2018 Subaru WRX

Refused to change the rear catalyst due to a modification. I said I would return it back to the original factory tune and they said it was impossible and refused to do it. The tune physically wouldn’t stop them from changing the catalytic converter. They said that the ecu would let them. I can put the factory CID on the vehicle for the work to be done. The catalyst threshold is below efficiency and it’s their mistake. This is now going to cost me out of pocket which is not fair. Again this tune can be ininstalled back to factory so they can reflash the ecu like they need to. They refused to answer my questions and sent me away. Now on this website they must have reported it being fixed but it has not absolutely.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Subaru Orange Coast and Ocean Subaru of Fullerton refused to work on my recall due to my car has aftermarket parts not related to the recall. The dealership is very keen in extorting money to the naïve customers instead of fixing the safety issue with my car.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2/17/2026 Mileage 96,000 Subaru case number Case # 260217-2101937 Vehicle intermittently indicates reverse gear while driving forward at speed. Backup camera activates and reverse lights illuminate while in forward motion. This condition matches NHTSA Recall 22V-522000. The recall repair was previously performed but the safety defect persists. Manufacturer was contacted and declined further repair despite active safety condition.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Shortly after purchase (within 1 month), a strong raw gasoline vapor odor began entering the passenger cabin, strongest near the driver’s side rear seat and rear wheel well area. The odor intensifies at idle and after short periods of driving, filling the interior cabin with fuel fumes. The smell is so strong that it causes dizziness and headaches when operating the vehicle. This is not an isolated occurrence — Subaru’s own service technicians were able to replicate the issue and confirmed the smell, but reported that smoke and pressure testing showed “no leaks.” Despite replacing the evaporative canister, purge valve, and fuel check valve, the problem persists. The dealership has admitted they cannot determine the source of the vapors. Safety Concern: This condition presents a serious safety hazard because: •Fuel vapors are toxic and pose an immediate health risk to occupants breathing them inside a closed cabin. •Gasoline vapors are highly flammable, creating a potential fire/explosion risk if vapors accumulate near ignition sources. •Subaru has suggested the condition is “normal under certain circumstances” and advised me to alter my driving habits (avoid idling, use engine braking). This is not an acceptable or safe resolution. Attempts to Remedy: •Vehicle has been at the Subaru dealership for over two weeks. •Multiple components in the evaporative emission system were replaced (canister, check valve, purge vent). •Subaru engineers have been contacted but no permanent fix has been provided. •Dealership admitted another customer reported a similar issue in a newer model, but stated it was “normal.” Summary: This is not normal vehicle operation. A car cabin filling with raw fuel vapor represents a defect affecting safety. Subaru has failed to remedy the issue despite multiple repair attempts, and is minimizing it rather than acknowledging it as a defect.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

When accelerating from a stop, the car is having trouble accelerating despite having the accelerator fully depressed. The engine sounds like it is roaring, but hardly any power is being produced. When the vehicle hits about 35-40mph, the engine surges and then full power is produced. It feels like potentially an issue with the turbo or the transmsission. This is creating a significant safety hazard as the vehicle is behaving unpredictable and could lead to an accident when having to accelerate into traffic or merge. The vehicle has already had 3 CVT transmission replacements under factory warranty. The vehicle currently has approximately 47,000 miles but is outside factory warranty now.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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 discovered that the high-pressure fuel pipe is leaking, as confirmed by a camera inspection of the engine bay. They have deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive and have strongly advised against further use due to the potential fire hazard. It is important to note that my vehicle has never been involved in an accident, and no prior mechanical work has been performed in the affected area, which suggests this may be a manufacturing defect.

Reported

Mar 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Cluth was replaced at a little over 50,000 miles and throw out bearing failed within 200 miles of the break in period. Took it back to dealer and they found that the throw out bearing was faulty and they replaced it. A year later same sound that was heard after replacement came back (almost like a chirping sound), took the car in for them to examine the car and determine if the throw out bearing waa faulty again. Associate who helped indicated that if it was the throw out bearing it would be covered, once the mechanic checked the car they found a front valve leak, at first indicated that the throw out bearing was fine and then changed that. They also indicated that the entire clutch needed to replace again even though it was just replaced a year ago. They indicated that there were hot spots on the clutch and that it was due to my driving. I did reach out to SOA but they indicated that the dealer told them that it was my fault and they shouldn't help me.

