The Lemon Index2018 Subaru Impreza.
The 2018 Subaru Impreza is about average by owner complaints: 77 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 96, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 25 to 32 mpg combined. The best Subaru Impreza year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 196 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Impreza year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 6K to 29K miles on the car (74 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 5K–32K miles
Recalls 6
- lights 2022
The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light.
- lights 2022
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.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Show all 6 recalls
- electrical 2021
The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
- electrical 2019
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.
- engine 2019
The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 648 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This bulletin announces part information for new Active Valve Control System (AVCS) oil…
- This bulletin announces a design change to the PCV valve used on the models listed above
- This Service Information bulletin announces a change to the required thread sealer used when…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–2550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Windshield cracked for no apparent reason. Parked at work in morning, when I returned in the afternoon about a 12 inch crack across passenger side of windshield. No chips or cracks were there before.
2018 Subaru Impreza owner · NHTSA complaint 11376710
More owner reports
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 11414763
Front windshield is cracked for no reason. Insurance company wont cover it
NHTSA complaint 11318055
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Subaru Impreza reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 96; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Impreza year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2018 Subaru Impreza problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (38%), electrical (16%) and engine (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Impreza have?
6 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Subaru Impreza get?
25 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Subaru Impreza safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Subaru Impreza problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 6,000 and 29,200 miles. The middle report was at 16,500 miles, from 74 complaints.
Does the 2018 Subaru Impreza have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Subaru Impreza cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Subaru Impreza have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Impreza year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2014 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works