Subaru Crosstrek Complaints (2018)

195 consumer complaints on file.

#11589529May 19, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The passenger window switch on the drivers side door panel is loose and is jammed (will not depress). Nearly impossible to get passenger window to go down.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11589191May 16, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving on a 71 degree, clear day on 16 May 2024, out of nowhere and without prior warning, my sunroof/moonroof glass on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek limited, (50th anniversary edition) just exploded. See pics attached.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11579749March 27, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hello, My subaru crosstrek 2018 has been brought to Subaru service departments in both CA and MA for the same issue. I have brought in my car 3-4 times for recurrent problems where the battery in the car dies. The battery has been replaced multiple times and I have brought it to Subaru Service departments both in Massachusetts and California, all of whom tell me that the battery needs to be replaced, over and over again. I called and filed a report with Subaru of America who directed me to a third party representative who deals with claims regarding subarus and their recurrent battery issues and was informed that my subaru is not eligible for reimbursement for recurrent issues with batterys, nor is it a model that is eligible for an extended warranty given the battery issues. This is a huge safety issue for me. I have found myself in empty parking garages at night with a dead battery where I have had to stay locked in my car while I call a tow/AAA service to come and jump my car. I have missed countless days of work due to this issue. I have been late to pick up my child from daycare. I have spent thousands of dollars missing work, getting ubers while my car is in the shop, using rental cars, calling tow companies while this issue has been ongoing for two years. In addition, I have spent hundreds of dollars on portable battery chargers so that I do not get stranded with a battery-less car. I have raised this issue to the Subaru service departments multiple times, as well as Subaru of America with no solution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11575793March 6, 2024
WHEELS
On [XXX], 1 wheel lug nut seized up on the lug and then the lug snapped off when trying to remove the nut. On [XXX], 3 lug nuts seized up on the lugs when attempting to remove the lugs. On both occasions, I have had to bring the vehicle in for repairs to have the lugs and nuts replaced. Total cost of these repairs approx $250. On [XXX], I called Subaru of America (1-800-782-2783) to report the issue of lugs nuts seizing up on my Subaru (3 today and 1 in December 2022). The representative took down my information but other than that, was not very helpful. I asked if she could have an investigation done to see if this is a systemic problem with the 2018 Crosstreks or with Subaru in general. Her response was for me to “Google the issue myself” and then call them back if I found out anything. She offered essentially no help. In more than 40 years of working on cars, I have never had a lug nut seize up on a lug stud. Since this has now happened 4 times in the last 15 months, on the same vehicle, this seems to be a systemic problem and should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573897February 25, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
While driving home in the evening, I was startled by a sudden cracking sound that I heard. Although nothing appeared to have impacted the windshield, I speculated that it may have been caused by a plastic bag in which I stored trash in my vehicle on occasion. The following day, my partner noticed a significant crack in the windshield as he loaded bags into the car. I recounted the previous night's experience of hearing the disturbing sound that had caught my attention. The crack in the windshield continued to expand, causing me great distress and anxiety about the potential safety implications. As someone who relies on my vehicle for work-related commitments, the thought of the windshield shattering while I was driving deeply concerned me. This experience exacerbated my chronic pain and added financial worries due to the unexpected repair costs. Despite the absence of any apparent cause for the crack, I sought assistance from my car dealership, only to be advised that an independent service center would offer a more cost-effective solution and repair quicker. Following the windshield replacement process, which was completed by an independent service center. I have documented the progress of the crack through photographs. This unforeseen issue, with no prior indicators, caused significant distress for someone who struggles with change and is reluctant to have their vehicle undergoing repairs, beyond routine maintenance. While the windshield has been successfully replaced, I remain vigilant due to the abrupt nature of the initial damage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11568829January 30, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I noticed that my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek battery keeps draining when the car sits for several days (something that typically has not happened in the past until my son recently went off to college). I called AAA and they checked out the battery and indicated that the battery was good still, but was borderline. Would likely need to be replaced soon. Since it was the original battery and it would need to be replaced soon - I had them replace it. Even after the battery replacement - the battery drains when the car sits for a few days. I took the car in to my local Subaru dealer and they indicated parasitic drain from DCM is depleting the battery. They tried performing a factory reset on the DCM, but it was unsuccessful. The dealer quoted me $1200 to replace the DCM and had to order it. I also noticed several class-action lawsuits for other Subaru models (which sound like the same issue). I called Subaru Customer Advocacy to inform them of the situation and currently awaiting a response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11568834January 30, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dealer indicated control arm bushings needed to be replaced because they were cracked. I've owned about 20 cars and have never replaced a control arm bushing...much less on a car that is only a few years old (2018). I was told this needed to be fixed because the failing control arm bushings could cause me to lose control of the car. I realize things breakdown and need to be repaired, but as I said I've had about 20 cars over my lifetime and never replaced or been told that I needed to replace a control arm bushing. I question if that part is defective on Subaru Crosstrek (especially when I consider that my local mechanic indicated Subaru has had all kinds of problems with their control arm bushings).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11568584January 29, 2024
WHEELS
