2018 Subaru Wrx Safety Report
2018 SUBARU WRX Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Subaru Wrx
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Subaru Wrx. 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 | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (40) | 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 | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Subaru Wrx with 12 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Subaru Wrx before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Wrx 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 Wrx 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 Wrx | 27 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Subaru Wrx | 51 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Subaru Wrx | 17 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Subaru Wrx | 34 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Subaru Wrx | 12 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Subaru Wrx | 52 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Subaru Wrx Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Subaru Wrx, 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.
Engine
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Subaru onlyPower Train
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Subaru onlyElectrical System
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Subaru onlyVisibility/Wiper
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyFuel/Propulsion System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Subaru Wrx
Reliability Score
The 2018 Subaru Wrx 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.
Known Issues for the 2018 Subaru Wrx
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Subaru Wrx:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Rod Bearing Failure Engine rod bearing failure is a severe issue, causing engine damage and loss of control. This problem is common in the 2018 SUBARU WRX, often requiring a complete engine replacement. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel Pump Failure Fuel pump failures can cause the car to smoke and require immediate attention. This issue is frequent in the 2018 SUBARU WRX, typically occurring around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Reverse Light Switch Failure Reverse light switch failures can cause the vehicle to indicate reverse gear while driving forward, posing a significant safety risk. This issue was reported in the 2018 SUBARU WRX with a mileage of 96,000. |
High | Rare | 96k miles |
| Transmission Issues Transmission issues, including fluid leaks and slippage, can affect driving performance. These problems are common in the 2018 SUBARU WRX, often requiring repairs or replacements. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k 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 Wrx:
Engine issues, particularly rod bearing failure, are a significant concern.
Fuel pump failures are a common issue, leading to engine damage and loss of control.
Reverse light switch failures can cause safety risks.
Transmission issues, including fluid leaks and slippage, are a concern.
Recall Details for the 2018 Subaru Wrx
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Subaru Wrx by NHTSA:
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Subaru Wrx
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Subaru Wrx with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 5 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
2/17/2026 Mileage 96,000 Subaru case number Case # 260217-2101937 Vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches NHTSA Recall 22V-522000. The recall repair was previously performed but the safety defect persists. Manufacturer was contacted and declined further rep...
Oil changes always done, no modifications to vehicle. Driving down road lights all come one and car starts smoking. Rod broke and put hole in engine.
Shortly after purchase (within 1 month), a strong raw gasoline vapor odor began entering the passenger cabin, strongest near the driver’s side rear seat and rear wheel well area. The odor intensifies at idle and after short periods of driving, filling the interior cabin with fuel fumes. The smell is so strong that it causes dizziness and headaches when operating the vehicle. This is not an isolat...
When accelerating from a stop, the car is having trouble accelerating despite having the accelerator fully depressed. The engine sounds like it is roaring, but hardly any power is being produced. When the vehicle hits about 35-40mph, the engine surges and then full power is produced. It feels like potentially an issue with the turbo or the transmsission. This is creating a significant safety hazar...
I have been experiencing a strong fuel odor both inside and outside the cabin when starting the engine. After several months of experiencing this issue, I recently had my vehicle fully inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership, and they confirmed a critical fuel leak issue. The dealership discovered that the high-pressure fuel pipe is leaking, as confirmed by a camera inspection of the engine ...
Cluth was replaced at a little over 50,000 miles and throw out bearing failed within 200 miles of the break in period. Took it back to dealer and they found that the throw out bearing was faulty and they replaced it. A year later same sound that was heard after replacement came back (almost like a chirping sound), took the car in for them to examine the car and determine if the throw out bearing w...
Fuel pump failing Reverse switch failing
I bought a 2018 Subaru WRX with 61,000 miles, After driving it 6,000 miles with engine spun a rod bearing, requiring a complete engine replacement. This is a vehicle that in the previous 4th generation of the car, it was recalled for this exact issue. the total repair bill for this fix is $11,720.43. This is on a car with 67,000 miles. 7,000 miles over Subaru's manufacture warranty. After speaking...
Started car up. Check engine light is on, cruise control flashing. Fuel tank level is flashing. Has gas but the meter is says it’s empty. Took it to a mechanic and they told me it is the fuel pump that’s bad. Called a Subaru dealership and they said there’s no recall for this car. You guys issued a recall for this make and model back in 2020 but for the production date of April. My car was produce...
