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2018 Subaru Impreza

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Impreza years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru Impreza are substantially higher than the model-year median of 56.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

51 reports with mileage · 99 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 64 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports1 fire reports2 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

12 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2025
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

My vehicle has repeatedly displayed a “low tire pressure” warning despite having been serviced twice for this issue. In addition, there is an open case with Subaru of America regarding ongoing performance concerns – fuel tank?! In addition, I have reported both verbally and in writing to the dealership that my car often loses po…

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My vehicle has repeatedly displayed a “low tire pressure” warning despite having been serviced twice for this issue. In addition, there is an open case with Subaru of America regarding ongoing performance concerns – fuel tank?! In addition, I have reported both verbally and in writing to the dealership that my car often loses power when driving uphill and, at times, runs unevenly or hesitantly—similar to an engine stutter or sputter. Most recently, multiple problems occurred simultaneously. The low tire pressure warning remained on, my cell phone was no longer recognized or paired with the vehicle and would not charge, part of the clock display stopped illuminating, and then the vehicle suddenly began to shake. Within seconds, all dashboard warning lights turned on and the engine shut off entirely. This happened so rapidly that I had no time to react. Fortunately, I had pulled over the car; otherwise, this incident could have resulted in a serious crash with me behind the wheel. Although no prior warning lights had appeared, I was later informed that the vehicle had a cracked ignition coil and a dead battery—despite the car having relatively low mileage and there being two recalls related to this issue. The new manager went above and beyond to assist me during this ordeal and I am beyond grateful for everything – Subaru of America is lucky to have him on staff!! However, as of today, I still have not received a clear explanation of what caused this failure or what risks may remain if I continue driving the vehicle. My understanding is that ignition coils should run for 80K - 100K. I am aware that others have experienced similar problems, and I request that this matter be thoroughly addressed before it results in a potentially preventable, yet serious accident.

NHTSA ODI #11700114

Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2024
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

The Starlink head unit, produced by HK, is having the same issues that the WUA86 update should have fixed. It was reprogrammed in 2019, and less than 1 year later when my wife bought it, it was having the same reported glitches. I.E. randomly turning off and on, not connecting to Bluetooth/usb music interface, backup camera taki…

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The Starlink head unit, produced by HK, is having the same issues that the WUA86 update should have fixed. It was reprogrammed in 2019, and less than 1 year later when my wife bought it, it was having the same reported glitches. I.E. randomly turning off and on, not connecting to Bluetooth/usb music interface, backup camera taking extended time to come up on head unit screen, turning the headhunt off with the power button doesn't work because it just randomly turns itself back on again. The bluetooth will also randomly disconnect when it does happen to connect in the first place. This is a recall that was performed, and the same exact issues are happening. It's a BIG danger to whomever is driving the car as it takes attention away from driving. I am very unhappy with this danger as it was supposed to have been repaired already. Since the 2018 subaru impresa premium is out of the extended warranty even, it seems there's nothing we can do. But Subara put out this software update and said it would work. It didn't!

NHTSA ODI #11593811

Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2023
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

When the car is turned on, all of the lights flicker nonstop to the point of moderately reducing line of sight. I am terrified the headlights are going to just quit altogether. The car also “shimmys” in time with the flickering lights. It appears to get worse when accelerating as well. Also it has been over 2 years since the hea…

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When the car is turned on, all of the lights flicker nonstop to the point of moderately reducing line of sight. I am terrified the headlights are going to just quit altogether. The car also “shimmys” in time with the flickering lights. It appears to get worse when accelerating as well. Also it has been over 2 years since the headlight recall for this model. The dealership keeps saying, we don’t have the parts or just ignoring my requests altogether.

NHTSA ODI #11559364

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2023
Electrical System

2018 Impreza, beginning around 2020, has had three dead or damaged batteries (2x OEM and 1x aftermarket) and the car is now on its fourth battery (aftermarket). Vehicle couldn't sit for more than a few days without needing jump started. Dealership performed parasitic draw test and concluded the Data Communications Module (DCM) w…

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2018 Impreza, beginning around 2020, has had three dead or damaged batteries (2x OEM and 1x aftermarket) and the car is now on its fourth battery (aftermarket). Vehicle couldn't sit for more than a few days without needing jump started. Dealership performed parasitic draw test and concluded the Data Communications Module (DCM) was the source of the parasitic draw and pulled the DCM fuse while I await back ordered parts (the DCM and DCM battery). From my research, older DCM units rely on 3G cell service that's no longer available and the DCM keeps attempting to phone home telemetry data, but can't, and drains the battery. Thankfully I have an extended warranty to cover this replacement but feel like Subaru needs to be more proactive in solving this issue for its customers by declaring a recall.

NHTSA ODI #11550601

Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2023
Electrical System

Failure of the starter motor, should be able to get the faulty part from mechanic. This rendered me unable to start my car and required a tow, thankfully not from the side of the highway. Confirmed faulty with tow driver and mechanic. The part has only been inspected by mechanic who mentioned this was the third starter motor fai…

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Failure of the starter motor, should be able to get the faulty part from mechanic. This rendered me unable to start my car and required a tow, thankfully not from the side of the highway. Confirmed faulty with tow driver and mechanic. The part has only been inspected by mechanic who mentioned this was the third starter motor failure he has seen on Subaru Imprezas. No warnings, though the car struggled to turn over earlier in the day.

