2018 Subaru WRX: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 42 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (23% of complaints); the 2020 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Jul 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2026
“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 the safety defect persists. Manufacturer was contacted and declined further repair despite active safety condition.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2026
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“When accelerating from a stop, the car is having trouble accelerating despite having the accelerator fully depressed. The engine sounds like it is roaring, but hardly any power is being produced. When the vehicle hits about 35-40mph, the engine surges and then full power is produced. It feels like potentially an issue with the turbo or the transmsission. This is creating a significant safety hazard as the vehicle is behaving unpredictable and could lead to an accident when having to accelerate into traffic or merge. The vehicle has already had 3 CVT transmission replacements under factory warranty. The vehicle currently has approximately 47,000 miles but is outside factory warranty now.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2025
“I bought a 2018 Subaru WRX with 61,000 miles, After driving it 6,000 miles with engine spun a rod bearing, requiring a complete engine replacement. This is a vehicle that in the previous 4th generation of the car, it was recalled for this exact issue. the total repair bill for this fix is $11,720.43. This is on a car with 67,000 miles. 7,000 miles over Subaru's manufacture warranty. After speaking with a few service advisors at Subaru. it is my belief, that this is a known issue with this model.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2024
“Started car up. Check engine light is on, cruise control flashing. Fuel tank level is flashing. Has gas but the meter is says it's empty. Took it to a mechanic and they told me it is the fuel pump that's bad. Called a Subaru dealership and they said there's no recall for this car. You guys issued a recall for this make and model back in 2020 but for the production date of April. My car was produced in November. Anyway you guys can issue a recall fort car so I can get it fixed?”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2024
“******* delete voq ******* this complaint is being marked for deletion because it is requested by the consumer that they wish to have it removed. Djr ******* delete voq *******”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2023
“******* delete voq ******* this complaint is being marked for deletion because it is requested by the consumer that they wish to have it removed. Djr ******* delete voq *******”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2023
“Engine Failure rod bearing failure is extremely common. Can leave motorist in danger being stranded on the road. Subaru of America has inspected the engine but claims they are at not fault and refuse to assist. Investigate online how common the motor failure on a fa20dit motor is. I can tell you many owners who are on their 2nd to 3rd motor. This is extremely dangerous and I hope there is a resolution.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2023
“The transmission began leaking fluid and has experienced slippage while driving. I took the vehicle to Hendrick Subaru in Feb. 2023 for diagnostics and was told the leak was unserviceable and needed replacement. I was told they detected minor slippage at the time. It is now June 2023 and the dealer is telling me that the transmission is not going to be replaced, but rather "resealed" and they are now claiming there is no record of it ever slipping and they cannot replicate it. Subaru took months to approve any type of repair so I was forced to drive my vehicle while it continued to leak transmission fluid, which could have potentially caused additional damage.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2018 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact WRX by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Subaru WRX reliable?
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Subaru WRX. The most complained-about area is engine (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2018 Subaru WRX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 14,500 miles or less.
Does the 2018 Subaru WRX have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:back up lights:switch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.