Last updated: 2026-10-10
2018 Subaru WRX Reliability Report
The 2018 Subaru WRX has good reliability, but rod bearing failure that can end in engine replacement makes it the weakest of nine WRX years.
Recalls
2
Complaints
40
Complaint Rate
13.9per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$682
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,000–$3,850
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
The weakest of the nine scored WRX years, with rod bearing engine failures and steering lockups among 40 owner complaints, though it still rates good.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
- ENGINE (8)
- STEERING (7)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
- Year 4 in the Fourth generation (VA) (2015–2021).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 4th generation WRX (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2015: Fourth generation (VA) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2018: This Model Year
2018 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2018 Subaru WRX?
This year rates good for reliability and above average against other 2018 sedans. Within the WRX line, though, it is the weakest of the nine years we score. The 2019 WRX rates about the same, with 27 owner complaints to this year's 40. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs for the model at $682, above the $526 class figure.
The engine is the big risk. Rod bearing failure is the main pattern, with knocking, smoke, and a sudden loss of power while driving. Owners report it at 32,000 and 67,000 miles, and the fix was a full engine replacement. Steering that locks mid-turn is the other serious complaint. Several filings end in crashes, though three describe one incident, so there are fewer separate events than the count suggests. Dead batteries from a drain that survives new batteries and slipping manual clutches also appear. Federal recall records list two recalls, in exterior lighting and the fuel system.
Ask for engine service records and proof that both recalls were done. Compare the 2019 too. On a manual, test the clutch, and check that the battery holds a charge after the car sits.
Compared to the 2019 Subaru WRX, which scored 1 points higher.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (14%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Batteries go dead after the car sits, sometimes only briefly, leaving it unable... (8 complaints)
- −ENGINE: Rod bearing failure is the dominant pattern (8 complaints)
Compare 2018 Subaru WRX With
2018 Volkswagen Golf
Reliability: 69/100
2018 Mazda 3
Reliability: 79/100
2018 Honda Civic
Reliability: 71/100
2018 Hyundai Elantra
Reliability: 76/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
- ENGINE (8)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2018 Subaru WRX carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
13.9
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 25.7
Safety Incidents
5
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Subaru WRX Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Subaru WRX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence
Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Consequence
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.
Buying a used 2018 Subaru WRX? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Subaru WRX, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Subaru WRX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Subaru WRXRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$682
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
14%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
18–23 MPG
Running cost: $3,700–$4,550/yr
Fuel + repair
16–21 city / 22–27 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 21 | 27 | 23 | $3,000 |
| WRX 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,300 |
| WRX 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,650 |
| WRX STI Type RA 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,850 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Subaru WRX.
Listen for knocking at cold start and under load, and ask for oil change records and any engine replacement history.
Sniff for raw fuel in the cabin and engine bay after idling for several minutes.
On manual cars, check for clutch slip in a high gear and listen for chirping from the throw-out bearing.
On CVT cars, accelerate firmly from a stop and feel for roaring with little power until 35 to 40 mph.
Make several slow, tight turns while braking and confirm the steering never locks or stays turned.
Drive forward and confirm the backup camera and reverse lights stay off.
Ask whether the battery has gone dead after sitting or been replaced more than once.
Inspect the windshield, especially the top edge, and the sunroof glass for cracks.
2018 Subaru WRX Common Problems by Component
40 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaintsBatteries go dead after the car sits, sometimes only briefly, leaving it unable to start. Several reports describe a parasitic drain that continues after one or two new batteries, with no warning lights and no fault found by the dealer. A separate problem has the reverse lights and backup camera switching on while the car moves forward, even after a repair. Other filings mention a failing fuel pump and reverse switch, plus stuttering and surging with the A/C on in hot weather.
ENGINE
8 complaintsRod bearing failure is the dominant pattern. Owners describe knocking, smoke, a sudden loss of power while driving, and in one case a broken rod punching a hole in the engine, with full engine replacement as the fix. Reported failures occur at 32,000 and 67,000 miles. Other filings cover a crankshaft and camshaft correlation fault with warning lights and sharply reduced power at low mileage, and a leaking high-pressure fuel pipe flagged as a fire hazard. Two of the 8 filings were withdrawn and contain no details.
STEERING
7 complaintsSafety-relatedLockups in the middle of a turn leave drivers unable to straighten the car, and several end in crashes. Of 7 complaints, 5 involve crashes and 2 report injuries, including cars hitting a tree and jumping a curb. Three of the crash filings describe the same incident submitted repeatedly, so the number of separate events is smaller than the count suggests. Some drivers link the lockup to braking or a stability system intervening. Dealers often cannot reproduce it, and one report puts the failure near 3,000 miles.
POWER TRAIN (6 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsSafety-relatedClutch slipping on manual cars leaves the car revving without moving, stranded in traffic. Owners blame the throw-out bearing and fork, which fail again after replacement; two of these filings are duplicates, and one is flagged as fire-related. On CVT cars, a reported problem is weak acceleration from a stop with the engine roaring, then a surge near 35 to 40 mph, after several transmission replacements. Other reports describe boost fluctuating and power dropping around 4200 rpm, and transmission fluid leaks with slippage.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsA throw-out bearing fails soon after a clutch replacement at a little over 50,000 miles. A chirping noise comes back about a year after the fix, and the dealer's diagnosis shifts between the bearing and a full clutch replacement. Another filing describes the sunroof glass shattering at highway speed in cold weather after snow had sat on the roof. A third reports a cylinder misfire tied to piston ring land failure and a destroyed spark plug.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 complaintsWindshields crack with no visible impact, often while driving on the highway or after a cold night. Cracks can start along the top edge and spread until the glass needs replacing. In at least one case, Subaru declined to cover the cost. No crash or injury is reported in this category, but a spreading crack across the driver's view is a visibility hazard and an added expense for whoever owns the car.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsRaw gasoline fumes fill the cabin, strongest near the rear seat on the driver's side and worse at idle. The smell is strong enough to cause dizziness and headaches. Technicians confirm the odor, but smoke and pressure tests find no leak, and replacing the evaporative canister, purge valve, and fuel check valve does not fix it. The only other filing concerns a possible fuel pump failure that the owner says they had not been told about.
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintStarted 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?
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintHeadlight 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.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintTHE 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.
When Do 2018 Subaru WRX Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Subaru WRX Years
Best Subaru WRX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreSubaru WRX Years to Avoid
No Subaru WRX years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 71 and 81 across 9 scored model years.
Subaru WRX Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Subaru WRX Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Subaru WRX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru WRX?
Does the 2018 Subaru WRX have engine problems?
Does the 2018 Subaru WRX have steering problems?
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru WRX have?
Don’t buy a 2018 Subaru WRX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2018 Subaru WRX
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2018 Subaru WRX does best on how many systems draw complaints (85/100) and worst on complaint severity (61/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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