2018 Subaru WRX Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 23%of 43 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Subaru WRX, 23% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,500 miles. 2 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.
“Battery drained even though I left no lights on and has happened multiple times. Had to replace battery twice in less than a year. Had battery tested and it was good. Had to jump my car multiple times for dead battery while at work. Vehicle was parked in a parking lot.”
NHTSA complaint #11416770, filed 2021-05, 43,065 miles“In january 2019 at around 10pm pst my 2018 Subaru WRX experienced a serious malfunction. At the time of this incient I was in a secluded, wooded area without cellphone service, as well as being at least 30minutes to the nearest store. This could have been deadly. I was going down a hill at 35mph, it was rainy and difficult to see. At the bottom of this hill was a sharp turn, at this time the safety system actived taking over all control of the vehicle. This caused the steering to lock up, pulling to the far left, towards a 15-20foot drop into a lake. …”
NHTSA complaint #11205591, filed 2019-05, 14,500 miles“In january 2019 around 10pm pst my 2018 Subaru WRX experienced a serious malfunction. At the time of this incient I was in a sucluded, wooded area without cellphone service, as well as being atleast 30minutes to the nearest store. This could have been deadly. I was going down a hill at 35mph, it was very rainy and difficult to see. At the bottom of this hill was a sharp right turn, at this time the safety system actived taking over all control of the vehicle. This caused steering to lock up, turning to the far left. At the right was a 15-20foot drop into a lake. …”
NHTSA complaint #11205605, filed 2019-05, 14,500 miles“When driving my 2018 Subaru WRX premium in the heat with the A/C on it is causing extreme driving conditions with the car stuttering causing fluctuation in speed with the car dragging then propelling dramatically due to the turbo engaging. The erratic change in the performance of the car is not normal and is cause for attention from the manufacturer. I was driving on the freeway and this pulled such an extreme drain on the cars electrical system and cooling system it almost made my car overheat in the middle of fast moving traffic. My car is well maintained and driven responsibly. …”
NHTSA complaint #11354086, filed 2020-09, 50,000 miles“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked in the garage during the winter months and while attempting to drive the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The contact stated he charged the battery and he was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and he replaced the battery himself. However, the failure reoccurred, and he was unable to restart the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11432906, filed 2021-09, 5,000 milesRelated service bulletins
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- 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…
- 11030560Mar 26, 2026This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant…
- 11030567Mar 16, 2026This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 12% |
| 2021 | 2 | 15% |
| 2020 | 6 | 33% |
| 2019 | 14 | 47% |
| 2018 | 10 | 23% |
| 2017 | 14 | 26% |
| 2016 | 10 | 32% |
| 2015 | 6 | 12% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2018 Subaru WRX
12 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Subaru WRX
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