2018 Subaru Wrx: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Subaru Wrx: 2 recalls, 43 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #21V587000 · 2021 · 175,968 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #22V522000 · 2022 · 59,934 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (12): the most common themes are warning light on (3), stalls / loses power (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Electrical (10): the most common themes are electrical failure (6).
- Other / unknown (8): the most common themes are warning light on (2), stalls / loses power (2).
- Steering (7): the most common themes are steering problems (5).
The 2018 Subaru Wrx has 43 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 24 Wrx model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 41). Complaints peaked in 2024 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 14,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (53 complaints, 1 recalls), 2019 (30 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Subaru Wrx.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Subaru Wrx have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Subaru Wrx. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Subaru Wrx problems?
Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (12), electrical (10), other / unknown (8).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Subaru Wrx get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Subaru Wrx repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.