VehicleVerdict

2018 Subaru WRX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 62 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median WRX year — the 2018 model ranks #7 of 24 WRX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (11), electrical system (11), and fuel system (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

62

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other WRX years?

WRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted461 complaints2002: 461 complaints2003: 65 complaints2004: 46 complaints2005: 24 complaints2006: 14 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 119 complaints2009: 72 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 5 complaints2012: 4 complaints2013: 11 complaints2014: 9 complaints2015: 73 complaints2016: 40 complaints2017: 73 complaints2018: 62 complaints2019: 44 complaints2020: 23 complaints2021: 21 complaints2022: 33 complaints2023: 7 complaints2024: 15 complaints2025: 4 complaints
WRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all WRX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Subaru WRX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1118%
Engine1118%
Other711%
Fuel System711%
Steering711%
Transmission610%
Visibility & Wipers46%
Tires & Wheels35%
Airbags35%
Lighting12%
Body & Structure12%
Brakes12%

Does the 2018 Subaru WRX have recalls?

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

22V522000LightingJuly 21, 2022 · 59,934 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Engine Failure rod bearing failure is extremely common. Can leave motorist in danger being stranded on the road. Subaru of America has inspected the engine but claims they are at not fault and refuse to assist. Investigate online how common the motor failure on a fa20dit motor is. I can tell you…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 28, 2023

“IN JANUARY 2019 AT AROUND 10PM PST MY 2018 SUBARU WRX EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIENT I WAS IN A SECLUDED, WOODED AREA WITHOUT CELLPHONE SERVICE, AS WELL AS BEING AT LEAST 30MINUTES TO THE NEAREST STORE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I WAS GOING DOWN A HILL AT 35MPH,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 19, 2019 · crash

“2/17/2026 Mileage 96,000 Subaru case number Case # 260[PHONE] Vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches NHTSA Recall 22V-522000. The recall repair was previously…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 5, 2026

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU WRX. WHILE DRIVING AND AFTER SHIFTING THE GEAR, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND CRASHED INTO SOME BUSHES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 14, 2018 · crash

“Started car up. Check engine light is on, cruise control flashing. Fuel tank level is flashing. Has gas but the meter is says it’s empty. Took it to a mechanic and they told me it is the fuel pump that’s bad. Called a Subaru dealership and they said there’s no recall for this car. You guys…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 15, 2024

2018 Subaru WRX — common questions

Is the 2018 Subaru WRX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 62 complaints put the 2018 model at #7 of 24 WRX years. It is one of the WRX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 WRX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints), fuel system (7 complaints).

Does the 2018 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Subaru WRX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru WRX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the WRX years to avoid are 2002, 2008, 2017, 2015, 2009, 2003, 2018, 2004, 2019, 2016. The cleanest record among WRX years belongs to 2007.

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.