Subaru has thoroughly overhauled the Crosstrek for the 2018 model year and it now runs on a completely new platform. Already a decent seller for Subaru, the new Crosstrek has found a hike in sales numbers ever since the introduction of the latest iteration. All good things aside, the updates have also bought in a few niggles not seen on the model it replaces. The number of recalls which stayed mono in previous model years has seen a jump to 5 this year. The complaints numbers also break the 100 barriers with this year’s model. So, should you be spending $21,795 for this new entrant or go with something like the Honda HR-V, the Toyota C-HR, or the Mazda CX-3? This article should give you a brief idea of that.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine- Occasional engine stalls and inability to crank have been a common issue among 2018 Subaru Crosstrek owners. Hesitation to acceleration and stumbling between 2000-3000 RPMs are also issues noted by various owners. The issue was later traced to faulty engine management software which was resolved through two separate recalls (IDs- 21V624000, 19V743000) in the following years.
- Transmission/CVT- Lurching at low speed during on and off throttle transition is one issue that has been noticed by many 2018 Subaru Crosstrek owners. The step function on the CVT is also said to hold a constant ratio without upshifting and also jerks when trying to accelerate. Although the dealers were informed about these problems, most owners have not found a resolution.
Electric System complaints
- Infotainment/ radio- The Starlink infotainment system on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek has been really bugging owners. The screen freezes intermittently and requires the driver to restart the car once this happens. The Bluetooth hands-free phone pairing is also not the slickest and occasionally losses connectivity. Though radio software updates were provided by the dealer, the issues persist for multiple users.
- Battery- Faults with the ECM software cause the system to power the ignition coils even after the vehicle is switched off. This causes the batteries to deplete prematurely leaving many users with dead batteries on 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with mileages as low as 4,000-miles.
Structural Complaints
- Front windshield- Cracked windshield is a common issue to look out for on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. It probably is the single most reported problem as per the NHTSA. Owners complain about the formation of cracks on the windshield without any previous instance of physical damage. The average failure mileage recorded is 15,000-miles.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
15th April 2021 |
21V624000 |
ECM software may cause engine stall. |
The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit which may stall the engine and increase the risk of a crash. |
The 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 on June 1, 2021. |
|
2 |
15th April 2021 |
21V263000 |
Rear stabilizer bracket bolts may detach. |
The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach allowing it to shift from its place and increase the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 17, 2021. |
|
3 |
18th October 2019 |
19V743000 |
ECM software may cause engine stall. |
The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit which may stall the engine and increase the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils, and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2019. |
|
4 |
17th October 2019 |
19V744000 |
PCV valve can separate |
The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2019. |
|
5 |
7th November 2017 |
17V701000 |
Incorrect floor mat retention bracket |
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, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will inspect the floor mat retention bracket and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 14, 2017. |
|
6 |
30th May 2018 |
19V404000 |
Window glass is improperly tempered. |
Improperly tempered glass can shatter into large pieces in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
The dealers will replace the driver's side rear-door window glass, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2018. |
|
7 |
6th February 2018 |
19V065000 |
Loss of electric power steering assist |
A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance, increasing steering effort and thereby the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 7, 2018. |
Should you buy a used Subaru Crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek has been seeing a rise in customer base more so after the introduction of its latest generation. As of now, the sales figures stand at over 140,000 units, which is an all-time high for this crossover. Subaru’s are known to be robust and reliable, which has been the case for the Crosstrek all these years. The brand new model does see a significant jump in recalls, but the rise in the number of complaints is rather controlled. As things stand, Subaru is doing a decent job and there aren’t many fault points that one should be concerned about on this vehicle. While the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is not a recommended choice from us, it definitely is one of the best choices for those who like a bit of adventurism on a limited budget.
