2018 Subaru Impreza Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 152 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 6,885miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the body and structure of the 2018 Subaru Impreza, 4% of the 152 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,885 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“About two weeks ago when the first frost hit I noticed there was a windshield crack but it looked unrelated to an impact crack as it came from the side of the windshield and extended towards the center. After getting the windshield replaced one week later while sitting in my car and it is warming up another crack appears in my windshield. It seems as though the windshields and crack but it looked unrelated to an impact crack as it came from the side of the windshield and extended towards the center. …”
NHTSA complaint #11163197, filed 2018-12, 9,000 miles“The wiper cowl cover separates from the windshield resulting in a gap between the cowl cover and the windshield. This gap allows an abnormal amount of water to flow inside, especially during heavy rainfall, snow, or carwash. In addition, debris such as leaves, pine needles, etc enter through the gap, resulting in clogged drain tubes over time. In the photo below the gap is around 0.25 in after attempting to push it back in, after driving, the gap grows to an 1 in at the center.”
NHTSA complaint #11183286, filed 2019-02, 1,500 miles“2018 sport model noticed front windshield cowl panel warped at 4770 miles and again at 6880 miles after warranty placement. Cowl panel pops up at the center of the panel leaving a 1/8 gap between the rubber seal and the base of the windshield. Upon pressing it down, the gap will return in a few days leaving a larger 1/4 gap. Over time the panel pulls itself completely off the windshield exposing the plastic clips that holds the cowl behind the windshield. This gap exposes the 2 wire windshield heating element to dust and rain along with trapping various dust and debris.”
NHTSA complaint #11193248, filed 2019-04, 4,770 miles“it is a case of sudden acceleration when parking the car in battery , goin forward very slowly, the subaru impreza accelerate , jump the curve and crash agaings a tree 5 ft away from the curve, the results extensive damage in the left front , airbags did not deploy”
NHTSA complaint #11536081, filed 2023-08“Bought this car 1 year ago at East Hills Subaru. Among other problems such as water leaking inside vehicle due to clogged drains, most recent issue is the steering column not locking firmly. This is causing the steering wheel to shift up or down while driving, even though locking mechanism under steering wheel column is engaged. The car has under 40k miles. The safety of the driver is at risk here as the shifting movement of the steering wheel affect proper steering. Dealer is unable to give me a reasonable appointment to address this and only has drop off service, no loaner cars available. …”
NHTSA complaint #11484183, filed 2022-09Related service bulletins
- 11036822Aug 31, 2026This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of surface rust accumulating in the top center retaining nut area of the front strut mounts. This is an revised…
- 11022304Aug 11, 2025This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
- 10241826Aug 14, 2023This bulletin announces a design change made to the cowl panel.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 3 | 4% |
| 2014 | 8 | 7% |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% |
| 2012 | 6 | 2% |
| 2011 | 2 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 22 | 21% |
| 2008 | 24 | 14% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% |
| 2005 | 6 | 8% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 5% |
| 2002 | 21 | 7% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 3% |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 1 | 2% |
| 1993 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2018 Subaru Impreza
64 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
40 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsEngine
11 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