The 2018 Subaru Impreza is associated with 149 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 5 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING, accounting for 58 reports (39% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 8 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2l 4-cyl powertrain configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 25 to 32 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 149 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 5 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: EXTERIOR LIGHTING (58 / 39%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 5 crash / 1 fire / 2 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 25–32 MPG (8 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Impreza 4-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 28 MPG | 38 MPG | 32 MPG | — | $1,900 / yr |
| Impreza 5-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 28 MPG | 37 MPG | 31 MPG | — | $2,000 / yr |
| Impreza Sport 4-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 27 MPG | 36 MPG | 30 MPG | — | $2,050 / yr |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 27 MPG | 35 MPG | 30 MPG | — | $2,050 / yr |
| Impreza 4-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 24 MPG | 32 MPG | 27 MPG | — | $2,300 / yr |
| Impreza Sport 4-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 23 MPG | 31 MPG | 26 MPG | — | $2,350 / yr |
| Impreza 5-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 24 MPG | 31 MPG | 26 MPG | — | $2,350 / yr |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 22 MPG | 30 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $2,450 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SW AWD | | | | | 9.5% |
| 4 DR AWD | | | | | 9.5% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2018 Subaru Impreza models.
View complete 2018 Subaru Impreza crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2018 Subaru Impreza problems & component breakdown (25 categories) →
Affected Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Summary: 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."
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2018 Subaru Impreza recalls & campaign history (5 campaigns) →