2018 Subaru WRX recalls and problems

The 2018 Subaru WRX has 2 safety recalls and 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

5 / 1

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Subaru WRX vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Subaru WRX recalls

Recall 22V-522: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jul 21, 2022 · 59,934 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

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.

Recall 21V-587: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 29, 2021 · 175,968 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

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.

2018 Subaru WRX problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	12
Electrical System	10
Unknown or Other	8
Steering	7
Fuel/Propulsion System	6
Power Train	6
Visibility/Wiper	4
Air Bags	3
Wheels	3
Structure	1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	1
Exterior Lighting	1

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 14,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Subaru WRX complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Oct 2, 2026

On June 24, 2026, my stock 2018 Subaru WRX Limited experienced a sudden catastrophic internal engine failure at approximately 67,319 miles while I was driving. I first heard an intermittent ticking/noise under acceleration. Within about two miles, the noise became much louder, followed by a loud pop, sudden loss of power, and smoke from the engine bay. I was able to get the vehicle stopped safely. I do not recall a warning light or message before the failure. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Subaru dealer. A full engine teardown found catastrophic internal damage concentrated in…

Unknown or Other · reported Jul 1, 2026

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 wouldnât 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 is below efficiency and itâs their mistake. This is now going to cost me out of pocket which is not fair. Again this tune can be ininstalled back to factory so they can reflash the ecu like they need to. They refused…

Unknown or Other · reported Jun 6, 2026

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 naÃ¯ve customers instead of fixing the safety issue with my car.

Electrical System · reported Feb 17, 2026

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 declined further repair despite active safety condition.

Engine · reported Aug 26, 2025

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.

Other Subaru WRX years

2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 201920182017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

Compare all Subaru WRX years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Subaru WRX have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Subaru WRX: 22V-522 (exterior lighting), 21V-587 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Subaru WRX?

Owners report engine problems most often (12 reports), followed by electrical system (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 14,500 miles.

Are Subaru recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.