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The 2018 Subaru Impreza was released and enthusiasts expected it to follow the long history of reliability and superior drivability. The newest lineup is hailed as being “engineered to last,” but owners tend to experience something very different. With a defective electrical system, a malfunctioning engine and a poorly-built structure, this Impreza doesn’t live up to the brand’s previous reputation.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2018 Subaru Impreza
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Electrical System | |
| Engine | |
| Structure:body | |
| Visibility:windshield | |
| Power Train | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Air Bags |
Problems with the Electrical System
What isn’t the electrical system responsible for? It runs most everything in a modern vehicle. When something fails, it becomes irritating and even dangerous at times.
One Edmunds user talks about electrical issues. “Infotaintment issues: Back up camera did not always come on, GPS did not always work or froze, display would freeze and not allow to change volume etc. – Reprogrammed then eventually replaced. Bluetooth sometimes cuts out on long drives but cannot verify if my phone or infotaintment system.”
While this is annoying, there’s a much larger electrical system issue happening in the background. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V743000 states that the ECM software can short circuit and cause the vehicle to stall. If this occurs, owners are at risk of a collision. Sadly, this problem affects nearly 500,000 vehicles on the road. If it is “engineered to last,” this simple and essential system would work as it should. Yet, even basic functions are failing, which is why it isn’t lasting with today’s driver. Instead, enthusiasts are switching brands.
Problems with the Engine
One thing Subaru used to do right was to create powerful and reliable engines, but the 2018 Impreza ends that reign.
Here is yet another Edmunds review to pay attention to. “I had a 2018 Subaru Impreza. It ran so bad in traffic surging then almost stalling. I took it to the dealer 2 times but they could not recreate the problem so too bad even though it was still under warranty. I am so disappointed. Prior to this car I had a 2011 Impreza and loved it for 180,000 miles. The 2018 is gone now traded in and not for another Subaru.”
Again, the Impreza suffers from a massive recall, this time with the engine. It turns out that more than 200,000 vehicles have a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve that might separate. If this occurs, drivers will experience a loss of power, which again, increases the chance of an accident. Between short circuits and vital parts simply falling apart, this model can’t brag about being “engineered to last” with a straight face. In fact, it must be a sick joke offered by the brand, labeling this lemon as something reliable.
Problems with the Windshield Cracking
Seeing out of the windshield is essential to safety behind the wheel of any car, but this Impreza has some serious concerns to discuss.
Look at this NHTSA complaint. “Purchased this car brand new about a month ago. A large fracture crack appeared in the middle of my windshield, originating from the base underneath the plastic stripping, extending upward in an inverted L-shape. Happened for no apparent reason; the car was stationary, parked inside my closed garage, so there was no reason or cause for a crack to occur. Apparently Subaru is aware of their windshield defects as they recently lost a lawsuit over this issue for their Outback models.”
Subaru doesn’t freely offer up any information about windshield defects, but a quick look at the communications does show structure concerns. Service Bulletin #WTX-83 initiated a program to inspect the driver’s side rear subframe assembly weld. It turns out that many cars require a replacement because of an improper weld. Subaru claims that this mistake won’t affect the safety, but still is noticed by the driving and handling of the Impreza, which is why the company offered to fix it. At this point, one has to wonder what the Impreza was actually engineered for, and what were these engineers doing when designing this car. Parts are failing, welds are done wrong and the car is basically falling apart at the seams. Owners agree that the 2018 Subaru Impreza is no longer impressive at all.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Subaru pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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