RoadVitals

2018 Subaru Impreza Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
149
Latest May 6, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Subaru Impreza, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Visibility3925.3%
  • Engine117.1%
  • Body & structure63.9%
  • Driver assistance42.6%
  • Powertrain (other)42.6%
  • Brakes31.9%
  • Other / unspecified31.9%
  • Steering21.3%
  • Suspension21.3%
  • Airbags21.3%
  • Interior & seats10.6%
  • Seat belts10.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

64
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 assembly replacement procedure could not be performed free of charge, as promised by Subaru, because the front bumper was damaged (due to the accident), and Subaru could not remove and replace it in order to accomplish either headlamp replacement. On 9/9/24 I brought my car to Heritage Collision Center for a repair estimate on my damaged right hand front fender. (See Picture 1) I told Heritage Collision that the right hand headlamp assembly was under recall and Subaru was going to replace it free of charge. During the time of repair, I asked Heritage if I could take a picture of the damaged and recalled right hand headlamp assembly (See Picture 2). Upon reviewing my final bill of repair from Heritage Collision, I saw that Subaru had charged the MSRP of $319.95 to replace the recalled right hand headlamp assembly after promising to replace the recalled headlamp assembly for free. Subaru owes me $319.95 for my replacement of the recalled headlamp assembly. (See Picture 3)

NHTSA ID 11627106 · filed Nov 24, 2024

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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11610545 · filed Aug 23, 2024
All 64 reports naming exterior lighting

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

39
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Headlights Recall from 8/2022 still has no remedy available. NHTSA Recall Number22V624000

NHTSA ID 11569799 · filed Feb 4, 2024

While parked at a roadside rest for the night I heard a sound similar to cracking but didn’t think anything of it. The next day when the sun came up I noticed the windshield was cracking and had a few chips in it. The chips were not the cause of the cracking and came along the cracks but we’re not centrally located to the cracks meaning they were caused by the windshield cracking. The night before the defrost was on cold because it had been raining and it was warm outside. I immediately took photos. I have been unable to repair the windshield considering it costs over 1000.00 and my insurance doesn’t cover defects in the quality of parts used on the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11528696 · filed Jun 24, 2023
All 39 reports naming visibility

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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—similar to an engine stutter or sputter. Most recently, multiple problems occurred simultaneously. The low tire pressure warning remained on, my cell phone was no longer recognized or paired with the vehicle and would not charge, part of the clock display stopped illuminating, and then the vehicle suddenly began to shake. Within seconds, all dashboard warning lights turned on and the engine shut off entirely. This happened so rapidly that I had no time to react. Fortunately, I had pulled over the car; otherwise, this incident could have resulted in a serious crash with me behind the wheel. Although no prior warning lights had appeared, I was later informed that the vehicle had a cracked ignition coil and a dead battery—despite the car having relatively low mileage and there being two recalls related to this issue. The new manager went above and beyond to assist me during this ordeal and I am beyond grateful for everything – Subaru of America is lucky to have him on staff!! However, as of today, I still have not received a clear explanation of what caused this failure or what risks may remain if I continue driving the vehicle. My understanding is that ignition coils should run for 80K - 100K. I am aware that others have experienced similar problems, and I request that this matter be thoroughly addressed before it results in a potentially preventable, yet serious accident.

NHTSA ID 11700114 · filed Nov 18, 2025

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 off with the power button doesn't work because it just randomly turns itself back on again. The bluetooth will also randomly disconnect when it does happen to connect in the first place. This is a recall that was performed, and the same exact issues are happening. It's a BIG danger to whomever is driving the car as it takes attention away from driving. I am very unhappy with this danger as it was supposed to have been repaired already. Since the 2018 subaru impresa premium is out of the extended warranty even, it seems there's nothing we can do. But Subara put out this software update and said it would work. It didn't!

NHTSA ID 11593811 · filed Jun 12, 2024
All 12 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11719120 · filed Feb 19, 2026

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. I took my vehicle to a Subaru dealership for service, and they indicated that it was leaking oil everywhere. I looked it up and found numerous reports in online forums of others having the exact same issue. I was quoted over $5000 to repair and forums also indicate that others have been quoted multiple thousands of dollars to repair as well. I have noticed that the vehicle would always give me a low oil light approximately 3000 miles after an oil change, so I would top it off. It has been doing this since I originally purchased the vehicle with approximately 16000 miles. I took it to a Subaru dealership back then and was told by the service providers that it's normal for engines under 60,000 miles to consume more oil and dismissed it. Now it no longer falls under warranty and am expected to pony up $5000 to fix it.

