2018 Subaru WRX recalls and problems

2 recalls and 43 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru WRX.

2
recalls
43
owner complaints
5
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 Subaru WRX recalls

Exterior lighting: back up lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 22V522000 · reported July 21, 2022 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 59,934 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump

NHTSA campaign 21V587000 · reported July 29, 2021 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 175,968 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 2, 2026 · Engine

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…

Jul 1, 2026 · Unknown or other

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 stop them from changing the catalytic converter. They said that the ecu would let them. I can put the factory CID on…

Jun 6, 2026 · Unknown or other

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 naïve customers instead of fixing the safety issue with my car.

Feb 17, 2026 · Electrical system

2/17/2026 Mileage 96,000 Subaru case number Case # 260[phone removed] 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…

Aug 26, 2025 · Engine

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.

WRX model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2015 35221
2016 33112
2017 15382
2018 24351
2019 23000
2020 11810
2021 11300

Across all years, the 2002 WRX has the most complaints (427). All Subaru WRX years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Subaru WRX, the most recent reported on July 21, 2022 (Exterior lighting: back up lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru WRX?
Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (12 complaints), followed by electrical system (10).
How many 2018 Subaru WRX complaints mention a crash or fire?
5 of 43 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 2, 2026.