This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Subaru Crosstrek electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek have filed 29 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 19,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Crosstrek | 32 |
| 2017 Crosstrek | 15 |
| 2018 Crosstrek (this page) | 29 |
| 2019 Crosstrek | 44 |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 8 |
| 2021 Crosstrek | 11 |
| 2022 Crosstrek | 3 |
What stands out
Owners have filed 29 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 10 model years of Subaru Crosstrek in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Crosstrek electrical cluster reveals systemic problems across multiple systems. Battery drain is the most frequent complaint: owners replace batteries two to four times within 3–5 years, some at mileages under 20,000 miles. One case identified parasitic drain from the Data Communications Module (DCM), with a $1,200 replacement quote. Dealers have tried factory resets and terminal re-seating with minimal success.
Infotainment and radio failures run a close second. The Starlink head unit freezes while driving, leaving the touchscreen dead for hours until a full vehicle shutdown resets it. Some radios blare at maximum volume on startup despite being off, or refuse to shut down. Multiple owners report the radio frozen with a blue screen and white stars.
EyeSight safety system alerts fail catastrophically. Warning audio is too faint to hear over normal music, doesn't interrupt radio playback, and the system disables in rain or fog. Reverse auto-brake and highway auto-brake engage without obstruction, nearly causing accidents. Subaru acknowledged the low alert volume but denied parts are needed.
Secondary issues compound the headache: water intrusion through clogged sunroof drains triggers false warning lights, the horn quits entirely, TPMS sensors fail all at once at 69,000 miles, and one owner's coolant system leaked immediately after dealer repair at 52,000 miles. Recall parts for two 2018 models sat unavailable for months.
Dealers consistently struggle to diagnose root causes and defer to component replacement without resolving underlying electrical faults.
Same Subaru Crosstrek electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Battery Drain / Parasitic Draw
Battery dies repeatedly during normal use or extended parking periods, even after replacement with new batteries. Multiple owners report replacing batteries 2-4 times within a few years. DCM (Data Communications Module) identified as source of parasitic drain in at least one case; terminal connections cited in another.
When: During normal use or after sitting 2-3 days; reported at mileages 4,136 to 17,132 miles; one owner at 16,400 miles through four battery replacements
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies after sitting several days; Vehicle will not start or starts then immediately shuts off; Key fobs and remote start non-functional when battery depleted; Multiple battery replacements required (2-4 times); Battery charge cannot be maintained
Codes mentioned: Parasitic drain from DCM, Loose terminal connections, Corrupted learning in ECM
Repairs/costs cited: DCM replacement quoted at $1,200; factory reset on DCM unsuccessful in one case; terminal connections tightened; battery replacement only temporarily resolves issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru Customer Advocacy directed owners to monitoring; offered $1,500 goodwill credit toward new purchase; stated no reimbursement available for recurrent battery issues; advised one owner to 'keep bringing it in when the battery dies'
Radio / Infotainment System Freezing & Malfunction
Starlink/infotainment head unit periodically freezes while driving, rendering touchscreen and controls non-responsive. Radio freezes with blue screen and white stars, or fails to turn off. Radio volume blares automatically on startup or at maximum without user input.
When: While driving; startup behavior; mileage range 4,136 to 17,132 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Head unit freezes while vehicle is in motion; Touchscreen becomes unresponsive; Radio will not turn off or keeps running 15 minutes after car shut down; Radio volume blares unexpectedly on startup; No sound or maximum volume without user control; Blue screen with white stars display; System becomes usable only after 4+ hour vehicle shutdown
Codes mentioned: Radio software malfunction, Starlink system freeze
Repairs/costs cited: Radio replaced at least 3 times in one case; radio update performed; system requires vehicle shutdown and restart to recover function
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Radio update completed at dealership; replacement units installed but problem recurred
HVAC / Cooling System Failure
Heat stops working during operation. After dealer repair, cooling system fails with coolant gushing from engine, burning smell, and potential internal engine damage from overheating.
