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2018 Subaru WRX Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 202610 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2018 Subaru WRX Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2018 Subaru WRX has 58 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.6/ 10

Based on 58 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

11 19%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 15.5%

STEERING

7 12.1%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 10.3%

POWER TRAIN

6 10.3%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 19% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 14 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2018 Subaru WRX

The 2018 Subaru WRX has 58 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 19% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2018 Subaru WRX are ENGINE (11), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9), STEERING (7).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 38 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2018 Subaru WRX?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 WRX complaints2019 WRX complaints2020 WRX complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 14 of 14 systems

ENGINE

11 Reports19% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS ISSUE OCCURS ON ACCELERATION , MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN MERGING ONTO FREEWAY FROM ON RAMP 1/2 THROTTLE , THE VEHICLE STARTS TO ACCELERATE NORMAL THEN HITS AROUND 4200 RPM AND THE BOOST GAUGE GOES NUTS FLUCTUATING UP AND DOWN AND THE VEHICLE LOOSES POWER , HESITATES , SURGES ( LIKE A FLAT SPOT ) THEN FINALLY GETS A LITTLE HIGHER IN RPM AND IT WILL PICK UP AGAIN THROUGH THE REST OF RPM GAUGE , MOST NOTICEABLE IN LOWER GEARS ( MINES A 6 SPEED MANUAL , I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO DEALER ON 5/30/18 WITH 1380 MILES ON THE ODOMETER , HUFFINES SUBARU DENTON TEXAS , TONY THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE MY CAR AND DUPLICATED THE COMPLAINT , HE THEN PROCEEDED TO GET ANOTHER NEW WRX OFF THE LOT SIMILAR TO MINE AND AGAIN DUPLICATED THE COMPLAINT ( SO THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ) THE DEALER CLAIMS ITS JUST A DESIGN IN THE CAR , ITS VERY UNSAFE AS YOU THINK YOU WILL GET UP TO SPEED AND THEN IT HESITATES WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT , THE DEALER DID SAY THEY WOULD OPEN A CASE WITH SUBARU TECHLINE WHICH THEY DID NOT , SO I CALLED SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FILED A COMPLAINT , THEY CALL BACK 2 DAYS LATER AND TELL ME WE SPOKE TO DEALER NOTHING WE CAN DO , SO I PROCEEDED TO DO AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE ON 17-18 WRX MODELS , I CURRENTLY HAVE 2006 MILES ON THE CAR AND ITS STILL DOING THIS , NOT SURE IF ITS A DRIVE BY WIRE , THROTTLE MAP ISSUE OR A FLAW IN THE FACTORY TUNING CAUSING THIS BUT IT NEEDS TO TO BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED , VEHICLE GIVES FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY ON ACCELLERATION .

6/27/2018

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, ECU CONTROL UNIT, GUIDE CHAINS, CHAIN LEVER, ETC. I HAVE INVOICE FROM DEALERSHIP DETAILING ALL PARTS REPLACED. ALTHOUGH COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH UNDER 8000 SHOULDN'T ENCOUNTER THESE ISSUES.

11/29/2018

9 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 INTO A LAKE. THE APPROACHING TURN I WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE WAS A SHARP RIGHT. STILL UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT INTO THE FAST APPROACHING LAKE. SHORTLY BEFORE THE ENDGE OF THE ROAD I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT. AGAIN STEERING LOCKED UP, NOW FORCING ME FAR RIGHT. AT THE RIGHT WAS DENSE TREES, BUSHES, AND SHRUBS. NARROWLY ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL BEFORE GOING HEAD-ON INTO A TREE, I FORCED THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO THE LEFT. I ENDED UP STRIKING SOME BUSHES AND A TREE STUMP. CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR, SCRATCHES TO BOTH PASSENGER DOORS, AND A DEEP DENT ON THE LOWER REAR DOOR AND QUARTER PANNEL. THIS IS WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE COLLIDED WITH A TREE STUMP, TAKING THE 35MPH BRUNT IMPACT THAT STOPPED THE CAR INSTANTLY. THE TIRE WAS SEPARATED FROM THE RIM BY A TREE BRANCH, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS BENT AND CRACKED, THE ENTIRE REAR DRIVE TRAIN WAS PUSH TO THE RIGHT CAUSING THE ALIGNMENT OF THE DRIVER SIDE LEFT TIRE TO BE PUSHED OUT AS WELL. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS 100% IMMOBILE AT THIS POINT AS THE REAR TIRE WOULDN'T MOVE. AFTER SPENDING AN HOUR I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE OLD TIRED AND PUT ON THE DOUGHT. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT CASUED THIS MANY TIMES AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. I AM SCARED OF THIS CAR AND WILL NEVER OWN A SUBARU AGAIN.

