Subaru Impreza Problems by Year

We compared every Subaru Impreza model year from 1995–2025 using 2,611 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 52 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2019, 2018 and 2017, which drew far more complaints than other Impreza years at the same age. The best years are 2023, 2021 and 2022.

31model years
2,611complaints
52recalls
2012, 2013worst years
2023, 2021best years

Complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25462030302241112926296755668176104465824325110877751251511948514144325
Owner complaints per model year, Subaru Impreza. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20255−54%—TransmissionGood
2024321.7×2Window & WiperCaution
20234−74%2Wheel & TireGood
202214−56%1TransmissionGood
202114−60%2Window & WiperGood
2020852.2×1Window & WiperAvoid
20191944.3×5HeadlightAvoid
20181513.4×5HeadlightAvoid
20171252.9×7HeadlightAvoid
2016751.7×1ElectricalCaution
2015771.8×2ElectricalCaution
20141082.2×3AirbagAvoid
20132515.0×4AirbagAvoid
20122435.0×6AirbagAvoid
2011581.2×14AirbagAverage
201046−24%15EngineAverage
20091041.8×14TransmissionCaution
20081763.5×14TransmissionAvoid
200768−22%9AirbagAverage
200656−31%10AirbagAverage
200575−14%6Fuel SystemAverage
2004961.3×8Fuel SystemAverage
200362typical6Fuel SystemAverage
20022925.2×6Fuel SystemAvoid
200111−75%—Wheel & TireGood
200041−20%—TransmissionAverage
199922−52%—SuspensionGood
199830−35%—SuspensionAverage
199730−35%—AirbagAverage
199620−54%—AirbagGood
199546typical1AirbagAverage

* Complaints compared with the median Impreza year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Subaru Impreza problems

Latest Subaru Impreza recalls

Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft

NHTSA recall 23V-754 · Nov 9, 2023 · 4,701 vehicles

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft

NHTSA recall 23V-647 · Sep 21, 2023 · 4,311 vehicles

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.

Remedy: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023.

Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA recall 23V-551 · Aug 4, 2023 · 35,357 vehicles

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary.

Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch

NHTSA recall 23V-292 · Apr 25, 2023 · 4,030 vehicles

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Impreza vehicles. The brake light switch may be improperly adjusted and illuminate the brake lights without application of the brake pedal. The vehicle may also allow drivers to start and shift the transmission out of the PARK position without pressing the brake pedal.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the gap between the brake light switch and stopper, adjusting the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 23, 2023.

Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 23V-076 · Feb 13, 2023 · 130 vehicles

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2004-2005 Impreza and WRX vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the passenger inflator and if necessary, install a new inflator kit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 14, 2023.

All 52 Subaru Impreza recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Subaru Impreza should you avoid?

2012, 2013, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2020 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Impreza years at the same age, led by air bags problems in the 2012.

What is the best year for the Subaru Impreza?

2023 has the fewest complaints compared with other Impreza years at the same age, followed by 2021 and 2022. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Subaru Impreza problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (449), engine & cooling (356) and windows, wipers & sunroof (294). Airbag complaints peak in the 2012 model year.

How many recalls has the Subaru Impreza had?

52 recalls across 1995–2025. The model year with the most is 2010. See all Subaru Impreza recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.