When: At 52,315 miles; heat failure occurred after recent repair; subsequent coolant leak within days of repair
Symptoms owners cite: Heat system stops working; Tapping noise after startup (resolved after 5 minutes); Coolant gushing from engine; Burning smell from engine; Blue fluid leaking (coolant)
Repairs/costs cited: Initial repair deemed incomplete; coolant leak discovered shortly after; owner concerned about internal engine seal damage from overheating; vehicle deemed unsafe to drive by service advisor
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership provided loaner vehicle; Subaru Customer Advocacy case opened; owner requested 3-year warranty and vehicle replacement due to failed repair and safety concerns; Subaru response pending as of report date
EyeSight Driver Assist System Issues
EyeSight safety system experiences multiple failures: warning alerts too quiet and do not interrupt radio audio, making warnings inaudible during normal driving; system disables in rain/fog conditions; reverse auto brake and highway auto brake engage without cause; system turns on and off excessively without reason.
When: Ongoing; mileage not consistently specified; issues noted at 13,790 miles and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: EyeSight audio warning volume very low; Safety alerts do not interrupt radio playback; EyeSight shuts off in foggy or rainy conditions; Reverse auto brake applies without obstruction; Vehicle auto-brakes on highway without nearby vehicles; System switches on and off too frequently during motion; Safety alerts inaudible during normal music listening
Codes mentioned: EyeSight driver assist malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer and Subaru of America confirmed low alert volume issue; owners report no parts needed per Subaru; no repair solution offered
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru of America acknowledged issue but stated no parts are needed; owner requested windshield visual alert system like competing brands that also interrupt radio
Water Intrusion / Sensor Malfunction from Moisture
Heavy rain causes water ingress into the vehicle and moisture-related sensor failures. Assist braking and EyeSight driver assist warnings triggered after rain. Steering wheel becomes hard to maneuver. Clogged sunroof drain ports allow water accumulation on driver's side floor and condensation buildup.
When: After heavy rain events; failure mileage approximately 32,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Warning messages on instrument panel (assist braking, EyeSight driver assist needed servicing); Hard steering wheel; Water pooling on driver's side floor; Condensation in cabin after heavy rain; EyeSight and brake assist system failures triggered by moisture
Codes mentioned: Wheel sensor failure (driver's side rear), Computer sensor malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Rear driver's side wheel sensor replaced; sensor not reset initially, requiring second visit; sunroof drain ports unclogged and replaced; wheel sensor failure recurred after rain despite repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and case opened; root cause addressed as clogged sunroof drainage
TPMS Sensor Failure
All four tire pressure monitoring sensors failed simultaneously, leaving the vehicle without low-tire-pressure warning capability. TPMS light illuminated continuously. Issue represents a complete system failure at relatively moderate mileage.
When: At approximately 69,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS warning light remains continuously illuminated; No low-tire-pressure warnings provided; Complete loss of tire pressure monitoring
Codes mentioned: TPMS sensor failure (all four units)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted approximately $1,000 to restore the system
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru of America acknowledged issue but offered only partial 'Goodwill assistance' rather than full repair coverage; declined to fully correct federally mandated safety defect
Engine Control Module / Powertrain Control Corruption
Check engine light, traction control, and cruise control illuminate and stop functioning. Dealer diagnosis indicates ECM corruption or damage requiring replacement. Multiple online reports of same issue in same model and model years.
When: Not specified; vehicle properly maintained with no accidents
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Traction control light illuminated; Cruise control stops working; Loss of traction control functionality
Codes mentioned: ECM corruption or damage requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: ECM replacement required; cost not specified but owner notes replacement is 'not cheap'; owner suspects damage caused by dealership service but acknowledges dealership is only service location used
Ignition Fuse Failure / Power Loss During Driving
Vehicle loses motive power and stalls while driving at highway speeds without warning lights. Vehicle also fails to accelerate when depressing pedal at low speeds. Ignition fuse replacement resolves the issue.
When: At 39,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lost motive power and stalled while driving at 50 MPH; Vehicle failed to accelerate when pedal depressed at low speeds; Vehicle stalled at slow speeds; No warning lights illuminated before failure
Codes mentioned: Ignition fuse failure
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition fuse replaced and vehicle repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but provided no additional assistance
Starter Motor Failure
Premature starter failure due to failed clutch in starter motor, as identified in Subaru Technical Service Bulletin 07-198-21. Low mileage at failure. Issue known to manufacturer but not recalled.
