2018 Subaru Impreza Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 7%of 152 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 26,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Subaru Impreza, 7% of the 152 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Intermittent loss of power at 2000 to 3000 RPM is getting worse and worse. I've taken it to my local Subaru dealer 8 times to address this issue and they have denied anything I've reported. They've had technicians on rides with me but I can't recreate something that is so intermittent. It seems to happen more in hot weather but I can safely say AC isn't the cause. Although my car isn't a crosstrek, the motor in one is exactly the same as mine. …”
NHTSA complaint #11299666, filed 2020-01, 26,000 miles“The engine died while coming to a rapid stop from about 35-40 MPH. All the lights on the instrument panel turned yellow. After putting the transmission park the engine would not restart. After numerous attempts, removing and replacing the key, and about 2 to 3 minutes the engine did start. I was unable, after a few attempts, to reproduce the problem. We took the car to the dealer. They stated that they had not seen this problem. They did, however, perform a software update in the hope that it would solve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11130767, filed 2018-09, 250 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“Engine oil leak. An engine oil leak could potentially cause a fire hazard by igniting when leaking into hot components. It could cause engine damage due to inadequate lubrication leading to overheating and severe engine damage. The leak can contaminate the environment including soil and water, and it can create slippery surfaces which would be a risk to people walking in the area with leaked oil. I took my vehicle to a Subaru dealership for service, and they indicated that it was leaking oil everywhere. …”
NHTSA complaint #11663693, filed 2025-05“After the coil pack recall was done, our car began shuddering, hesitating and stalling. Went to the dealership 4-5 times. ECM and Prindle valve were replaced but still doing it. then engine exploded going up a hill, stranding us for 2.5 hours on the freeway. Engine replaced under warranty (which expired while in shop for two months). No warranty on new motor. Same issues still going on and shop now charges us to look at it. It stalled last week in heavy traffic, so it definitely is dangerous. We don't want to sell the car and pass the problem on to someone else.”
NHTSA complaint #11502411, filed 2023-01Related service bulletins
- 11034269Jun 30, 2026This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components…
- 11034264Jun 26, 2026This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components…
- 11033065May 13, 2026This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components…
- 11033051May 1, 2026This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs B1571(REFERENCE CODE INCOMPATIBILITY IMMOBILIZER CM TO ECM) and B1572(IMM CIRCUIT EXCEPT ANTENNA CIRCUIT)…
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027978Jan 8, 2026This bulletin announces the design change made to the high-pressure fuel pump developed to prevent DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure – Too Low Bank 1).
- 11027090Dec 12, 2025This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components…
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11025790Nov 20, 2025This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs P2096 (POST CATALYST FUEL TRIM SYSTEM TOO LEAN BANK 1) and P2097 (POST CATALYST FUEL TRIM SYSTEM TOO RICH…
- 11023536Sep 30, 2025In the interest of customer satisfaction Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage in the models listed. The extension will address…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 7% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 4% |
| 2019 | 8 | 4% |
| 2018 | 11 | 7% |
| 2017 | 14 | 11% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 | 10 | 13% |
| 2014 | 20 | 19% |
| 2013 | 75 | 30% |
| 2012 | 55 | 23% |
| 2011 | 3 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 15% |
| 2009 | 13 | 13% |
| 2008 | 13 | 7% |
| 2007 | 8 | 12% |
| 2006 | 5 | 9% |
| 2005 | 5 | 7% |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2018 Subaru Impreza
64 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
40 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsElectrical system
12 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