrek listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,500
Fuel only$12,500
Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek trims & engines on record

Trims
Premium · Premium+ES+BSD · Limited+NAVI+ES+BSD · Base · Limited+BSD · Limited+ES+BSD · Premium+BSD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 152 hp

2018 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles on record

Other Subaru Crosstrek model years

2018 Subaru Crosstrek — frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?

Across all 194 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are visibility/wiper, electrical system, engine.

What is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek get?

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has U.S. EPA estimates of 25–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

How much is a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek worth?

Comparable 2018 Subaru Crosstrek listings run roughly $16,995–$26,301, typically around $21,534 (from 38 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.