2018 Subaru Crosstrek Problems & Owner Complaints

Visibility/Wiper 64

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11700276, 2025

“While driving home in the evening, I was startled by a sudden cracking sound that I heard. Although nothing appeared to have impacted the windshield, I speculated that it may have been caused by a plastic bag in which I stored trash in my vehicle on occasion. The following day, my partner noticed a significant crack in the windshield as he loaded bags into the car. I recounted the previous night's experience of hearing the disturbing sound that had caught my attention. The crack in the windshield continued to expand, causing me great distress and anxiety about the potential safety implication…”
NHTSA complaint #11573897, 2023

“Windshield cracked almost all the way across to other side and then down. This vehicle has the eyesight package. I do not remember date it happened but will state 2 years ago. When it happened it quickly moved across windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11475552, 2022

Unknown Or Other 41 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11733779, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11539358, 2023 · fire

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11502226, 2022 · crash

Electrical System 32

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11748847, 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 nous…”
NHTSA complaint #11725821, 2026

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11697529, 2025

Engine 32 1 crash

“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 AW…”
NHTSA complaint #11170789, 2018 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11748847, 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 diagnos…”
NHTSA complaint #11723589, 2026

Power Train 14 3 crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11492416, 2022 · crash

“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 TRAD…”
NHTSA complaint #11183635, 2019 · crash

“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 AW…”
NHTSA complaint #11170789, 2018 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 13 5 crash

“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".”
NHTSA complaint #11552267, 2023 · crash

“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 depl…”
NHTSA complaint #11535478, 2022 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11502226, 2022 · crash

Structure 10 1 crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11492416, 2022 · crash

“While driving on a 71 degree, clear day on 16 May 2024, out of nowhere and without prior warning, my sunroof/moonroof glass on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek limited, (50th anniversary edition) just exploded. See pics attached.”
NHTSA complaint #11589191, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after a heavy rain and starting the vehicle several warning messages appeared on the instrument panel such as the assist braking and eyesight driver assist needed servicing. The contact also stated that the steering wheel was hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that a sensor in the wheel caused the failure. The sensor was replaced however, the failure reoccurred after heavy rains a month a later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the failure reoccurred due to the computer senso…”
NHTSA complaint #11447370, 2021

Visibility 9

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that upon inspection, a crack was discovered on the front windshield. The contact stated that the crack was located above the rearview mirror and extended approximately twelve inches. The contact stated that there was no impact on the windshield to cause the windshield to crack. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11525970, 2023

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that upon entering his vehicle after a light snowstorm, he noticed a vertical crack had from the bottom passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact stated that the crack had expanded further up the windshield and obstructed his vision while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and claimed they never heard of such a failure. The contact stated that he was also informed that the windshield was not covered under warranty and was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11455160, 2022

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after a heavy rain and starting the vehicle several warning messages appeared on the instrument panel such as the assist braking and eyesight driver assist needed servicing. The contact also stated that the steering wheel was hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that a sensor in the wheel caused the failure. The sensor was replaced however, the failure reoccurred after heavy rains a month a later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the failure reoccurred due to the computer senso…”
NHTSA complaint #11447370, 2021

Steering 6

“This is the 4th Time Since 2022, that my steering wheel has locked after driving. If the steering wheel is to the left when I go to turn it off and not in the middle it will lock. I had to call again Suburu assistance. The first time was in Hartsdale, NY 2022, the 2nd time was in Larchmont, NY had to call the police, the 3rd time was 2022 in Key Ford in Buhre and Westchester Avenue, and the 4th time in my driveway 2023. Each time it took forever for the men to unlock the steering wheel, I am a women and my girlfriend tried with no avail. I am terrified I will be on a road trip with my son a…”
NHTSA complaint #11502681, 2023

“-driving at moderate pace between 30 and 40 mph when vehicle engine shut off without warning. loss of power, no steering and all warning lights illuminated. difficulty getting vehicle over to side of road so not in way of traffic. braking was difficult once on side of road.”
NHTSA complaint #11501620, 2022

“This issue has happen 2 other times one time last year where Suburu Tow Truck had to be called, 2nd time May 2022 in Larchmont, NY and a Police Office Had To Come Help Me. And, the 3rd time on July 4, 2022, in the super market of Key Food, Throggsneck, NY a stranger had to help me. When, I park my car and I turn off my ignition and the steering wheel is to the left it will lock. The manual says when the steering wheel locks to insert the key and slightly turn the wheel and it will unlock. Well I am not strong enough to do it. Usually, men come to assist me and they have trouble unlocking it…”
NHTSA complaint #11473609, 2022

Exterior Lighting 5

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11722003, 2026

“The passenger side headlight stopped working 2 months ago. I have the OEM LED system that tracks through turns. I finally got in for service and mentioned it. Also mentioned I had something similar in 2019 after a service at the dealer and they said it was “fixed”. Only had one or two moments where is didn’t work and just turned off car and back on and seemed to resolve. This recent service they looked into fixing it and found out it’s an entire sealed assembly and quoting the part us $1900(CAD) plus labour. Their mechanic drove it around anfter replacing fog lights and it worked for a moment…”
NHTSA complaint #11494947, 2022

