SubaruCrosstrek2018Overview/subaru/crosstrek/2018/base/

2018 Subaru Crosstrek

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Crosstrek.

Body SUVTransmission Automatic (AV-S7)

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is an SUV equipped with an automatic (AV-S7) transmission, EPA-rated at 27/33/29 mpg, and calls for 0W-20 API engine oil with a 4.7-quart capacity. Its reliability record shows 194 owner complaints and five recalls, with Visibility/Wiper issues representing the most frequently reported problem area. Within the 2012–2026 Crosstrek complaint history, the 2018 model falls short of the 2019 peak of 280 complaints but remains far above the 2012 low of two, positioning it as a moderately troubled year rather than one of the most reliable in the lineup.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.7 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy27/33/29 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 390 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 390 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP225/60R17, P225/55R18OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.0 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S7)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length176 in
Overall width70.9 in
Overall height63.8 in
Wheelbase105.1 in
Curb weight3190 lb
Track (front / rear)61 / 61.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined27 / 33 / 29 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Crosstrek of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.8–10.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.80 sec — 2018 2.0i Premier
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20182.0i Premier 2.0L F-48.80 sec16.70 sec152 hpAWD
20182.0i Limited 2.0L F-49.00 sec16.90 sec152 hpAWD
20182.0i Premium 2.0L F-49.00 sec16.90 sec152 hpAWD
20182.0i Limited 2.0L F-49.20 sec17.30 sec152 hpAWD
20182.0i Premium 2.0L F-49.20 sec17.00 sec152 hpAWD
20182.0i Limited 2.0L F-410.00 sec17.50 sec152 hpAWD
2019Plug-In Hybrid 2.0L F-4 + Elec 8.8-kWh8.30 sec16.60 sec148 hpAWD
2019Plug-In Hybrid 2.0L F-4 + Elec 8.8-kWh8.30 sec16.50 sec148 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.7 qt of 0W-20 API engine oil, API · GL-5 · 75W-90 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-2-4.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidSubaru Lineartronic II CVTF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity11.3
Brake FluidDOT 3
Clutch FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilAPI · GL-5 · 75W-90
Engine CoolantUse Subaru coolant/antifreeze
Engine Coolant Capacity8.0-8.2
Engine OilSAE 0W · API

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs13.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel BoltsAT: 70.0 ft-lbs, MT: 63.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts89 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub162.0
Rear Wheel Hub140.0

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-2-4
Spark Plug ManufacturerSubaru
Spark Plug Gap.028-.031; Turbo: .020-.022 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity0.99-1.11 lbs
Oil TypeDH-PR
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance390 cca

Service checks

Engine Compression152

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque20
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 99.6; Rear: 81
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .866; Rear: .335
Maximum Drum DiameterParking Brake: 6.732

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 6 stages
126.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
2Back off 360.0 degrees360 degrees
326.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
4Back off 360.0 degrees360 degrees
513.0 ft. lbs.13 ft. lbs
660.0

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 12,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Clutch Assembly (inspect)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Clutch Hydraulic System (drain & refill) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 60,000 miSpark Plugs (replace) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
Every 72,000 miFuel Filter (replace)
At 137,500 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The federal record shows a clear upward trend in complaints and recalls from the early years through 2019. Complaints rose from 2 in 2012 to 25 in 2013, then jumped to 131 in 2016, 97 in 2017, and reached 194 in 2018. Recalls followed a similar pattern, increasing from 0 in 2012‑2013 to 1 in 2013‑2017, then to 5 in 2018 and peaking at 7 in 2019. After 2019, both complaints and recalls dropped sharply, with 2020 recording only 68 complaints and zero recalls, and remaining relatively low through 2023‑2026. Because the 2018 model sits on the rising side of that curve—higher than its immediate predecessors but below the 2019 peak—it carries more reported issues than earlier Crosstreks but fewer than the worst year, suggesting it is a middling choice for buyers prioritizing low complaint/recall exposure.

5
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
504
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
194
Owner complaints
10 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 194 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Visibility/Wiper56
Unknown Or Other25
Electrical System18
Engine15
Power Train6
Visibility6
Vehicle Speed Control5
Exterior Lighting4

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V744000Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)Reported 17/10/2019

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… Remedy: 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…

21V263000Suspension:RearReported 15/04/2021

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. Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 504 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
02-193-24R2026-06-29EngineThis bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for…
09-74-21R2026-06-25EngineThis bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for…
09-81-21R2026-06-24Fuel/Propulsion SystemThis bulletin announces design changes made to the fuel injector and fuel pipe in…
SubaruNet Annoucement (E2026-06-11Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood…
16-156-25R2026-06-02Power TrainThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Crosstrek. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Crosstrek take?

4.7 qt of SAE 0W-20 API Certified, per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Crosstrek have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Crosstrek get?

EPA figures are 27 city / 33 highway / 29 combined mpg.