When: At 35,750 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Starter failure
Codes mentioned: Failed clutch in starter motor
Repairs/costs cited: Defective starter replacement required; issue documented in TSB 07-198-21
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known defect documented in TSB 07-198-21; no recall issued despite documented nature of failure
Brake Lights & Electrical Connections Failure
LED brake light stopped working at low mileage. Dealer identified wire shorting as cause. Rear power windows failed on delivery. Requires light assembly replacement.
When: Rear windows failed from delivery; brake light failed at 15,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear power windows non-functional from new; LED brake light failure; Wire shorting in brake light circuit
Codes mentioned: Wire shorting in brake light assembly
Repairs/costs cited: Entire LED brake light assembly required replacement; parts not immediately in stock; vehicle operated without functioning brake light during warranty wait period
Steering Wheel Horn Failure
Horn stops working with no warning. All other steering wheel and steering column controls functional. Vehicle left without audible warning capability.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Horn non-functional; All other steering wheel controls operational
Harman Kardon Audio System Static / Amplifier Failure
Premium audio system produces constant static buzz from passenger door speaker even when system is turned completely off. Amplifier replacement required.
When: One week after purchase of new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Constant static buzz from passenger-side door speaker; Static persists even when audio system is completely off
Repairs/costs cited: Amplifier replacement required
Apple CarPlay / USB Connectivity Issues
Apple CarPlay fails to connect reliably via USB. Connection drops when phone remains plugged in during vehicle shutdown, requiring hours to reconnect.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Apple CarPlay does not always activate when phone connected; Error message appears after vehicle shutdown with phone plugged in; System requires hours to reconnect after connection failure
Factory Alarm False Triggers
Vehicle alarm triggers at night while parked in garage, regardless of lock status, without cause.
When: Late evening while parked in garage
Symptoms owners cite: Alarm triggered while vehicle locked or unlocked; False triggers with no obvious cause; Occurs late evening in garage
Remote Start System Installation / Integration Failure
Aftermarket remote start system installed at dealership at low mileage causes multiple cascading electrical problems. Remote start fails to start vehicle or causes stalling. Terminal connections and battery integration issues. Problem persists even after dealer repair attempts.
When: Installation at 700 miles; failures beginning May 2018 at 4,136 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Remote start non-functional; Vehicle stalls when remote start activates; Vehicle won't start or starts then shuts off without remote start; Terminal connections loose; Battery not fully connected to remote start system; Cascading failures in other electrical systems following installation
Codes mentioned: Loose terminal connections, Battery connection failure
Repairs/costs cited: Terminal connections tightened; radio firmware update performed; dealership acknowledged improper battery connection during remote start installation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged installation error; no manufacturer-level response provided
Recall Parts Distribution and Delayed Repairs
Two 2018 Crosstrek owners received recall notifications (19V744000 for engine cooling and 19V743000 for electrical system) but dealers unable to obtain parts for months, delaying or preventing recall repairs. One owner reported engine banging noise prior to recall notification but was not given proper diagnosis or repair.
When: Recall notifications received; parts unavailable; one banging noise at approximately 33 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notices received but parts unavailable; Engine banging noise on shutdown; No warning indicators illuminated despite engine noise
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 19V744000 (Engine & Engine Cooling), NHTSA Campaign 19V743000 (Electrical System)
Repairs/costs cited: Parts unavailable for extended period; engine banging initially misdiagnosed as normal cooling process and oil change need
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two recall campaigns issued; manufacturer did not ensure adequate parts distribution to complete recall repairs in timely manner; no parts available at time of report
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Subaru crosstrek. The contact received two recall notifications for NHTSA campaign numbers: 19v744000 (engine & engine cooling) and 19v743000 (electrical system). The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. Northtown Subaru (3930 sheridan dr, hamherst, ny) confirmed that parts were not available to perform the recall repairs. The…
Had electrical trouble with your 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 29 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 9,000 and 32,000 miles, with the median around 19,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,000; a quarter make it past 32,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Subaru/Crosstrek.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.