Reported

Sep 2024

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Fuel pump failing Reverse switch failing

Reported

Sep 2024

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I bought a 2018 Subaru WRX with 61,000 miles, After driving it 6,000 miles with engine spun a rod bearing, requiring a complete engine replacement. This is a vehicle that in the previous 4th generation of the car, it was recalled for this exact issue. the total repair bill for this fix is $11,720.43. This is on a car with 67,000 miles. 7,000 miles over Subaru's manufacture warranty. After speaking with a few service advisors at Subaru. it is my belief, that this is a known issue with this model.

Reported

Jul 2024

Incident date

Jul 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Started car up. Check engine light is on, cruise control flashing. Fuel tank level is flashing. Has gas but the meter is says it’s empty. Took it to a mechanic and they told me it is the fuel pump that’s bad. Called a Subaru dealership and they said there’s no recall for this car. You guys issued a recall for this make and model back in 2020 but for the production date of April. My car was produced in November. Anyway you guys can issue a recall fort car so I can get it fixed?

Reported

May 2024

Incident date

May 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Engine rod knock at 32,000 miles due to bearing failure causing loss of control of vehicle and sudden loss of power and control. Car was logged to be traveling at 35 mph with normal acceleration at time of failure. Carter Subaru confirmed bearing failure, and fits with the pattern confirmed in 2012-2017 WRX STi engine failure class action settlement, as part in 2018 remains unchanged from 2017 according to mechanics. Head mechanic at dealership confirmed that only car modification (intake) would not cause catastrophic loss of oil leading to bearing failure, and thus it is likely due to engine design that leads to poor oil circulation as a known issue in this EJ25 engine type. Engine components have been inspected by Carter Subaru, and have been made available to Subaru of America, along with images, videos, pictures, receipts, logs, records, computer/ECU data, receipts, tool purchases, and other maintenance and service logs for the car (including prior to ownership). Dealership acknowledges that the car maintenance exceeded the manufacturer recommendation, yet engine still failed even with oil changes done at 3,000 mile intervals... While manual states much higher interval to follow. Engine still failed at increased oil change levels. Problem appeared once engine started knocking, which means the engine has already suffered irreversible engine failure and needs to be replaced, according to Subaru. Subaru of America assigned a customer advocate but has been incommunicado for the duration of the investigation and refuses to answer or even acknowledge that a claim has been opened, as they constantly cite erroneous interactions with the vehicle owner.

Reported

Mar 2024

Incident date

Mar 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED. DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

Reported

Jan 2024

Incident date

Dec 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED. DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

Reported

Jan 2024

Incident date

Dec 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Engine Failure rod bearing failure is extremely common. Can leave motorist in danger being stranded on the road. Subaru of America has inspected the engine but claims they are at not fault and refuse to assist. Investigate online how common the motor failure on a fa20dit motor is. I can tell you many owners who are on their 2nd to 3rd motor. This is extremely dangerous and I hope there is a resolution.

Reported

Jan 2024

Incident date

Nov 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The transmission began leaking fluid and has experienced slippage while driving. I took the vehicle to Hendrick Subaru in Feb. 2023 for diagnostics and was told the leak was unserviceable and needed replacement. I was told they detected minor slippage at the time. It is now June 2023 and the dealer is telling me that the transmission is not going to be replaced, but rather "resealed" and they are now claiming there is no record of it ever slipping and they cannot replicate it. Subaru took months to approve any type of repair so I was forced to drive my vehicle while it continued to leak transmission fluid, which could have potentially caused additional damage.

Reported

Jun 2023

Incident date

Feb 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Headlight deflector burning/melting.not properly deflecting light to properly lighting up the road .they acknowledged the problem but said they would have replaced them if I brought it in before 3 years or 36,000 miles .no not inspected .no indication of symptoms prior to failure.

Reported

Mar 2023

Incident date

Jan 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Unknown. I am unsure of the issue. However, there is an issue. & it is very dangerous... This has happend about 5, or 6 times now. Sometimes when I am making a turn (I believe it is related to the braking), My steering wheel locks up (as if the key isn't in the ignition). It only lasts for a second, or two. But again, it is very dangerous. & I am at my wits end trying to figure out what the issue is. I am unsure of the issue. But, there is an issue. & it is dangerous for myself, & others. I am trying to limit my driving, but I still have bills to pay, & jobs to do. So please get back to me at your earliest convenience. Thank You, & God Bless.

