2018 Subaru Impreza

◆ Worse than typical
2018 Subaru Impreza
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:55:17.674Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru Impreza Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2018 highlighted. 1990: 1 complaints 1990 1993: 33 complaints 1994: 8 complaints 1995: 46 complaints 1996: 20 complaints 1997: 30 complaints 1997 1998: 30 complaints 1999: 22 complaints 2000: 41 complaints 2001: 11 complaints 2002: 292 complaints 2002 2003: 62 complaints 2004: 96 complaints 2005: 75 complaints 2006: 56 complaints 2007: 68 complaints 2007 2008: 176 complaints 2009: 103 complaints 2010: 45 complaints 2011: 57 complaints 2012: 242 complaints 2012 2013: 248 complaints 2014: 108 complaints 2015: 77 complaints 2016: 75 complaints 2017: 125 complaints 2017 2018: 149 complaints 2018 2019: 191 complaints 2020: 85 complaints 2021: 14 complaints 2022: 12 complaints 2022 2023: 4 complaints 2024: 29 complaints 2025: 4 complaints 2026: 1 complaints 2026
2018: 149 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19901
199333
19948
199546
199620
199730
199830
199922
200041
200111
2002292
200362
200496
200575
200656
200768
2008176
2009103
201045
201157
2012242
2013248
2014108
201577
201675
2017125
2018149
2019191
202085
202114
202212
20234
202429
20254
20261

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 43%

43% of complaints: exterior lighting — 64 distinct reports on file.

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, 20230920

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, 20230911

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, 20230907

VISIBILITY/WIPER 22%

22% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 33 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE 7%

7% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE DEATH
VISIBILITY 3%

3% of complaints: visibility — 5 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

2018 — complaint volume: 149
R 20191202 — engine and engine cooling

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.

Campaign 19V744000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20191204 — electrical system

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.

Campaign 19V743000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210601 — electrical system, engine and engine cooling

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.

Campaign 21V264000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210924 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 21V587000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20231115 — exterior lighting

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.

Campaign 22V624000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2018 Subaru Impreza — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (64 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (33 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 19V744000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V743000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V264000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V587000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V624000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1998 ▲ 1997 ▲ 1993

WORST YEARS

■ 2002 ■ 2013 ■ 2012

See all years ranked →

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 "worse than typical".

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

The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Impreza have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.