2018 Subaru WRX problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Refused to change the rear catalyst due to a modification. I said I would return it back to the original factory tune and they said it was impossible and refused to do it. The tune physically wouldn’t stop them from changing the catalytic converter. They said that the ecu would let them. I can put the factory CID on the vehicle for the work to be done. The catalyst threshold is below efficiency and it’s their mistake. This is now going to cost me out of pocket which is not fair. Again this tune can be ininstalled back to factory so they can reflash the ecu like they need to. They refused to answer my questions and sent me away. Now on this website they must have reported it being fixed but it has not absolutely.

NHTSA complaint #11747579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Subaru Orange Coast and Ocean Subaru of Fullerton refused to work on my recall due to my car has aftermarket parts not related to the recall. The dealership is very keen in extorting money to the naïve customers instead of fixing the safety issue with my car.

NHTSA complaint #11742482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2/17/2026 Mileage 96,000 Subaru case number Case # 260217-2101937 Vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches NHTSA Recall 22V-522000. The recall repair was previously performed but the safety defect persists. Manufacturer was contacted and declined further repair despite active safety condition.

NHTSA complaint #11718606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2/17/2026 Mileage 96,000 Subaru case number Case # 260217-2101937 Vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches NHTSA Recall 22V-522000. The recall repair was previously performed but the safety defect persists. Manufacturer was contacted and declined further repair despite active safety condition.

NHTSA complaint #11718606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2/17/2026 Mileage 96,000 Subaru case number Case # 260217-2101937 Vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches NHTSA Recall 22V-522000. The recall repair was previously performed but the safety defect persists. Manufacturer was contacted and declined further repair despite active safety condition.

NHTSA complaint #11718606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Oil changes always done, no modifications to vehicle. Driving down road lights all come one and car starts smoking. Rod broke and put hole in engine.

NHTSA complaint #11683233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Shortly after purchase (within 1 month), a strong raw gasoline vapor odor began entering the passenger cabin, strongest near the driver’s side rear seat and rear wheel well area. The odor intensifies at idle and after short periods of driving, filling the interior cabin with fuel fumes. The smell is so strong that it causes dizziness and headaches when operating the vehicle. This is not an isolated occurrence — Subaru’s own service technicians were able to replicate the issue and confirmed the smell, but reported that smoke and pressure testing showed “no leaks.” Despite replacing the evaporative canister, purge valve, and fuel check valve, the problem persists. The dealership has admitted they cannot determine the source of the vapors. Safety Concern: This condition presents a serious safety hazard because: •Fuel vapors are toxic and pose an immediate health risk to occupants breathing them inside a closed cabin. •Gasoline vapors are highly flammable, creating a potential fire/explosion risk if vapors accumulate near ignition sources. •Subaru has suggested the condition is “normal under certain circumstances” and advised me to alter my driving habits (avoid idling, use engine braking). This is not an acceptable or safe resolution. Attempts to Remedy: •Vehicle has been at the Subaru dealership for over two weeks. •Multiple components in the evaporative emission system were replaced (canister, check valve, purge vent). •Subaru engineers have been contacted but no permanent fix has been provided. •Dealership admitted another customer reported a similar issue in a newer model, but stated it was “normal.” Summary: This is not normal vehicle operation. A car cabin filling with raw fuel vapor represents a defect affecting safety. Subaru has failed to remedy the issue despite multiple repair attempts, and is minimizing it rather than acknowledging it as a defect.

NHTSA complaint #11681878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

When accelerating from a stop, the car is having trouble accelerating despite having the accelerator fully depressed. The engine sounds like it is roaring, but hardly any power is being produced. When the vehicle hits about 35-40mph, the engine surges and then full power is produced. It feels like potentially an issue with the turbo or the transmsission. This is creating a significant safety hazard as the vehicle is behaving unpredictable and could lead to an accident when having to accelerate into traffic or merge. The vehicle has already had 3 CVT transmission replacements under factory warranty. The vehicle currently has approximately 47,000 miles but is outside factory warranty now.

NHTSA complaint #11674850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I have been experiencing a strong fuel odor both inside and outside the cabin when starting the engine. After several months of experiencing this issue, I recently had my vehicle fully inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership, and they confirmed a critical fuel leak issue. The dealership discovered that the high-pressure fuel pipe is leaking, as confirmed by a camera inspection of the engine bay. They have deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive and have strongly advised against further use due to the potential fire hazard. It is important to note that my vehicle has never been involved in an accident, and no prior mechanical work has been performed in the affected area, which suggests this may be a manufacturing defect.

NHTSA complaint #11648026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I have been experiencing a strong fuel odor both inside and outside the cabin when starting the engine. After several months of experiencing this issue, I recently had my vehicle fully inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership, and they confirmed a critical fuel leak issue. The dealership discovered that the high-pressure fuel pipe is leaking, as confirmed by a camera inspection of the engine bay. They have deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive and have strongly advised against further use due to the potential fire hazard. It is important to note that my vehicle has never been involved in an accident, and no prior mechanical work has been performed in the affected area, which suggests this may be a manufacturing defect.

