Throttlebook

2018 Subaru WRX

The 2018 Subaru WRX earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 61/100. Expect about $41,727 to own it for five years, or $695 a month. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 43 complaints.

Recalls
2
Complaints
43
5-yr cost
$42k
MPG (EPA)
21
0
Fair
Ownership Score

2018 Subaru WRX vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific WRX?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

2 recalls may apply

For the 2018 Subaru WRX. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

  • What's wrong: 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.

    Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

Check title, accident & odometer history
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5-year cost to own

Estimated $13,750 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$41,727
$695/month · $0.70/mile
Depreciation$3,555
Insurance (national avg.)$12,000
Fuel / charging$9,570
Maintenance$7,000
Repairs$4,000
Loan interest$3,777
Taxes & fees$1,825

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

43 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire
  • Engine12
  • Electrical System10
  • Unknown Or Other8
  • Steering7
  • Fuel/Propulsion System6
  • Power Train6

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars
Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

What to check on a used 2018 Subaru WRX

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

  • Engine and transmission
    • Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
    • Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
  • Electrical and lights
    • Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
    • Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
  • Steering
    • Does the car drift or pull on a straight road?
    • Turn the wheel lock to lock and listen for clunks or whines.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2018 Subaru WRX problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2018 Subaru WRX a good car to buy?
The 2018 Subaru WRX earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 61/100. Expect about $41,727 to own it for five years, or $695 a month. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 43 complaints.
Does the 2018 Subaru WRX have recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru WRX, including Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump; Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights › Switch. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2018 Subaru WRX problems?
Owners filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (12), electrical system (10), steering (7), fuel/propulsion system (6).
How much does a 2018 Subaru WRX cost to own for 5 years?
About $41,727 over 5 years ($695/month) at an estimated $13,750 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.