Model year guide

2018 Subaru WRX

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 Subaru WRX is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 37 on record.

2018 Subaru WRX — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Subaru WRX at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints42
Combined19–23 mpg
Typical price$30,404

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2018 Subaru WRX recalls 2

Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #22V522000 · manufacturer #WRE-22 · 21/07/2022

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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #21V587000 · manufacturer #WRG-21 · 29/07/2021

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2018 Subaru WRX common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2018 Subaru WRX MPG & running costs

Combined19–23 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,933
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S8) or Manual 6-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume97 cu ft
Cargo volume12 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,667 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2018 Subaru WRX worth?

Low
$23,699
Typical price
$30,404
High
$38,900

From 22 comparable 2018 Subaru WRX listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2018 Subaru WRX costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,665
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,600
Total$26,265
Per mile$0.35

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($30,404) with the same model 3 model-years older ($26,451), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
180.7 in
Width
70.1 in
Height
57.9 in
Wheelbase
104.3 in
Curb weight
3,369–3,402 lb
Front track
60.2 in
Rear track
60.6 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2018 Subaru WRX — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 348

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 348.

This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.

Bulletin SubaruNet Announcement (M · Electrical System · Oct 2026

This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.

Bulletin 13-109-26 · Sep 2026

"This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"

Bulletin 18-244-26 · Electrical System · Sep 2026

This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.

Bulletin SubaruNet Announcement (C · Sep 2026

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

Bulletin 15-333-25R · Electrical System · Sep 2026

This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

Bulletin 15-304-22R · Electrical System · Sep 2026

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised ve…

Bulletin 15-308-23R · Electrical System · Aug 2026

This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)

Bulletin 15-304-22R · Electrical System · Aug 2026

Techtips newsletter locator index.

Bulletin Article Locator · Electrical System · Aug 2026

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin

Bulletin 15-333-25R · Electrical System · Aug 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the WRX AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX is an all-wheel drive sport compact car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru, originally based on the Impreza created for the World Rally Championship in 1992. Subaru claimed the name WRX stands for "World Rally eXperimental". Starting with the 2015 models, the WRX lineup has been split from the Impreza, with a different body style that is not offered as an optional hatchback/wagon, being introduced as the separate Levorg model. The car is known for its striking blue shade, with gold alloy wheels, because of a sponsorship with a Singaporean cigarette manufacturer.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2018 Subaru WRX trims & engines on record

Trims
WRX base+L · WRX mid+L+M/R · STI mid+W+KA+RE · STI high+W+KA+RE+BSD+NAVI(H/K)+M/R · STI base+L, STI base+W · STI high+L+KA+RE+BSD+NAVI(H/K)+M/R · STI-S+KA+RE · WRX high+L+KA+M/R · WRX high+L+KA+BSD+NAVI(H/K)+M/R
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 268 hp · 2.5L 4-cyl 305 hp · 2.5L 4-cyl 310 hp

2018 Subaru WRX vehicles on record

2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX STI mid+W+KA+REJF1VA2N64J9804025 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX base+LJF1VA1A65J9802722 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX STI high+L+KA+RE+BSD+NAVI(H/K)+M/RJF1VA2T64J9820860 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX mid+L+M/RJF1VA1C67J9830129 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX base+LJF1VA1A61J9816598 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX base+LJF1VA1A62J9810695 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX mid+L+M/RJF1VA1C62J9826456 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX base+LJF1VA1A69J9819751 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX mid+L+M/RJF1VA1C68J9824954 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX base+LJF1VA1A68J9811995 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX base+LJF1VA1A64J9816093 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX STI-S+KA+REJF1VA3Z64J9829944 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX base+LJF1VA1A65J9821562 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX mid+L+M/RJF1VA1C67J9807580 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX STI mid+W+KA+REJF1VA2N62J9821700 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX base+LJF1VA1A64J9812500 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX STI high+W+KA+RE+BSD+NAVI(H/K)+M/RJF1VA2W65J9823665 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX high+L+KA+M/RJF1VA1F68J9830538 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX STI base+L, STI base+WJF1VA2M61J9821981 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX STI mid+W+KA+REJF1VA2N6XJ9819421 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX high+L+KA+BSD+NAVI(H/K)+M/RJF1VA1H66J9835959 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX STI high+W+KA+RE+BSD+NAVI(H/K)+M/RJF1VA2W60J9819300 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX WRX mid+L+M/RJF1VA1C60J8816062 2018 Subaru WRX 2018 Subaru WRX STI base+L, STI base+WJF1VA2M60J9823334

Other Subaru WRX model years

2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2008 2006 2004

2018 Subaru WRX — frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Subaru WRX have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru WRX. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru WRX?

Across all 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, steering.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Subaru WRX get?

The 2018 Subaru WRX has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

How much is a 2018 Subaru WRX worth?

Comparable 2018 Subaru WRX listings run roughly $23,699–$38,900, typically around $30,404 (from 22 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.