2018 Subaru Crosstrek
2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Overview
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a compact SUV known for its standard all-wheel drive, good fuel economy, and practical interior. It generally offers a reliable ownership experience, with owners appreciating its go-anywhere capability and comfortable ride. While most owners report satisfaction, like any vehicle, there are a few areas that have seen more attention from a reliability standpoint. This analysis focuses on documented issues beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential concerns for prospective and current owners.
Engine
2.0L Boxer (FB20)
Oil Consumption
- Symptoms: Excessive oil burning between oil changes, potentially leading to low oil levels.
- Solution: Monitor oil levels regularly and top up as needed. In some cases, internal engine repairs or component replacement may be required.
- Cost: $500 - $2000+
Coolant Leaks
- Symptoms: Visible coolant leaks, often from hoses or the water pump. Overheating may occur.
- Solution: Replace leaking hoses, clamps, or the water pump. Flush and refill cooling system.
- Cost: $300 - $700
Transmission
CVT (Lineartronic)
Hesitation/Jerking
- Symptoms: Intermittent hesitation or jerky acceleration, particularly at lower speeds or from a stop.
- Solution: Software updates for the transmission control module are often the first step. Fluid changes or internal transmission repairs may be necessary in more severe cases.
- Cost: $200 - $1500+
6-Speed Manual
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Suspension
Standard Chassis
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Electrical
Infotainment System
Screen Freezing/Unresponsiveness
- Symptoms: The touchscreen may freeze, become unresponsive, or reboot randomly.
- Solution: Software updates for the infotainment system. In some cases, the unit may need to be replaced.
- Cost: $100 - $800
Battery Drain
Premature Battery Failure
- Symptoms: Batteries failing sooner than expected, leading to starting issues.
- Solution: Test and replace the battery. Investigate potential parasitic draws if the issue persists.
- Cost: $150 - $300
Exterior
Body Panels & Paint
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Interior
Upholstery & Trim
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Summary Verdict
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is generally a dependable vehicle. The most frequently cited issues revolve around the CVT transmission’s occasional hesitation and potential oil consumption in the 2.0L engine. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the infotainment system and battery life, are also noted. However, these issues are not universal and often have manageable solutions. The manual transmission and the chassis/suspension components are considered robust. Overall, the Crosstrek offers good value with a reasonable expectation of reliability, provided potential buyers are aware of and prepared for these specific concerns.