ReportsVehiclesLookupTry It Now
Wrench.ProWrench.Pro
Wrench.ProWrench.Pro

Built for drivers. We work for the person paying the repair bill. Read our promise.

HomeAboutPromiseReportsLookupContactBrowse vehiclesOwn a shop? Claim your listing →
© 2026 Wrench.Pro. All rights reserved.
Credits
  1. Home
  2. ›Vehicles
  3. ›2018
  4. ›Subaru
  5. ›Subaru Impreza

2018 Subaru Impreza Maintenance Schedule

Manufacturer-recommended service intervals and open recall alerts for your 2018 Subaru Impreza.

Make this page yours

Personalize for your car and your area

ZIP unlocks trusted shops near you. Mileage unlocks personalized service due dates. Either or both — your call.

Go

Your ZIP stays with us. We share your city with shops, never your ZIP. Read our Promise →

Recalls5Full scheduleKnown issues7

How Subaru schedules service

Subaru's symmetrical AWD system places unusually high demands on differential fluid and transfer case service — skipping these is the most common cause of premature drivetrain wear. Older Subarus with the EJ25 engine (pre-2011) require timing belt replacement; FB and FA engines (2011+) use a maintenance-free chain. Subaru's published intervals below align with the owner's manual Schedule II (severe) which most US drivers qualify for.

⚠️

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #21V587000 · Jul 29, 2021

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #21V264000 · Apr 15, 2021

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

Risk: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

Campaign #19V744000 · Oct 17, 2019

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.

Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #19V743000 · Oct 18, 2019

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.

Risk: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign #22V624000 · Dec 8, 2022

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.

Recall data refreshed Jul 26, 2026.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

🛢️

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 6,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 6,000 miles. WRX/STI 2.0L/2.5L turbo: 3,750 miles. Non-turbo FB engines: 6,000 miles severe / 10,000 normal.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

🔄

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Critical on Subaru AWD — uneven tread depth across all 4 tires (>2/32") forces the center differential to bind, damaging the AWD coupling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

🛑

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Outback and Forester pads commonly last 35,000-50,000 miles depending on terrain.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

🔧

Front Differential / Manual Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace front differential and manual transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. CVT models use proprietary Subaru CVT fluid — a separate item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

🔩

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace rear differential fluid every 30,000 miles. Use Subaru 75W-90 GL-5 — substitutes can cause whining noises within months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

⚙️

CVT Fluid (Lineartronic)

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru CVT models (Outback, Legacy, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Ascent): replace Lineartronic CVT fluid every 30,000 miles severe / 60,000 normal. Subaru High-Torque CVT-II fluid only — incorrect fluid destroys the chain-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

⏱️

Timing Belt (EJ25 engines, pre-2011)

Every 105,000 mi

Older Subarus with the EJ25 boxer engine (Forester, Outback, Legacy 1996-2010): replace timing belt every 105,000 miles. FB and FA boxer engines (2011+) use a chain — no scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

🧪

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Subaru's brake hold and EyeSight automatic emergency braking depend on uncontaminated fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

💨

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. WRX/STI: inspect every oil change due to the higher airflow demand of the turbo intake.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

⚡

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium plugs every 60,000 miles on FB engines. WRX/STI 2.5L turbo: 30,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures and EGT.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

🌡️

Super Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru Super Coolant (blue): first change at 137,500 miles or 11 years, then every 30,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange — head gasket sealing chemistry depends on the formula.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

🌬️

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Behind the glove box on most Subaru models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Subaru Impreza.

Reported to NHTSA

Headlamp recall remedy delay and dim low beams

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

65 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2024-11

“This recall 22V624000 was issued in August of 2022 and it is now September of 2023, over a year since it was recalled and Subaru still does not have a remedy according to NHTSA website and my local Subaru dealer…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11545574
“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights were extremely dim, making it difficult to see the roadway properly while driving night…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11530677

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield cracking without impact

VISIBILITY/WIPER

40 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2023-06

“THE WINDSHIELD OF MY BRAND-NEW SUBARU IMPREZA *SPONTANEOUSLY* DEVELOPED A CRACK. IMPLICITLY ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A FACTORY DEFECT, THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW WINDSHIELD. UNFORTUNATELY, THE REPLACEMENT DEVELOPED A CRACK, TOO…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310951
“THE FRONT WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11384042

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake shudder and vibration when braking

SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-11 → 2024-08

“March 2023 I had all 4 rotors & brakes replaced. About 2 weeks after, doing 65 mph on highway 79 I had to lightly apply my brakes. After letting off the brake all of a sudden my whole car, steering wheel, etc started shaking…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11605898
“Suspected defective and/or faulty brake booster or brake hose on the front left tire. Car starts violently shaking/shuddering when easing onto the brakes (once the brakes have warmed up for my daily commute to work)…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11485251

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield cowl panel separation

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2021-04

“THE WIPER COWL COVER SEPARATES FROM THE WINDSHIELD RESULTING IN A GAP BETWEEN THE COWL COVER AND THE WINDSHIELD. THIS GAP ALLOWS AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF WATER TO FLOW INSIDE, ESPECIALLY DURING HEAVY RAINFALL, SNOW, OR CARWASH…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11183286
“2018 SPORT MODEL NOTICED FRONT WINDSHIELD COWL PANEL WARPED AT 4770 MILES AND AGAIN AT 6880 MILES AFTER WARRANTY PLACEMENT. COWL PANEL POPS UP AT THE CENTER OF THE PANEL LEAVING A 1/8" GAP BETWEEN THE RUBBER SEAL AND THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11193248

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Battery drain and repeat battery replacement

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-04 → 2025-11

“2018 Impreza, beginning around 2020, has had three dead or damaged batteries (2x OEM and 1x aftermarket) and the car is now on its fourth battery (aftermarket). Vehicle couldn't sit for more than a few days without needing jump started…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11550601
“This making model has become known for a parasitic drain of the DCM module. It’s all over the public forums that this module doesn’t shut down properly and causes a drain on the battery system. The remedy is to plug your car into a battery tender system.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11698593

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine oil leak and oil consumption

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-11 → 2026-05

“Engine oil leak. An engine oil leak could potentially cause a fire hazard by igniting when leaking into hot components. It could cause engine damage due to inadequate lubrication leading to overheating and severe engine damage…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11663693
“Engine began failing at 68k miles. The vehicle spews blue smoke from the tailpipe and under the hood and loses power when accelerating intermittently. It also consumes large amounts of oil…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11558681

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of power and stalling while driving

POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2023-01

“THE CAR HAS STALLED 3 TIMES WHILE DRIVING. AT A STOP SIGN, RED LIGHT AND AT A STOP SIGN. THE INCIDENT AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO START ROLLING BACKWARDS AND ALMOST HIT INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. SUBARU CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM BUT ACKNOWLEDGES THE INCIDENTS OF…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11101252
“THE ENGINE DIED WHILE COMING TO A RAPID STOP FROM ABOUT 35-40 MPH. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TURNED YELLOW. AFTER PUTTING THE TRANSMISSION PARK THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11130767

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

  • 2015 Subaru Impreza →
  • 2016 Subaru Impreza →
  • 2017 Subaru Impreza →
  • 2019 Subaru Impreza →
  • 2020 Subaru Impreza →
  • 2021 Subaru Impreza →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Jul 27, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Jul 27, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Subaru Impreza reflects Subaru's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →