Is the 2018 Subaru Impreza reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Subaru Impreza is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Impreza?

The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Impreza have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2018 Subaru Impreza

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2018 Subaru Impreza
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:26.214Z

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 152
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Exterior lighting

Complaints per year

2018: 152 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1990	1
1993	33
1994	8
1995	46
1996	20
1997	30
1998	30
1999	22
2000	41
2001	11
2002	292
2003	62
2004	96
2005	75
2006	56
2007	68
2008	176
2009	103
2010	46
2011	58
2012	243
2013	251
2014	108
2015	77
2016	75
2017	125
2018	152
2019	193
2020	85
2021	14
2022	14
2023	4
2024	30
2025	5
2026	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Exterior lighting

42% · 64 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

This recall 22V624000 was issued in August of 2022 and it is now September of 2023, over a year since it was recalled and Subaru still does not have a remedy according to NHTSA website and my local Subaru dealer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-20

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-11

There is an open recall on my car for the headlights which currently has no fix and none of the dealerships I've spoken to have the parts to fix it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-07

Visibility/wiper

22% · 34 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Spontaneous crack in passenger side of windshield 5 times in a row!!

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-19

Electrical system

8% · 12 reports

CRASHINJURY

Engine

7% · 11 reports

CRASHFIREDEATH

Visibility

4% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing windshield.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2018Complaint volume 152 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2019-12-02Engine and engine cooling19V744000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-12-04Electrical system19V743000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-06-01Electrical system, engine and engine cooling21V264000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-09-24Fuel system, gasoline21V587000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2023-11-15Exterior lighting22V624000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Subaru Impreza — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Exterior lighting: 64 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 34 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 19V744000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 19V743000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V264000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling
Recall 21V587000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 22V624000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2018 Subaru Impreza reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Subaru Impreza is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Impreza?: The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Impreza have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.