“MY DRIVER'S HEADLIGHT WENT OUT WHICH IS LED WITH ONLY 40,600 MILES. I DISCOVERED THAT IF THE SWIVELING TEST FEATURE FAILS WHEN I FIRST START THE VEHICLE, IT WILL TURN OFF THE HEADLIGHT. THAT IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE LED LIGHT WILL STILL WORK IF THE SWIVELING FEATURE WASN'T MALFUNCTIONING. I FOUND OUT SEVERAL PEOPLE ONLINE HAS THE SAME ISSUE, AND SUBARU WON'T RECALL THIS PROBLEM. MY HEADLIGHT DID TURN BACK ON FOR 1-2 WEEKS BEFORE GOING OUT AGAIN BECAUSE OF THE SWIVELING TEST FEATURE FAIL. MY DEALER TOLD ME THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1437.00 BE…”
NHTSA complaint #11415369, 2021

Seats 4

“The driver seat has been rocking back and forth a bit for a for a couple of weeks and lately started rocking a lot, enough that it rocks back while accelerating and rocks forward while braking causing unintentional excessive breaking. This feels like a safety issue. This is a 2018 car and my previous car (Audi A4) that I had for 14 years never had such a thing ever happen, so this is not normal. Here's a video of the rocking: [XXX] I called the dealer (Eastside Subaru, Kirkland WA, phone: (425) 820-8993) to see if there are any safety recalls about it but they said there are not any, and the…”
NHTSA complaint #11600484, 2024

“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!”
NHTSA complaint #11680430, 2023

“I recently 10/7/2021 had my Subaru serviced for an oil change, and a couple of safety recalls that were needed. I also had a loose center console, and a loose wobbly drivers seat. Ramsey Subaru, Urbandale IA performed the service. Upon picking the vehicle up on the above date I was informed that all services were performed and fixed with the exception of the drivers seat. I was informed that the drivers seat needed to be replaced because “The welds on the bracket had broken.” With that said they said that would not come under warranty because my Subaru has 51,000 miles on it and it is past the…”
NHTSA complaint #11436600, 2021

Wheels 4 1 crash

“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 TRAD…”
NHTSA complaint #11183635, 2019 · crash

“On [XXX], 1 wheel lug nut seized up on the lug and then the lug snapped off when trying to remove the nut. On [XXX], 3 lug nuts seized up on the lugs when attempting to remove the lugs. On both occasions, I have had to bring the vehicle in for repairs to have the lugs and nuts replaced. Total cost of these repairs approx $250. On [XXX], I called Subaru of America (1-800-782-2783) to report the issue of lugs nuts seizing up on my Subaru (3 today and 1 in December 2022). The representative took down my information but other than that, was not very helpful. I asked if she could have an investiga…”
NHTSA complaint #11575793, 2024

“I have had to replace 3 back wheel bearings in less than a year. I replaced both back wheel bearings at different times, and the I just had to replace another one. The parts were brand new. If they had broken while I was driving my 45 minute commute on [XXX] to work, it would have killed me. Or if it had broken while transporting my 15 year old daughter, it would have killed us both. There is absolutely no reason for wheel bearings to have to be replaced within 100,000 miles. I had just reached 78,000 when I had to replace the first one. I'm so frustrated with this car that I will NEVER own an…”
NHTSA complaint #11568584, 2023

Forward Collision Avoidance 3 1 crash

“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".”
NHTSA complaint #11552267, 2023 · crash

“EYESIGHT SWITCHES ON AND OFF TOO OFTEN FOR NO OBVIOUS REASON WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION REGARDLESS OF A CITY STREET OR ON THE HIGHWAY”
NHTSA complaint #11413856, 2021

“THE WINDSHIELD SUDDENLY CRACKED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A CITY STREET. NO IMPACT OR REASON FOR IT. CRACK BEGUN ON THE TOP MIDDLE SECTION OF THE WINDSHIELD AND EXTENDED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE WINSHIELD IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. WINDOW REPLACEMENT AND EYESIGHT ADAS CALIBRATION REQUIRED.”
NHTSA complaint #11406072, 2021

Lane Departure 3

“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!”
NHTSA complaint #11680430, 2023

“The main head unit display (8") that controls the climate, audio and other control functions as well as the backup camera video feed is poorly made and subject to rapid delamination at edges and center. We reported and showed this problem to a Subaru dealer multiple times in past and they simply indicated it as 'temporary moisture' yet it is NOT moisture related and a design/manufacturing flaw. The car is now out of warranty and the problem only exacerbated with time to point where rear view camera functionality / visibility is impaired ... not ot mention the unsightly look of the main cent…”
NHTSA complaint #11607107, 2020

