2018 Subaru WRX problems and complaints

Owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Subaru WRX. The most-reported areas: Engine (11), Electrical System (10), Unknown Or Other (8).

Key takeaways

  • 42 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 5 involve a crash, 1 a fire, 2 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1126%
Electrical System1024%
Unknown Or Other819%
Steering717%
Fuel/Propulsion System614%
Power Train614%
Visibility/Wiper410%
Air Bags37%
Wheels37%
Service Brakes12%
Fuel System12%
Gasoline12%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2018 Subaru WRX 4 DR AWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Unknown Or Other - filed 2026-07-01

Refused to change the rear catalyst due to a modification. I said I would return it back to the original factory tune and they said it was impossible and refused to do it. The tune physically wouldn’t stop them from changing the catalytic converter. They said that the ecu would let them. I can put the factory CID on ...

Unknown Or Other - filed 2026-06-06

Subaru Orange Coast and Ocean Subaru of Fullerton refused to work on my recall due to my car has aftermarket parts not related to the recall. The dealership is very keen in extorting money to the naïve customers instead of fixing the safety issue with my car.

Electrical System,unknown Or Other,visibility/Wiper - filed 2026-02-17

2/17/2026 Mileage 96,000 Subaru case number Case # 260217-2101937 Vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches NHTSA Recall 22V-522000. The recall repair was previously performed but...

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More for the 2018 Subaru WRX

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.