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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

Engine complaints

11 reports
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106,000 miles · Feb 19, 2026
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the high-temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an engine reseal had failed and needed to be redone. The ve…

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The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the high-temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an engine reseal had failed and needed to be redone. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.

NHTSA ODI #11719120

Mileage unknown · May 29, 2025
Engine

Engine oil leak. An engine oil leak could potentially cause a fire hazard by igniting when leaking into hot components. It could cause engine damage due to inadequate lubrication leading to overheating and severe engine damage. The leak can contaminate the environment including soil and water, and it can create slippery surface…

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Engine oil leak. An engine oil leak could potentially cause a fire hazard by igniting when leaking into hot components. It could cause engine damage due to inadequate lubrication leading to overheating and severe engine damage. The leak can contaminate the environment including soil and water, and it can create slippery surfaces which would be a risk to people walking in the area with leaked oil. I took my vehicle to a Subaru dealership for service, and they indicated that it was leaking oil everywhere. I looked it up and found numerous reports in online forums of others having the exact same issue. I was quoted over $5000 to repair and forums also indicate that others have been quoted multiple thousands of dollars to repair as well. I have noticed that the vehicle would always give me a low oil light approximately 3000 miles after an oil change, so I would top it off. It has been doing this since I originally purchased the vehicle with approximately 16000 miles. I took it to a Subaru dealership back then and was told by the service providers that it's normal for engines under 60,000 miles to consume more oil and dismissed it. Now it no longer falls under warranty and am expected to pony up $5000 to fix it.

NHTSA ODI #11663693

Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2024
Engine

Knocking sound in engine confirmed by dealership service center to be a spark knock in the engine. No fix available and the service center stated "is a common problem in Impreza."

NHTSA ODI #11563245

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2023
Engine

Engine began failing at 68k miles. The vehicle spews blue smoke from the tailpipe and under the hood and loses power when accelerating intermittently. It also consumes large amounts of oil. I've had the car worked on by an independent mechanic and will have to have the engine rebuilt at a cost of $6500 or more. Local dealership …

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Engine began failing at 68k miles. The vehicle spews blue smoke from the tailpipe and under the hood and loses power when accelerating intermittently. It also consumes large amounts of oil. I've had the car worked on by an independent mechanic and will have to have the engine rebuilt at a cost of $6500 or more. Local dealership claims car is out of warranty an nothing can be done. The car didn't have a light on despite these symptoms. At 83k miles, the car became completely unsafe to operate.

NHTSA ODI #11558681

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2023
EnginePower TrainStructureCrash

it is a case of sudden acceleration when parking the car in battery , goin forward very slowly, the subaru impreza accelerate , jump the curve and crash agaings a tree 5 ft away from the curve, the results extensive damage in the left front , airbags did not deploy

NHTSA ODI #11536081

Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2023
EngineFire

Driver / owner of vehicle was found deceased from a fire that originated in the engine compartment of the vehicle. This is being reported by Portland Fire and Rescue Fire Investigator [XXX]. NO apparent body damage to the metal parts of the vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U…

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Driver / owner of vehicle was found deceased from a fire that originated in the engine compartment of the vehicle. This is being reported by Portland Fire and Rescue Fire Investigator [XXX]. NO apparent body damage to the metal parts of the vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11503708

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2023
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

After the coil pack recall was done, our car began shuddering, hesitating and stalling. Went to the dealership 4-5 times. ECM and Prindle valve were replaced but still doing it. then engine exploded going up a hill, stranding us for 2.5 hours on the freeway. Engine replaced under warranty (which expired while in shop for two…

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After the coil pack recall was done, our car began shuddering, hesitating and stalling. Went to the dealership 4-5 times. ECM and Prindle valve were replaced but still doing it. then engine exploded going up a hill, stranding us for 2.5 hours on the freeway. Engine replaced under warranty (which expired while in shop for two months). No warranty on new motor. Same issues still going on and shop now charges us to "look at it." It stalled last week in heavy traffic, so it definitely is dangerous. We don't want to sell the car and pass the problem on to someone else.