Reported

Sep 2022

Incident date

Sep 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

We tool the car to the DMV to get the plates and rhey told us the car had a recall. They stated the Fuel pump may fail. However, we were unaware.

Reported

Jun 2022

Incident date

May 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Parasitic battery drain. Car is rendered inoperable after periods of non use. The batter has been replaced and the problem persists.

Reported

Jan 2022

Incident date

Jan 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Battery dies and vehicle is unable to start after short periods of being turned off. This has left me stranded in unsafe areas and can pose a major safety hazard. Vehicle has been inspected and no issues found by Subaru dealer. No warning lights or other notifications, vehicle simply does not start.

Reported

Jan 2022

Incident date

Jan 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked in the garage during the winter months and while attempting to drive the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The contact stated he charged the battery and he was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and he replaced the battery himself. However, the failure reoccurred, and he was unable to restart the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

Reported

Sep 2021

Incident date

Apr 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

BATTERY DRAINED EVEN THOUGH I LEFT NO LIGHTS ON AND HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. HAD TO REPLACE BATTERY TWICE IN LESS THAN A YEAR. HAD BATTERY TESTED AND IT WAS GOOD. HAD TO JUMP MY CAR MULTIPLE TIMES FOR DEAD BATTERY WHILE AT WORK. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT.

Reported

May 2021

Incident date

Mar 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

BATTERY DRAINING BEGINNING IN DECEMBER 2019 BUT STILL EXISTS

Reported

May 2021

Incident date

Dec 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WOKE UP ONE DAY TO MY WINDSHIELD HAVING A SMALLER CRACK THAT WAS NOT THERE BEFORE. WAS A COLD NIGHT CRACK HAS SPREAD, ASKED SUBARU IF THEY WOULD COVER THE COST THEY DIDN'T BUT ITS A KNOWN DEFECT IN SUBARU

Reported

Jan 2021

Incident date

Oct 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WINDSHIELD CHIPPED/CRACKED WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY.

Reported

Dec 2020

Incident date

Jan 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

WHEN DRIVING MY 2018 SUBARU WRX PREMIUM IN THE HEAT WITH THE A/C ON IT IS CAUSING EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WITH THE CAR STUTTERING CAUSING FLUCTUATION IN SPEED WITH THE CAR DRAGGING THEN PROPELLING DRAMATICALLY DUE TO THE TURBO ENGAGING. THE ERRATIC CHANGE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CAR IS NOT NORMAL AND IS CAUSE FOR ATTENTION FROM THE MANUFACTURER. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THIS PULLED SUCH AN EXTREME DRAIN ON THE CARS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND COOLING SYSTEM IT ALMOST MADE MY CAR OVERHEAT IN THE MIDDLE OF FAST MOVING TRAFFIC. MY CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED AND DRIVEN RESPONSIBLY. I HAD MY FAMILY IN THE CAR AND THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A TRAGGIC SITUATION AS THE FREEWAYS HERE IN CALIFORNIA ARE VERY UNFORGIVING.

