repaired · 2024 Q2
Back up lights: switch
Risk. Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 Subaru WRXProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 43 owner complaints about the 2018 Subaru WRX, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-522 the manufacturer reports only 48% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Koenigseggvibes, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Subaru WRX has problems
43 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
12Engine
10Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
7Steering6 crash/fire/injury
6Power train1 crash/fire/injury
6Fuel/propulsion system
4Visibility/wiper
3Wheels
3Air bags
1Fuel system, gasoline
44 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 12 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 10 | 2 |
| Steering | 7 | 6 |
| Power train | 6 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 3 |
| Air bags | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2018 Subaru WRX recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other WRX year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the WRX median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Subaru WRX safety ratings
2018 Subaru WRX 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What WRX owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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. Within about two miles, the noise became much louder, followed by a loud…
Oil changes always done, no modifications to vehicle. Driving down road lights all come one and car starts smoking. Rod broke and put hole in engine.
I have been experiencing a strong fuel odor both inside and outside the cabin when starting the engine. After several months of experiencing this issue, I recently had my vehicle fully inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership, and they confirmed a critical fuel leak issue. The dealership…
Own a 2018 WRX?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.