I have had to replace 3 back wheel bearings in less than a year. I replaced both back wheel bearings at different times, and the I just had to replace another one. The parts were brand new. If they had broken while I was driving my 45 minute commute on [XXX] to work, it would have killed me. Or if it had broken while transporting my 15 year old daughter, it would have killed us both. There is absolutely no reason for wheel bearings to have to be replaced within 100,000 miles. I had just reached 78,000 when I had to replace the first one. I'm so frustrated with this car that I will NEVER own another subaru. The only sign that they were going bad was a loud hum while driving it. No warning lights or anything came on. I had them all replaced by an automotive garage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11555391November 16, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately respond before abruptly accelerating forward. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure and unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554730November 12, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Purchased NEW car 2018 and ALWAYS serviced at dealership. No problems until January 2022, radio issues. Dealer replaced radio - ever since then, the battery of the car keeps dying. The radio was replaced at least 3 times. Approximately Jan 21, 2023, I had to pay to replace the battery because service department said it needed to be replaced. Jan 23rd, the car was dead in my garage - they replaced the battery. On Jan 27th, car was dead again in the garage. Dealer had car towed and they kept until Jan 31st, when they had a “specialist” from Tampa look at the problem - another battery. Oct 3 again dead in the garage. Even the TEO KEYFOBS has to be replaced as they were drained of power. There obviously is an ELECTRICAL PROBLEM somewhere in the engine and we are afraid that the car might stop running WHILE I AM DRIVING IT, or AIR BAGS DEPLOY or maybe an ENGINE FIRE. THERE IS A SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. I reported it to Subaru Corporation and their executive said to “just keep bringing it in when the battery has died”! How does that resolve the electrical POTENTIALLY UNSAFE ISSUE? As of today, 11/12, in the evening you can see on the radio screen a type of “glow” or “backlight” coming from the screen WITH THE RADIO TURNED COMPLETELY OFF. We are seniors who are not afraid to drive this car because of potential safety issues or being “stranded” somewhere if it is not operational. I contacted Subaru Corporation and all they will do is issue a “goodwill” credit of $1,500 toward a new car. We are retired and on a fixed income and thought this would be our forever car and even purchased the extended warranty to avoid any future expenses that we could not afford. It would be an unbudgeted expense to pay for another vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11552267October 27, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
WAITING IN LINE TO PICKUP PRESCRIPTION, STOPPED WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTO CAR APPROX 15 FT IN FRONT OF ME. EYE SIGHT BRAKING DID NOT STOP CAR, NOR DID IMMINENT COLLISION WARNING ENGAGE. CAR IS AT DEALERSHIP AND THEY CONDUCTED TEST; FOUND NOTHING. AWAITING SUBARU ENGINEER TO PULL AND CHECK "BLACK BOX".
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11551056October 20, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Was told I needed a new ecm due to corrupt learning. My vehicles check engine light, traction control light, and cruise control all turned on/ stopped working. My vehicle has received all necessary maintenance in a timely manner, no missed oil changes and no accidents. The dealership stated it was due to damage but this can’t be possible since the only place service has been completed was at the dealership, if it was damaged it would have been caused by the dealership. I have seen multiple threads online stating the same issue with their vehicle same model and similar years and the cost to replace is not cheap.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11548614October 6, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Front hood latch opens while driving. This happens often. There is a secondary latch, so the hood does not swing fully open. But the first latch (connected to the open lever in the car) pops open by itself. I worry that secondary latch might fail, and front hood would open blocking vision. When I brought it to Subaru dealer in June 2023, they "cleaned and lubed hood latch" charging me for service. It still opens while driving. I am in the shop now. They say they will lube again. They would have to order a new latch and charge me over $200. Should I do this?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542896September 6, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Several times the car wouldn’t start but all the lights came on but the engine would not turn over. If I waited a while it finally started.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11539297August 18, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Premature starter failure as noted in TSB 07-198-21 due to failed clutch in starter motor. Only had 35, 750 miles. Defective starter. Issue known to Subaru. Could leave drivers stranded and at risk. This known/ common starter motor failure problem should be a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11539358August 18, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8/17/23 I left my vehicle on with the air conditioning running. Left on because my dogs were in the car. Came out of restaurant after 40 minutes & car was on fire inside the vehicle. Opened back door on drivers side & back seat was on fire. Black smoke coming out of the car. Car was put out by fire department. It could have blown up. Car is total loss. FD & PD investigated. No foul play. Unknown reason. Happened in Carthage NC 28327 notified State Farm insurance but haven’t notified Subaru yet
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535478July 31, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while at a light, the vehicle crashed into an unknown vehicle in front of her. While sitting in traffic at another light, the failure recurred. The vehicle reeved up forward and crashed into an unknown utility vehicle. A claim was submitted to the insurance company. While pulling into a parking spot, the vehicle lunged forward over the parking block, crashed into the concrete wall and railing, and stopped. There was an abnormal burning smell. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployments, police reports, or fires in either incident. The vehicle was taken to an independent body center, which stated there was an electrical issue but declined to accept the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. They will check the block box. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11525970June 8, 2023
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that upon inspection, a crack was discovered on the front windshield. The contact stated that the crack was located above the rearview mirror and extended approximately twelve inches. The contact stated that there was no impact on the windshield to cause the windshield to crack. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519951May 2, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
the horn quit working, everything else on my steering wheel and steering column work just not the horn, no way to warn approaching traffic, safety issue, puts myself and family in harms way.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502681January 19, 2023
STEERING
This is the 4th Time Since 2022, that my steering wheel has locked after driving. If the steering wheel is to the left when I go to turn it off and not in the middle it will lock. I had to call again Suburu assistance. The first time was in Hartsdale, NY 2022, the 2nd time was in Larchmont, NY had to call the police, the 3rd time was 2022 in Key Ford in Buhre and Westchester Avenue, and the 4th time in my driveway 2023. Each time it took forever for the men to unlock the steering wheel, I am a women and my girlfriend tried with no avail. I am terrified I will be on a road trip with my son and get stuck. When you put in the key and turn it supposed to unlock. Each man had to force the wheel with heavy pressure to unlock the vehicle. I have a video. This is the 2nd report I made of this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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