This page covers 2 recalls, 40 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Subaru WRX.
19–23 mpg combined
10.2–12.4 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
Complaints about the 2018 Subaru WRX center most heavily on engine and drivetrain issues. On the engine side, owners report a range of problems from fuel odor inside the cabin, sometimes strong enough to cause dizziness, to confirmed fuel leaks identified during dealer inspections. A separate group of engine complaints describes catastrophic internal failures, including connecting rod damage that results in complete engine loss. Powertrain complaints focus on an acceleration stumble from a stop, where the engine revs without producing power until around 35–40 mph, at which point it surges into full thrust. Electrical complaints, while fewer, include an unusual pattern where the vehicle falsely indicates reverse while driving forward, triggering the backup camera and reverse lights during normal forward travel.
40
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Subaru WRX has two recalls, the more serious being a low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank that can fail and stall the engine while driving.
The second recall involves a backup light switch that can corrode and stop working, leaving the reverse lights dark and the rearview camera blank when the vehicle is in reverse, which reduces visibility when backing up.
At a glance
What can fail
The backup light switch can corrode and stop working, preventing the backup lights from turning on and the rearview camera image from displaying when in reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, which could prevent fuel from reaching the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
