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Exterior lightingPart report

2018 Subaru Impreza Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
64about this part
Share
42%of 152 total for the year
Median mileage
21,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 64 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2018 Subaru Impreza, 42% of the 152 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I'm really concerned by the recall notice from Subaru that my chances of a crash are increased due to inadequate headlamps. I've had a handful of instances where other vehicles have not seen me and just stopped before pulling out in front of me. I was notified of this defect last October. It's now July. When will Subaru have a remedy to keep me safe?”

NHTSA complaint #11532571, filed 2023-07

“Received recall notice 10/22 and still have not received a phone call to have it repaired. I have called the dealer and they said they are starting with the older cars first and I will receive a letter when I can bring it in. Per the recall notice it states increasing the risk of a crash . I find this to be very concerning because my son drives this car.”

NHTSA complaint #11560645, filed 2023-12

“Received notice in August 2022 that there is a safety concern with this car's headlamp. There is still no remedy available. I am concerned for my safety while driving because they headlights are very dim and it's hard to see at night putting my safety and the safety of others at risk. 9 months to develop a new headlamp seems extreme for a car manufacturer.”

NHTSA complaint #11522198, filed 2023-05

“2017-2019 model year Impreza vehicles, which may contain non-compliant headlamp assemblies. It has been almost 2 years with no solution to this problem. it is stated that the dealership will replace the recalled headlights, but they are doing nothing. No timeline on a solution is given and risk only increases as the car gets older. i just want what i paid for a safe vehicle that works.”

NHTSA complaint #11590255, filed 2024-05

“This recall was issued Aug 12 2022 and 3 months later still no parts available to fix the lighting issue? I reported this headlight issue at the first scheduled service that I thought the headlights were dim and did not shine far enough. Dealer service sept said they are all like that. Yes they are …. When will they have the parts?”

NHTSA complaint #11493384, filed 2022-11

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025120%
202426%
202217%
202011%
20196332%
20186442%
20173226%
201645%
201511%
201411%
201373%
201242%
200933%
200842%
200711%
200624%
200411%
200312%
200221%
200025%
199827%
199713%
199524%

Other parts of the 2018 Subaru Impreza

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
40 complaints
Other or unknown
26 complaints
Electrical system
12 complaints
Engine
11 complaints
Body and structure
6 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Brakes
3 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Vehicle speed control
3 complaints
Air bags
2 complaints
Suspension
2 complaints
Wheels
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Subaru Impreza

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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