2018 Subaru WRX problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
42 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
14,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data snapshot: . 21 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 42 complaints (26.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 6 | 14.3% |
| Transmission and shifting | 5 | 11.9% |
| Steering behavior | 5 | 11.9% |
| Fuel system concerns | 4 | 9.5% |
| Braking behavior | 3 | 7.1% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 2.4% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 11 |
| Electrical System | 10 |
| Unknown Or Other | 8 |
| Steering | 7 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 |
| Power Train | 6 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 |
| Air Bags | 3 |
Engine: 11; Electrical System: 10; Unknown Or Other: 8; Steering: 7; Fuel/Propulsion System: 6; Power Train: 6; Visibility/Wiper: 4; Air Bags: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 15 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 5 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 15; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (15). 21 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2017: 1; 2018: 4; 2019: 6; 2020: 6; 2021: 4; 2022: 4; 2023: 2; 2024: 8; 2025: 4; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 6 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 5 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11354086 · 2020-09-09 (September 9, 2020)
WHEN DRIVING MY 2018 SUBARU WRX PREMIUM IN THE HEAT WITH THE A/C ON IT IS CAUSING EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WITH THE CAR STUTTERING CAUSING FLUCTUATION IN SPEED WITH THE CAR DRAGGING THEN PROPELLING DRAMATICALLY DUE TO THE TURBO ENGAGING. THE ERRATIC CHANGE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR IS NOT NORMAL AND IS CAUSE FOR ATTENTION FROM THE MANUFACTURER. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THIS PULLED SUCH AN EXTREME DRAIN ON THE CARS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND COOLING SYSTEM IT ALMOST MADE MY CAR OVERHEAT IN THE MIDDLE OF FAST MOVING TRAFFIC. MY CAR IS WE…
Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11354086 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11416671 · 2021-05-15 (May 15, 2021)
BATTERY DRAINING BEGINNING IN DECEMBER 2019 BUT STILL EXISTS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11416671 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11097999 · 2018-05-25 (May 25, 2018)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU WRX. WHILE DRIVING AND AFTER SHIFTING THE GEAR, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND CRASHED INTO SOME BUSHES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SUBARU OF SANTA FE (7511B CERRILLOS RD, SANTA FE, NM 87507), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11097999 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11340539 · 2020-07-21 (July 21, 2020)
DEFECTIVE THROW-OUT BEARING AND FORK IN THE SIX SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY BURNING THE CLUTCH IN 3 MONTHS TO 3000 MILES AFTER REPAIR WITH REPLACEMENT PART. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE IN A BRAND NEW VEHICLE AFTER REPAIR AT DEALERSHIP. PURCHASED 2018 WRX WITH 13,000 MILES ON FEBRUARY 17, 2020 AND IT IS NOW JULY 2020 SINCE THEN, ON MY THIRD THROW OUT BEARING REPLACEMENT. I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR, LET THE CLUTCH OUT ALL THE WAY OUT, PUSH THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR REVS UP AND SLIPS AND DOESNT MOVE IN MOVING TRAFFIC! IT COMPLETELY STOPS…
Owner-reported narrative. 13,532 miles reported. Look up ODI 11340539 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11205591 · 2019-05-03 (May 3, 2019)
IN JANUARY 2019 AT AROUND 10PM PST MY 2018 SUBARU WRX EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIENT I WAS IN A SECLUDED, WOODED AREA WITHOUT CELLPHONE SERVICE, AS WELL AS BEING AT LEAST 30MINUTES TO THE NEAREST STORE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I WAS GOING DOWN A HILL AT 35MPH, IT WAS RAINY AND DIFFICULT TO SEE. AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS HILL WAS A SHARP TURN, AT THIS TIME THE SAFETY SYSTEM ACTIVED TAKING OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED THE STEERING TO LOCK UP, PULLING TO THE FAR LEFT, TOWARDS A 15-20FOOT DROP IN…
Owner-reported narrative. 14,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11205591 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11468818 · 2022-06-11 (June 11, 2022)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11468818 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11588847 · 2024-05-15 (May 15, 2024)
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 produced in November. Anyway you guys can issue a recall fort car so I can get it fixed?
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11588847 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11154864 · 2018-11-29 (November 29, 2018)
VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS 7387 MILES. WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INCLUDING TRACTION CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ABS, HILL DECENT ASSIST, CRUISE CONTROL ICON FLASHING. VEHICLE POWER WAS DRAMATICALLY REDUCED. MADE APPOINTMENT NEXT DAY WITH SUBARU DEALERSHIP. I WAS INFORMED CODE P0016 SHOWED UP ON THE DIAGNOSIS. IT INDICATED CRANKSHAFT POSITION CAMSHAFT POSITION CORRELATION BANK 1 SENSOR A. VEHICLE WAS AT DEALERSHIP FOR CLOSE TO TWO WEEKS. NUMEROUS PARTS WERE REPLACED INCLUDING OIL VALVE ASSEMBLY, CAMSHAFT SPROCKET ASSEMBLY, …
Owner-reported narrative. 7,224 miles reported. Look up ODI 11154864 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11485364 · 2022-09-19 (September 19, 2022)
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 issue is. I am unsure of the issue. But, there is an issue. & it is dangerous for myself, & others. I am trying to limit my driving, but I still have bil…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11485364 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11579828 · 2024-03-27 (March 27, 2024)
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 according to mechanics. Head mechanic at dealership confirmed that only car modification (intake) would not cause catastrophic loss of oil leading to…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11579828 at NHTSA ↗