Subaru Impreza 2018 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Impreza 2018 and 151 complaints filed by owners. It has 116% more complaints than the average Subaru Impreza from 2016–2025 (70 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Subaru Impreza 2018? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Subaru Impreza 2018
Exterior lighting
NHTSA campaign 22V624000 · 2022-08-12
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Fuel system
NHTSA campaign 21V587000 · 2021-07-29
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 21V264000 · 2021-04-15
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 19V743000 · 2019-10-18
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Engine and cooling
NHTSA campaign 19V744000 · 2019-10-17
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
151 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
5 with a crash · 1 with a fire · 2 injuries · 1 death
Most reported problems on the Subaru Impreza 2018
- Exterior lighting: 64 (42% of complaints)
- Wipers: 34 (23% of complaints)
- Engine: 11 (7% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 11 (7% of complaints)
- Structure and body: 6 (4% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Subaru Impreza 2018
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Test headlights, brake lights, turn signals and hazards.
- Test every wiper speed and the washer.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Impreza SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Subaru Impreza recalls by year
- 2016 : 1 recall · 75 complaints
- 2017 : 7 recalls · 125 complaints
- 2018 : 5 recalls · 151 complaints
- 2019 : 5 recalls · 194 complaints
- 2020 : 1 recall · 85 complaints
- 2021 : 2 recalls · 14 complaints
- 2022 : 1 recall · 14 complaints
- 2023 : 2 recalls · 4 complaints
- 2024 : 2 recalls · 32 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 5 complaints
Guides for this check
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Subaru Impreza 2018 have?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Impreza 2018. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Impreza 2018?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: exterior lighting (64 of 151 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 23, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).