5/3/2019

IN JANUARY 2019 AROUND 10PM PST MY 2018 SUBARU WRX EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIENT I WAS IN A SUCLUDED, WOODED AREA WITHOUT CELLPHONE SERVICE, AS WELL AS BEING ATLEAST 30MINUTES TO THE NEAREST STORE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I WAS GOING DOWN A HILL AT 35MPH, IT WAS VERY RAINY AND DIFFICULT TO SEE. AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS HILL WAS A SHARP RIGHT TURN, AT THIS TIME THE SAFETY SYSTEM ACTIVED TAKING OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED STEERING TO LOCK UP, TURNING TO THE FAR LEFT. AT THE RIGHT WAS A 15-20FOOT DROP INTO A LAKE. THE TURN I WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE WAS A SHARP RIGHT. STILL UNABLE REGAIN CONTROL AND WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT TOWARDS THE FAST APPROACHING LAKE. SHORTLY BEFORE DROPOFF I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE STERRING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. BUT STEERING AGAIN LOCKED UP AND FORCED ME TO THE FAR RIGHT. OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT WAS HEAVLY WOODED. NAROWLY ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF STERRING I CRASHED THROUGH BUSHES. CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE FOLLOWING; PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR, SCRATCHES TO WHOLE PASSENGER SIDE, DEEP DENT ON LOWER REAR DOOR AND QUARTER PANEL. REAR PASSENGER TIRE COLLIDED WITH A TREE STUMP WITH IMPACT AT 35MPH STOPPING THE CAR INSTANTLY. TIRE WAS SEPARATED FROM THE RIM BY A TREE BRANCH, LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS BENT AND CRACKED, ENTIRE REAR DRIVE AXLE WAS PUSH TO THE RIGHT CAUSEING ALIGNMENT OF THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE TO BE PUSHED OUT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HIT MY HEAD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. THE CAR WAS 100% UNDRIVABLE TIRE WOULDN'T MOVE. TAKING DAMAGE TIRE OFF AND PUTTING ON DONUGT TOOK OVER AN HOUR, I COULDN'T GET THE DAMAGED TIRE OFF. A LOT MORE TO THIS AS WELL. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE MANY TIMES AND DEALERSHIP DID NOTHING. I AM SCARED OF THIS CAR AND WILL NEVER OWN A SUBARU AGAIN. THIS IS ONE OF DOZENS OF ISSUES I HAVE WITH THIS CAR. ITS GETTING WORSE BUT THE DEALER WONT CARE UNTIL I GET HURT

5/3/2019

7 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

7 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2018 SUBARU WRX. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 25 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL REMAINED IN A TURNED POSITION AFTER THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED A BROKEN NOSE AND A SWOLLEN EYE. THE DRIVER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TRANSFERRED TO BRUNSWICK SUBARU (2992 CENTER RD, BRUNSWICK, OH 44212) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PLANNED TO INVESTIGATE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,055.

10/12/2017

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.

