Electrical System owner reports
Evidence: Medium confidence
Owner reports are bound to model year 2018.
- Symptom
- 5 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system.
- Why it matters
- The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
Mileage in the reports
In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 34,508 to 79,500 miles.
Based on 3 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.
What to inspect
- Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.
What may help
- Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShowHide
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“On 06/26/26, while traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power in active traffic due to a blown out/melted Cylinder 4 ignition coil. This unexpected engine failure forced raw fuel into the exhaust system, causing an immediate internal thermal meltdown of the catalytic converter, rendering the vehicle entirely undriveable and creating a severe highway safety hazard. This vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign 21V264000 (Subaru Recall WRE-21), which was intended to permanently remedy an ECM software defect that over-energizes and melts the ignition coils. Subaru of America (Case # 260630-2101598) is denying coverage, claiming that because the recall was executed 90,000 miles/5 years ago, and because the current software Calibration ID (CID) matches their post-recall database, the thermal melting is standard "wear and tear." I am filing this complaint because a safety recall remedy must be permanent and effective. The physical evidence, a melted plastic coil housing with a hole blown through it, is an engineering impossibility under normal wear and tear and proves that the original software patch failed to permanently mitigate the high-voltage overloading defect. Over a 5-year period of gradual thermal degradation, the defect reoccurred, creating the exact highway hazard the recall was mandated to prevent. I request a federal investigation into the long-term efficacy and failure rates of the WRE-21 software reflash.”
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“3/3!2026 while driving heat stop working. Called Milea Saburu spoke to Christian made an appointment for 3/5/2026 they had nothing sooner. Told her what happened. Brought in they gave me loaner 12 days later on 3/18/2026 pick up car. Paid bill they told me everything done no problems. I would get my 250 dollars for the car back in 30 days. Even though they said it was a hold it went through. I live 15 minutes from home. I got in the car heat was blasting turned it off and waited turned it on it worked. Pick up time 4 pm. Drove home parked next day 3/19/2026 turned on car made a tapping nouse after five minutes went away call dealer left message on Andrew manager answering service. Car parked at work 8 15 am to 3 40 pm. Drove home got home at 3 50 am turned off heat heart rushing water like down a creak. Turned off car looked in the front some liquid gushing out car smelled like it was burning. Put paper under car with rock to see color of fluid it was blue new it was coolant call dealer againt went to voice mail manager Andrew hung up went to dealer. Arrived at 4 40 pm Chris service Advisor check said was not save to drive burning smell still there got another loaner another 200 dollar on top of the 250. Called saburu customer advocacy this morning spoke to Latoya 11 15 am 3/20/2026 case number XXX-XXX waiting for someone to call me by Tuesday. I requested a 3 year gold plus warranty as a goodwill gesture to restore my confidence in the vehicle and protect my engine integrity. I am deeply concerned that the gushing coolent damaged the internal engines seals or may have been compromised due to the heat, the hoses or gadgets now or over time. I have puctures and documents that the system won't allow download. If the car continues to have reoccurring issues due to this complete repair failure. I am asking them to replace my 2018 saburu crosstrex that has only 52, 315 miles with an equal value car without issues. My car is 10 years old low mileage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“All four tire pressure monitoring sensors failed on my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek at approximately 69,000 miles. The TPMS light remains illuminated, and the system no longer provides low-tire-pressure warnings. Subaru of America acknowledged the issue but declined full repair coverage, offering only partial “Goodwill assistance.” Because TPMS is a federally mandated safety system, a full-system failure poses the risk of operating the vehicle without tire-pressure warning capability. The dealership quoted approximately $1,000 to restore the system. Subaru’s decision to deny full coverage leaves the safety defect uncorrected.”
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“factory alarm is triggered late in the evening while in my garage regardless if vehicle is locked or unlocked”
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“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.”