2018 Subaru IMPREZA
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2018 Subaru IMPREZA has 181 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.8x the segment average of 99. The most common issue is lighting problems (35% of all complaints), specifically: since january 2021, the screen with the rear camera go to black, many times and you only can see the red and yellow lines, so and other words when activate reverse the screen is black you can see nothing. please help.. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.
181
Total Complaints
5
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
LIGHTING
64 complaints- • SINCE JANUARY 2021, THE SCREEN WITH THE REAR CAMERA GO TO BLACK, MANY TIMES AND YOU ONLY CAN SEE THE RED AND YELLOW LINES, SO AND OTHER WORDS WHEN ACTIVATE REVERSE THE SCREEN IS BLACK YOU CAN SEE NOTHING. PLEASE HELP.
- • This recall was issued Aug 12 2022 and 3 months later still no parts available to fix the lighting issue? I reported this headlight issue at the first scheduled service that I thought the headlights were dim and did not shine far enough. Dealer service sept said they are all like that. Yes they are
- • The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ma
“SINCE JANUARY 2021, THE SCREEN WITH THE REAR CAMERA GO TO BLACK, MANY TIMES AND YOU ONLY CAN SEE THE RED AND YELLOW LINES, SO AND OTHER WORDS WHEN ACTIVATE REVERSE THE SCREEN IS BLACK YOU CAN SEE NOTHING. PLEASE HELP.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2018 Subaru IMPREZA
Based on 62 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 16K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
VISIBILITY
OTHER
ELECTRICAL
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (5)
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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Subaru IMPREZA
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Subaru IMPREZA
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Subaru IMPREZA Service Intervals
Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2018 IMPREZA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 181 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐LIGHTING: SINCE JANUARY 2021, THE SCREEN WITH THE REAR CAMERA GO TO BLACK, MANY TIMES AND YOU ONLY CAN SEE THE RED AND YELLOW LINES, SO AND OTHER WORDS WHEN ACTIVATE REVERSE THE SCREEN IS BLACK YOU CAN SEE NOTHING. PLEASE HELP.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐VISIBILITY: PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW ABOUT A MONTH AGO. A LARGE FRACTURE CRACK APPEARED IN THE MIDDLE MY WINDSHIELD, ORIGINATING FROM THE BASE UNDERNEATH THE PLASTIC STRIPPING, EXTENDING UPWARD IN AN INVERTED L SHAPE. HAPPENED FOR NO APPARENT REASON; THE CAR WAS STATIONARY, PARKED INSIDE MY CLOSED GARAGE, S
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR GLASS SHATTERED IN TEMPERATURES OF -5 DEGREES WHEN THE DOOR WAS CLOSED. THE CAR WAS PARKED AND IN MY DRIVEWAY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: THE CAR HAS STALLED 3 TIMES WHILE DRIVING. AT A STOP SIGN, RED LIGHT AND AT A STOP SIGN. THE INCIDENT AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO START ROLLING BACKWARDS AND ALMOST HIT INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. SUBARU CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM BUT ACKNOWLEDGES THE INCIDENTS OF STALLING. THE CAR IS NOT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Subaru IMPREZA — Year Comparison
How does 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 181
- Recalls
- 5
- Fire reports
- 1
- Crash reports
- 9
- Injury reports
- 4
- Segment avg
- 99
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2018 Subaru IMPREZA