2018 Subaru Impreza Safety Report

The 2018 Subaru Impreza presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance, achieving a perfect 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, including 5 stars in Frontal, Side, and Rollover tests, there are significant concerns regarding component reliability and recall resolution. The vehicle has accumulated 148 total complaints, with 5 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries, and 1 death reported. A major area of concern is exterior lighting, which accounts for 58 complaints and is the subject of a persistent recall (NHTSA ID 22V-624) regarding inadequate headlight reflection. Many owners report prolonged delays, some nearly two years, in getting this safety recall remedied, citing parts unavailability and lack of communication from Subaru and dealerships. This unresolved issue significantly increases the risk of a crash due to reduced visibility. Beyond lighting, other notable complaint patterns include visibility/wiper issues (28 complaints) and engine problems (7 complaints). The engine complaints include reports of overheating, oil leaks, and a 'spark knock' described by a dealership as a 'common problem in Impreza' with no available fix. The vehicle has been subject to 5 recalls in total, addressing critical issues such as fuel pump failure, ignition coil short circuits, and PCV valve disintegration, all of which could lead to engine stalls and increased crash risk. The fuel pump recall (NHTSA ID 19V-859) and ignition coil recalls (NHTSA IDs 19V-140 and 19V-141) highlight potential powertrain vulnerabilities. In summary, while the 2018 Impreza demonstrates robust passive safety in crash scenarios, its active safety is compromised by widespread and often unresolved issues with exterior lighting, as well as other component failures. The high number of complaints related to headlights, coupled with the manufacturer's apparent inability to promptly address the recall, casts a shadow on its overall safety profile. Potential buyers should be aware of these persistent issues and the manufacturer's recall resolution challenges.

Our recommendation: While the 2018 Subaru Impreza excels in crash safety, potential buyers should be aware of the persistent and often unresolved headlight recall and other component issues. Verify that all 5 recalls, especially the headlight recall (NHTSA ID 22V-624), have been completed before purchase.