The car engine has stalled 4 times since july when wife was accelerating onto a main street or through an intersection, turning from a stop. On one occasion, she fluttered the pedal and regained engine power. The other times she had to take the car out of gear and restart the engine with the ignition key. Loosing power in an intersection with moderate to heavy traffic has scared her and she…
2018 Subaru Crosstrek engine problems
moderate 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 16 engine complaints filed for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Subaru Crosstrek we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 16.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Crosstrek's engine has shown persistent acceleration hesitation and stumbling around 2000 RPM, particularly during light throttle application and highway merging—a widespread complaint that went unacknowledged by dealerships and corporate Subaru for years. Owners found Subaru Service Bulletin 09-77-21R addressing this exact problem in 2.0L manual transmission models and calling for ECM reprogramming, yet no recall has been issued.
Engine stalling during acceleration from stops and in traffic represents the most hazardous failure mode, with incidents occurring even after dealership service and recall campaigns. One owner's wife experienced four stalls; another had his vehicle stranded on the highway after PCV system failure. A manual transmission model exhibited excessive rev hang (3–4 seconds of elevated RPM after clutch depression) that forced aggressive downshifting and created rear-end collision risk.
Ignition coils have failed twice on at least one vehicle—once after a recall replacement, 13,000 miles later—without triggering a check engine light. Starter failure, high oil temperatures during normal highway driving, catastrophic engine damage appearing without warning, and post-recall acceleration problems round out the pattern. Dealerships frequently cannot duplicate complaints or locate root causes, and Subaru has been reluctant to escalate diagnosis or authorize additional repairs beyond recall scope.
Same Subaru Crosstrek engine reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Acceleration hesitation and stumbling at 2000 RPM under light load
Engine hesitates or stumbles during acceleration, particularly noticeable around 2000 RPM and during light throttle application. Problem occurs across multiple model years (2015+) and is widely reported in owner forums. Owners report this is especially hazardous during highway entry and lane merging. Dealers initially claim no diagnostic trouble codes are present.
When: During acceleration, particularly 2000 RPM or under light acceleration; hazardous on highway entry
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation during acceleration; Stumbling at around 2000 RPM; Lack of power during light acceleration; Unsafe during lane merging
Repairs/costs cited: Subaru Service Bulletin 09-77-21R (dated 7/28/21, revised 08/19/21) for 2018-21 MY Crosstrek 2.0L MT and 2017-21 MY Impreza 2.0L MT calls for ECM reprogramming to correct the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru Service Bulletin 09-77-21R for ECM reprogramming on 2018-21 MY Crosstrek 2.0L MT (and 2017-21 MY Impreza 2.0L MT); no recall issued despite widespread owner complaints since 2019
Excessive rev hang during manual transmission downshifting
Engine RPM hangs excessively high (3-4 seconds) after depressing the clutch pedal during upshifts in lower gears. Most problematic in stop-and-go traffic and on hills. Creates safety hazard because vehicle decelerates with brake lights off, increasing rear-end collision risk. Also causes premature drivetrain wear and excessive brake wear due to elimination of engine braking.
When: During upshifts from first and second gear in stop-and-go traffic; especially noticeable on hills
Symptoms owners cite: High engine RPM persisting 3-4 seconds after clutch depression; Abrupt vehicle deceleration with brake lights off; Difficulty shifting efficiently in traffic; Unsafe in stop-and-go driving and hills
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue reported to Subaru of America (SR #1-31863796593); remains uncorrected
Engine stalling during acceleration from stop
Engine stalls unexpectedly when driver accelerates from a stop or through intersections. One owner's wife experienced four stalling incidents between July and December 2019, two before and two after ECM reprogram and coil inspection recall service. Stalls occur during moderate to heavy traffic situations, creating serious safety hazard. Dealership unable to duplicate or diagnose the problem despite thorough inspection.
When: When accelerating from stop, turning from stop at intersections; incidents July-December 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine stall during acceleration from stop; Stalling at intersections during turns; Loss of power in traffic; Occasionally power returns if driver flutters pedal
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle serviced under ignition coil inspection and ECM reprogram recall on November 20, 2019; two stalling incidents occurred after this service on December 3, 2019; dealership inspection on December 17, 2019 found no problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ignition coil inspection and ECM reprogram recall performed November 20, 2019; dealership unable to locate root cause
Ignition coil failure causing violent shaking and stall
Ignition coil fails without illuminating check engine light. Vehicle shakes violently at traffic light, then stalls when attempting to move. Dangerous situation as stalled vehicle projects into traffic. Notably, ignition coils and spark plugs were already replaced during WRE21 recall campaign only 13,000 miles prior to failure.
When: At traffic light after WRE21 recall coil/plug replacement 13k miles prior; no check engine light present
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking while idling at red light; Complete stall when attempting to accelerate; No check engine light warning; Vehicle dangerous in traffic position
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition coil and spark plug replacement cost $1,500; took dealership 5 days to diagnose; parts replaced under WRE21 recall only 13k miles prior
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: WRE21 recall campaign for ignition coil and spark plug replacement performed; failure occurred 13k miles later
PCV system failure and catastrophic engine debris
PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system blew up, stranding vehicle on highway. Dealership had to remove engine to clean PCV debris and other engine components. Vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign 19V744000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Owner felt this was one of six people experiencing this failure. Engine was not replaced.
