2018 Subaru Impreza Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 8%of 152 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Subaru Impreza, 8% of the 152 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11408453, filed 2021-04, 14,000 miles“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, filed 2021-04, 32,500 miles“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, filed 2018-06, 567 miles“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, filed 2019-03, 3,600 miles“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, filed 2023-06Related recalls
- 21V264000Apr 15, 2021Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2017–2019, Crosstrek 2018–2019
- 19V743000Oct 18, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2017–2019, Crosstrek 2018–2019
Related service bulletins
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026"This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026This 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…
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026This 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…
- 11036804Aug 21, 2026This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026This 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…
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026This 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…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 9% |
| 2022 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 4 | 5% |
| 2019 | 19 | 10% |
| 2018 | 12 | 8% |
| 2017 | 21 | 17% |
| 2016 | 14 | 19% |
| 2015 | 20 | 26% |
| 2014 | 17 | 16% |
| 2013 | 34 | 14% |
| 2012 | 30 | 12% |
| 2011 | 9 | 16% |
| 2010 | 5 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 5% |
| 2007 | 7 | 10% |
| 2005 | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 9% |
| 1998 | 3 | 10% |
| 1997 | 2 | 7% |
| 1995 | 4 | 9% |
| 1993 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2018 Subaru Impreza
64 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
40 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Subaru Impreza
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology