2018 Subaru Impreza Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2018 Subaru Impreza, primarily involving battery failures and problems with the Starlink head unit. Multiple complaints describe repeated battery failures, with some vehicles requiring up to four replacements, often attributed to a parasitic draw linked to the Data Communications Module. Symptoms include the vehicle failing to start and being unresponsive to commands. Additionally, the Starlink system is frequently mentioned for malfunctioning, such as random shutdowns and connectivity issues, despite previous recall repairs. Safety implications are noted, including one incident involving a crash where side airbags did not deploy due to electrical problems. These issues typically begin appearing within a few years of ownership, with some vehicles affected as early as 14,000 miles.

Owners report several engine-related issues with the 2018 Subaru Impreza, including oil leaks and excessive oil consumption. Complaints frequently mention engine overheating and loss of power, with some vehicles exhibiting blue or dark grey smoke emissions. These issues often occur between 16,000 and 106,000 miles, with some owners experiencing engine failure requiring costly repairs. One report involves a fatal engine compartment fire, underscoring a potential safety risk. Buyers should be aware of these problems, especially those related to oil consumption and engine reliability.

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Impreza frequently report issues with windshield cracking. Complaints commonly describe cracks forming unexpectedly, often while the vehicle is parked or after minor interactions like pouring water on the windshield. These cracks are reported to rapidly expand, sometimes obstructing the driver's vision. Failure mileage reported varies significantly, with instances occurring as early as 16,000 miles and as late as 81,500 miles. No crashes, fires, or loss of control are mentioned in these reports, but the visibility obstruction could pose a safety risk.

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Impreza report issues primarily related to sudden acceleration and stalling. Sudden acceleration is noted in a crash incident where the vehicle unexpectedly surged forward while parking, resulting in a collision with a tree. Stalling is frequently mentioned, occurring at stop signs and traffic lights, with one report indicating the vehicle rolled backwards nearly causing another collision. Some complaints describe intermittent loss of power between 2000 to 3000 RPM, particularly during hot weather, which affects acceleration, especially when merging onto highways. These issues often persist despite repeated visits to dealerships and repairs, with some problems emerging after recall work. Safety implications include increased risk of crashes due to unintended acceleration and stalling, as well as difficulties in maintaining control during critical driving maneuvers.

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Impreza frequently report issues with windshield integrity and cowl panel separation. Several complaints describe windshields cracking without apparent impact, both when the vehicle is stationary, with cracks commonly originating from the middle or side. Additionally, owners note problems with the windshield cowl panel, which tends to warp and separate from the windshield, forming gaps that allow water and debris to enter. These issues are reported at low mileage intervals, such as 4,770 and 6,880 miles, and can lead to clogged drain tubes. While no direct safety implications like crashes or loss of control are mentioned, the structural issues could potentially affect visibility and vehicle maintenance. This information is valuable for used car buyers assessing the structural reliability of this model.

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Impreza report issues related to brake performance and component durability. Complaints frequently mention violent shaking or shuddering of the vehicle when braking, particularly at higher speeds or after the brakes have warmed up. This is often accompanied by vibrations traveling through the steering wheel and into the cabin, with some reports noting the vehicle pitching unexpectedly. Symptoms typically emerge after brake component replacements, such as rotors and pads, with issues appearing soon after service or within a few thousand miles. Additional reports describe persistent squealing noises and a burning rubber smell, with some owners experiencing repeated service visits without resolution. These issues occur at various mileage points, often between 20,000 and 35,000 miles, and may imply potential safety risks due to the described loss of control and braking reliability.

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Impreza report issues with the steering column, particularly with the locking mechanism failing to hold the steering wheel firmly in place. This results in the steering wheel shifting up or down during driving, despite the locking mechanism being engaged, which could impact steering control. One complaint specifies this issue occurring at under 40,000 miles. Safety implications are noted as the shifting steering wheel affects proper steering, posing a potential risk to driver safety. Another complaint mentions issues with braking and vibrations at higher speeds, but these are not directly related to steering. Buyers should be aware of these potential steering issues when considering this model.