“WITH THE CRACK COVERING THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM, THE WARNING SIGNAL WAS ALWAYS FLASHING AND CAUSING MY STEERING TO PULL TO ONE SIDE. SINCE IT WAS DOING THIS IT WAS CAUSING THE CAR TO PULL TO ONE SIDE OR BRING MY TIRES COSTING ME AN ADDITIONAL $800 TO REPLACE THE TIRES BALANCE AND ALIGNMENT FOR MY CROSSTREK, PLUS THE DOWNTIME THAT I HAD TO TAKEOFF FROM WORK TO GET MY CAR WORKED ON AT THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP.”
NHTSA complaint #11376640, 2020

Service Brakes 3 2 crash

“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".”
NHTSA complaint #11552267, 2023 · crash

“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) WA…”
NHTSA complaint #11322356, 2020 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (RELIABLE SUBARU, 438 S INGRAM MILL RD, SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802, (417) 720-8373), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 677.”
NHTSA complaint #11104508, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE TURNED OFF (COMPUTERS AND ALL). THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS BEING TURNED OFF (FROM GOING ABOUT 75) BECAUSE I WAS APPROACHING TRAFFIC AND IT JUST TURNED OFF. BRAKES STILL WORKED AND I GOT ON THE SHOULDER. THEN WHEN TRYING TO TURN IT BACK ON, IT WOULD HAVE VERY STRANGE NOISE LIKE AN OLD FAN OR CLUNKING. I WOULD PRESS MY ACCELERATOR ALL THE WAY DOWN AND IT WOULD ONLY GO 5 MILES AN HOUR. FINALLY AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AN RESTARTING ENOUGH TIMES IT RAN NORMALLY. BUT THEN THE COMPUTER WAS ON THE FRITZ. FLASHING THE HIGH INCLI…”
NHTSA complaint #11254361, 2019

“UPON STARTING CAR IN DRIVEWAY FOUND POWER STEERING SLUGGISH AND REQUIRING GREAT FORCE (OPERATIVE, BUT NO APPARENT BOOST). ENGINE SLUGGISN LIKE LIMP-HOME MODE. ADDITIONALLY MIL, TC AND OTHER LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON DASH. I TOOK PHOTO. I FORGET IF IT THREW ODB CODES, BUT I REMEMBER THAT IT TWO BATTERY DISCONNECT CYCLES, AND TWO ODB CODE CLEARING CYCLES, TO REGAIN NORMAL FUNCTION. I FORGET ID ANY ODB CODES WERE SET. HERE ARE THE CONDITIONS: DAYTIME MORNING, ABOUT 11AM, AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ABOUT 65 DEGREES. CAR PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. I PREVIOUSLY (ABOUT 30 MINUTES BEFORE) MOVED CAR FROM STREET TO DRIVE…”
NHTSA complaint #11209567, 2019

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“This morning August 29 2022 I started my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, when I put it in gear the car just took off before I could stop it. The idle when about 5000 RPM and then up and down. I was able to get the vehicle stopped and parked. I tried starting the vehicle again and the same. The vehicle is on its way to Crews Subaru North Charleston. Even the tow truck driver wouldn't drive the vehicle. This makes the vehicle unsafe. What if someone was walking past my driveway when this happen? It took about 40 feet to get the car stopped with my foot on the brake hard and to park the car. I have a vide…”
NHTSA complaint #11481793, 2022

“UNKNOWN My Subaru has always had a little hesitation when accelerating. I brought this up to the dealer and they are telling me it is normal. However, in the last few months, it has gotten worse. Sometimes, when trying to accelerate into traffic, the car feels like it's going to stall or die, then it kicks in and I am able to accelerate. This is intermittent, so I never know when it's going to happen. This is a safety issue, since the hesitation could cause me to get hit.”
NHTSA complaint #11421279, 2021

Suspension 2

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11723204, 2026

“WATER IS COLLECTING UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT TOWER DUST COVER IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND CAUSING RUST/CORROSION OF THE STRUT SHAFT/NUT AND STRUT TOWER POCKET. VEHICLE NEW AND HAS LESS THAN 4000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER.”
NHTSA complaint #11090076, 2018

Air Bags 1 1 crash

“AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT AT HIGHWAY SPEED (~80MPH).”
NHTSA complaint #11202567, 2019 · crash

Back Over Prevention 1

“The main head unit display (8") that controls the climate, audio and other control functions as well as the backup camera video feed is poorly made and subject to rapid delamination at edges and center. We reported and showed this problem to a Subaru dealer multiple times in past and they simply indicated it as 'temporary moisture' yet it is NOT moisture related and a design/manufacturing flaw. The car is now out of warranty and the problem only exacerbated with time to point where rear view camera functionality / visibility is impaired ... not ot mention the unsightly look of the main cent…”
NHTSA complaint #11607107, 2020

Chest Clip 1

“was loosening the shoulder strap to get my child out of the seat and one of the straps came completely off of the seat. the strap hadn't broken, just had come unattached from the seat. now only one strap is usable. sent pictures to cybex and because it was 2 months out of the 2 year warranty, they couldn't replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #11475462, 2022

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The failure occurred while operating the vehicle in warmer humid weather. The contact indicated that the failure occurred after the vehicle was serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V264000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling) which included replacing the and updating the EMC software. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000. Consumer stated vehicle is still a…”
NHTSA complaint #11433979, 2021