When: Mileage 22,850; November 2019
Symptoms owners cite: PCV system catastrophic failure; Vehicle stranded on highway; Debris throughout engine requiring engine removal for cleaning
Repairs/costs cited: Engine removed and cleaned of PCV debris and other engine components; repaired under NHTSA Campaign 19V744000; engine not replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V744000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); manufacturer claimed vehicle did not qualify for lemon law despite nine-day repair period
High oil temperatures during normal driving
Oil temperature runs consistently higher than normal, exceeding Subaru's stated maximum of 247°F. Problem escalates during highway driving and climbing hills at normal speeds. Water temperature remains normal, suggesting cooling system issue unrelated to coolant. Dealership acknowledges temperatures are not normal but claims nothing can be done and all tests pass. Owner told to reduce oil change interval from 6K to 3K miles as workaround.
When: Occurs during highway driving and hill climbing at normal speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Oil temperature exceeds 247°F maximum; Oil temps spike on hills during highway driving; Normal water temperature (cooling system not root cause); No cooling apparent under load
Repairs/costs cited: Oil change interval reduced from 6K to 3K miles by dealership; owner suspects long-term engine damage from prolonged high temps
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership visited multiple times; acknowledged abnormal temps but stated nothing can be done; told owner to drive it under warranty
Engine hole at 50,000 miles requiring replacement
Engine developed a hole and failed catastrophically at approximately 50,000 miles while driving at 60 MPH. Vehicle shuddered, spun, and stalled. Owner shifted to neutral to stop the spin and rolled off exit ramp. Vehicle failed to restart and was towed. Independent mechanic diagnosed hole in engine requiring replacement. Dealership denied service citing missing service records despite manufacturer's 36,000-mile warranty.
When: Approximately 50,000 miles; no prior warning symptoms reported
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding sound while driving 60 MPH; Vehicle shudder and spin; Complete stall; Failure to restart
Repairs/costs cited: Hole in engine diagnosed by independent mechanic; engine replacement needed; dealership refused service over missing service records
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; owner informed he was twelve days over 36,000-mile warranty period
Starter failure with no warning symptoms
Starter motor failed without warning symptoms. When attempting to start vehicle, starter would spin but fail to engage the flywheel. Vehicle was stranded in parking lot and required towing. Owner states manufacturer has redesigned the part since this failure.
When: Less than 55,000 miles; no prior symptoms
Symptoms owners cite: Starter motor spins but fails to engage flywheel; Complete inability to start vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replaced with OEM replacement part; manufacturer has since redesigned the part
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer has redesigned the starter part
Acceleration problems and jerky/knocking noise after ECM service
Second owner reports acceleration problems with jerky or knocking noise when accelerating. Issues occur after vehicle has warmed up and been driven for 10+ minutes. Two independent mechanics diagnosed computer problem requiring ECM reprogramming for DTC P1603 (engine idle drop or stall). Vehicle locks up when stopping and moving forward again.
When: After vehicle warms up and has been driven 10+ minutes
Symptoms owners cite: Jerky or knocking noise during acceleration; Inability to properly accelerate; Vehicle locking up when stopping and starting again; Problems occur in warmer weather
Codes mentioned: P1603
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple mechanics recommend ECM reprogramming to address DTC P1603
Acceleration problems persist after recall repair
Vehicle received recall for engine stalling and hesitation but repair did not resolve the problem. Dealership unable to duplicate the condition and Subaru manufacturer unwilling to help dealer diagnose and repair. Owner afraid to drive car due to loss of power occurring unpredictably.
When: After recall service completed; timing of hesitation episodes variable
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hesitation and loss of power; Unpredictable failure to accelerate; Safety concern due to power loss
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle serviced under recall for engine stalling and hesitation; condition not resolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall completed but manufacturer unwilling to provide additional assistance to dealer for diagnosis
Acceleration problems after NHTSA Campaign 21V264000 service
Vehicle's acceleration capability deteriorated after receiving service under NHTSA Campaign 21V264000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling), which included replacing an electrical component and updating EMC software. Failure occurs in warmer humid weather conditions. Manufacturer notified but offered no assistance.
When: After NHTSA Campaign 21V264000 service; approximate mileage 58,000
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not properly accelerate; Poor acceleration at various speeds; Failure occurs in warmer humid weather
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle still at dealership as of complaint filing; NHTSA Campaign 21V264000 service included electrical replacement and EMC software update
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but offered no assistance
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Three recalls for december 2019 on a 2018 Subaru crosstrek. Subaru service program numbers are; wur-03, Subaru safety recall wuq-02 NHTSA recall id 19v-743, and Subaru saftery recall wup-01 NHTSA id 19v-744
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Subaru crosstrek. The contact stated that the pcv blew up and stranded the contact on the side of the highway. The vehicle was towed to faulkner Nissan of harrisburg (3925 paxton st, harrisburg, pa 17111) where it remained from november 16, 2019 to november 27, 2019. The dealer had to remove the engine to clean up the pcv debris and other engine components. The vehicle…
2018 Subaru crosstrek, mileage 17,000 as of 12/02/2019. Vehicle being driven on a city street at 35 MPH started to feel heavy/rigid and losing motive power. Exhaust started to discharge non-stopping heavy black smoke like that of tires burning. Also, there was a very strong plastic-like smell in the smoke. Immediately called the nearest Subaru dealership and took the vehicle in. I waited over 4…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 16 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 16,000 and 50,000 miles, with the median around 22,850. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,000; a quarter make it past 50,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.