2018 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2.0L FB20 boxer engine produces an excessively loud droning and buzzing noise when accelerating from a stop or when the pedal is pressed harder. The CVT holds the engine at high RPM to extract power from the underpowered base engine, amplifying the noise.

This is largely a design characteristic of the 2.0L engine and CVT pairing. Upgrading to the 2.5L engine (available on Sport and Limited trims) significantly reduces the issue. Sound deadening material can help reduce cabin noise.

Surface rust accumulates in the top center retaining nut area of the front strut mounts, causing a creaking or popping noise when turning the steering wheel or driving over bumps. The corrosion can eventually compromise the strut mount integrity.

A Subaru TSB provides a procedure to clean the rust and apply corrosion protection to the strut mount area. In advanced cases, the strut mount assemblies require replacement.

The brake pedal emits a squeaking or creaking sound during operation, particularly noticeable in quiet driving conditions. The noise originates from the brake pedal pivot point and is cosmetic rather than a braking performance issue.

A Subaru TSB addresses this by lubricating the brake pedal pivot bushing. In some cases, the pedal assembly bushings are replaced. The repair is typically straightforward.

The check engine light illuminates with DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1), indicating reduced catalytic converter efficiency. This may occur before 100,000 miles and can cause emission test failures.

A Subaru TSB provides diagnostic procedures for this DTC. ECM reprogramming may resolve false triggers. If the catalytic converter has genuinely degraded, replacement under the federal emissions warranty (8 years/80,000 miles) may apply.

The windshield is prone to cracking from minor stone chips that would not damage windshields on other vehicles. Cracks spread quickly and often originate near the EyeSight camera housings at the top of the windshield.

Windshield replacement with an OEM Subaru windshield is required. Aftermarket windshields may interfere with EyeSight calibration. EyeSight recalibration is mandatory after windshield replacement.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.

Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.

If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.

An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Crosstrek vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect floor mat retention bracket, allowing the floor mat to move out of position and interfere with the accelerator or brake pedal operation.

If the floor mat moves out of position and interferes with the accelerator or brake pedal operation, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the floor mat retention bracket and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTR-77.