Engine rod knock at 32,000 miles due to bearing failure causing loss of control of vehicle and sudden loss of power and control. Car was logged to be traveling at 35 mph with normal acceleration at time of failure. Carter Subaru confirmed bearing failure, and fits with the pattern confirmed in 2012-2017 WRX STi engine failure class action settlement, as part in 2018 remains unchanged from 2017 a...
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED. DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED. DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Engine Failure rod bearing failure is extremely common. Can leave motorist in danger being stranded on the road. Subaru of America has inspected the engine but claims they are at not fault and refuse to assist. Investigate online how common the motor failure on a fa20dit motor is. I can tell you many owners who are on their 2nd to 3rd motor. This is extremely dangerous and I hope there is a resolu...
The transmission began leaking fluid and has experienced slippage while driving. I took the vehicle to Hendrick Subaru in Feb. 2023 for diagnostics and was told the leak was unserviceable and needed replacement. I was told they detected minor slippage at the time. It is now June 2023 and the dealer is telling me that the transmission is not going to be replaced, but rather "resealed" and they are ...
Headlight deflector burning/melting.not properly deflecting light to properly lighting up the road .they acknowledged the problem but said they would have replaced them if I brought it in before 3 years or 36,000 miles .no not inspected .no indication of symptoms prior to failure.
Unknown. I am unsure of the issue. However, there is an issue. & it is very dangerous... This has happend about 5, or 6 times now. Sometimes when I am making a turn (I believe it is related to the braking), My steering wheel locks up (as if the key isn't in the ignition). It only lasts for a second, or two. But again, it is very dangerous. & I am at my wits end trying to figure out what the iss...
We tool the car to the DMV to get the plates and rhey told us the car had a recall. They stated the Fuel pump may fail. However, we were unaware.
Parasitic battery drain. Car is rendered inoperable after periods of non use. The batter has been replaced and the problem persists.
Battery dies and vehicle is unable to start after short periods of being turned off. This has left me stranded in unsafe areas and can pose a major safety hazard. Vehicle has been inspected and no issues found by Subaru dealer. No warning lights or other notifications, vehicle simply does not start.
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked in the garage during the winter months and while attempting to drive the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The contact stated he charged the battery and he was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure pe...
Showing 20 of 40 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Subaru Wrx
Has the 2018 SUBARU WRX been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 SUBARU WRX has 2 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 WRX have?
The 2018 SUBARU WRX has 40 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 5 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 SUBARU WRX?
The 2018 SUBARU WRX does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 SUBARU WRX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 SUBARU WRX involve engine (7 complaints), power train (5 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints). Other affected components include visibility/wiper, fuel/propulsion system, unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2018 SUBARU WRX have?
There are 5 crash reports associated with the 2018 SUBARU WRX out of 40 total complaints (12.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 SUBARU WRX have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2018 SUBARU WRX out of 40 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 SUBARU WRX?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 SUBARU WRX.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 SUBARU WRX?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 SUBARU WRX. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 SUBARU WRX?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 SUBARU WRX is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 40 complaints, 2 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 SUBARU WRX?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 SUBARU WRX are: 1. ENGINE (7 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (5 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), 4. VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints), 5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 7 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 SUBARU WRX?
Be cautious of engine rod bearing and fuel pump failures, which are common issues in the 2018 SUBARU WRX. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent these problems. The 2018 SUBARU WRX has 40 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2018 SUBARU WRX?
The 2018 SUBARU WRX receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 40 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 6 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Rod Bearing Failure and Fuel Pump Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2018 SUBARU WRX?
Known issues with the 2018 SUBARU WRX include: Engine Rod Bearing Failure, Fuel Pump Failure, Reverse Light Switch Failure, Transmission Issues. These are based on patterns found across 40 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues in the 2018 SUBARU WRX?
Engine rod bearing failure and fuel pump failures are the most common safety issues.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 SUBARU WRX?
Yes, there are recalls for issues with the backup light switch and fuel pump.
What should I do if I experience engine rod bearing failure?
Seek immediate professional repair to prevent further engine damage and ensure safe driving.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine rod bearing and fuel pump failures, which are common issues in the 2018 SUBARU WRX. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent these problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Subaru Wrx
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Subaru Wrx. The data includes 40 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
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