Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% | 0 miles |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% | 1,000 miles |
| 2019 | 63 | 32% | 20,000 miles |
| 2018 | 64 | 42% | 25,000 miles |
| 2017 | 32 | 26% | 60,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% | 38,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% | 1,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% | 43,000 miles |
| 2013 | 7 | 3% | 78,000 miles |
| 2012 | 4 | 2% | 180,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% | 39,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% | 40,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% | 105,000 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% | 12,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% | 6,000 miles |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% | 105,000 miles |
| 2000 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 1998 | 2 | 7% | — |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 1995 | 2 | 4% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact experienced the failure causing extremely poor visibility for the contact while driving at night. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 5. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at night, the headlights failed to provide adequate illumination. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed that the failure was related to the recall. The failure mileage was 5,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 17,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated while driving at night, the headlights failed to provide adequate illumination. The failure mileage was 25,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the "Check Headlight Assembly" message was displayed, and the front passenger's side headlight occasionally turned off or on, while attempting to start the vehicle and while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the front passenger's side headlight assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,534.
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure causing the low beam reflector to inadequately reflect light. The failure mileage was 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
We keep on having to replace our headlights. We just got one replaced 5 months ago and it's out again. This will be the fourth time in three years. No one can figure out why the headlights keep burning out.
Driving and hit a small pothole and the entire passenger front headlight fell out of the car. It was not dark out. The car was fine prior to today. I was on a city street just after a snowstorm and roads were plowed.
Related recalls (3)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
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.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
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.
Remedy: 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.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Impreza years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2018 (64), 2019 (63), 2017 (32) and 2013 (7) model years. Headlight complaints make up 42% of all complaints for the 2018.
Is there a recall for Subaru Impreza headlight problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 23V-292 (switch, Apr 25, 2023); 22V-624 (headlights, Aug 12, 2022); 19V-149 (switch, Feb 28, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru Impreza headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles; 65% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (10 mentions), followed by the headlights › switch (1).
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.