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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

Visibility/wiper complaints

33 reports
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5,850 miles · Nov 10, 2018
Visibility/wiper

3 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING A NEW 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA, THE WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED ON THE EVENING BETWEEN 11/8/18 AND 11/9/18. THE WIND SHIELD HAD NOT SUSTAINED ANY IMPACTS DURING THE 3 MONTHS OF USE AND WAS ALWAYS PARKED SO THAT NOTHING COULD FALL ON IT FROM TREES ETC. THE CRACK HAD NO CHIPS ON THE MORNING OF 11/9/18, WH…

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3 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING A NEW 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA, THE WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED ON THE EVENING BETWEEN 11/8/18 AND 11/9/18. THE WIND SHIELD HAD NOT SUSTAINED ANY IMPACTS DURING THE 3 MONTHS OF USE AND WAS ALWAYS PARKED SO THAT NOTHING COULD FALL ON IT FROM TREES ETC. THE CRACK HAD NO CHIPS ON THE MORNING OF 11/9/18, WHEN IT HAD SPONTANEOUSLY APPEARED AND WAS A CLEAN GLASS FRACTURE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY ON 11/10/18 FOR REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY AS THERE ARE MANY ONLINE COMPLAINTS AS WELL AS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST SUBARU FOR THIS EXACT DEFECT IN MANY OF THEIR VEHICLES DATING BACK TO 2015. THE CRACK IS CLEARLY CAUSED THROUGH A MANUFACTURER DEFECT; HOWEVER, THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP TOOK A PEN AND PLACED IT IN THE CRACK CAUSING A SMALL DENT TO OCCUR IN THE GLASS FRAGMENTS. THEY THEN SAID THE CRACK WAS CAUSED BY A STONE IMPACT AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CRACK WAS CLEARLY NOT CAUSED FROM A STONE AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN HIT BY ANY STONES. THE CRACK OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AWAY FROM ANYTHING THAT COULD FALL ON IT OR IMPACT THE WINDSHIELD IN ANY WAY.

NHTSA ODI #11150740

1,000 miles · Oct 18, 2018
Visibility/wiper

2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR NEW, WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY ABOUT 65 MPH, SOMETHING SMALL (A ROCK LIKELY, BUT IT WAS IMPERCEPTIBLE; ONLY HEARD THE SOUND) HIT THE WINDSHIELD, CAUSING A SMALL CHIP, APPROXIMATELY 1 MM IN LENGTH. AFTER PARKING MY VEHICLE AND RETURNING TO IT THE NEXT DAY, I FOUND A CRACK THROUGH 75% OF MY WINDS…

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2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR NEW, WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY ABOUT 65 MPH, SOMETHING SMALL (A ROCK LIKELY, BUT IT WAS IMPERCEPTIBLE; ONLY HEARD THE SOUND) HIT THE WINDSHIELD, CAUSING A SMALL CHIP, APPROXIMATELY 1 MM IN LENGTH. AFTER PARKING MY VEHICLE AND RETURNING TO IT THE NEXT DAY, I FOUND A CRACK THROUGH 75% OF MY WINDSHIELD (OUTER PASSENGER SEAT EDGE TO INSIDE EDGE OF DRIVER'S SEAT) STARTING FROM THE CHIP. I HAD THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED WITH AN OEM GLASS AND RE-CALIBRATED THE EYESIGHT PER THE INSTRUCTIONS. A WEEK LATER, WHILE DRIVING ON A 40 MPH ROAD, A ROCK CLEARLY HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND SCRATCHED THE NEW WINDSHIELD. THE SCUFF LEFTOVER IS MAYBE 2 MM. THE CAR IS 3 MONTHS OLD AND IT ALREADY HAS ONE NEW WINDSHIELD AND ONE SCUFFED WINDSHIELD.

NHTSA ODI #11141284

1,000 miles · Oct 5, 2018
Visibility/wiper

PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW ABOUT A MONTH AGO. A LARGE FRACTURE CRACK APPEARED IN THE MIDDLE MY WINDSHIELD, ORIGINATING FROM THE BASE UNDERNEATH THE PLASTIC STRIPPING, EXTENDING UPWARD IN AN INVERTED L SHAPE. HAPPENED FOR NO APPARENT REASON; THE CAR WAS STATIONARY, PARKED INSIDE MY CLOSED GARAGE, SO THERE WAS NO REASON OR CAUSE…

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PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW ABOUT A MONTH AGO. A LARGE FRACTURE CRACK APPEARED IN THE MIDDLE MY WINDSHIELD, ORIGINATING FROM THE BASE UNDERNEATH THE PLASTIC STRIPPING, EXTENDING UPWARD IN AN INVERTED L SHAPE. HAPPENED FOR NO APPARENT REASON; THE CAR WAS STATIONARY, PARKED INSIDE MY CLOSED GARAGE, SO THERE WAS NO REASON OR CAUSE FOR A CRACK TO OCCUR. APPARENTLY SUBARU IS AWARE OF THEIR WINDSHIELD DEFECTS AS THEY RECENTLY LOST A LAWSUIT CASE OVER THIS ISSUE FOR THEIR OUTBACK MODELS.

NHTSA ODI #11133448

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.