2018 Subaru WRX Recalls, Complaints & Specs
2 safety recalls list the 2018 Subaru WRX, and owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.
2 safety recalls for the 2018 Subaru WRX
Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.
-
Switch (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.
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.…
-
Fuel pump (fuel system)
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.
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…
43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Owners of the 2018 Subaru WRX have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA; 5 describe a crash and 1 describe a fire. Reports cite 2 injuries and 0 deaths. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 18,370 miles. Complaints peaked in 2024 with 8 filed that year.
Most-reported components
What owners are reporting
“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/no”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, October 2, 2026 · Engine
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, July 1, 2026 · Unknown or other
Fuel economy and specs
EPA ratings for the 2018 Subaru WRX (WRX STI Type RA). Ranges cover every tested configuration.
| Combined | 18–23 mpg |
|---|---|
| City / Highway | 16–21 / 22–27 |
| Fuel | Premium |
| EPA class | Compact Cars |
| Engine | 4 cyl, 2/2.5 L |
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S8); Manual 6-spd |
Compare Subaru WRX model years
Recall and complaint counts for every Subaru WRX model year in NHTSA's database.
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 Subaru WRX | 1 | 427 |
| 2003 Subaru WRX | 1 | 60 |
| 2004 Subaru WRX | 4 | 42 |
| 2005 Subaru WRX | 4 | 19 |
| 2006 Subaru WRX | 3 | 14 |
| 2007 Subaru WRX | 3 | 0 |
| 2008 Subaru WRX | 7 | 65 |
| 2009 Subaru WRX | 10 | 41 |
| 2010 Subaru WRX | 12 | 1 |
| 2011 Subaru WRX | 11 | 4 |
| 2012 Subaru WRX | 12 | 2 |
| 2013 Subaru WRX | 11 | 7 |
| 2014 Subaru WRX | 10 | 6 |
| 2015 Subaru WRX | 3 | 52 |
| 2016 Subaru WRX | 3 | 31 |
| 2017 Subaru WRX | 1 | 53 |
| 2018 Subaru WRX | 2 | 43 |
| 2019 Subaru WRX | 2 | 30 |
| 2020 Subaru WRX | 1 | 17 |
| 2021 Subaru WRX | 1 | 13 |
| 2022 Subaru WRX | 1 | 25 |
| 2023 Subaru WRX | 1 | 8 |
| 2024 Subaru WRX | 0 | 13 |
| 2025 Subaru WRX | 0 | 2 |
Checking a specific 2018 Subaru WRX
How do I know if my 2018 Subaru WRX has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 2 campaigns currently list the 2018 Subaru WRX; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Subaru dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 21V587000).
What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?
A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.
Other Subaru models
- Outback9,756 complaints
- Forester6,498 complaints
- Legacy3,185 complaints
- Impreza2,651 complaints
- Crosstrek1,186 complaints
- Ascent1,033 complaints
- Svx291 complaints
- Xv Crosstrek264 complaints
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.