10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,585 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Subaru Crosstrek engine problems

engine problem

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2018 Subaru Crosstrek Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #29

Jun 082024

Crosstrek

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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 808-877-3731 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.

- Kihei, HI, USA

problem #28

Jan 192023

Crosstrek 4-cyl

  • miles
I was driving on Tuesday, January 17 and my steering made a pooping nose strug and swirl to the right then continue driving. I found it strange but this never happened. Then on Thursday, January 19, 2023, I put my vehicle into the driveway, my engine was not even off yet, my steering wheel to the left with key still in the ignition it locked. I know how to unlock my wheel but with this I can't this is the 4th time it has happened. It is freaking me out because every time my son is in the car. If this happens when I am driving it going to take the grace of God to save us. The first time was in Hartsdale, NY parking lot Subaru assistance was called, he made a report, 2nd time it happened by Trader Joes Larchmont, NY Police came out they made a report, 3rd time a Man in KeyFood Bronx, NY 2022, help me and 4th Time January 19, 2023 Entourage Automotive Corp tow was called. He wants to tow my car in the morning to Subaru Service because he says it too stiff and hard to turn. He had to lean his body on it and then turn it hard. I can't do that and it not suppose to do that. In December 21, 2022, my car was park under the port, when I went out the hand rest was wrinkled. When I took my car in for 4 tires I indicated this to Will the service guy and he said I could buy a new one and have it replace. It was strange he never hard of it. Well know through some research this is a big issue with vehciles from 2017 to 2022 and they have a cover for it now. but it should have been a recall to fix the ones it already happen too now.https://subaru.oemdtc.com/3574/2017-2021-subaru-center-console-armrest-cover-wrinkled-appearance My car is staining from the ceiling to the side of the upper doors, as well as water stains.

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #27

Nov 262022

Crosstrek

  • miles
-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.

- Frisco, TX, USA

problem #26

Dec 122022

Crosstrek

  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Farmington, CT, USA

problem #25

Dec 012021

Crosstrek

  • 39,000 miles
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.

- New York, NY, USA

problem #24

Sep 272022

Crosstrek

  • miles
When I attempted to start the car, the starter would spin but fail to engage the flywheel, leaving me stranded in a parking lot. The car needed to be towed to a repair shop. The repair shop confirmed the problem and replaced the starter with an OEM replacement part. I am told that the manufacturer has redesigned the part. The car has less than 55,000 miles on it. I was unaware of any symptoms of the impending failure of this engine component.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #23

Aug 292022

Crosstrek 4-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Charleston, SC, USA

problem #22

Nov 112021

Crosstrek

  • miles
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. The Subaru service bulletin states " applicability: 2018-21 MY Crosstrek 2.0L MT Subject: Lack of power / hesitation during acceleration Number 09-77-21R Date 7/28/21 Revised 08/19/21. It also included 2017-21 MY Impreza 2.0L MT. The service bulletin describes the same problem I have experienced and described above and an ECM reprograming is needed to fix the issue. Subaru of America has not issued a recall on these models. It should have. It should have done so in 2019 or 2010 when owners of these vehicles like me has brought the issue to their attention. Please investigate and contact Subaru of America so potential accidents, hazards can be avoided. These cars need to be recalled.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #21

Nov 112021

Crosstrek

  • miles
There are many online posts of the same issues as my 2018 Crosstrek acceleration hesitancy, stumbling at around 2000 RPM or under light acceleration. This is particularly hazardous when entering highways. The Subaru dealership cannot find any issue with diagnostic error codes. I called Subaru of America they also reports no such recalls on the complaint above. Please investigate this for the Model year 2015 and newer Subaru Crosstreks. Many many people who owns this model has complained this on the online forum for same issue and no response or fix from Subaru. Below is a sample of what other Crosstrek owners experienced what I have experienced also: Subaru XV Crosstrek Engine hesitates during acceleration...https://www.yourmechanic.com -??... -?? XV Crosstrek An engine that is hesitating to accelerate is most likely dealing with a fuel/air mixture that is too lean. Engine's that are running inefficiently will begin... Hesitation during Subaru Crosstrek acceleration - victoriamgclubhttps://victoriamgclub.com -?? hesitation-during-subaru-c... Feb 24, 2020 -?" Another possible explanation why you experience hesitation during Subaru Crosstrek acceleration, whether you are driving, stationary, hot, cold... Engine hesitation after ignition coil recall service - Subaru XV...https://www.clubcrosstrek.com -?? threads -?? engine-hesita... May 30, 2020 -?" Hi...does the Crosstrek have multiple ignition coils...like one per cylinder, or just one" I had the impression that it was a single one? Problem with Accelerating/Going up hills - Subaru XV... Sep 17, 2020 Rough Starts regardless of condition? - Subaru XV Crosstrek... Dec 3, 2014 Engine Stumble" | Subaru XV Crosstrek Forums Apr 11, 2014 Sporadic Starting Problems | Subaru XV Crosstrek Forums Feb 5, 2014 More results from www.clubcrosstrek.com 2019 Subaru Crosstrek - Hesitates - Maintenance/Repairshttps://community.cartalk.com -?? 2019-subaru-crosstrek... Jun 7, 2019 -?" 825 miles and the car occasionally hesitates when m

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #20

Jun 012021

Crosstrek

  • miles
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.