Reported

Sep 2020

Incident date

Sep 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

DEFECTIVE THROW-OUT BEARING AND FORK IN THE SIX SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY BURNING THE CLUTCH IN 3 MONTHS TO 3000 MILES AFTER REPAIR WITH REPLACEMENT PART. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE IN A BRAND NEW VEHICLE AFTER REPAIR AT DEALERSHIP. PURCHASED 2018 WRX WITH 13,000 MILES ON FEBRUARY 17, 2020 AND IT IS NOW JULY 2020 SINCE THEN, ON MY THIRD THROW OUT BEARING REPLACEMENT. I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR, LET THE CLUTCH OUT ALL THE WAY OUT, PUSH THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR REVS UP AND SLIPS AND DOESNT MOVE IN MOVING TRAFFIC! IT COMPLETELY STOPS IN THE ROAD, I PHYSICALLY HAD TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND PUSH THE CAR OFF THE ROAD AND HAVE A TOW TRUCK TOW IT TO THE DEALERSHIP! THROW-OUT BEARING FORK BURNT OUT SMOKES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. A COMMON DEFECTIVE ISSUE ON THIS MODEL 2018 SUBARU WRX THE DEALERS KNOW THIS AND THROW OUT BEARING IN TRANSMISSION IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY MULTIPLE DUPLICATE SUBARU SERVICES PERFORMED WITH SAME DEFECTIVE THROW OUT BEARING THE MANUFACTURER HAS CREATED A NEW RELEASE OF BEARINGS AND INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN THE 2018 LEGACY, OUTBACK, IMPREZA, CROSSTREK AND FORESTER. BUT NOT THE WRX! FACT CHECK HTTPS://STATIC.OEMDTC.COM/TSB/MC-10150949-9999.PDF THROW OUT BEARING FORK IS RUSTED FROM MAJOR HEAT FRICTION AND CORRODED BURNT BLACK AND ORANGE RUST PARTICLES ON THE 3 MONTH OLD TRANSMISSION INTERIOR IN 3000 MILES OF DRIVING A BRAND NEW VEHICLE AND CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL ARE COMPLETELY BURNT TO HELL. THE THROW OUT BEARING MAKES A LOUD CHIRPING NOISE FROM THE TRANSMISSION WITHIN THE BELLHOUSING OF THE TRANSMISSION EVERY DAY. THOUSANDS OF WRX OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME THROW-OUT BEARING ISSUE AND THE DEALER IS CHARGING CUSTOMERS FOR THESE REPAIRS OF THEIR FACTORY DEFECTIVE SLIPPING TRANSMISSION IN THE 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. IT IS A RIP OFF AND LEMON

Reported

Jul 2020

Incident date

Feb 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Fire

DEFECTIVE OEM THROW-OUT BEARING AND FORK IN THE SIX SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY BURNING THE CLUTCH IN 3 MONTHS TO 3000 MILES AFTER REPAIR WITH REPLACEMENT PART. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE IN A BRAND NEW VEHICLE AFTER REPAIR AT DEALERSHIP. PURCHASED 2018 WRX WITH 13,000 MILES ON FEBRUARY 17, 2020 AND IT IS NOW JULY 2020 SINCE THEN, ON MY THIRD THROW OUT BEARING REPLACEMENT. I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR, LET THE CLUTCH OUT ALL THE WAY OUT, PUSH THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR REVS UP AND SLIPS AND DOESNT MOVE IN MOVING TRAFFIC! IT COMPLETELY STOPS IN THE ROAD, I PHYSICALLY HAD TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND PUSH THE CAR OFF THE ROAD AND HAVE A TOW TRUCK TOW IT TO THE DEALERSHIP! THROW-OUT BEARING FORK BURNT OUT SMOKES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. A COMMON DEFECTIVE ISSUE ON THIS MODEL 2018 SUBARU WRX THE DEALERS KNOW THIS AND THROW OUT BEARING IN TRANSMISSION IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY MULTIPLE DUPLICATE SUBARU SERVICES PERFORMED WITH SAME DEFECTIVE THROW OUT BEARING THE MANUFACTURER HAS CREATED A NEW RELEASE OF BEARINGS AND INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN THE 2018 LEGACY, OUTBACK, IMPREZA, CROSSTREK AND FORESTER. BUT NOT THE WRX! FACT CHECK HTTPS://STATIC.OEMDTC.COM/TSB/MC-10150949-9999.PDF THROW OUT BEARING FORK IS RUSTED FROM MAJOR HEAT FRICTION AND CORRODED BURNT BLACK AND ORANGE RUST PARTICLES ON THE 3 MONTH OLD TRANSMISSION INTERIOR IN 3000 MILES OF DRIVING A BRAND NEW VEHICLE AND CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL ARE COMPLETELY BURNT TO HELL. THE THROW OUT BEARING MAKES A LOUD CHIRPING NOISE FROM THE TRANSMISSION WITHIN THE BELLHOUSING OF THE TRANSMISSION EVERY DAY. THOUSANDS OF WRX OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME THROW-OUT BEARING ISSUE AND THE DEALER IS CHARGING CUSTOMERS FOR THESE REPAIRS OF THEIR FACTORY DEFECTIVE SLIPPING TRANSMISSION IN THE 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION.! IT IS A RIP OFF AND LEMON

Reported

Jul 2020

Incident date

Feb 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE WIND SHIELD CRACKED ALONG THE MOST SUPERIOR BORDER OF THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS NOTHING VISIBLE OR AUDIBLE THAT HAD CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK DURING MY 10 MINUTE COMMUTE. THERE WAS ALSO LITTLE TO NO TRAFFIC. THE CRACK WAS LARGE ENOUGH THAT I HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD. I AM ONLY REPORTING THIS NOW BECAUSE I SUSPECT THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED SECONDARY TO BEING ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD'S THAT SUBARU IS UNDER SCRUTINY FOR. UNFORTUNATELY, I NO LONGER HAVE PICTURES OF THE CRACKED WINDSHIELD; HOWEVER, I HAVE ATTACHED MY RECEIPT FROM SAFELITE AUTOGLASS.