NHTSA ID 11663693 · filed May 29, 2025
All 11 reports naming engine

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

it is a case of sudden acceleration when parking the car in battery , goin forward very slowly, the subaru impreza accelerate , jump the curve and crash agaings a tree 5 ft away from the curve, the results extensive damage in the left front , airbags did not deploy

NHTSA ID 11536081 · filed Aug 2, 2023

Bought this car 1 year ago at East Hills Subaru. Among other problems such as water leaking inside vehicle due to clogged drains, most recent issue is the steering column not locking firmly. This is causing the steering wheel to shift up or down while driving, even though locking mechanism under steering wheel column is engaged. The car has under 40k miles. The safety of the driver is at risk here as the shifting movement of the steering wheel affect proper steering. Dealer is unable to give me a reasonable appointment to address this and only has drop off service, no loaner cars available. I am not happy with the Subaru service department and the inability of this service department to address serious issues in a timely matter.

NHTSA ID 11484183 · filed Sep 13, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

After the coil pack recall was done, our car began shuddering, hesitating and stalling. Went to the dealership 4-5 times. ECM and Prindle valve were replaced but still doing it. then engine exploded going up a hill, stranding us for 2.5 hours on the freeway. Engine replaced under warranty (which expired while in shop for two months). No warranty on new motor. Same issues still going on and shop now charges us to "look at it." It stalled last week in heavy traffic, so it definitely is dangerous. We don't want to sell the car and pass the problem on to someone else.

NHTSA ID 11502411 · filed Jan 18, 2023

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 ID 11406169 · filed Apr 3, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

it is a case of sudden acceleration when parking the car in battery , goin forward very slowly, the subaru impreza accelerate , jump the curve and crash agaings a tree 5 ft away from the curve, the results extensive damage in the left front , airbags did not deploy

NHTSA ID 11536081 · filed Aug 2, 2023

After the coil pack recall was done, our car began shuddering, hesitating and stalling. Went to the dealership 4-5 times. ECM and Prindle valve were replaced but still doing it. then engine exploded going up a hill, stranding us for 2.5 hours on the freeway. Engine replaced under warranty (which expired while in shop for two months). No warranty on new motor. Same issues still going on and shop now charges us to "look at it." It stalled last week in heavy traffic, so it definitely is dangerous. We don't want to sell the car and pass the problem on to someone else.

NHTSA ID 11502411 · filed Jan 18, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 the shaking is getting more severe to where my car is either going to fall apart or bounce off the road or into another car. I'm terrified when this happens because I don't know what's going to happen. I won't even put my grand children in my car. One if my co-workers had the same thing happen to her Subaru. She said after her mechanics did some investigating, they found that there was an issue with the replacement rotors warping and causing the car to shake terribly. This is a severe safety issue and really needs to be investigated. Also a year warranty on these defective parts is too short.

NHTSA ID 11605898 · filed Aug 1, 2024

Suspected defective and/or faulty brake booster or brake hose on the front left tire. Car starts violently shaking/shuddering when easing onto the brakes (once the brakes have warmed up for my daily commute to work). Resulting vibrations travel up the steering column to the steering wheel, and into the cabin. The car will then pitch its nose in various directions; it feels as though the front left brake is being grabbed and not properly released. Taken to a Subaru dealership multiple times. New brakes and rotors installed in July 2022; other components of the brake (calipers, pistons) were inspected in Aug. 2022 and appeared fine. However, on inspection (08/2022) the newly replaced rotor on the front left tire was already showing visible wear/damage (white scalding) due to excessive heat generated while braking. I have taken the car to be serviced at a dealership multiple times & have been told the shaking "couldn't be replicated." I recreate it every day I drive to work (350 miles every week). *Please* see the video linked to a third-party website: https://imgur.com/a/wFvLV0A Other symptoms: The engine starts and runs roughly despite recent oil changes. OBDII code P0300 (Random/multiple cylinder misfire detected) was detected by a personal OBDII scanner, although I don’t know if that issue is related. Ignition timing advance for the 1st cylinder is near red zone. Please help..

NHTSA ID 11485251 · filed Sep 19, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was attempting to adjust the recline angle on the car seat in my husband’s car to match on daughter new weight category of over 20 pounds. When I went to adjust it I realized it only locks in positions 1 and 5. Neither of these is the appropriate angle. I have contacted the manufacturer. I have also learned apparently this is a common and know problem with this car seat model and the manufacturer is aware and has taken no action. This failure to lock is placing children at risk and could cause injury if the seat were involved in an accident.

