2018 Subaru Impreza Safety Report
2018 Subaru Impreza Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Subaru Impreza
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Subaru Impreza. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (148) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 6 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Exterior Lighting | Compare exterior lighting issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Subaru Impreza with 14 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Subaru Impreza before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Impreza Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Impreza years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Subaru Impreza | 186 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Subaru Impreza | 124 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Subaru Impreza | 83 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Subaru Impreza | 74 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Subaru Impreza | 14 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Subaru Impreza | 78 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2018 Subaru Impreza Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Subaru Impreza, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Exterior Lighting
58 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Subaru onlyVisibility/Wiper
28 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyEngine
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Subaru onlyVisibility
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility issues Subaru onlyElectrical System
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Subaru Impreza
Reliability Score
The 2018 Subaru Impreza receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Subaru Impreza
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Subaru Impreza
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Subaru Impreza:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting Recalled for non-compliant headlamp assemblies, leading to compromised visibility. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Software Potential parasitic drain on the DCM module, causing system malfunctions. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Overheating Engine overheating has been reported, potentially leading to engine damage. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel Pump Fuel pump issues have been reported, potentially leading to engine performance problems. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Subaru Impreza:
Issues with headlights have been reported.
Software issues have been reported.
Engine overheating has been reported.
Fuel pump issues have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2018 Subaru Impreza
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Subaru Impreza by NHTSA:
Summary: 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."
Consequence: Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 ...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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-...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Subaru Impreza
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Subaru Impreza with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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 ...
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 examine...
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 writing to the dealership that my car often loses power when driving uphill and, at times, runs unevenly or hesitantly—sim...
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 soil and water, and it can create slippery surfaces which would be a risk to people walking in the area with leaked oil....
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 assemblies were under recall by Subaru. I was told by the service manager that the right hand and left hand headlamp as...
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 recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufac...
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 nothing was. A couple months later on 79 it did it again without applying my brakes. It's happening more often and th...
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 have the parts to fix the issues. It has almost been 2 years and Subaru still doesn't have the parts... I'm not sure what t...
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 a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had no...
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 wife to drive in the dark. Just last year I saw headlight assemblies for her model available for sale on Subaru's OEM we...
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 Bluetooth/usb music interface, backup camera taking extended time to come up on head unit screen, turning the headhunt ...
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 MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NEGLIGENT IN ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. I BELIEVE THAT IT IS TIME THAT THE NHTSA CONTACT THE MANUFACT...
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 road for the driver, significantly reducing visibility. It's a genuine safety concern, and this recall was issued on Augus...
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 is given and risk only increases as the car gets older. i just want what i paid for a safe vehicle that works.
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 recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufact...
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 recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not m...
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 available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ma...
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 repair. The dealer was contacted. The dealer was located in Canada and had stated they would be able to complete the remed...
Headlights Recall from 8/2022 still has no remedy available. NHTSA Recall Number22V624000
Showing 20 of 148 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Subaru Impreza
Has the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA have?
The 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA has 148 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 5 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 1 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA?
The 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA involve exterior lighting (58 complaints), visibility/wiper (28 complaints), unknown or other (14 complaints). Other affected components include engine, visibility, electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA have?
There are 5 crash reports associated with the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA out of 148 total complaints (3.4% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA out of 148 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA?
Yes, 1 death has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA is acceptable with caveats. It has 148 complaints, 5 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Note: 1 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA are: 1. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (58 complaints), 2. VISIBILITY/WIPER (28 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints), 4. ENGINE (7 complaints), 5. VISIBILITY (6 complaints). EXTERIOR LIGHTING is the single most-reported problem area with 58 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA?
Be aware of potential exterior lighting and electrical system issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent engine and fuel system problems. The 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA has 148 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA?
The 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 148 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 6 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Exterior Lighting and Electrical System Software.
What are the known issues with the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA?
Known issues with the 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA include: Exterior Lighting, Electrical System Software, Engine Overheating, Fuel Pump. These are based on patterns found across 148 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Subaru Impreza?
Yes, there have been recalls for exterior lighting and electrical system software issues.
What are the common problems with the 2018 Subaru Impreza?
Common problems include exterior lighting issues, electrical system software problems, engine overheating, and fuel pump issues.
What should I do if I experience engine overheating?
If you experience engine overheating, pull over safely and allow the engine to cool down before continuing your journey.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential exterior lighting and electrical system issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent engine and fuel system problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Subaru Impreza
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Subaru Impreza. The data includes 148 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Subaru Impreza an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16