Reported

Jun 2020

Incident date

Apr 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

SUNROOF EXPLODED DRIVING ON HIGHWAY GOING ROUGHLY 65MPH. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVEN FOR 2 DAYS PRIOR DUE TO SNOW IN THE AREA, MEANING 2 OR 3 INCHES OF SNOW WAS SITTING ON TOP OF THE CAR THE PREVIOUS TWO DAYS. THE NIGHT PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT THE TEMPERATURE ROSE IN THE AREA TO AROUND 40 DEGREE F. THE MORNING OF THE INCIDENT THE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND 38 DEGREES F. THE DEFROST WAS ON IN THE CAR AND THE SUNROOF COVER WAS CLOSED. THE CAR IS FITTED WITH A SUNROOF DEFLECTOR ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR AND ROOF RACKS ARE INSTALLED. FOR DEBRIS TO HIT TOP OF THE VEHICLE FROM ANOTHER MOVING CAR IS VERY UNLIKELY. THERE WERE NO OVERPASSES OR BRIDGES THAT WERE PASSED UNDER DURING THE INCIDENT.

Reported

Jan 2020

Incident date

Jan 2020

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 SUBARU WRX STI. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 5-10 MPH, A 2009 CHEVROLET HHR T-BONED HIS VEHICLE AND PUSHED IT 60 FEET. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED YOUNG SUBARU (3920 RIVERDALE RD, OGDEN, UT 84405, (801) 528-9342) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1-46604412545. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,028. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Reported

Nov 2019

Incident date

Aug 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 2 injuries

IN JANUARY 2019 AT AROUND 10PM PST MY 2018 SUBARU WRX EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIENT I WAS IN A SECLUDED, WOODED AREA WITHOUT CELLPHONE SERVICE, AS WELL AS BEING AT LEAST 30MINUTES TO THE NEAREST STORE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I WAS GOING DOWN A HILL AT 35MPH, IT WAS RAINY AND DIFFICULT TO SEE. AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS HILL WAS A SHARP TURN, AT THIS TIME THE SAFETY SYSTEM ACTIVED TAKING OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED THE STEERING TO LOCK UP, PULLING TO THE FAR LEFT, TOWARDS A 15-20FOOT DROP INTO A LAKE. THE APPROACHING TURN I WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE WAS A SHARP RIGHT. STILL UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT INTO THE FAST APPROACHING LAKE. SHORTLY BEFORE THE ENDGE OF THE ROAD I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT. AGAIN STEERING LOCKED UP, NOW FORCING ME FAR RIGHT. AT THE RIGHT WAS DENSE TREES, BUSHES, AND SHRUBS. NARROWLY ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL BEFORE GOING HEAD-ON INTO A TREE, I FORCED THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO THE LEFT. I ENDED UP STRIKING SOME BUSHES AND A TREE STUMP. CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR, SCRATCHES TO BOTH PASSENGER DOORS, AND A DEEP DENT ON THE LOWER REAR DOOR AND QUARTER PANNEL. THIS IS WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE COLLIDED WITH A TREE STUMP, TAKING THE 35MPH BRUNT IMPACT THAT STOPPED THE CAR INSTANTLY. THE TIRE WAS SEPARATED FROM THE RIM BY A TREE BRANCH, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS BENT AND CRACKED, THE ENTIRE REAR DRIVE TRAIN WAS PUSH TO THE RIGHT CAUSING THE ALIGNMENT OF THE DRIVER SIDE LEFT TIRE TO BE PUSHED OUT AS WELL. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS 100% IMMOBILE AT THIS POINT AS THE REAR TIRE WOULDN'T MOVE. AFTER SPENDING AN HOUR I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE OLD TIRED AND PUT ON THE DOUGHT. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT CASUED THIS MANY TIMES AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. I AM SCARED OF THIS CAR AND WILL NEVER OWN A SUBARU AGAIN.