NHTSA ODI #11525522

Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2022
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

after less than two years into my lease, the car was completely 'dead'. I could not start it or 'jump' it. It cost me out of pocket money to have it towed 50 miles to dealership. They replaced battery. They car was recalled a year or so. Took it into dealership for repair. After I noticed that automatic headlight dimmer would no…

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after less than two years into my lease, the car was completely 'dead'. I could not start it or 'jump' it. It cost me out of pocket money to have it towed 50 miles to dealership. They replaced battery. They car was recalled a year or so. Took it into dealership for repair. After I noticed that automatic headlight dimmer would not work.-Still doesn't. 2 weeks ago, car would not start. Was told again by dealer that car had to be brought in. Was referred to 'roadside service company' Was quoted an ' out of pocket' charge of $644 to tow vehicle to dealership. Since I could not do that, decided to order battery myself for $260. waiting for battery to arrive

NHTSA ODI #11474350

Mileage unknown · May 1, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior LightingUnknown Or Other

SINCE JANUARY 2021, THE SCREEN WITH THE REAR CAMERA GO TO BLACK, MANY TIMES AND YOU ONLY CAN SEE THE RED AND YELLOW LINES, SO AND OTHER WORDS WHEN ACTIVATE REVERSE THE SCREEN IS BLACK YOU CAN SEE NOTHING. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ODI #11414763

14,000 miles · Apr 16, 2021
Electrical System

I LEASE A 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA, WHICH CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 14,000 MILES. SINCE JANUARY 2021, IT'S BATTERY HAS FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER (DUNNING SUBARU IN ANN ARBOR, MI) AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS INSTALLED 4 NEW BATTERIES. THEIR DIAGNOSIS HAS BEEN THAT AS LONG AS I DON'T DRIVE MORE OFTEN AND FA…

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I LEASE A 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA, WHICH CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 14,000 MILES. SINCE JANUARY 2021, IT'S BATTERY HAS FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER (DUNNING SUBARU IN ANN ARBOR, MI) AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS INSTALLED 4 NEW BATTERIES. THEIR DIAGNOSIS HAS BEEN THAT AS LONG AS I DON'T DRIVE MORE OFTEN AND FARTHER (IN THESE VAGUE TERMS) MY CAR'S BATTERY WILL CONTINUE TO FAIL. THE LAST TIME I TOOK MY CAR TO GET IT FIXED AFTER IT STRANDED ME, ON APRIL 16, THE DEALERSHIP AND SUBARU OF AMERICA'S CONSUMER ADVOCATE OFFICE BOTH SUGGESTED THAT I PURCHASE AN OFF-MARKET BATTERY TENDER TO RECHARGE THE BATTERY. THIS MEANS THAT THEY ANTICIPATE THEIR CAR BATTERY WILL FAIL WITH MY CURRENT DRIVING NEEDS. IN OTHER WORDS, THE VEHICLE IS UNRELIABLE. BUT FROM THEIR PERSPECTIVE, I AM AT FAULT FOR NOT DRIVING MORE.

NHTSA ODI #11408453

32,500 miles · Apr 2, 2021
Electrical System

OEM BATTERY FAILED AND LEFT DRIVER STRANDED IN NOV 2020. DEALER REPLACED BATTERY AT THAT TIME. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE BATTERY AGAIN TODAY, 04/02/2021 BECAUSE IT WAS ALSO FAILING. DEALER WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ISSUE WAS WITH CAR. SIMPLY STATED THAT THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO REPLACE FAILED BATTERIES IF WITHIN WARRANTY PERIOD. …

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OEM BATTERY FAILED AND LEFT DRIVER STRANDED IN NOV 2020. DEALER REPLACED BATTERY AT THAT TIME. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE BATTERY AGAIN TODAY, 04/02/2021 BECAUSE IT WAS ALSO FAILING. DEALER WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ISSUE WAS WITH CAR. SIMPLY STATED THAT THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO REPLACE FAILED BATTERIES IF WITHIN WARRANTY PERIOD. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WHEN BATTERY FAILS, CAR IS UNRESPONSIVE TO ANY/ALL COMMANDS.

NHTSA ODI #11406140

14,444 miles · Aug 11, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

THE SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND 3 SENSORS WHERE ACTIVATED BUT BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IT NEVER WENT OFF. *JS *JS

NHTSA ODI #11243161

Official recalls

5

22V624000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Aug 12, 2022

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 & remedy

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.

21V587000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Jul 29, 2021

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 & remedy

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.

21V264000 · Electrical System:ignition; Electrical System:software; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm):software; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Apr 15, 2021

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Electrical System:software

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm):software

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.

Electrical System:ignition

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

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.

19V743000 · Electrical System:ignition; Electrical System:software

Oct 18, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

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.

Electrical System:ignition

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.

19V744000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Oct 17, 2019

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.