2018 Subaru Crosstrek power train problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Vehicle was maintained by dealer and out of the blue, started bucking intermittently while driving resulting in an unsafe driving experience. took it to the dealer to evaluate, told us, "They could change the transmission fluid and filter to see if that fixes the problem." they were not sure that…”
filed Feb 14, 2026
“I am writing to formally raise a significant safety concern regarding my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. I recently discovered a malfunction in the transfer case (pictures attached), specifically involving the center differential gear set, which necessitated immediate replacement. This issue first became…”
filed Feb 2, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
16-156-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 13, 2026
Power Train problems in other Crosstrek years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Crosstrek | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 Crosstrek | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 Crosstrek | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 Crosstrek | 14 | 13% |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 9 | 13% |
| 2019 Crosstrek | 24 | 8% |
| 2017 Crosstrek | 13 | 14% |
| 2016 Crosstrek | 18 | 14% |
| 2013 Crosstrek | 3 | 12% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.