Reported

May 2019

Incident date

Jan 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

IN JANUARY 2019 AROUND 10PM PST MY 2018 SUBARU WRX EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIENT I WAS IN A SUCLUDED, WOODED AREA WITHOUT CELLPHONE SERVICE, AS WELL AS BEING ATLEAST 30MINUTES TO THE NEAREST STORE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I WAS GOING DOWN A HILL AT 35MPH, IT WAS VERY RAINY AND DIFFICULT TO SEE. AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS HILL WAS A SHARP RIGHT TURN, AT THIS TIME THE SAFETY SYSTEM ACTIVED TAKING OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED STEERING TO LOCK UP, TURNING TO THE FAR LEFT. AT THE RIGHT WAS A 15-20FOOT DROP INTO A LAKE. THE TURN I WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE WAS A SHARP RIGHT. STILL UNABLE REGAIN CONTROL AND WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT TOWARDS THE FAST APPROACHING LAKE. SHORTLY BEFORE DROPOFF I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE STERRING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. BUT STEERING AGAIN LOCKED UP AND FORCED ME TO THE FAR RIGHT. OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT WAS HEAVLY WOODED. NAROWLY ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF STERRING I CRASHED THROUGH BUSHES. CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE FOLLOWING; PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR, SCRATCHES TO WHOLE PASSENGER SIDE, DEEP DENT ON LOWER REAR DOOR AND QUARTER PANEL. REAR PASSENGER TIRE COLLIDED WITH A TREE STUMP WITH IMPACT AT 35MPH STOPPING THE CAR INSTANTLY. TIRE WAS SEPARATED FROM THE RIM BY A TREE BRANCH, LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS BENT AND CRACKED, ENTIRE REAR DRIVE AXLE WAS PUSH TO THE RIGHT CAUSEING ALIGNMENT OF THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE TO BE PUSHED OUT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HIT MY HEAD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. THE CAR WAS 100% UNDRIVABLE TIRE WOULDN'T MOVE. TAKING DAMAGE TIRE OFF AND PUTTING ON DONUGT TOOK OVER AN HOUR, I COULDN'T GET THE DAMAGED TIRE OFF. A LOT MORE TO THIS AS WELL. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE MANY TIMES AND DEALERSHIP DID NOTHING. I AM SCARED OF THIS CAR AND WILL NEVER OWN A SUBARU AGAIN. I WANT THIS CAR GONE!!!! SOMETHING OF THIS NATURE HAPPENS EVERYDAY WITH MY CAR. JUST ONCE IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT

Reported

May 2019

Incident date

Jan 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

IN JANUARY 2019 AROUND 10PM PST MY 2018 SUBARU WRX EXPERIENCED A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION. AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIENT I WAS IN A SUCLUDED, WOODED AREA WITHOUT CELLPHONE SERVICE, AS WELL AS BEING ATLEAST 30MINUTES TO THE NEAREST STORE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I WAS GOING DOWN A HILL AT 35MPH, IT WAS VERY RAINY AND DIFFICULT TO SEE. AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS HILL WAS A SHARP RIGHT TURN, AT THIS TIME THE SAFETY SYSTEM ACTIVED TAKING OVER ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED STEERING TO LOCK UP, TURNING TO THE FAR LEFT. AT THE RIGHT WAS A 15-20FOOT DROP INTO A LAKE. THE TURN I WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE WAS A SHARP RIGHT. STILL UNABLE REGAIN CONTROL AND WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT TOWARDS THE FAST APPROACHING LAKE. SHORTLY BEFORE DROPOFF I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE STERRING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. BUT STEERING AGAIN LOCKED UP AND FORCED ME TO THE FAR RIGHT. OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT WAS HEAVLY WOODED. NAROWLY ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF STERRING I CRASHED THROUGH BUSHES. CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO THE FOLLOWING; PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR, SCRATCHES TO WHOLE PASSENGER SIDE, DEEP DENT ON LOWER REAR DOOR AND QUARTER PANEL. REAR PASSENGER TIRE COLLIDED WITH A TREE STUMP WITH IMPACT AT 35MPH STOPPING THE CAR INSTANTLY. TIRE WAS SEPARATED FROM THE RIM BY A TREE BRANCH, LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS BENT AND CRACKED, ENTIRE REAR DRIVE AXLE WAS PUSH TO THE RIGHT CAUSEING ALIGNMENT OF THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE TO BE PUSHED OUT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HIT MY HEAD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. THE CAR WAS 100% UNDRIVABLE TIRE WOULDN'T MOVE. TAKING DAMAGE TIRE OFF AND PUTTING ON DONUGT TOOK OVER AN HOUR, I COULDN'T GET THE DAMAGED TIRE OFF. A LOT MORE TO THIS AS WELL. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE MANY TIMES AND DEALERSHIP DID NOTHING. I AM SCARED OF THIS CAR AND WILL NEVER OWN A SUBARU AGAIN. THIS IS ONE OF DOZENS OF ISSUES I HAVE WITH THIS CAR. ITS GETTING WORSE BUT THE DEALER WONT CARE UNTIL I GET HURT