NHTSA ODI #11502411

32,000 miles · Nov 28, 2020
Engine

WHEN STARTING THE SUBARU RELEASES DARK GREY SMOKE IN HIGH QUANTITIES, AND HAS BEEN LOOSING POWER WHEN SPEEDING UP.

NHTSA ODI #11376898

26,000 miles · Jan 16, 2020
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER AT 2000 TO 3000 RPM IS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE. I'VE TAKEN IT TO MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER 8 TIMES TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND THEY HAVE DENIED ANYTHING I'VE REPORTED. THEY'VE HAD TECHNICIANS ON RIDES WITH ME BUT I CAN'T RECREATE SOMETHING THAT IS SO INTERMITTENT. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE IN HOT WEATHER BUT …

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INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER AT 2000 TO 3000 RPM IS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE. I'VE TAKEN IT TO MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER 8 TIMES TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND THEY HAVE DENIED ANYTHING I'VE REPORTED. THEY'VE HAD TECHNICIANS ON RIDES WITH ME BUT I CAN'T RECREATE SOMETHING THAT IS SO INTERMITTENT. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE IN HOT WEATHER BUT I CAN SAFELY SAY AC ISN'T THE CAUSE. ALTHOUGH MY CAR ISN'T A CROSSTREK, THE MOTOR IN ONE IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS MINE. I SUSPECTED IT WAS DUE TO A RECALL REPAIR THAT HADN'T BEEN PERFORMED BUT IVE HAD BOTH OF MY RECALLS DONE BUT MY DEALER NEVER REPORTED IT TO SUBARU OF AMERICA. THE NAME OF MY MAIN DEALERSHIP IS HINE SUBARU OF TEMECULA. HTTPS://WWW.SUBARUXVFORUM.COM/THREADS/HESITATION-BOG-ON-ACCELERATION-6MT.175290/PAGE-2 THIS FORUM AND COUNTLESS OTHERS HAVE DISCUSSED THIS ISSUE AND CONTINUE TO CLAIM IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY WHEN MERGING ONTO THE FREEWAY. WHEN THE ISSUE IS PRESENT, THE CAR HAS ABSOLUTELY NO THROTTLE INPUT. THE ONLY WAY TO ACCELERATE OUT OF DANGER WHEN MERGING IS TO DOWNSHIFT TO KEEP THE RPMS ABOVE 3000 TO AVOID THE LOSS OF POWER. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN I'VE HAD TO PULL OFF THE FREEWAY WHEN TRYING TO MERGE BECAUSE MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AFTER IT HAPPENED AND THEY TURNED ME AWAY BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE AN APPOINTMENT. I IMPLORE ANYONE READING THIS TO DELVE INTO THE FORUMS DISCUSSING THIS ISSUE. THERE ARE DOZENS OF OTHERS WHO REPORT THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. SOME WERE LUCKY AND TRADED THEIR VEHICLE IN. I WAS REFERRED BY A USER TO FILE A COMPLAINT IN FACT. PLEASE, THIS IS A REAL HAZARD AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN MY CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11299666

250 miles · Sep 22, 2018
Engine

THE ENGINE DIED WHILE COMING TO A RAPID STOP FROM ABOUT 35-40 MPH. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TURNED YELLOW. AFTER PUTTING THE TRANSMISSION PARK THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS, REMOVING AND REPLACING THE KEY, AND ABOUT 2 TO 3 MINUTES THE ENGINE DID START. I WAS UNABLE, AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS, TO…

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THE ENGINE DIED WHILE COMING TO A RAPID STOP FROM ABOUT 35-40 MPH. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TURNED YELLOW. AFTER PUTTING THE TRANSMISSION PARK THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS, REMOVING AND REPLACING THE KEY, AND ABOUT 2 TO 3 MINUTES THE ENGINE DID START. I WAS UNABLE, AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS, TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER. THEY STATED THAT THEY HAD NOT SEEN THIS PROBLEM. THEY DID, HOWEVER, PERFORM A SOFTWARE UPDATE IN THE HOPE THAT IT WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11130767

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.