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2018 Subaru Crosstrek inspection checklist

Use this beside the car or give it to a mechanic. These checks come from problems in the records we reviewed. They do not replace a full used-car inspection.

Inspect this Crosstrek

Mark each check as you go. Your notes stay on this device.

Saved on this device. The shared link never includes a VIN.

Use these notes with a full inspection. A serious warning sign can be enough to walk away.

Required checks

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Electrical System owner reports: 5 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Service Brakes recall: Subaru of America, Inc.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Electrical System:Software recall: Subaru of America, Inc.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Engine and Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv) recall: Subaru of America, Inc.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Suspension:Rear recall: Subaru of America, Inc.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Electrical System:Software recall: Subaru of America, Inc.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer service campaign: This Service Information Bulletin is intended to clarify the proper ordering procedure to use in the rare case when an individual brake hose component of the WUR-03R Service Campaign kit is needed.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: This letter provides information regarding the warranty extension for the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM).

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: Denso low pressure fuel pump warranty extension.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away

Ask the seller

  • Has any named issue here ever been diagnosed or repaired on this car?
  • Can I see the maintenance and any recall-remedy records?
  • Will you allow an independent pre-purchase inspection?

Records to request

  • Service and oil-change history
  • Completed recall / campaign paperwork
  • Any dealer diagnostic reports

Why these checks are here

Electrical System owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2018.

Warning signs: 5 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Service Brakes recall

Official record for model year 2018.

Warning signs: Subaru of America, Inc.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Electrical System:Software recall

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2019.

Warning signs: Subaru of America, Inc.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Engine and Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv) recall

Official record for model year 2018.

Warning signs: Subaru of America, Inc.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Suspension:Rear recall

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2019.

Warning signs: Subaru of America, Inc.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Electrical System:Software recall

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2019.

Warning signs: Subaru of America, Inc.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer service campaign

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2019.

Warning signs: This Service Information Bulletin is intended to clarify the proper ordering procedure to use in the rare case when an individual brake hose component of the WUR-03R Service Campaign kit is needed.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record for model year 2018.

Warning signs: This letter provides information regarding the warranty extension for the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM).

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2020.

Warning signs: Denso low pressure fuel pump warranty extension.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Sources and limits
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.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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.”
NHTSArecallJul 2017Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“This Service Information Bulletin is intended to clarify the proper ordering procedure to use in the rare case when an individual brake hose component of the WUR-03R Service Campaign kit is needed. ”
NHTSAtsbMay 2020Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“This letter provides information regarding the warranty extension for the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM). ”
NHTSAtsbFeb 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Denso low pressure fuel pump warranty extension. ”
NHTSAtsbSep 2024Open source record

The checklist cannot see the car’s full history or condition.

Check this year at your mileage