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2018 Subaru Impreza VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2018 Subaru Impreza has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 148 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Subaru Impreza. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (62), Visibility Wiper (28), Unknown Or Other (17).

Impreza reliability snapshot

69/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$653
Avg annual repair cost vs $526 category avg
#33/36
Ranking in compact cars · better than 8% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Subaru Impreza before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2018 Subaru Impreza issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Exterior Lighting62
  • Visibility Wiper28
  • Unknown Or Other17
  • Electrical System11
  • Engine7
  • Visibility6

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Subaru Impreza

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect for engine oil leaks and check oil levels
  • Test brakes for shuddering or vibrations during a test drive
  • Check battery health and look for signs of parasitic drain
  • Verify recall completion for headlight assemblies
  • Inspect windshield for cracks or chips
  • Test Starlink infotainment system for connectivity issues

2018 Impreza recalls (5)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Impreza. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 21V587000Jul 29, 2021

    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.

  2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 19V743000Oct 18, 2019

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.

    Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.

  3. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 19V744000Oct 17, 2019

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.

    Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.

  4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 21V264000Apr 15, 2021

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

    Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

  5. EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 22V624000Aug 12, 2022

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Consequence: Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.

Used-market value

2018 Subaru Impreza resale snapshot

65.2%estimated value retained after 5 years
182listings in the model-level benchmark
$17,742median asking price from 52 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2018 Subaru Impreza on the road

76,400 2018 Subaru Impreza units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2018 Subaru Impreza stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2018 Subaru Impreza

The 2018 Subaru Impreza scores a 69 out of 100, indicating moderate reliability that slightly surpasses the segment average. The vehicle's complaints are primarily concentrated in exterior lighting and visibility/wiper issues, suggesting some consistency in problem areas rather than a wide distribution of concerns. This focus may indicate specific areas of the vehicle's design or component quality that require attention.

With five recalls, the Impreza shows an elevated recall activity, which is worth noting for potential buyers. However, the relatively low number of engine and electrical system complaints suggests that critical powertrain and system reliability issues are less prevalent.

Overall, the 2018 Subaru Impreza presents a moderate reliability profile with some specific concerns, positioning it as a vehicle with a manageable risk level for prospective buyers.

What you get in a 2018 Subaru Impreza report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2018 Subaru Impreza — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Subaru Impreza reliable?

The 2018 Subaru Impreza scores a 69 out of 100, indicating moderate reliability that slightly surpasses the segment average. The vehicle's complaints are primarily concentrated in exterior lighting and visibility/wiper issues, suggesting some consistency in problem areas rather than a wide distribution of concerns. This focus may indicate specific areas of the vehicle's design or component quality that require attention.

How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Impreza have?

5 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Subaru Impreza. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2018 Subaru Impreza problems?

The most-reported 2018 Subaru Impreza problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (62), Visibility Wiper (28), Unknown Or Other (17).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Subaru Impreza?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Subaru Impreza, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.