2018 Subaru WRX engine problems
11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 Subaru WRX — 26% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Oil changes always done, no modifications to vehicle. Driving down road lights all come one and car starts smoking. Rod broke and put hole in engine.”
filed Aug 26, 2025
“I have been experiencing a strong fuel odor both inside and outside the cabin when starting the engine. After several months of experiencing this issue, I recently had my vehicle fully inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership, and they confirmed a critical fuel leak issue. The dealership…”
filed Mar 13, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and…
02-193-24R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 30, 2026This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and…
02-193-24R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 13, 2026
Engine problems in other WRX years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 WRX | 15 | 60% |
| 2019 WRX | 11 | 37% |
| 2017 WRX | 12 | 23% |
| 2016 WRX | 8 | 26% |
| 2015 WRX | 18 | 35% |
| 2009 WRX | 4 | 10% |
| 2008 WRX | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 WRX | 2 | 5% |
| 2002 WRX | 2 | 0% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Subaru WRX
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.