2018 Subaru Crosstrek Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 195 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 3% of the 195 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,000 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.
“Upon starting car in driveway found power steering sluggish and requiring great force (operative, but no apparent boost). Engine sluggisn like limp-home mode. Additionally mil, tc and other lights illuminated on dash. I took photo. I forget if it threw odb codes, but I remember that it two battery disconnect cycles, and two odb code clearing cycles, to regain normal function. I forget id any odb codes were set. Here are the conditions: daytime morning, about 11am, ambient temperature about 65 degrees. Car parked in driveway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11209567, filed 2019-05, 24,000 miles“Popping noise when turning to the right or the left only during a short range turn, had it to the dealership they couldn't hear the noise- as soon as they gave it back it was still popping, it is very frustrating. I have found online that there could be many issues, but was a recall on earlier models. Maybe 2018 should be recalled as well. Was at the dealer 4/2/2021- bought the car july 2020”
NHTSA complaint #11412999, filed 2021-04, 64,000 miles“This is the 4th Time Since 2022, that my steering wheel has locked after driving. If the steering wheel is to the left when I go to turn it off and not in the middle it will lock. I had to call again Suburu assistance. The first time was in Hartsdale, NY 2022, the 2nd time was in Larchmont, NY had to call the police, the 3rd time was 2022 in Key Ford in Buhre and Westchester Avenue, and the 4th time in my driveway 2023. Each time it took forever for the men to unlock the steering wheel, I am a women and my girlfriend tried with no avail. …”
NHTSA complaint #11502681, filed 2023-01“This issue has happen 2 other times one time last year where Suburu Tow Truck had to be called, 2nd time May 2022 in Larchmont, NY and a Police Office Had To Come Help Me. And, the 3rd time on July 4, 2022, in the super market of Key Food, Throggsneck, NY a stranger had to help me. When, I park my car and I turn off my ignition and the steering wheel is to the left it will lock. The manual says when the steering wheel locks to insert the key and slightly turn the wheel and it will unlock. Well I am not strong enough to do it. Usually, men come to assist me and they have trouble unlocking it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11473609, filed 2022-07“-driving at moderate pace between 30 and 40 mph when vehicle engine shut off without warning. loss of power, no steering and all warning lights illuminated. difficulty getting vehicle over to side of road so not in way of traffic. braking was difficult once on side of road.”
NHTSA complaint #11501620, filed 2023-01Related service bulletins
- 11032035Apr 20, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when…
- 10252539Mar 26, 2024This bulletin announces the design change made to the cowl panel. The change was made to address a small number of cases where the rubber sealing portion becomes separated.
- 10246088Nov 8, 2023This bulletin announces the design change made to the leather wrapped steering wheels.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 9% |
| 2025 | 3 | 7% |
| 2024 | 10 | 8% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 | 15 | 5% |
| 2018 | 6 | 3% |
| 2017 | 5 | 5% |
| 2016 | 13 | 10% |
| 2015 | 2 | 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 complaintsExterior lighting
5 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 29, 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