2018 Subaru WRX recalls & problems

2 recalls 42 complaints

2recalls
42owner complaints
5crashes reported
1fires reported
6 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2018 Subaru WRX and 42 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is engine (11 reports), followed by electrical system (10). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2018 Subaru WRX recalls

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 22V522000 · Jul 21, 2022

Problem: 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.

Risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

59,934 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 21V587000 · Jul 29, 2021

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

175,968 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2018 Subaru WRX problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine 11
000
Electrical System 10
200
Unknown or Other 8
001
Steering 7
502
Fuel/Propulsion System 6
000
Power Train 6
010
Visibility/Wiper 4
000
Air Bags 3
201
Wheels 3
202
Electronic Stability Control (esc) 1
100
Exterior Lighting 1
000
Fuel System, Gasoline 1
000
Service Brakes 1
000
Structure 1
100

Latest owner complaints

Unknown or Other · Jul 1, 2026 · OH

Refused to change the rear catalyst due to a modification. I said I would return it back to the original factory tune and they said it was impossible and refused to do it. The tune physically wouldn’t stop them from changing the catalytic converter. They said that the ecu would let them. I can put the factory CID on the vehicle for the work to be done. The catalyst threshold…

Unknown or Other · Jun 6, 2026 · CA

Subaru Orange Coast and Ocean Subaru of Fullerton refused to work on my recall due to my car has aftermarket parts not related to the recall. The dealership is very keen in extorting money to the naïve customers instead of fixing the safety issue with my car.

Visibility/Wiper · Feb 17, 2026 · CA

2/17/2026 Mileage 96,000 Subaru case number Case # 260217-2101937 Vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches NHTSA Recall 22V-522000. The recall repair was previously performed but the safety defect persists. Manufacturer was contacted and…

Unknown or Other · Feb 17, 2026 · CA

2/17/2026 Mileage 96,000 Subaru case number Case # 260217-2101937 Vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches NHTSA Recall 22V-522000. The recall repair was previously performed but the safety defect persists. Manufacturer was contacted and…

Electrical System · Feb 17, 2026 · CA

2/17/2026 Mileage 96,000 Subaru case number Case # 260217-2101937 Vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches NHTSA Recall 22V-522000. The recall repair was previously performed but the safety defect persists. Manufacturer was contacted and…

Engine · Aug 26, 2025 · PA

Oil changes always done, no modifications to vehicle. Driving down road lights all come one and car starts smoking. Rod broke and put hole in engine.

Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 20, 2025 · ID

Shortly after purchase (within 1 month), a strong raw gasoline vapor odor began entering the passenger cabin, strongest near the driver’s side rear seat and rear wheel well area. The odor intensifies at idle and after short periods of driving, filling the interior cabin with fuel fumes. The smell is so strong that it causes dizziness and headaches when operating the vehicle.…

Power Train · Jul 20, 2025 · AL

When accelerating from a stop, the car is having trouble accelerating despite having the accelerator fully depressed. The engine sounds like it is roaring, but hardly any power is being produced. When the vehicle hits about 35-40mph, the engine surges and then full power is produced. It feels like potentially an issue with the turbo or the transmsission. This is creating a…

Engine · Mar 13, 2025 · CA

I have been experiencing a strong fuel odor both inside and outside the cabin when starting the engine. After several months of experiencing this issue, I recently had my vehicle fully inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership, and they confirmed a critical fuel leak issue. The dealership discovered that the high-pressure fuel pipe is leaking, as confirmed by a camera…

Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 13, 2025 · CA

I have been experiencing a strong fuel odor both inside and outside the cabin when starting the engine. After several months of experiencing this issue, I recently had my vehicle fully inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership, and they confirmed a critical fuel leak issue. The dealership discovered that the high-pressure fuel pipe is leaking, as confirmed by a camera…

Unknown or Other · Sep 12, 2024 · CA

Cluth was replaced at a little over 50,000 miles and throw out bearing failed within 200 miles of the break in period. Took it back to dealer and they found that the throw out bearing was faulty and they replaced it. A year later same sound that was heard after replacement came back (almost like a chirping sound), took the car in for them to examine the car and determine if…

Electrical System · Sep 1, 2024 · NY

Fuel pump failing Reverse switch failing

Other Subaru WRX years

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Subaru WRX have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 2018 Subaru WRX, the most recent one (22V522000) for exterior lighting. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru WRX?

Based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are engine (11), electrical system (10), unknown or other (8).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2018 Subaru WRX?

Owners reported 5 crashes, 1 fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.