Service bulletins for the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
525 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
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Only bulletins with component: Equipment and accessories are shown. Show all
| 15-229-18 | 2018-10-01. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing clock-related customer concerns. Please start by completing the Harman Investigation Guide Questionnaire as it gathers important details which will help with diagnosis and will be required should the condition not be resolved by this troubleshooting. While completing the questionnaire, follow the question flow based on the customer concern. Answer each related question noting the results to each in detail while performing the diagnostics. Review the entire bulletin before beginning in order to understand the flow for the listed concern. |
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| 15-228-18 | 2018-10-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing a customer concern of the display screen being either frozen (unresponsive) or black (blank). Please start by completing the Harman Investigation Guide Questionnaire as it gathers important details which will help with diagnosis and will be required should the condition not be resolved by this troubleshooting. While completing the questionnaire, follow the question flow based on the customer concern. Answer each related question noting the results to each in detail while performing the diagnostics. Review the entire bulletin before beginning in order to understand the flow for the listed concern. |
| 15-227-18 | 2018-10-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); EQUIPMENT. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing customer concerns of the Navigation system?s functionality. Please start by completing the Harman Investigation Guide Questionnaire as it gathers important details which will help with diagnosis and will be required should the condition not be resolved by this troubleshooting. While completing the questionnaire, follow the question flow based on the customer concern. Answer each related question noting the results to each in detail while performing the diagnostics. Review the entire bulletin before beginning in order to understand the flow for the listed concern. I |
| 15-226-18 | 2018-10-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to follow when diagnosing customer concerns regarding USB functionality. Please start by completing the Harman Investigation Guide Questionnaire as it gathers important details which will help with diagnosis and will be required should the condition not be resolved by this troubleshooting. While completing the questionnaire, follow the question flow based on the customer concern. Answer each related question noting the results to each in detail while performing the diagnostics. Review the entire bulletin before beginning in order to understand the flow for the listed concern |
| 18-194-18 | 2018-10-01. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site. The tables contained within this bulletin are to be used as guides for becoming aware of the latest changes. We advise you to always refer to the STIS web site when looking for the latest Service information |
| WTT-79R | 2018-10-01. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM); EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER; ENGINE. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is initiating a service program for certain 2017-2019 MY Impreza vehicles, and certain 2018-2019 MY Crosstrek vehicles. This service program involves installation of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM. Subaru has determined that due to an engine programming issue, the affected vehicles may stall when coming to a stop or driving at a low speed (under 15 MPH) when the air conditioning is operating at maximum capacity. Under certain hot weather conditions, when the vehicle?s air conditioning is running at full capacity, the engine programming may not account for the additional load placed on the engine when slowing down or coming to a stop. In some cases, this could cause the engine to stall requiring the driver to immediately restart the vehicle. |
| 15-224-18 | 2018-08-20. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. This bulletin announces new part number information for the antenna feeder cable and head liner. It also provides helpful installation tips for properly securing the cable to the head liner so post-repair rattling sound concerns are avoided. |
| 15-211-17R | 2018-08-20. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. |
| 12-247-18 | 2018-08-20. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Impreza 5-door models only. This Service Information bulletin serves as a reminder to always make sure the rear cargo cover (a.k.a. Tonneau Cover) is re-installed properly after removal. Although the cover fits and operates if not installed properly, wrinkling and / or damage to the cover material can occur. |
| Harman-update-in | 2018-08-20. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; EQUIPMENT. In efforts to increase customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is now allowing all retailers to perform a one-time update the head unit software for Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation Head Units. |
| 15-211-17R | 2018-07-16. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. It is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand this information completely before proceeding. |
| 15-214-17R | 2018-06-18. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. |
| 02-175-18 | 2018-06-18. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT. This bulletin announces a design change to the PCV valve used on the models listed above. Customers may have concerns of white smoke from the exhaust and / or in some cases, excessive engine oil consumption. |
| 15-217-18 | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. This bulletin announces availability of new audio system amplifiers to address the following operating concerns with the Harman Kardon Gen 3 infotainment system: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the knob Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or crackling-type sound is heard coming through the speakers. |
| 15-211-17R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. |
| 12-233-18R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STRUCTURE; EQUIPMENT. This bulletin announces a design change to the front and rear door body flange weatherstrips in response to concerns regarding the doors being somewhat difficult to close fully. The new parts make closing the doors easier while maintaining a tight seal against air and water intrusion and reducing outside road noise levels in the cabin. |
| 12-231-18R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STRUCTURE. This bulletin announces a design change to the air vent grille located in the lower portion of the trunk (or cargo) area. The shutters of the vent grille are designed to open briefly and relieve cabin pressure when the doors are shut with the windows fully closed. The vent grilles have rubber ?shutters? which occasionally, may catch on the frame (case) portion and not close properly allowing outside air / odor to enter the cabin. |
| 15-217-18 | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.; EQUIPMENT. This bulletin announces availability of new audio system amplifiers to address the following operating concerns with the Harman Kardon Gen 3 infotainment system: Symptom 1: No audio output is heard but, the volume level displayed changes when turning the knob Symptom 2: Audio volume increases to maximum intermittently without turning the knob Symptom 3: A buzzing, screeching or crackling-type sound is heard coming through the speakers. |
| 15-211-17R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. |
| 12-233-18R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. This bulletin announces a design change to the front and rear door body flange weatherstrips in response to concerns regarding the doors being somewhat difficult to close fully. The new parts make closing the doors easier while maintaining a tight seal against air and water intrusion and reducing outside road noise levels in the cabin. |
| 12-231-18R | 2018-06-11. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STRUCTURE; STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS. This bulletin announces a design change to the air vent grille located in the lower portion of the trunk (or cargo) area. The shutters of the vent grille are designed to open briefly and relieve cabin pressure when the doors are shut with the windows fully closed. The vent grilles have rubber ?shutters? which occasionally, may catch on the frame (case) portion and not close properly allowing outside air / odor to enter the cabin. |
| 17-17-13R | 2018-05-29. Service bulletin. AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. NOTE: The Airbag systems used on previous and current WRX, STI and Tribeca models are NOT equipped with EDR functionality. This Bulletin provides information regarding Event Data Recorder (EDR) functionality which has been incorporated into the airbag system. The function of the EDR is best explained using the following statements found in the vehicle Owner?s Manual: ?This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations such as an airbag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in the understanding how a vehicle?s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as: ? How various systems in your vehicle were operating; ? Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened; ? How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; ? How fast the vehicle was traveling. This data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. |
| 15-211-17R | 2018-05-29. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed above. The procedure will involve either downloading the software update files from Subarunet (or using those sent directly from Nuspire) and transferring them onto a flash drive for head unit installation. It is VERY IMPORTANT to read and understand this information completely before proceeding. |
| 18-192-18 | 2018-04-16. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site. The tables contained within this bulletin are to be used as guides for becoming aware of the latest changes. |
| 15-220-18 | 2018-04-16. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. This Service Information bulletin provides troubleshooting steps to use when diagnosing concerns of the Apple CarPlay and / or Android Auto feature not connecting or launching properly when a compatible device is connected to the head unit |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.