5/25/2018

5 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS ISSUE OCCURS ON ACCELERATION , MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN MERGING ONTO FREEWAY FROM ON RAMP 1/2 THROTTLE , THE VEHICLE STARTS TO ACCELERATE NORMAL THEN HITS AROUND 4200 RPM AND THE BOOST GAUGE GOES NUTS FLUCTUATING UP AND DOWN AND THE VEHICLE LOOSES POWER , HESITATES , SURGES ( LIKE A FLAT SPOT ) THEN FINALLY GETS A LITTLE HIGHER IN RPM AND IT WILL PICK UP AGAIN THROUGH THE REST OF RPM GAUGE , MOST NOTICEABLE IN LOWER GEARS ( MINES A 6 SPEED MANUAL , I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO DEALER ON 5/30/18 WITH 1380 MILES ON THE ODOMETER , HUFFINES SUBARU DENTON TEXAS , TONY THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE MY CAR AND DUPLICATED THE COMPLAINT , HE THEN PROCEEDED TO GET ANOTHER NEW WRX OFF THE LOT SIMILAR TO MINE AND AGAIN DUPLICATED THE COMPLAINT ( SO THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ) THE DEALER CLAIMS ITS JUST A DESIGN IN THE CAR , ITS VERY UNSAFE AS YOU THINK YOU WILL GET UP TO SPEED AND THEN IT HESITATES WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT , THE DEALER DID SAY THEY WOULD OPEN A CASE WITH SUBARU TECHLINE WHICH THEY DID NOT , SO I CALLED SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FILED A COMPLAINT , THEY CALL BACK 2 DAYS LATER AND TELL ME WE SPOKE TO DEALER NOTHING WE CAN DO , SO I PROCEEDED TO DO AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE ON 17-18 WRX MODELS , I CURRENTLY HAVE 2006 MILES ON THE CAR AND ITS STILL DOING THIS , NOT SURE IF ITS A DRIVE BY WIRE , THROTTLE MAP ISSUE OR A FLAW IN THE FACTORY TUNING CAUSING THIS BUT IT NEEDS TO TO BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED , VEHICLE GIVES FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY ON ACCELLERATION .

6/27/2018

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 WELL MAINTAINED AND DRIVEN RESPONSIBLY. I HAD MY FAMILY IN THE CAR AND THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A TRAGGIC SITUATION AS THE FREEWAYS HERE IN CALIFORNIA ARE VERY UNFORGIVING.

9/9/2020

4 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

6 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS ISSUE OCCURS ON ACCELERATION , MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN MERGING ONTO FREEWAY FROM ON RAMP 1/2 THROTTLE , THE VEHICLE STARTS TO ACCELERATE NORMAL THEN HITS AROUND 4200 RPM AND THE BOOST GAUGE GOES NUTS FLUCTUATING UP AND DOWN AND THE VEHICLE LOOSES POWER , HESITATES , SURGES ( LIKE A FLAT SPOT ) THEN FINALLY GETS A LITTLE HIGHER IN RPM AND IT WILL PICK UP AGAIN THROUGH THE REST OF RPM GAUGE , MOST NOTICEABLE IN LOWER GEARS ( MINES A 6 SPEED MANUAL , I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO DEALER ON 5/30/18 WITH 1380 MILES ON THE ODOMETER , HUFFINES SUBARU DENTON TEXAS , TONY THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE MY CAR AND DUPLICATED THE COMPLAINT , HE THEN PROCEEDED TO GET ANOTHER NEW WRX OFF THE LOT SIMILAR TO MINE AND AGAIN DUPLICATED THE COMPLAINT ( SO THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ) THE DEALER CLAIMS ITS JUST A DESIGN IN THE CAR , ITS VERY UNSAFE AS YOU THINK YOU WILL GET UP TO SPEED AND THEN IT HESITATES WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT , THE DEALER DID SAY THEY WOULD OPEN A CASE WITH SUBARU TECHLINE WHICH THEY DID NOT , SO I CALLED SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FILED A COMPLAINT , THEY CALL BACK 2 DAYS LATER AND TELL ME WE SPOKE TO DEALER NOTHING WE CAN DO , SO I PROCEEDED TO DO AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE ON 17-18 WRX MODELS , I CURRENTLY HAVE 2006 MILES ON THE CAR AND ITS STILL DOING THIS , NOT SURE IF ITS A DRIVE BY WIRE , THROTTLE MAP ISSUE OR A FLAW IN THE FACTORY TUNING CAUSING THIS BUT IT NEEDS TO TO BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED , VEHICLE GIVES FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY ON ACCELLERATION .

6/27/2018

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING. TOOK TO DEALER UNDER WARRANTY AND DENIED CLAIM.

