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ProblemsByVin File / 2018-SUBARU-WRX
2018 · subaru

subaru WRX problems

0 safety recalls. 40 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 5 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
8 reports · avg $850
moderate
engine
8 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
steering
7 reports · avg $700
severe
powertrain
6 reports · avg $2,500
severe
visibility
3 reports · avg $350
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2018 WRX · engine
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.…
11/29/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11154864.0
2018 WRX · airbags
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…
10/26/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11142978.0
2018 WRX · steering Crash
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…
10/12/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11033086.0
2018 WRX · steering
Unknown. I am unsure of the issue. However, there is an issue. & it is very dangerous... This has happend about 5, or 6 times now. Sometimes when I am making a turn (I believe it is related to the braking), My steering wheel locks up (as if the key isn't in the ignition). It…
09/19/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11485364.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Common questions

Is the 2018 Subaru WRX reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Subaru WRX is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2018 Subaru WRX?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 8 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Subaru WRX has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Subaru WRX?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 40 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 15 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with subaru. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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