2018 Subaru Crosstrek: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Second-gen redesign brought a roomier, safer SUV but a rocky launch: spontaneous windshield cracking, several recalls and early-build gremlins. Capable with great resale, yet the worst-sorted gen-2 year. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek ranged from $21,795 to $26,295 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

4/10

Troubled track record

Sources (1)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=crosst…

Known issues

Spontaneous windshield cracking is the defining defect of these years: cracks appear at low mileage, impair the EyeSight driver-assist camera, and recalibration is costly (subject of a class-action settlement).

widespread · 191 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–40k miles · body
Battery drain and Starlink infotainment/electrical faults reported across the early second generation.

occasional · 49 NHTSA complaints · electrical
FB20 2.0-liter boxer oil consumption and isolated head-gasket reports, mostly on higher-mileage examples.

occasional · 30 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–100k miles · engine
Rocky 2018 launch with several recalls plus isolated suspension/handling and rear-fishtail complaints.

isolated · 10 NHTSA complaints · suspension

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (5)

classaction.orghttps://www.classaction.org/subaru-cracked-windshield-defect-lawsuits
subaruwindshieldsettlement.comhttps://www.subaruwindshieldsettlement.com/
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=crosst…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=crosst…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=crosst…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Standard symmetrical AWD with genuine light off-pavement ability and high ground clearance
Roomier, stiffer Subaru Global Platform with improved ride and crash safety
Optional 2.5-liter engine from 2021 addresses the long-standing power complaint
Standard EyeSight driver-assist with strong crash-test ratings
Excellent resale value and top-of-class RepairPal reliability

Cons

CVT-only drivetrain; not engaging to drive
Base 2.0-liter boxer still feels underpowered
Spontaneous windshield cracking, especially on 2018-2020 cars
Battery-drain and infotainment electrical quirks

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
Base	$21,795	$26,995	—	—
Premium	$22,595	$27,995	—	—
Limited	$26,295	$32,995	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (2)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2018-subaru-crosstrek-price
iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-crosstrek-price

Depreciation

2018 entry trim from new typical floor (assumed, past curve data) same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($21,795). Higher trims started higher (up to $26,295), and options added more.

The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-crosstrek/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $450–500/yr
Insurance (medium tier)	≈ $1,600–1,700/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/crosstrek
moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/subaru-crosstrek-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have?

Documented issue patterns include: Spontaneous windshield cracking is the defining defect of these years: cracks appear at low mileage, impair the EyeSight driver-assist camera, and recalibration is costly (subject of a class-action settlement); Battery drain and Starlink infotainment/electrical faults reported across the early second generation; FB20 2.0-liter boxer oil consumption and isolated head-gasket reports, mostly on higher-mileage examples; Rocky 2018 launch with several recalls plus isolated suspension/handling and rear-fishtail complaints. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

How much did the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek cost new?

Between $21,795 and $26,295 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.