Reported

May 2019

Incident date

Jan 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING. TOOK TO DEALER UNDER WARRANTY AND DENIED CLAIM.

Reported

Apr 2019

Incident date

Mar 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ADVISING CYLINDER MISFIRE ADVISING RINGLAND OISTON FAILURE SPARKNPLUG DESTROYED

Reported

Apr 2019

Incident date

Apr 2019

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE WHEELS LOCKED WHILE DRIVING ON A CLEAR DECEMBER DAY (I DON'T HAVE EXACT DAY) ON A WINDING MOUNTAIN ROAD FULL OF CLIFFS. 38 MPH AND FEET FROM GOING OFF A CLIFF SUBARU SAY ELECTRONIC MODULE FAILED THEN IN ANOTHER STATEMENT FROM HAK AT SUBARU AMERICA THEY SAY THE TWO OCCURRENCES NOT RELATED EVEN THOUGH THEY HAPPENED SIMULTANEOUSLY. WE TOOK THE CAR IN BECAUSE OF THE WHEEL LOCKING UP WHILE MOVING AND THEY DISCOVERED THE ELECTRONIC FAILURE. THEY MAINTAIN THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE "BECAUSE THEY CAN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM". SUBARU FAIRFIELD HAS PROMISED US HELP BUT HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT ISSUE THREATS WHEN NO ONE FROM SUBARU AMERICA EVEN CALLS US! THE CARS HAVE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND NO ONE WANTS TO DRIVE IT INCLUDING THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN. THEY DROVE IT 20 MILES WHEN THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE TESTING IT. WE HAVE DATE/TIME STAMPED PHOTOS! WE WERE TOLD THIS IS A "RARE" SAFETY FAILURE YET THEY TREAT US LIKE NORMAL AND LIE ABOUT EVEN TEST DRIVING IT. THIS IS SO UNSAFE THAT A CAR WHEEL STOPS MOVING LIKE THE ENGINE IS OFF YET THE CAR IS RUNNINGT!!! SHE DECIDED TRY AND JERK THE WHEEL SUPER HARD AND FORTUNATELY IT FINALLY MOVED AND SHE DID NOT GO OVER THE CLIFF AND FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC COMING IN THE OPPOSING LANE AS SHE CROSSED THE YELLOW LINES ETC. SHE HAD A SORE BACK FOR MANY DAYS FROM THE FORCE OF JERKING THE WHEEL AND WAS LEFT SHAKEN AND DISTURBED WITH NO WHERE TO PULL OVER. SUBARU AMERICA REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER REQUESTED THE DETAILS AND WAS SUPPOSED TO CONTACT US BUT NO ONE HAS. WE NAIVELY BELOVED THE DEALER THAT THEY WERE TRYING TO HELP US INSTEAD TODAY I GET AN EMAIL SAYING THE WILL NOW CHARGE US STORAGE OF $175 X DAY IF WE DON'T COLLECT THE CAR. I SENT THEM NOTIFICATION THAT WE ARE SURRENDERING THE LEASE AS WE WILL NEVER GET IN THIS CAR AGAIN. DONT BUY A WRX!!!!!

