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
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.
Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
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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.
| 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.
- Engine12
- Electrical System10
- Unknown Or Other8
- Steering7
- Fuel/Propulsion System6
- Power Train6
Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.
- 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.