2018 Subaru Impreza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Subaru Impreza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 148 complaints, with Headlight/Taillight Failures as the top reported area.
2018 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2018 Subaru Impreza trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2018 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Subaru Impreza SW AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Subaru Impreza has 148 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Headlight/Taillight Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Impreza
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 148
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 36
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Subaru Impreza Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Headlight/Taillight Failures, Visibility/Wiper, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Subaru Impreza?
The 2018 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Subaru Impreza
Inspection Focus
- Inspect headlights and taillights for signs of moisture, dimming, or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially lighting and wiper systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system and wiper operation before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect headlights and taillights for signs of moisture, dimming, or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially lighting and wiper systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system and wiper operation before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Subaru Impreza, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2018 Subaru Impreza are heavily concentrated in headlight/taillight failures and visibility/wiper issues. A recurring theme appears to be electrical and lighting problems, with a smaller number of engine and transmission complaints. Crash-related complaints are relatively few, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited sample size.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures account for the largest share of complaints (64 out of 148).
- Visibility/Wiper issues are the second most reported component (33 complaints).
- Electrical Faults and Engine Problems are also notable but less frequent.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures: 64 complaints suggest a potential pattern of premature bulb or assembly failure.
- Visibility/Wiper: 33 complaints may indicate issues with wiper performance or visibility in adverse conditions.
- Electrical Faults: 12 complaints point to possible wiring or control module problems.
All 2018 Subaru Impreza Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Impreza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 64 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 33 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 24 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 11 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Carry Handle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Shell | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Base | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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…
The problem started on towards the end of Dec 2025. The primary latch that holds the hood down failed, and the safety latch kept the hood from flying off. I pulled the car over and shut it, and it seemed okay. Because the hood hadn't been lifted for a few days ( since its last…
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 wr…
This making model has become known for a parasitic drain of the DCM module. It’s all over the public forums that this module doesn’t shut down properly and causes a drain on the battery system. The remedy is to plug your car into a battery tender system.
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 …
On 8/9/24 I was involved in a fender bender minor collision with a parked car which damaged my right-hand headlamp assembly on my 2018 Subaru Impreza. On 8/23/24 I brought my car to Subaru of Ann Arbor to have Safety Recall WRG-22 NHTSA ID 22V-624 performed on it. Both headlamp…
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time fo…
March 2023 I had all 4 rotors & brakes replaced. About 2 weeks after, doing 65 mph on highway 79 I had to lightly apply my brakes. After letting off the brake all of a sudden my whole car, steering wheel, etc started shaking. I pulled off the road thinking something broke but…
The headlights on my vehicle are incredibly dim. Subaru issued a recall about this in August 2022 and I have been constantly asking my local dealerships and Subaru of America to get this address. They have repeatedly told me I will be receiving a letter in the mail when they hav…
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded…
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…
My wife's 2018 Impreza premium has had an open recall on it since August 0f 2022. It has been almost 2 years now. The recall, 22V624000 is a serious safety concern since it's about the car's headlights not functioning properly. Even with no obvious symptoms, I'm terrified for my …
A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT HEADLIGHT REFLECTORS ON AUGUST 12, 2022. NHTSA RECALL# 22V624000, MANUFACTURER RECALL # WRG622. TO DATE THE MANUFACTURER HAS OFFERED NO RESOLUTION TO THIS RECALL. AS IT HAS BEEN NEARLY TWO YEARS SINCE THE RECALL WAS ISSUED I FEEL THE M…
The headlight reflectors on both the left and right front sides of the car aren't effectively reflecting light, which compromises visibility for other road users and jeopardizes nighttime driving. Moreover, both front halogen low beam reflectors fail to adequately light up the ro…
2017-2019 model year Impreza vehicles, which may contain non-compliant headlamp assemblies. It has been almost 2 years with no solution to this problem. it is stated that the dealership will replace the recalled headlights, but they are doing nothing. No timeline on a solution i…
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for…
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for…
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet av…
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: [XXX] (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall re…
Headlights Recall from 8/2022 still has no remedy available. NHTSA Recall Number22V624000
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Subaru Impreza.
2018 Subaru Impreza Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru Impreza. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Subaru Impreza Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 148 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Impreza?▾
#1: Headlight/Taillight Failures (64 complaints). #2: Visibility/Wiper (33 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (24 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Subaru Impreza?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Subaru Impreza?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Subaru Impreza, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 148 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Subaru Impreza. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Impreza?▾
The 2018 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Headlight/Taillight Failures during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Impreza reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Subaru Impreza based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.