Reported

Jan 2019

Incident date

Dec 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

1 injuries

VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS 7387 MILES. WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INCLUDING TRACTION CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ABS, HILL DECENT ASSIST, CRUISE CONTROL ICON FLASHING. VEHICLE POWER WAS DRAMATICALLY REDUCED. MADE APPOINTMENT NEXT DAY WITH SUBARU DEALERSHIP. I WAS INFORMED CODE P0016 SHOWED UP ON THE DIAGNOSIS. IT INDICATED CRANKSHAFT POSITION CAMSHAFT POSITION CORRELATION BANK 1 SENSOR A. VEHICLE WAS AT DEALERSHIP FOR CLOSE TO TWO WEEKS. NUMEROUS PARTS WERE REPLACED INCLUDING OIL VALVE ASSEMBLY, CAMSHAFT SPROCKET ASSEMBLY, ECU CONTROL UNIT, GUIDE CHAINS, CHAIN LEVER, ETC. I HAVE INVOICE FROM DEALERSHIP DETAILING ALL PARTS REPLACED. ALTHOUGH COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH UNDER 8000 SHOULDN'T ENCOUNTER THESE ISSUES.

Reported

Nov 2018

Incident date

May 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WAS SLAMMED ON MY 2018 SUBARU WRX. THIS CAUSED ALL OF THE SIDE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY- INCLUDING THE AIRBAG IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WITH THE ENGINE ON. THERE WAS NO IMPACT ASIDE FROM THE DOOR BEING SLAMMED FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS OCCURRED IN A PARKING LOT.

Reported

Oct 2018

Incident date

Oct 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THIS ISSUE OCCURS ON ACCELERATION , MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN MERGING ONTO FREEWAY FROM ON RAMP 1/2 THROTTLE , THE VEHICLE STARTS TO ACCELERATE NORMAL THEN HITS AROUND 4200 RPM AND THE BOOST GAUGE GOES NUTS FLUCTUATING UP AND DOWN AND THE VEHICLE LOOSES POWER , HESITATES , SURGES ( LIKE A FLAT SPOT ) THEN FINALLY GETS A LITTLE HIGHER IN RPM AND IT WILL PICK UP AGAIN THROUGH THE REST OF RPM GAUGE , MOST NOTICEABLE IN LOWER GEARS ( MINES A 6 SPEED MANUAL , I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO DEALER ON 5/30/18 WITH 1380 MILES ON THE ODOMETER , HUFFINES SUBARU DENTON TEXAS , TONY THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE MY CAR AND DUPLICATED THE COMPLAINT , HE THEN PROCEEDED TO GET ANOTHER NEW WRX OFF THE LOT SIMILAR TO MINE AND AGAIN DUPLICATED THE COMPLAINT ( SO THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ) THE DEALER CLAIMS ITS JUST A DESIGN IN THE CAR , ITS VERY UNSAFE AS YOU THINK YOU WILL GET UP TO SPEED AND THEN IT HESITATES WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT , THE DEALER DID SAY THEY WOULD OPEN A CASE WITH SUBARU TECHLINE WHICH THEY DID NOT , SO I CALLED SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FILED A COMPLAINT , THEY CALL BACK 2 DAYS LATER AND TELL ME WE SPOKE TO DEALER NOTHING WE CAN DO , SO I PROCEEDED TO DO AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND NUMEROUS PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE ON 17-18 WRX MODELS , I CURRENTLY HAVE 2006 MILES ON THE CAR AND ITS STILL DOING THIS , NOT SURE IF ITS A DRIVE BY WIRE , THROTTLE MAP ISSUE OR A FLAW IN THE FACTORY TUNING CAUSING THIS BUT IT NEEDS TO TO BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED , VEHICLE GIVES FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY ON ACCELLERATION .

Reported

Jun 2018

Incident date

May 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THIS IS AN ISSUE REGARDING THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. FOR UNKNOWN REASONS PART OF IT SEEMS TO BE MELTING FROM THE INSIDE. THIS TO ME CAN BE A SAFETY OR EVEN FIRE HAZARD.

Reported

Jun 2018

Incident date

Jun 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU WRX. WHILE DRIVING AND AFTER SHIFTING THE GEAR, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND CRASHED INTO SOME BUSHES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SUBARU OF SANTA FE (7511B CERRILLOS RD, SANTA FE, NM 87507), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Reported

May 2018

Incident date

May 2018

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2018 SUBARU WRX. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 25 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL REMAINED IN A TURNED POSITION AFTER THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED A BROKEN NOSE AND A SWOLLEN EYE. THE DRIVER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TRANSFERRED TO BRUNSWICK SUBARU (2992 CENTER RD, BRUNSWICK, OH 44212) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PLANNED TO INVESTIGATE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,055.

Reported

Oct 2017

Incident date

Sep 2017

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash 1 injuries

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.

Remedy: 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.

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.

Risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.