NHTSA ID 11538287 · filed Aug 14, 2023

The hubcaps that were manufactured with the car and given with the car have repeatedly fallen off while driving. This is a hazard because it has almost hit other cars while driving. In the 5 years I have had this car I’ve had to replace 6 hub caps that have fallen off. When I got my tires replaced this year I was also told by the tire center that they constantly see this issue with Subarus and that the hub caps for this car frequently fall off because of the design. I have tried to tell Subaru about this issue but they don’t care. I have friends who also have Subarus who have the same issue and whenever I’m driving around I can see other Subarus missing their hubcaps so I know I’m not the only one having this issue. The approximate date I’ll enter is the most recent but this dates back to 2020

NHTSA ID 11533161 · filed Jul 19, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Bought this car 1 year ago at East Hills Subaru. Among other problems such as water leaking inside vehicle due to clogged drains, most recent issue is the steering column not locking firmly. This is causing the steering wheel to shift up or down while driving, even though locking mechanism under steering wheel column is engaged. The car has under 40k miles. The safety of the driver is at risk here as the shifting movement of the steering wheel affect proper steering. Dealer is unable to give me a reasonable appointment to address this and only has drop off service, no loaner cars available. I am not happy with the Subaru service department and the inability of this service department to address serious issues in a timely matter.

NHTSA ID 11484183 · filed Sep 13, 2022

THE CAR IS LESS THEN 2 YEARS OLD AND IT HAS A PROBLEM BRAKING, IT MAKES A RUBBING NOISE EVERTING TIME IT TURNS WHILE BRAKING, AT HIGHER SPEEDS IT VIBRATES, AND ALSO HAS PROBLEM SHIFTING DEALERSHIP SAID THEY HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR

NHTSA ID 11325865 · filed May 25, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CAR IS LESS THEN 2 YEARS OLD AND IT HAS A PROBLEM BRAKING, IT MAKES A RUBBING NOISE EVERTING TIME IT TURNS WHILE BRAKING, AT HIGHER SPEEDS IT VIBRATES, AND ALSO HAS PROBLEM SHIFTING DEALERSHIP SAID THEY HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR

NHTSA ID 11325865 · filed May 25, 2020

SINCE THE END OF 2018, ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER ACQUIRING THE VEHICLE LEASE, I STARTED TO HEAR NOISES WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. THEY SOUNDED LIKE CREAKY NOISES YOU'D HEAR FROM A CAR THAT WAS 10+ YEARS OLD. AT FIRST, JIM BURKE SUBARU DEALERSHIP SAID THEY DID NOT HEAR THE SOUND, THEN AFTER ANOTHER FOUR OR FIVE MONTHS WENT BY I DECIDED TO TAKE MY CAR IN AGAIN. IT WAS SO LOUD AT THAT POINT THAT THEY KEPT MY CAR TO WORK ON IT. OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR THEY HAVE KEPT MY CAR ABOUT 5+ TIMES, REPLACED THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM, REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS AND NOW HAVE LABELED IT AS A "SPOT WELD" ISSUE THAT MUST HAVE OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR WAS MADE IN THE FACTORY. THIS SOUND OCCURS WHEN DRIVING THE CAR AROUND TOWN BUT NOT OVER 45 MPH. IT IS MAINLY ON THE PASSANGERS SIDE BUT I HAVE HEARD IT PREVIOUSLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. SUBARU CORPORATE HAS OFFERED ME EITHER A WARRANTY EXTENSION ON THE CAR IF I CHOOSE TO KEEP IT OR A VOUCHER FOR $2,500 IF I WANTED TO TRADE IN THE CAR AT THE END OF MY LEASE. IN DECEMBER OF 2019 I AGREED TO THIS BUT SINCE THEN I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR BACK INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER A MONTHS TIME OF WORKING ON THE CAR THEY STILL HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR THE ISSUE. I THEN CONTACTED SUBARU CORPORATE AGAIN AND THEY SAID THEY ARE "NOT OBLIGATED TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE, ONLY REPAIR THE ISSUE". THE AMOUNT OF HOURS I HAVE SPENT TAKING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND NOW FEELING UNSURE OF THE STRENGTH OF THE BODY OF THE CAR OR THE INTEGRITY OF THE MANUFACTURED VEHICLE I AM STUCK WITH A $256 LEASE PAYMENT EVERY MONTH UNTIL SUMMER OF 2021. I AM PAYING FOR THE SAME AMOUNT SOMEONE ELSE IS PAYING FOR A NICE, WELL FUNCTIONING CAR. AT WHAT POINT IS SUBARU RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THE VEHICLE? ALL REPAIRS AND DOCUMENTATION OF THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED THROUGH JIM BURKE SUBARU. I CAN PROVIDE DOCUMENTS FROM THE DEALERSHIP IF THIS WOULD SUPPORT ANY REASON FOR INVESTIGATION.

NHTSA ID 11320061 · filed Apr 2, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11243161 · filed Aug 11, 2019

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 ID 11172414 · filed Jan 27, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11172414 · filed Jan 27, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11172414 · filed Jan 27, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .