2018 Subaru WRX
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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.
- Complaints
- 43
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2018
None on file
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 43 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 427 |
| 2003 | 60 |
| 2004 | 42 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 65 |
| 2009 | 41 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 31 |
| 2017 | 53 |
| 2018 | 43 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
28% · 12 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On June 24, 2026, my stock 2018 Subaru WRX Limited experienced a sudden catastrophic internal engine failure at approximately 67,319 miles while I was driving. I first heard an intermittent ticking/noise under acceleration.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-02
******* delete voq ******* this complaint is being marked for deletion because it is requested by the consumer that they wish to have it removed. Djr ******* delete voq…
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-11
******* delete voq ******* this complaint is being marked for deletion because it is requested by the consumer that they wish to have it removed. Djr ******* delete voq…
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-10
Electrical system
23% · 10 reportsSteering
16% · 7 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The wheels locked while driving on a clear December day (I don't have exact day) on a winding mountain road full of cliffs.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-16
Also filed under Wheels
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Subaru WRX. While driving and after shifting the gear, the steering wheel seized without warning. As a result, the vehicle jumped a curb and crashed into some bushes. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-25
Tl* the contact's son owns a 2018 Subaru WRX. While making a left turn at 25 MPH, the front driver side wheel remained in a turned position after the driver attempted to straighten the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-12
Also filed under Air bags and wheels
Power train
14% · 6 reportsFuel/propulsion system
14% · 6 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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2022-09-16Exterior lighting22V522000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Subaru WRX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V587000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 22V522000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Subaru WRX reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Subaru WRX is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru WRX?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru WRX have?
- 2 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.