4/25/2019

4 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE WHEELS LOCKED WHILE DRIVING ON A CLEAR DECEMBER DAY (I DON'T HAVE EXACT DAY) ON A WINDING MOUNTAIN ROAD FULL OF CLIFFS. 38 MPH AND FEET FROM GOING OFF A CLIFF SUBARU SAY ELECTRONIC MODULE FAILED THEN IN ANOTHER STATEMENT FROM HAK AT SUBARU AMERICA THEY SAY THE TWO OCCURRENCES NOT RELATED EVEN THOUGH THEY HAPPENED SIMULTANEOUSLY. WE TOOK THE CAR IN BECAUSE OF THE WHEEL LOCKING UP WHILE MOVING AND THEY DISCOVERED THE ELECTRONIC FAILURE. THEY MAINTAIN THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE "BECAUSE THEY CAN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM". SUBARU FAIRFIELD HAS PROMISED US HELP BUT HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT ISSUE THREATS WHEN NO ONE FROM SUBARU AMERICA EVEN CALLS US! THE CARS HAVE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND NO ONE WANTS TO DRIVE IT INCLUDING THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN. THEY DROVE IT 20 MILES WHEN THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE TESTING IT. WE HAVE DATE/TIME STAMPED PHOTOS! WE WERE TOLD THIS IS A "RARE" SAFETY FAILURE YET THEY TREAT US LIKE NORMAL AND LIE ABOUT EVEN TEST DRIVING IT. THIS IS SO UNSAFE THAT A CAR WHEEL STOPS MOVING LIKE THE ENGINE IS OFF YET THE CAR IS RUNNINGT!!! SHE DECIDED TRY AND JERK THE WHEEL SUPER HARD AND FORTUNATELY IT FINALLY MOVED AND SHE DID NOT GO OVER THE CLIFF AND FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC COMING IN THE OPPOSING LANE AS SHE CROSSED THE YELLOW LINES ETC. SHE HAD A SORE BACK FOR MANY DAYS FROM THE FORCE OF JERKING THE WHEEL AND WAS LEFT SHAKEN AND DISTURBED WITH NO WHERE TO PULL OVER. SUBARU AMERICA REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER REQUESTED THE DETAILS AND WAS SUPPOSED TO CONTACT US BUT NO ONE HAS. WE NAIVELY BELOVED THE DEALER THAT THEY WERE TRYING TO HELP US INSTEAD TODAY I GET AN EMAIL SAYING THE WILL NOW CHARGE US STORAGE OF $175 X DAY IF WE DON'T COLLECT THE CAR. I SENT THEM NOTIFICATION THAT WE ARE SURRENDERING THE LEASE AS WE WILL NEVER GET IN THIS CAR AGAIN. DONT BUY A WRX!!!!!

1/16/2019

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ADVISING CYLINDER MISFIRE ADVISING RINGLAND OISTON FAILURE SPARKNPLUG DESTROYED

4/23/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2018 SUBARU WRX. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 25 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL REMAINED IN A TURNED POSITION AFTER THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED A BROKEN NOSE AND A SWOLLEN EYE. THE DRIVER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TRANSFERRED TO BRUNSWICK SUBARU (2992 CENTER RD, BRUNSWICK, OH 44212) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PLANNED TO INVESTIGATE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,055.

10/12/2017

THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WAS SLAMMED ON MY 2018 SUBARU WRX. THIS CAUSED ALL OF THE SIDE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY- INCLUDING THE AIRBAG IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WITH THE ENGINE ON. THERE WAS NO IMPACT ASIDE FROM THE DOOR BEING SLAMMED FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS OCCURRED IN A PARKING LOT.

10/26/2018

1 more complaint is available in this category.

WHEELS

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2018 SUBARU WRX. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 25 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL REMAINED IN A TURNED POSITION AFTER THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED A BROKEN NOSE AND A SWOLLEN EYE. THE DRIVER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TRANSFERRED TO BRUNSWICK SUBARU (2992 CENTER RD, BRUNSWICK, OH 44212) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PLANNED TO INVESTIGATE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,055.

