2018 Subaru Impreza Electrical System Problems
Owners filed 74 electrical system complaints for the 2018 Subaru Impreza, 49% of all complaints that year — the highest share of any Impreza model year. Three recalls cover ignition coil/ECM issues and headlight reflectors. Median mileage at failure was 14,444.
- Electrical System complaints
- 74
- 49% of 151
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 14,444 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report repeated battery failures, sometimes multiple replacements within months, leaving the car unresponsive or stranded.
- Some describe the engine stalling while driving, including at stop signs and traffic lights, with the vehicle rolling backward afterward.
- Others report the ignition switch resisting turns, requiring repeated attempts to get the key to engage.
- Several owners note the rearview camera screen going black or showing only colored lines when reverse is engaged.
- A number of complaints describe headlights recalled under campaign 22V624000 for inadequate reflectors, with owners saying replacement parts were unavailable for months.
- One owner reported side airbags failing to deploy in a crash despite sensor activation, attributed to an electrical fault.
When 2018 Subaru Impreza electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 11, 2018, latest Nov 18, 2025.
Electrical System recalls for the 2018 Subaru Impreza
- 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 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.
- NHTSA 19V743000Oct 18, 2019Electrical System466,205 vehicles
Electrical system:software
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.
Risk: 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.
Electrical System complaints by Impreza model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems on the 2018 Subaru Impreza?
- NHTSA lists 74 electrical system complaints for the 2018 Impreza, which is 49% of all 151 complaints filed for that model year — the highest share among Impreza model years in this data.
- Is there a recall for the 2018 Subaru Impreza electrical system?
- Yes. Three recalls apply: 22V624000 for headlight reflectors that inadequately reflect light, and 21V264000/19V743000 for an Engine Control Module issue that can keep the ignition coil powered after shutoff.
- At what mileage do 2018 Impreza electrical problems usually show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 14,444 miles at the time of failure for electrical system complaints.
- Do 2018 Impreza electrical complaints involve crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records 2 crashes and 1 injury linked to electrical system complaints for the 2018 Impreza, and no fires.