On June 24, 2026, my stock 2018 Subaru WRX Limited experienced a sudden catastrophic internal engine failure at approximately 67,319 miles while I was driving. I first heard an intermittent ticking/noise under acceleration. Within about two miles, the noise became much louder, followed by a loud pop, sudden loss of power, and smoke from the engine bay. I was able to get the vehicle stopped safely. I do not recall a warning light or message before the failure. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Subaru dealer. A full engine teardown found catastrophic internal damage concentrated in cylinders/rod bearings 2 and 3, including multiple holes in the engine block, while cylinders 1 and 4 were comparatively intact. The service advisor stated that the damage pattern did not appear consistent with generalized lack of oil and that recent over-revving was not indicated by the vehicle data. An independent inspection on September 17, 2026 confirmed catastrophic internal material failure involving cylinders 2 and 3, crankshaft damage, a deeply gouged cylinder wall, and metal debris associated with the failure. The inspector found no modifications, abuse, commercial use, or outside influence. This sudden loss of engine power and smoke while driving created a safety risk because the vehicle could no longer maintain normal power in traffic and there was concern about further mechanical damage or fire. The failed engine and disassembled components remain available for inspection, along with dealer teardown records, photographs, and the independent inspection report. The vehicle was stock and serviced through authorized Subaru dealerships. The exact initiating cause of the failure remains undetermined.
2018 Subaru WRX engine problems
12 complaints (28% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 9,000.
- owner complaints
- 12
- of this car's complaints
- 28%
- typical mileage
- 9,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Subaru WRX engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Subaru WRX engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2018 Subaru WRX owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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******* 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 *******
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.
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.
Check engine light advising cylinder misfire advising ringland oiston failure sparknplug destroyed
Questions about the 2018 Subaru WRX engine
Does the 2018 Subaru WRX have engine problems?
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Subaru WRX, 28% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2018 Subaru WRX engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 9,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Subaru WRX engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
Other 2018 Subaru WRX problems
Electrical 10Fuel system 7Steering 7Transmission 6Visibility 4Airbags 3Wheels 3Body 1Brakes 1Driver assistance 1Lights 1
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