VehicleVerdict

2018 Subaru Impreza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 181 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Impreza year — the 2018 model ranks #6 of 34 Impreza years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Lighting leads the complaint categories with 64 reports (35% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

181

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

7

Injuries

1

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Impreza years?

See all Impreza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Subaru Impreza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting6435%
Visibility & Wipers3922%
Other2715%
Electrical System127%
Engine116%
Body & Structure63%
Transmission42%
Airbags32%
Brakes32%
Speed Control32%
Steering21%
Suspension21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Seats11%
Seat Belts11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2018 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V624000LightingAugust 12, 2022 · 188,397 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.

21V587000Fuel SystemJuly 29, 2021 · 175,968 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

21V264000Electrical SystemApril 15, 2021 · 466,205 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

19V743000Electrical SystemOctober 18, 2019 · 466,205 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

19V744000EngineOctober 17, 2019 · 205,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

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, 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

My car was involved in an accident and one headlight was smashed. I found out from my body shop that was my car was recalled and they have no way to fix my headlight. I called Subaru and they told me that the body shop could just put another head light in. But when I talked to the body shop, they…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 8, 2022 · crash

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that after he poured water onto the windshield to wash the windshield, the windshield shattered. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 4, 2022

THEY WERE TOWING MY CAR, AND THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS ONE PLACE TO GRAB IT, WHEN THE TOWING SERVICE WAS GOING TO RELEASE MY CAR THIS PLACE TO GRAB IT BROKE AND RELEASED, AND EJECTED THE CAR, IF NOT FOR THE HANDBRAKE IT HAD HAPPENED A FATAL ACCIDENT, A CAR FROM 2018 THAT HAS THESE FAULTS, I DON'T THINK…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 31, 2021 · crash

THE SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND 3 SENSORS WHERE ACTIVATED BUT BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IT NEVER WENT OFF. *JS *JS

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 7, 2018 · crash

Driver / owner of vehicle was found deceased from a fire that originated in the engine compartment of the vehicle. This is being reported by Portland Fire and Rescue Fire Investigator [XXX]. NO apparent body damage to the metal parts of the vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 23, 2022 · fire

2018 Subaru Impreza — common questions

Is the 2018 Subaru Impreza reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 181 complaints put the 2018 model at #6 of 34 Impreza years. It is one of the Impreza years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Impreza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (64 complaints), visibility & wipers (39 complaints), other (27 complaints).

Does the 2018 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Subaru Impreza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Impreza years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Impreza years to avoid are 2013, 2002, 2012, 2008, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2009, 2004, 2016, 2005. The cleanest record among Impreza years belongs to 1990.

How safe is the 2018 Subaru Impreza?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Subaru Impreza earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.