- Wantagh, NY, USA

problem #19

Aug 312019

Crosstrek

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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. No dashboard lights appear, no sensor issues have been reported. There is also a "knock" or "bloop" sound that comes from the passenger rear of the car, near the gas tank input, when pulling forward from reversing. Not sure if that is part of issue, perhaps too much air is getting into system? It's a very annoying issue; if I had known, I would have kept my Jetta.

- Rocklin, CA, USA

problem #18

Jun 172021

Crosstrek

  • miles
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.

- Roseville, CA, USA

problem #17

Mar 042021

Crosstrek

  • 56,000 miles
When crossing across traffic to get in the lane from right or left turns. There is slow and sluggish as it wants to stall or stay out in cross traffic to cause a collision!! it has happened since I purchased it from a non Subaru dealer beginning of 2021.there should be a recall as this sluggish acceleration problem can cause an accident.

- Cheswick, PA, USA

problem #16

Dec 032019

Crosstrek

  • 16,000 miles
The car engine has stalled 4 times since July when wife was accelerating onto a main street or through an intersection, turning from a stop. On one occasion, she fluttered the pedal and regained engine power. The other times she had to take the car out of gear and restart the engine with the ignition key. Loosing power in an intersection with moderate to heavy traffic has scared her and she refuses to the the car. Two of these incidents were prior to the car being serviced for the coil inspection and ECM reprogram recall on Nov. 20, the other two were on Dec.3, 2019. The auto was taken to the wilmington, nc Subaru dealership for a thorough inspection on Dec. 17, 2019, and they could not find the problem. The car was purchased used from a dealership in April. 2019. I, (the husband) drive the car 95% of the time and have not had the problem of engine stalling. The wife is 5'2" and is in her early 70S. She has been driving for 55 years and our previous car was a 1998 Subaru outback of which she had no problems. The wife does drive with both feet, accelerating with the right foot and breaking with the left foot. Attempts to duplicate the problem, both with her driving and with me driving fail to cause a stall.

- Wilmington, NC, USA

problem #15

Dec 162019

Crosstrek

  • 24,000 miles
Three recalls for December 2019 on a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Subaru service program numbers are; wur-03, Subaru safety recall wuq-02 NHTSA recall id 19V-743, and Subaru saftery recall wup-01 NHTSA id 19V-744

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #14

Nov 162019

Crosstrek 4-cyl

  • 22,850 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that the PCV blew up and stranded the contact on the side of the highway. The vehicle was towed to faulkner Nissan of harrisburg (3925 paxton St, harrisburg, pa 17111) where it remained from November 16, 2019 to November 27, 2019. The dealer had to remove the engine to clean up the PCV debris and other engine components. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19V744000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was called on December 2, 2019 and they provided a case number and promised to call back. The contact called the manufacturer back on December 9, 2019 and was informed that the vehicle did not qualify for the lemon law since it was only with the dealer for nine days. The contact felt that he was one of six people that experienced the failure and his engine was not replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 22,850.

- York Haven, PA, USA

problem #13

Nov 112019

Crosstrek

  • miles
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact received two recall notifications for NHTSA campaign numbers: 19V744000 (engine & engine cooling) and 19V743000 (electrical system). The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. Northtown Subaru (3930 sheridan dr, hamherst, NY) confirmed that parts were not available to perform the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #12

Nov 272019

Crosstrek

  • 17,000 miles
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, mileage 17,000 as of 12/02/2019. Vehicle being driven on a city street at 35 mph started to feel heavy/rigid and losing motive power. Exhaust started to discharge non-stopping heavy black smoke like that of tires burning. Also, there was a very strong plastic-like smell in the smoke. Immediately called the nearest Subaru dealership and took the vehicle in. I waited over 4 long hours until the technician said I had to leave the car as they did not know what the problem was since all tests performed had come out ok. A loaner was provided the following day and a call from the dealership stated that they were not 100% sure about the issue and that they suspected it had to do with manufacturer recall number wup01 (NHTSA 19V744000) and that it would take at least 2 weeks to repair. Subaru of America failed to send letters or emails concerning 2 open recalls for this vehicle since October 2019. I do not have documentation to submit at the time of this complaint as I have not yet received any copies from the Subaru dealership. My life and the lives of my family members when we have been riding on the vehicle have been at great risk because Subaru has failed to inform of these recalls which could have ended up in a fatality. This is completely unacceptable from a manufacturer I have put all my trust in.

- Cicero, IL, USA

problem #11

Jul 012019

Crosstrek

  • 33 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact received two recall notifications in the mail for NHTSA campaign numbers: 19V744000 (engine and engine cooling) and 19V743000(electrical system). Prior to the notifications, the contact informed cma's colonial Subaru (2122 ruffin mill rd, South chesterfield, va 23834, 888-929-4456) that she heard a banging noise coming from the engine when parking the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was informed that the noise was related to the engine cooling off and that an oil change was needed. The manufacturer had not been notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 33. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- North Chesterfield, VA, USA

problem #10

Sep 092019

Crosstrek

  • 2,500 miles
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 incline sign, the four wheel drive sign, and flashing all the cruise control. And the check engine light is on.

- Salina, KS, USA

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