*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Power train
COMPONENT & AVAILABILITY: The Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) system suffered internal mechanical/hydraulic failure (TR580 unit). The vehicle and transmission assembly remain intact and available for immediate inspection upon request. SAFETY RISK: The transmission experienced erratic downshifting, slipping, and failure of proper engagement, creating an imminent risk of sudden deceleration, complete loss of motive power, and stalling in traffic. After diagnostic codes were cleared during an independent reassembly, Subaru of America and its dealer (Berman Subaru of Chicago) refused to inspect or repair the defect, directing that the vehicle be driven until it re-fails…
May 26, 2026Visibility/wiper
Spontaneous crack in passenger side of windshield 5 times in a row!!
Sep 17, 2026Steering
Vehicle Information: 2018 Subaru ImprezaVIN: [XXX] Affected: Steering (Electronic Power Steering / EPS Gear Box Assembly)Description of the Safety Defect:I am reporting a severe safety defect regarding a sudden and total loss of power steering assist while driving my 2018 Subaru Impreza.The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) gear box assembly experienced a catastrophic failure, resulting in an immediate, heavy steering condition that severely impacted my ability to control the vehicle safely. Upon inspection, the EPS gear box housing was found to have suffered structural failure/cracking due to environmental corrosion.This is a well-documented safety hazard for this vehicle generation. Subaru…
Jun 16, 2026Unknown or other
I bought a new Subaru Impreza and there is a cam carrier leak that was reported last time I took it for service at the dealership two weeks ago. There are only 41k miles on the car, and there were no warning lights/messages. Upon my research, this is a common problem with Subarus due to the sealant that they use with a very high cost to fix (I was quoted $4.5k), not mentioning the time it takes as well. Additionally, fixing the problem does not prevent it from recurrence. Because this puts the safety of the driver at risk and is a known problem in newer Subaru vehicles, it should be covered under the warranty.
May 1, 2026Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the high-temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an engine reseal had failed and needed to be redone. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Feb 19, 2026 · 106,000 milesUnknown or other
The problem started on towards the end of Dec 2025. The primary latch that holds the hood down failed, and the safety latch kept the hood from flying off. I pulled the car over and shut it, and it seemed okay. Because the hood hadn't been lifted for a few days ( since its last service ), I was at a loss as to what could be causing it. Since then, it's happened several times. I've also examined the latch, and it appears to be fine. When it pops up, the safety latch catches it, and I pull over and close it. My next step is to have a mechanic put in a new latch. The car has 95,000 miles on the ticker,
Dec 22, 2025Electrical system
My vehicle has repeatedly displayed a âlow tire pressureâ warning despite having been serviced twice for this issue. In addition, there is an open case with Subaru of America regarding ongoing performance concerns â fuel tank?! In addition, I have reported both verbally and in writing to the dealership that my car often loses power when driving uphill and, at times, runs unevenly or hesitantlyâsimilar to an engine stutter or sputter. Most recently, multiple problems occurred simultaneously. The low tire pressure warning remained on, my cell phone was no longer recognized or paired with the vehicle and would not charge, part of the clock display stopped illuminating, and then the…
Nov 14, 2025Unknown or other
This making model has become known for a parasitic drain of the DCM module. Itâs all over the public forums that this module doesnât shut down properly and causes a drain on the battery system. The remedy is to plug your car into a battery tender system.
Nov 10, 2025
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
