2018 Subaru Impreza

The 2018 Subaru Impreza is a compact car known for its standard all-wheel drive, fuel efficiency, and practicality. The Impreza is available as a sedan or hatchback. The sole engine option is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The transmission options are a 5-speed manual or a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Owners generally appreciate the Impreza’s safety features, fuel economy, and all-weather capability. Common dislikes include the underpowered engine, the CVT’s droning sound during acceleration, and some reported infotainment system issues.

Engine

2.0L FB20 Four-Cylinder Boxer Engine

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings and, in severe cases, engine damage.
  • Solution: A revised positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve and updated piston rings have been implemented in later models to address this issue. Some owners have reported success with these updates.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: The cost can vary significantly depending on the severity of the issue and the extent of repairs needed. Replacing piston rings can range from $1,500 - $3,000+. Replacing the PCV valve is substantially cheaper around $50 - $200.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

• Harsh Shifting/Jerking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced harsh shifting, jerking, or hesitation, particularly at lower speeds. This can feel like a slipping or abrupt engagement of the transmission.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve the issue in some cases. In more severe cases, a transmission replacement is needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software updates are typically covered under warranty. Transmission replacement can range from $4,000 - $8,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported problems with the valve body, causing shifting problems and erratic behavior.
  • Solution: The valve body may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system, specifically the Starlink system, has been reported to freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This can affect navigation, audio, and other connected services.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve the issue. In some cases, the entire head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software updates are typically covered under warranty. Head unit replacement can range from $500 - $1,500+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive battery drain, leading to dead batteries, especially if the car sits for extended periods.
  • Solution: Ensuring all accessories are turned off, checking for parasitic draws, or replacing the battery with a higher-capacity one may help. In some cases, a faulty alternator may be the cause and requires replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Battery replacement: $100 - $300. Alternator replacement: $400 - $800+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Windshield Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported that the windshield is prone to cracking easily, even from small impacts.
  • Solution: Windshield replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The HVAC blower motor stops working, resulting in no air blowing from the vents.
  • Solution: Blower motor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Subaru Impreza is a generally reliable vehicle but has a few common issues. The most significant concern is the potential for excessive oil consumption in the engine and issues with the CVT transmission, which can be costly to repair. Electrical issues with the infotainment system are also relatively common. While not all vehicles will experience these problems, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and thoroughly inspect the vehicle before purchasing, or having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a trusted mechanic. The severity of the reported issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical repairs.