2018 Subaru Impreza Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#4 most-complained of 16 Impreza years
The 2018 Subaru Impreza ranks 4th worst of 16 model years, with a Complaint Index of 80 and 151 NHTSA complaints, driven mainly by Electrical System issues (49% of complaints, 74 total). Compared to other Impreza years it is rated Avoid.
- Complaints
- 151
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 5 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 28.5
- 25.5 city / 33.5 hwy
Top 2018 Subaru Impreza problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System74 (49%)
- Visibility & Wipers40 (26%)
- Other26 (17%)
- Engine12 (8%)
- Structure & Body7 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (3%)
- Brakes3 (2%)
- Steering3 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (2%)
- Airbags2 (1%)
What owners report
- Owners report the engine stalling unexpectedly at stops or low speed, sometimes causing the car to roll backward into traffic.
- Some describe the engine dying while braking from highway speed and then failing to restart for several minutes.
- Several drivers say the windshield cracked spontaneously with no impact, often within the first few months of ownership.
- Owners report side or driver airbags failing to deploy during crashes despite sensors activating, in some cases linked to electrical faults.
- One report describes a fire that started in the engine compartment with no visible external damage.
2018 Subaru Impreza recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V624000Aug 12, 2022Electrical System188,397 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
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."
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 21V587000Jul 29, 2021Fuel System175,968 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 21V264000Apr 15, 2021Electrical System466,205 vehicles
Electrical system:software
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.
Risk: 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.
2018 Subaru Impreza fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25.5 MPG
- Highway
- 33.5 MPG
- Combined
- 28.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,275
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Impreza years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Subaru Impreza reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2018 Impreza ranks 4th worst among 16 model years with a Complaint Index of 80 and is rated Avoid relative to other Impreza years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2018 Subaru Impreza?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 74 of 151 complaints (49%), with a median failure mileage of 14,444 miles.
- Does the 2018 Subaru Impreza have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Impreza, covering the Electrical System (headlamp reflectors and ignition coil/ECM issues), the fuel system (low-pressure fuel pump), and the Engine (PCV valve). None are do-not-drive recalls.
- What year Subaru Impreza should I avoid?
- Among Impreza years, 2012 and 2013 have the highest Complaint Index (93 and 100), followed by 2019 (87) and 2018 (80), all rated Avoid relative to other years.
- How many complaints does the 2018 Subaru Impreza have?
- NHTSA lists 151 complaints for the 2018 Impreza, including 5 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries, and 1 death.