10/12/2017

THE WHEELS LOCKED WHILE DRIVING ON A CLEAR DECEMBER DAY (I DON'T HAVE EXACT DAY) ON A WINDING MOUNTAIN ROAD FULL OF CLIFFS. 38 MPH AND FEET FROM GOING OFF A CLIFF SUBARU SAY ELECTRONIC MODULE FAILED THEN IN ANOTHER STATEMENT FROM HAK AT SUBARU AMERICA THEY SAY THE TWO OCCURRENCES NOT RELATED EVEN THOUGH THEY HAPPENED SIMULTANEOUSLY. WE TOOK THE CAR IN BECAUSE OF THE WHEEL LOCKING UP WHILE MOVING AND THEY DISCOVERED THE ELECTRONIC FAILURE. THEY MAINTAIN THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE "BECAUSE THEY CAN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM". SUBARU FAIRFIELD HAS PROMISED US HELP BUT HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT ISSUE THREATS WHEN NO ONE FROM SUBARU AMERICA EVEN CALLS US! THE CARS HAVE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND NO ONE WANTS TO DRIVE IT INCLUDING THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN. THEY DROVE IT 20 MILES WHEN THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE TESTING IT. WE HAVE DATE/TIME STAMPED PHOTOS! WE WERE TOLD THIS IS A "RARE" SAFETY FAILURE YET THEY TREAT US LIKE NORMAL AND LIE ABOUT EVEN TEST DRIVING IT. THIS IS SO UNSAFE THAT A CAR WHEEL STOPS MOVING LIKE THE ENGINE IS OFF YET THE CAR IS RUNNINGT!!! SHE DECIDED TRY AND JERK THE WHEEL SUPER HARD AND FORTUNATELY IT FINALLY MOVED AND SHE DID NOT GO OVER THE CLIFF AND FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC COMING IN THE OPPOSING LANE AS SHE CROSSED THE YELLOW LINES ETC. SHE HAD A SORE BACK FOR MANY DAYS FROM THE FORCE OF JERKING THE WHEEL AND WAS LEFT SHAKEN AND DISTURBED WITH NO WHERE TO PULL OVER. SUBARU AMERICA REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER REQUESTED THE DETAILS AND WAS SUPPOSED TO CONTACT US BUT NO ONE HAS. WE NAIVELY BELOVED THE DEALER THAT THEY WERE TRYING TO HELP US INSTEAD TODAY I GET AN EMAIL SAYING THE WILL NOW CHARGE US STORAGE OF $175 X DAY IF WE DON'T COLLECT THE CAR. I SENT THEM NOTIFICATION THAT WE ARE SURRENDERING THE LEASE AS WE WILL NEVER GET IN THIS CAR AGAIN. DONT BUY A WRX!!!!!

1/16/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE WIND SHIELD CRACKED ALONG THE MOST SUPERIOR BORDER OF THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS NOTHING VISIBLE OR AUDIBLE THAT HAD CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK DURING MY 10 MINUTE COMMUTE. THERE WAS ALSO LITTLE TO NO TRAFFIC. THE CRACK WAS LARGE ENOUGH THAT I HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD. I AM ONLY REPORTING THIS NOW BECAUSE I SUSPECT THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED SECONDARY TO BEING ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD'S THAT SUBARU IS UNDER SCRUTINY FOR. UNFORTUNATELY, I NO LONGER HAVE PICTURES OF THE CRACKED WINDSHIELD; HOWEVER, I HAVE ATTACHED MY RECEIPT FROM SAFELITE AUTOGLASS.

6/21/2020

WINDSHIELD CHIPPED/CRACKED WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY.