NHTSA complaint #11648026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Cluth was replaced at a little over 50,000 miles and throw out bearing failed within 200 miles of the break in period. Took it back to dealer and they found that the throw out bearing was faulty and they replaced it. A year later same sound that was heard after replacement came back (almost like a chirping sound), took the car in for them to examine the car and determine if the throw out bearing waa faulty again. Associate who helped indicated that if it was the throw out bearing it would be covered, once the mechanic checked the car they found a front valve leak, at first indicated that the throw out bearing was fine and then changed that. They also indicated that the entire clutch needed to replace again even though it was just replaced a year ago. They indicated that there were hot spots on the clutch and that it was due to my driving. I did reach out to SOA but they indicated that the dealer told them that it was my fault and they shouldn't help me.

NHTSA complaint #11614223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Fuel pump failing Reverse switch failing

NHTSA complaint #11612016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Fuel pump failing Reverse switch failing

NHTSA complaint #11612016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel pump failing Reverse switch failing

NHTSA complaint #11612016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I bought a 2018 Subaru WRX with 61,000 miles, After driving it 6,000 miles with engine spun a rod bearing, requiring a complete engine replacement. This is a vehicle that in the previous 4th generation of the car, it was recalled for this exact issue. the total repair bill for this fix is $11,720.43. This is on a car with 67,000 miles. 7,000 miles over Subaru's manufacture warranty. After speaking with a few service advisors at Subaru. it is my belief, that this is a known issue with this model.

NHTSA complaint #11604876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

Started car up. Check engine light is on, cruise control flashing. Fuel tank level is flashing. Has gas but the meter is says it’s empty. Took it to a mechanic and they told me it is the fuel pump that’s bad. Called a Subaru dealership and they said there’s no recall for this car. You guys issued a recall for this make and model back in 2020 but for the production date of April. My car was produced in November. Anyway you guys can issue a recall fort car so I can get it fixed?

NHTSA complaint #11588847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine rod knock at 32,000 miles due to bearing failure causing loss of control of vehicle and sudden loss of power and control. Car was logged to be traveling at 35 mph with normal acceleration at time of failure. Carter Subaru confirmed bearing failure, and fits with the pattern confirmed in 2012-2017 WRX STi engine failure class action settlement, as part in 2018 remains unchanged from 2017 according to mechanics. Head mechanic at dealership confirmed that only car modification (intake) would not cause catastrophic loss of oil leading to bearing failure, and thus it is likely due to engine design that leads to poor oil circulation as a known issue in this EJ25 engine type. Engine components have been inspected by Carter Subaru, and have been made available to Subaru of America, along with images, videos, pictures, receipts, logs, records, computer/ECU data, receipts, tool purchases, and other maintenance and service logs for the car (including prior to ownership). Dealership acknowledges that the car maintenance exceeded the manufacturer recommendation, yet engine still failed even with oil changes done at 3,000 mile intervals... While manual states much higher interval to follow. Engine still failed at increased oil change levels. Problem appeared once engine started knocking, which means the engine has already suffered irreversible engine failure and needs to be replaced, according to Subaru. Subaru of America assigned a customer advocate but has been incommunicado for the duration of the investigation and refuses to answer or even acknowledge that a claim has been opened, as they constantly cite erroneous interactions with the vehicle owner.

NHTSA complaint #11579828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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NHTSA complaint #11564803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED. DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

NHTSA complaint #11564630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine Failure rod bearing failure is extremely common. Can leave motorist in danger being stranded on the road. Subaru of America has inspected the engine but claims they are at not fault and refuse to assist. Investigate online how common the motor failure on a fa20dit motor is. I can tell you many owners who are on their 2nd to 3rd motor. This is extremely dangerous and I hope there is a resolution.

NHTSA complaint #11564282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The transmission began leaking fluid and has experienced slippage while driving. I took the vehicle to Hendrick Subaru in Feb. 2023 for diagnostics and was told the leak was unserviceable and needed replacement. I was told they detected minor slippage at the time. It is now June 2023 and the dealer is telling me that the transmission is not going to be replaced, but rather "resealed" and they are now claiming there is no record of it ever slipping and they cannot replicate it. Subaru took months to approve any type of repair so I was forced to drive my vehicle while it continued to leak transmission fluid, which could have potentially caused additional damage.

NHTSA complaint #11527400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Headlight deflector burning/melting.not properly deflecting light to properly lighting up the road .they acknowledged the problem but said they would have replaced them if I brought it in before 3 years or 36,000 miles .no not inspected .no indication of symptoms prior to failure.

NHTSA complaint #11513266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Unknown. I am unsure of the issue. However, there is an issue. & it is very dangerous... This has happend about 5, or 6 times now. Sometimes when I am making a turn (I believe it is related to the braking), My steering wheel locks up (as if the key isn't in the ignition). It only lasts for a second, or two. But again, it is very dangerous. & I am at my wits end trying to figure out what the issue is. I am unsure of the issue. But, there is an issue. & it is dangerous for myself, & others. I am trying to limit my driving, but I still have bills to pay, & jobs to do. So please get back to me at your earliest convenience. Thank You, & God Bless.

NHTSA complaint #11485364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

We tool the car to the DMV to get the plates and rhey told us the car had a recall. They stated the Fuel pump may fail. However, we were unaware.

NHTSA complaint #11468818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Parasitic battery drain. Car is rendered inoperable after periods of non use. The batter has been replaced and the problem persists.

NHTSA complaint #11446839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.