Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% | 48,000 miles |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% | 9,000 miles |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% | 10,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% | 35,000 miles |
| 2015 | 3 | 4% | 1,000 miles |
| 2014 | 8 | 7% | 75,000 miles |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% | 66,000 miles |
| 2012 | 6 | 2% | 112,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 3% | 50,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% | 34,000 miles |
| 2009 | 22 | 21% | 90,000 miles |
| 2008 | 24 | 14% | 62,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% | 12,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 8% | 120,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% | 145,000 miles |
| 2003 | 3 | 5% | 140,000 miles |
| 2002 | 21 | 7% | 121,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 1998 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 1995 | 1 | 2% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, excessive corrosion on the driver's side rocker panel was observed. The contact inspected the passenger's side rocker panel and found excessive corrosion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the frame needed to be cut, and the rocker panel needed to be refabricated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 48,000.
The cowl that fills the gap between the bottom of the windshield and the hood is defective and warps from the heat of the engine. This warping leaves a huge gap that exposes the bottom of the windshield and allows debris and water under the hood of the car. I was told this was a known issue with multiple Subaru models. The auto glass specialist I was sent to did not have a fix other than replacing it whenever it warps, which is prohibitively expensive when it only lasts about a year.
it is a case of sudden acceleration when parking the car in battery , goin forward very slowly, the subaru impreza accelerate , jump the curve and crash agaings a tree 5 ft away from the curve, the results extensive damage in the left front , airbags did not deploy
Bought this car 1 year ago at East Hills Subaru. Among other problems such as water leaking inside vehicle due to clogged drains, most recent issue is the steering column not locking firmly. This is causing the steering wheel to shift up or down while driving, even though locking mechanism under steering wheel column is engaged. The car has under 40k miles. The safety of the driver is at risk here as the shifting movement of the steering wheel affect proper steering. Dealer is unable to give me a reasonable appointment to address this and only has drop off service, no loaner cars available. I am not happy with the Subaru service department and the inability of this service department to address serious issues in a timely matter.
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the operating the vehicle, the front driver's side floor mat detached and slid underneath the brake pedal and accelerator pedal. The contact stated that one of the pegs used to secure the floor mat fractured, allowing the floor mat to become unsecured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 35,000.
The hood latch system failed and flew open while driving on the highway smashing the windshield. I was unable to see driving, glass shattered everywhere. The car was serviced three weeks prior and there was no notation of an issue with the hood latch. The hood would not latch after the incident either. Police were on scene and viewed the incident and insurance will be investigating. There have been numerous other reports of this happening with other subaru models including recalls. There are no open recalls on this vehicle and a multi-point inspection was done on the car 3 weeks prior.
When leaving a gas station with a slight dip in the pavement, I inched my vehicle forward as slowly as I could as to not "bottom out." This 2015 Impreza model has an overall design flaw; it sits too low to the ground therefore compromising the entire structure of the body. The Impreza in fact bottomed out and my entire front end cracked and fell off as well as the side panel on the front of the vehicle came apart and now hangs off the vehicle. I have seen NUMEROUS Subaru Imprezas that appeared to be the same make and model with this same exact problem. I believe this entire car should be recalled as it is structurally flawed, cannot maneuver safely and properly on standard roads and highways which results in body damage that is completely NOT operator error.
Hood flew open on interstate. After driving around town running errands I drove onto the interstate got like a mile down the road. I was in the left lane going about 60 mph the hood flew open. Smashing directly into the windshield. I thankfully was able to hit my four ways and get to a stop without any collision. I couldn't say exactly when the hood had been opened last but certainly was not recent to this occurring. Quite severe damage was caused from this happening. Immediate estimate of damages were shown to the hood, fenders, roof, windshield and unknown damage as of yet under the hood or to the eyesight system.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Impreza years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (24), 2009 (22), 2002 (21), 2014 (8) and 2005 (6) model years. Body complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Subaru Impreza body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any Subaru Impreza model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Subaru Impreza body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (96 mentions), followed by the frame and members (7).
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.