2018 Subaru Crosstrek Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 195 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,600miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 3% of the 195 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,600 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1) vehicle was delivered new with rear power windows not working. 2) LED brake light stopped working at 15000 miles , noticed when I was backing up in front of glass doors. I was told by dealer wire was shorting out and entire light assembly needed to be replaced. Dealer did not stock part so I was sent off with non working brake light under warranty until they could get part.”
NHTSA complaint #11241027, filed 2019-08, 15,000 miles“My driver's headlight went out which is LED with only 40,600 miles. I discovered that if the swiveling test feature fails when I first start the vehicle, it will turn off the headlight. That is a big safety issue because the LED light will still work if the swiveling feature wasn't malfunctioning. I found out several people online has the same issue, and Subaru won't recall this problem. My headlight did turn back on for 1-2 weeks before going out again because of the swiveling test feature fail. …”
NHTSA complaint #11415369, filed 2021-05, 40,600 miles“The passenger side headlight stopped working 2 months ago. I have the OEM LED system that tracks through turns. I finally got in for service and mentioned it. Also mentioned I had something similar in 2019 after a service at the dealer and they said it was “fixed”. Only had one or two moments where is didn’t work and just turned off car and back on and seemed to resolve. This recent service they looked into fixing it and found out it’s an entire sealed assembly and quoting the part us $1900(CAD) plus labour. …”
NHTSA complaint #11494947, filed 2022-11“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlight warning light illuminated, and the contact noticed that the passenger's side LED headlight had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a headlight assembly replacement was recommended. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11722003, filed 2026-03, 90,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012260Dec 13, 2024This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 9% |
| 2025 | 2 | 4% |
| 2024 | 13 | 11% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 5 | 3% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 13% |
| 2013 | 3 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
72 complaintsOther or unknown
42 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsEngine
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology