2018 Subaru WRX problems and complaints
Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Subaru WRX. The most-reported areas: Engine (12), Electrical System (10), Unknown Or Other (8).
Key takeaways
- 43 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.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 12 | 28% |
| Electrical System | 10 | 23% |
| Unknown Or Other | 8 | 19% |
| Steering | 7 | 16% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | 14% |
| Power Train | 6 | 14% |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | 9% |
| Air Bags | 3 | 7% |
| Wheels | 3 | 7% |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 2% |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% |
| Gasoline | 1 | 2% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru WRX 4 DR AWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine - filed 2026-10-02
On June 24, 2026, my stock 2018 Subaru WRX Limited experienced a sudden catastrophic internal engine failure at approximately 67,319 miles while I was driving. I first heard an intermittent ticking/noise under acceleration. Within about two miles, the noise became much louder, followed by a loud pop, sudden loss of pow...
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.
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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.