2018 Subaru Impreza electrical problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My vehicle has repeatedly displayed a “low tire pressure” warning despite having been serviced twice for this issue. In addition, there is an open case with Subaru of America regarding ongoing performance concerns – fuel tank?! In addition, I have reported both verbally and in writing to the dealership that my car often loses power when driving uphill and, at times, runs unevenly or hesitantly—similar to an engine stutter or sputter. Most recently, multiple problems occurred simultaneously. The low tire pressure warning remained on, my cell phone was no longer recognized or paired with the vehicle and would not charge, part of the clock display stopped illuminating, and then the vehicle suddenly began to shake. Within seconds, all dashboard warning lights turned on and the engine shut off entirely. This happened so rapidly that I had no time to react. Fortunately, I had pulled over the car; otherwise, this incident could have resulted in a serious crash with me behind the wheel. Although no prior warning lights had appeared, I was later informed that the vehicle had a cracked ignition coil and a dead battery—despite the car having relatively low mileage and there being two recalls related to this issue. The new manager went above and beyond to assist me during this ordeal and I am beyond grateful for everything – Subaru of America is lucky to have him on staff!! However, as of today, I still have not received a clear explanation of what caused this failure or what risks may remain if I continue driving the vehicle. My understanding is that ignition coils should run for 80K - 100K. I am aware that others have experienced similar problems, and I request that this matter be thoroughly addressed before it results in a potentially preventable, yet serious accident.

NHTSA complaint #11700114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Starlink head unit, produced by HK, is having the same issues that the WUA86 update should have fixed. It was reprogrammed in 2019, and less than 1 year later when my wife bought it, it was having the same reported glitches. I.E. randomly turning off and on, not connecting to Bluetooth/usb music interface, backup camera taking extended time to come up on head unit screen, turning the headhunt off with the power button doesn't work because it just randomly turns itself back on again. The bluetooth will also randomly disconnect when it does happen to connect in the first place. This is a recall that was performed, and the same exact issues are happening. It's a BIG danger to whomever is driving the car as it takes attention away from driving. I am very unhappy with this danger as it was supposed to have been repaired already. Since the 2018 subaru impresa premium is out of the extended warranty even, it seems there's nothing we can do. But Subara put out this software update and said it would work. It didn't!

NHTSA complaint #11593811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When the car is turned on, all of the lights flicker nonstop to the point of moderately reducing line of sight. I am terrified the headlights are going to just quit altogether. The car also “shimmys” in time with the flickering lights. It appears to get worse when accelerating as well. Also it has been over 2 years since the headlight recall for this model. The dealership keeps saying, we don’t have the parts or just ignoring my requests altogether.

NHTSA complaint #11559364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2018 Impreza, beginning around 2020, has had three dead or damaged batteries (2x OEM and 1x aftermarket) and the car is now on its fourth battery (aftermarket). Vehicle couldn't sit for more than a few days without needing jump started. Dealership performed parasitic draw test and concluded the Data Communications Module (DCM) was the source of the parasitic draw and pulled the DCM fuse while I await back ordered parts (the DCM and DCM battery). From my research, older DCM units rely on 3G cell service that's no longer available and the DCM keeps attempting to phone home telemetry data, but can't, and drains the battery. Thankfully I have an extended warranty to cover this replacement but feel like Subaru needs to be more proactive in solving this issue for its customers by declaring a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11550601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Failure of the starter motor, should be able to get the faulty part from mechanic. This rendered me unable to start my car and required a tow, thankfully not from the side of the highway. Confirmed faulty with tow driver and mechanic. The part has only been inspected by mechanic who mentioned this was the third starter motor failure he has seen on Subaru Imprezas. No warnings, though the car struggled to turn over earlier in the day.

NHTSA complaint #11525522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

after less than two years into my lease, the car was completely 'dead'. I could not start it or 'jump' it. It cost me out of pocket money to have it towed 50 miles to dealership. They replaced battery. They car was recalled a year or so. Took it into dealership for repair. After I noticed that automatic headlight dimmer would not work.-Still doesn't. 2 weeks ago, car would not start. Was told again by dealer that car had to be brought in. Was referred to 'roadside service company' Was quoted an ' out of pocket' charge of $644 to tow vehicle to dealership. Since I could not do that, decided to order battery myself for $260. waiting for battery to arrive

NHTSA complaint #11474350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I LEASE A 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA, WHICH CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 14,000 MILES. SINCE JANUARY 2021, IT'S BATTERY HAS FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER (DUNNING SUBARU IN ANN ARBOR, MI) AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS INSTALLED 4 NEW BATTERIES. THEIR DIAGNOSIS HAS BEEN THAT AS LONG AS I DON'T DRIVE MORE OFTEN AND FARTHER (IN THESE VAGUE TERMS) MY CAR'S BATTERY WILL CONTINUE TO FAIL. THE LAST TIME I TOOK MY CAR TO GET IT FIXED AFTER IT STRANDED ME, ON APRIL 16, THE DEALERSHIP AND SUBARU OF AMERICA'S CONSUMER ADVOCATE OFFICE BOTH SUGGESTED THAT I PURCHASE AN OFF-MARKET BATTERY TENDER TO RECHARGE THE BATTERY. THIS MEANS THAT THEY ANTICIPATE THEIR CAR BATTERY WILL FAIL WITH MY CURRENT DRIVING NEEDS. IN OTHER WORDS, THE VEHICLE IS UNRELIABLE. BUT FROM THEIR PERSPECTIVE, I AM AT FAULT FOR NOT DRIVING MORE.

NHTSA complaint #11408453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

OEM BATTERY FAILED AND LEFT DRIVER STRANDED IN NOV 2020. DEALER REPLACED BATTERY AT THAT TIME. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE BATTERY AGAIN TODAY, 04/02/2021 BECAUSE IT WAS ALSO FAILING. DEALER WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ISSUE WAS WITH CAR. SIMPLY STATED THAT THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO REPLACE FAILED BATTERIES IF WITHIN WARRANTY PERIOD. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WHEN BATTERY FAILS, CAR IS UNRESPONSIVE TO ANY/ALL COMMANDS.

NHTSA complaint #11406140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH NOT WANTING TO ENGAGE, WOULDN'T TURN THE KEY AT ALL. HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS WHERE I HAD TO PLAY WITH IGNITION TO GET IT TO TURN OVER

NHTSA complaint #11191224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 SAFE TO DRIVE AND WAS PURCHASED IN THE LATER HALF OF APRIL 2018.

NHTSA complaint #11101252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.