2018 Subaru Impreza Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2018 Subaru Impreza has a complaint index of 75 and ranks 6th worst out of 21 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Electrical System issues drive 49% of its 151 complaints, and NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #6 of 21 Impreza years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 151
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 28.5
- 25.5 city / 33.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 1
Top 2018 Subaru Impreza problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the engine stalling suddenly while driving, including at stop signs and traffic lights, sometimes causing the car to roll backward.
- Some describe the engine dying during a rapid stop from higher speed, with all instrument panel lights turning yellow and the engine refusing to restart for several minutes.
- Windshields reportedly crack spontaneously with no impact, sometimes within weeks of purchase, originating near the base or edge of the glass.
- Owners report side or driver airbags failing to deploy during crashes despite sensors activating, which they link to electrical system problems.
- 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?
- NHTSA data gives the 2018 Impreza a complaint index of 75, ranking it 6th worst among 21 model years, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Impreza years.
- What is the most common problem with the 2018 Subaru Impreza?
- Electrical System issues top the list, accounting for 74 of 151 complaints (49%), with a median mileage at failure of 14,444 miles.
- Does the 2018 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns covering the electrical system, fuel system, and engine, including an ECM/ignition coil fire risk recall and a PCV valve recall.
- How bad are the windshield complaints on the 2018 Impreza?
- Visibility & Wipers complaints make up 26% of all reports (40 of 151), with owners describing windshields cracking without any impact, at a median mileage of 25,250 miles.
- How does the 2018 Impreza compare to the 2019 Impreza?
- The 2019 Impreza has a higher complaint index of 100 versus 75 for 2018, and both carry an Avoid verdict, but 2019 ranks worse overall.