CSR

Subaru · NHTSA safety record

2018 Subaru Impreza

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 151 safety complaints about the 2018 Subaru Impreza with the US government. Of those, 5 describe a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 2 people were injured and 1 death is recorded. 5 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the exterior lighting, named in 64 complaints, 42% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 18,500 miles, the median across the 51 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers January 2018 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

151 complaints on file

151

Complaints

5

Describe a crash

1

Mention fire

2

People injured

1

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 64 · 42%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 34 · 23%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 25 · 17%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12 · 8%
ENGINE 11 · 7%
STRUCTURE 6 · 4%
VISIBILITY 6 · 4%
POWER TRAIN 4 · 3%
SERVICE BRAKES 3 · 2%
STEERING 3 · 2%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 3 · 2%
AIR BAGS 2 · 1%
0 27 54

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 151.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2023 at 52.

56 42 28 14
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2018 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2018 Subaru IMPREZA, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test 4 DR AWD SW AWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 9.5% 9.5%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

5 on file

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

22V624000 · August 12, 2022

The defect
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."
The risk
Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 188,397 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

21V587000 · July 29, 2021

The defect
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.
The risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 175,968 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

21V264000 · April 15, 2021

The defect
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.
The risk
A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 466,205 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

19V743000 · October 18, 2019

The defect
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.
The risk
If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 466,205 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

19V744000 · October 17, 2019

The defect
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.
The risk
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 205,000 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ENGINE

1 death · fire

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 complaint 11503708. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

1 injured · crash · towed · 12,000 miles

I WAS INVOLVE TO CAR ACCIDENT, I WAS A PASSENGER THE SEAT BELT WAS ON ME AND, PRAPORLY LUCKED TO THE SEAT. THE DRIVER AIRBAG DEPLOEY. HE DIDNT GET ANY DAMEGE TO HIS BODY. AND MY IARBAG DID NOT DEPLOEY CAUSE OF THAT I HAVE SPINE FRACTURE LAMBAR L3-L2. IT HAPPEND IN 08/23/2018.

NHTSA complaint 11172414. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · 14,444 miles

THE SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND 3 SENSORS WHERE ACTIVATED BUT BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IT NEVER WENT OFF. *JS *JS

NHTSA complaint 11243161. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

crash · towed

THEY WERE TOWING MY CAR, AND THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS ONE PLACE TO GRAB IT, WHEN THE TOWING SERVICE WAS GOING TO RELEASE MY CAR THIS PLACE TO GRAB IT BROKE AND RELEASED, AND EJECTED THE CAR, IF NOT FOR THE HANDBRAKE IT HAD HAPPENED A FATAL ACCIDENT, A CAR FROM 2018 THAT HAS THESE FAULTS, I DON'T THINK SO, NOW THEY MUST PAY FOR THE DAMAGES TO THE 2 VEHICLES, WHICH IS NOT WHAT IT SHOULD BE BECAUSE THIS IS A FACTORY DAMAGE I'M SURE, I HAVE VIDEOS, PHOTOS, EVERYTHING, THIS WAS IN COLORADO AND IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS GOING TO LEAVE MY CAR AT THE DEALER, IT COULD HAPPEN IN ANOTHER PLACE AND IT COULD ATTEMPT WITH SOMEONE'S LIFE

NHTSA complaint 11406169. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VISIBILITY/WIPER
Spontaneous crack in passenger side of windshield 5 times in a row!!

NHTSA complaint 11765492. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STEERING
Vehicle Information: 2018 Subaru ImprezaVIN: [XXX] Affected: Steering (Electronic Power Steering / EPS Gear Box Assembly)Description of the Safety Defect:I am reporting a severe safety defect regarding a sudden and total loss of power steering assist while driving my 2018 Subaru Impreza.The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) gear box assembly experienced a catastrophic failure, resulting in an immediate, heavy steering condition that severely impacted my ability to control the vehicle safely. Upon inspection, the EPS gear box housing was found to have suffered structural failure/cracking due to environmental corrosion.This is a well-documented safety hazard for this vehicle generation. Subaru

NHTSA complaint 11763961, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought a new Subaru Impreza and there is a cam carrier leak that was reported last time I took it for service at the dealership two weeks ago. There are only 41k miles on the car, and there were no warning lights/messages. Upon my research, this is a common problem with Subarus due to the sealant that they use with a very high cost to fix (I was quoted $4.5k), not mentioning the time it takes as well. Additionally, fixing the problem does not prevent it from recurrence. Because this puts the safety of the driver at risk and is a known problem in newer Subaru vehicles, it should be covered under the warranty.

NHTSA complaint 11736146. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed · 106,000 miles

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 complaint 11719120. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 service ), I was at a loss as to what could be causing it. Since then, it's happened several times. I've also examined the latch, and it appears to be fine. When it pops up, the safety latch catches it, and I pull over and close it. My next step is to have a mechanic put in a new latch. The car has 95,000 miles on the ticker,

NHTSA complaint 11711738. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.

NHTSA complaint 11698593. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Subaru Impreza

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2024 32 2 —
2022 13 1 —
2021 14 2 —
2020 85 1 —
2019 194 5 —
2017 125 7 —
2016 75 1 —
2015 77 2 —
2014 108 3 —
2013 249 4 —
2012 243 6 —
2011 57 14 —
2010 46 15 —

Other 2018 Subaru models

Every Subaru on this site — 99 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst