2018 Subaru WRX Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 28%of 43 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Subaru WRX, 28% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,000 miles.
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.
“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“This issue occurs on acceleration , most noticeable when merging onto freeway from on ramp 1/2 throttle , the vehicle starts to accelerate normal then hits around 4200 RPM and the boost gauge goes nuts fluctuating up and down and the vehicle looses power , hesitates , surges ( like a flat spot ) then finally gets a little higher in RPM and it will pick up again through the rest of RPM gauge , most noticeable in lower gears ( mines a 6 speed manual , I have taken the car to dealer on 5/30/18 with 1380 miles on the odometer , huffines Subaru denton texas , tony the service manager drove my car…”
NHTSA complaint #11104249, filed 2018-06, 1,750 miles“******* delete voq ******* this complaint is being marked for deletion because it is requested by the consumer that they wish to have it removed. Djr ******* delete voq *******”
NHTSA complaint #11564630, filed 2024-01, 41,573 miles“Vehicle mileage was 7387 miles. While driving several check engine lights illuminated including traction control, check engine light, ABS, hill decent assist, cruise control icon flashing. Vehicle power was dramatically reduced. Made appointment next day with Subaru dealership. I was informed code p0016 showed up on the diagnosis. It indicated crankshaft position camshaft position correlation bank 1 sensor a. Vehicle was at dealership for close to two weeks. Numerous parts were replaced including oil valve assembly, camshaft sprocket assembly, ecu control unit, guide chains, chain lever, etc. …”
NHTSA complaint #11154864, filed 2018-11, 7,224 miles“Engine Failure rod bearing failure is extremely common. Can leave motorist in danger being stranded on the road. Subaru of America has inspected the engine but claims they are at not fault and refuse to assist. Investigate online how common the motor failure on a fa20dit motor is. I can tell you many owners who are on their 2nd to 3rd motor. This is extremely dangerous and I hope there is a resolution.”
NHTSA complaint #11564282, filed 2024-01Related 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)…
- 11030577Mar 16, 2026In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new voluntary emissions recall for certain 2018 model year WRX and Forester vehicles…
- 11030564Mar 10, 2026This announcement provides information on the voluntary emissions recall WRA-26 for the rear catalyst non-compliance.
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 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).
- 11027081Dec 8, 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…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 7% |
| 2023 | 2 | 22% |
| 2022 | 15 | 60% |
| 2021 | 5 | 38% |
| 2020 | 3 | 17% |
| 2019 | 11 | 37% |
| 2018 | 12 | 28% |
| 2017 | 12 | 23% |
| 2016 | 8 | 26% |
| 2015 | 18 | 35% |
| 2014 | 2 | 33% |
| 2013 | 1 | 14% |
| 2009 | 4 | 10% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 14% |
| 2005 | 2 | 11% |
| 2004 | 2 | 5% |
| 2002 | 2 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2018 Subaru WRX
10 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