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SteeringPart report

2018 Subaru WRX Steering Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
16%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 7 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Subaru WRX, 16% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,500 miles. 5 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.

“The wheels locked while driving on a clear december day (I don't have exact day) on a winding mountain road full of cliffs. 38 MPH and feet from going off a cliff Subaru say electronic module failed then in another statement from hak at Subaru america they say the two occurrences not related even though they happened simultaneously. We took the car in because of the wheel locking up while moving and they discovered the electronic failure. They maintain the car is safe to drive because they can't recreate the problem . …”

NHTSA complaint #11170277, filed 2019-01, 24,500 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 #11205600, 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

“Unknown. I am unsure of the issue. However, there is an issue. & it is very dangerous... This has happend about 5, or 6 times now. Sometimes when I am making a turn (I believe it is related to the braking), My steering wheel locks up (as if the key isn't in the ignition). It only lasts for a second, or two. But again, it is very dangerous. & I am at my wits end trying to figure out what the issue is. I am unsure of the issue. But, there is an issue. & it is dangerous for myself, & others. I am trying to limit my driving, but I still have bills to pay, & jobs to do. …”

NHTSA complaint #11485364, filed 2022-09

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202118%
201913%
2018716%
2017611%
201626%
201524%
200323%
200210%

Other parts of the 2018 Subaru WRX

Engine
12 complaints
Electrical system
10 complaints
Other or unknown
8 complaints
Fuel system
7 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
6 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
Air bags
3 complaints
Wheels
3 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Electronic stability control
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Body 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 28, 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