Model year guide

2018 Subaru WRX

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 Subaru WRX is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 27 on record.

2018 Subaru WRX — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Subaru WRX at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints42
Combined19–23 mpg
Typical price$30,404

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2018 Subaru WRX recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #21V587000 · 29/07/2021

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #22V522000 · 21/07/2022

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 5 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2018 Subaru WRX common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2018 Subaru WRX MPG & running costs

Combined19–23 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,933

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2018 Subaru WRX worth?

Low
$23,699
Typical price
$30,404
High
$38,900

From 22 comparable 2018 Subaru WRX listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2018 Subaru WRX costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,665
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,600
Total$26,265
Per mile$0.35

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($30,404) with the same model 3 model-years older ($26,451), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2018 Subaru WRX trims & engines on record

Trims
WRX base+L · WRX mid+L+M/R · STI mid+W+KA+RE · STI high+L+KA+RE+BSD+NAVI(H/K)+M/R · STI-S+KA+RE · STI high+W+KA+RE+BSD+NAVI(H/K)+M/R · STI base+L, STI base+W · WRX high+L+KA+M/R · WRX high+L+KA+BSD+NAVI(H/K)+M/R
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 268 hp · 2.5L 4-cyl 305 hp · 2.5L 4-cyl 310 hp

2018 Subaru WRX vehicles on record

Other Subaru WRX model years

2018 Subaru WRX — frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Subaru WRX have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru WRX. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru WRX?

Across all 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, steering.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Subaru WRX get?

The 2018 Subaru WRX has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

How much is a 2018 Subaru WRX worth?

Comparable 2018 Subaru WRX listings run roughly $23,699–$38,900, typically around $30,404 (from 22 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.