Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Subaru Crosstrek owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, he heard a grinding sound and the vehicle started to shutter and spin. The contact then stated that he had to shift gear into neutral to stop the spin and rolled down the exit ramp and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that a hole was in the engine and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was denied service due to no service record was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that he was twelve days over warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
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 at the dealer.
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. While driving on a ramp at slow speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ignition fuse needed to be replaced. The fuse was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.
Purchased used in August 2019 - Premium 6MT. Issue has been present since purchase. There is hesitation with acceleration, not only with extremely slow acceleration, but jerking and surging at times. Dangerous when trying to pull out into traffic and driving in general. Appears to be an issue mostly between 2k-3k and then seems to rev properly after 3k, but have noticed jerking up around 4k and over. Had taken to dealer several times before issue was reproducible, then told to be issue with buildup of carbon in fuel lines. Had fuel lines blown, problem lessened, but did not resolve - this was roughly a year ago, problem has continued and worsened. Changed air filter with no change in problem. Multiple other owners on Subaru forums have this same issue, as well as have posted on this website. Subaru needs to recognize this as an issue and resolve. …
ECM reprogramming. I have sent in a report of 2018 Crosstrek manual transmission models like mine with acceleration delay and hesitation. There has been numerous reports of this issue among the owners. It creates hazardous condition when the driver is unexpectedly experiencing power loss or acceleration delay on lane merging situations. My car hesitates at around 2000 RPM during acceleration. I have approached Subaru dealer last year at approximately 28K miles. The car was deemed " normal". Then I called Subaru of America and I was told no such issues were reported. However, after my own research online on Crosstrek forum, this has been a known issue. In fact, tehre is a Subaru issued service bulletin on the issue described above. …
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 melts the ignition coils. …
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 video showing the RPM at 3900 but could upload it to your site. The consumer stated he would like the complaint removed, the floor mat holding the accelerator down was the problem.
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 diagnose and fix the problem. Ignition coil and spark plug replacements costed $1500. Don't think the recall fixed the root problem and this could potentially happen again.
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstek. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number:21V264000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The part was on backorder because of a previous recall for the ignition coil as well. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed the backorder of the part for the recall. The manufacturer also informed the contact that their case would be escalated. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts distribution disconnect.
I was driving to a friends house . When the engine started sputtering billowing blue smoke , the engine just stopped . I had it towed to my mechanics shop.maui fix auto [phone] Wailuku Maui Hawaii . He told me engine failed , extended warranty thru geico would not cover. I work as the equivalent of a park ranger. For the state of Hawaii being a first responder this is techically my 3 Subaru purchased from the dealer . This vehicle died at 60,000. Miles and 5 years I bought this car for reliability , to get to work and respond asap . My car is dead I wish some one in Subaru had "love " like they do in commercials. I need help fixing my car please .
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
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.
Remedy: 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…
Engine complaints in other Crosstrek years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 17% of the model year's 195 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Subaru Crosstrek engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 19V-744 (crankcase (pcv), Oct 17, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2018 Subaru Crosstrek engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 7,000 miles, and 78% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.