2018 Subaru WRX Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 16%of 43 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,875miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the fuel system of the 2018 Subaru WRX, 16% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,875 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“Started car up. Check engine light is on, cruise control flashing. Fuel tank level is flashing. Has gas but the meter is says it’s empty. Took it to a mechanic and they told me it is the fuel pump that’s bad. Called a Subaru dealership and they said there’s no recall for this car. You guys issued a recall for this make and model back in 2020 but for the production date of April. My car was produced in November. Anyway you guys can issue a recall fort car so I can get it fixed?”
NHTSA complaint #11588847, filed 2024-05“Shortly after purchase (within 1 month), a strong raw gasoline vapor odor began entering the passenger cabin, strongest near the driver’s side rear seat and rear wheel well area. The odor intensifies at idle and after short periods of driving, filling the interior cabin with fuel fumes. The smell is so strong that it causes dizziness and headaches when operating the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11681878, filed 2025-08Related recalls
- 21V587000Jul 29, 2021Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86…Covers: Subaru WRX 2018–2019, Outback 2018–2020, Legacy 2018–2020 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- 11018914May 29, 2025This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components…
- 11017438Apr 14, 2025This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components…
- 11012269Dec 31, 2024In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the Warranty coverage time period for the fuel pump impeller to 15 years.
- 11012265Dec 19, 2024This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components…
- 11008275Sep 24, 2024"In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the Warranty coverage time period for the fuel pump impeller to 15 years."
- 11008273Sep 23, 2024Denso low pressure fuel pump warranty extension.
- 11005617Jul 18, 2024This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2021 | 1 | 8% |
| 2020 | 1 | 6% |
| 2019 | 3 | 10% |
| 2018 | 7 | 16% |
| 2017 | 3 | 6% |
| 2016 | 2 | 6% |
| 2015 | 5 | 10% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 4 | 29% |
| 2005 | 12 | 63% |
| 2004 | 35 | 83% |
| 2003 | 20 | 33% |
| 2002 | 295 | 69% |
Other parts of the 2018 Subaru WRX
12 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 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 29, 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