NHTSA has received 149 owner complaints about the 2018 Subaru Impreza, or 17.2 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.41, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 73 model-year 2018 vehicles we track, it ranks #28 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Subaru models its rate is 56% lower; against other Compact cars it is 25% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2018-01-15 and 2026-05-06. Median delay from incident to filing: 15 days.
149Complaints
17.2Complaints per year on the road
0.41Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
5Recalls
4.0%Share involving a crash or fire
5Last 12 months
Analysis
The following model year (2019) drew 25.3 per year, more than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2018 model collected 16 complaints, 82% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Lighting (39.6% of complaints), followed by Body & structure (28.9%) and Interior & equipment (10.7%). Lighting complaints are 25.3 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Lighting reports, owners most often mention “notification exterior”, “lighting recall”, “exterior lighting”, “tool” and “confirms available”. 6 reports (4.0%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 2 injuries and 1 death.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 55 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was years three to five (41% of incidents). 5 complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for this model year. 54% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.41
vs. other Subaru models0.44
vs. other 2018 models0.35
vs. other Compact cars0.75
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (16)0.18
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…
Engine · 2023-08-02 · ODI 11536081 · Crash
Driver / owner of vehicle was found deceased from a fire that originated in the engine compartment of the vehicle. This is being reported by Portland Fire and Rescue Fire Investigator [XXX]. NO apparent body damage to the metal parts of the vehicle.
Engine · 2023-01-25 · ODI 11503708 · Fire
I bought a new Subaru Impreza and there is a cam carrier leak that was reported last time I took it for service at the dealership two weeks ago. There are only 41k miles on the car, and there were no warning lights/messages.
Interior & equipment · 2026-05-06 · ODI 11736146
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.
Interior & equipment · 2026-01-18 · ODI 11711738
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?!
Electrical · 2025-11-18 · ODI 11700114
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
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."
Risk: 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.
Risk: 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.
Risk: 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 19V743.
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.
Risk: 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 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
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.
Risk: 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.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2018 Subaru Impreza?
149 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Impreza, or about 17.2 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2018 Subaru Impreza?
The most common category is Lighting, accounting for 39.6% of complaints.
Does the 2018 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2018 Subaru Impreza still generating complaints?
5 complaints were filed in the last 12 months.
How does the 2018 Subaru Impreza compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 149 owner complaints about the 2018 Subaru Impreza, or 17.2 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.41, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 73 model-year 2018 vehicles we track, it ranks #28 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Subaru models its rate is 56% lower; against other Compact cars it is 25% lower.