12/14/2020

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

IN JANUARY 2019 AROUND 10PM PST MY 2018 SUBARU WRX EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIENT I WAS IN A SUCLUDED, WOODED AREA WITHOUT CELLPHONE SERVICE, AS WELL AS BEING ATLEAST 30MINUTES TO THE NEAREST STORE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I WAS GOING DOWN A HILL AT 35MPH, IT WAS VERY RAINY AND DIFFICULT TO SEE. AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS HILL WAS A SHARP RIGHT TURN, AT THIS TIME THE SAFETY SYSTEM ACTIVED TAKING OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED STEERING TO LOCK UP, TURNING TO THE FAR LEFT. AT THE RIGHT WAS A 15-20FOOT DROP INTO A LAKE. THE TURN I WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE WAS A SHARP RIGHT. STILL UNABLE REGAIN CONTROL AND WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT TOWARDS THE FAST APPROACHING LAKE. SHORTLY BEFORE DROPOFF I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE STERRING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. BUT STEERING AGAIN LOCKED UP AND FORCED ME TO THE FAR RIGHT. OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT WAS HEAVLY WOODED. NAROWLY ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF STERRING I CRASHED THROUGH BUSHES. CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE FOLLOWING; PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR, SCRATCHES TO WHOLE PASSENGER SIDE, DEEP DENT ON LOWER REAR DOOR AND QUARTER PANEL. REAR PASSENGER TIRE COLLIDED WITH A TREE STUMP WITH IMPACT AT 35MPH STOPPING THE CAR INSTANTLY. TIRE WAS SEPARATED FROM THE RIM BY A TREE BRANCH, LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS BENT AND CRACKED, ENTIRE REAR DRIVE AXLE WAS PUSH TO THE RIGHT CAUSEING ALIGNMENT OF THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE TO BE PUSHED OUT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HIT MY HEAD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. THE CAR WAS 100% UNDRIVABLE TIRE WOULDN'T MOVE. TAKING DAMAGE TIRE OFF AND PUTTING ON DONUGT TOOK OVER AN HOUR, I COULDN'T GET THE DAMAGED TIRE OFF. A LOT MORE TO THIS AS WELL. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE MANY TIMES AND DEALERSHIP DID NOTHING. I AM SCARED OF THIS CAR AND WILL NEVER OWN A SUBARU AGAIN. I WANT THIS CAR GONE!!!! SOMETHING OF THIS NATURE HAPPENS EVERYDAY WITH MY CAR. JUST ONCE IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT

5/3/2019

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

IN JANUARY 2019 AROUND 10PM PST MY 2018 SUBARU WRX EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIENT I WAS IN A SUCLUDED, WOODED AREA WITHOUT CELLPHONE SERVICE, AS WELL AS BEING ATLEAST 30MINUTES TO THE NEAREST STORE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I WAS GOING DOWN A HILL AT 35MPH, IT WAS VERY RAINY AND DIFFICULT TO SEE. AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS HILL WAS A SHARP RIGHT TURN, AT THIS TIME THE SAFETY SYSTEM ACTIVED TAKING OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED STEERING TO LOCK UP, TURNING TO THE FAR LEFT. AT THE RIGHT WAS A 15-20FOOT DROP INTO A LAKE. THE TURN I WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE WAS A SHARP RIGHT. STILL UNABLE REGAIN CONTROL AND WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT TOWARDS THE FAST APPROACHING LAKE. SHORTLY BEFORE DROPOFF I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE STERRING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. BUT STEERING AGAIN LOCKED UP AND FORCED ME TO THE FAR RIGHT. OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT WAS HEAVLY WOODED. NAROWLY ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF STERRING I CRASHED THROUGH BUSHES. CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE FOLLOWING; PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR, SCRATCHES TO WHOLE PASSENGER SIDE, DEEP DENT ON LOWER REAR DOOR AND QUARTER PANEL. REAR PASSENGER TIRE COLLIDED WITH A TREE STUMP WITH IMPACT AT 35MPH STOPPING THE CAR INSTANTLY. TIRE WAS SEPARATED FROM THE RIM BY A TREE BRANCH, LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS BENT AND CRACKED, ENTIRE REAR DRIVE AXLE WAS PUSH TO THE RIGHT CAUSEING ALIGNMENT OF THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE TO BE PUSHED OUT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HIT MY HEAD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. THE CAR WAS 100% UNDRIVABLE TIRE WOULDN'T MOVE. TAKING DAMAGE TIRE OFF AND PUTTING ON DONUGT TOOK OVER AN HOUR, I COULDN'T GET THE DAMAGED TIRE OFF. A LOT MORE TO THIS AS WELL. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE MANY TIMES AND DEALERSHIP DID NOTHING. I AM SCARED OF THIS CAR AND WILL NEVER OWN A SUBARU AGAIN. THIS IS ONE OF DOZENS OF ISSUES I HAVE WITH THIS CAR. ITS GETTING WORSE BUT THE DEALER WONT CARE UNTIL I GET HURT

5/3/2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

3/22/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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?

5/15/2024

SERVICE BRAKES

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Fuel pump failing Reverse switch failing

9/1/2024

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru WRX?

The most reported complaint category for the 2018 Subaru WRX is ENGINE, with 11 owner reports. That is about 19% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING.

Are complaints about the 2018 Subaru WRX a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 38 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 Subaru WRX?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2018 Subaru WRX severe?

38 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Subaru WRX: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
58
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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