2019 Subaru Impreza Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 06/01/2019

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle rolled to a stop and stalled in hot and cold temperatures. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was jump-started by Roadside Assistance. The contact purchased a trickle charger. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/08/2026

When attempting to start the vehicle, randomly, the key loses programming. This is the 2nd time where the keys lose programming and vehicle has to be towed at owners' expense and wait as long as 5 days for dealership to reprogram.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/15/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle loss power. An independent mechanic was contacted. No warning light warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic where the diagnosed the coil pack was melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed the coil pack had a shortage. The contact mention this failure has occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was repaired as the coil pack and wiring was replaced. The contact was relating to the recall to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V264000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), however the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed her because of the milage there was no recall. The approximate failure mileage was 145,866.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 02/22/2026

2019 Subaru Impreza has experienced intermittent and now persistent failures involving the factory EyeSight driver assistance system. Prior to complete failure, the EyeSight system would randomly disable and re-enable while driving. Adaptive cruise control and related safety features became unreliable and would intermittently stop functioning. The issue worsened over time and eventually resulted in repeated “EyeSight Off” warnings and multiple system fault messages. Vehicle diagnostic scans showed repeated U1235 “Lost communication with EyeSight” faults across multiple modules, including ABS, steering, transmission, and instrument cluster systems. Additional communication and airbag indicator-related faults were also present. The windshield was recently replaced due to a crack located near the EyeSight camera area. Subaru service personnel stated that EyeSight systems are extremely sensitive to windshield specifications and calibration requirements, and that aftermarket windshields may prevent proper operation or calibration of the system. Subaru also indicated that EyeSight calibration equipment is highly specialized and expensive, and that repair costs may not be practical relative to the vehicle value. Despite attempts to reset the vehicle systems and inspect the issue, the EyeSight system continues to malfunction and remains disabled. Because EyeSight controls important driver assistance and collision-avoidance features including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, this issue creates significant safety concerns. The intermittent nature of the failure, repeated communication faults, and inability to reliably restore system operation raise concerns regarding the long-term reliability and serviceability of Subaru EyeSight systems.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 11/15/2025

Windshield lower plastic mount or cowl is getting detached creating a large visible gap between the cowl and windshield about 0.5+ inch. The gap runs across the middle of the windshield to its left and right side occupying about 50% in total. Gap is an issue when it rains, when it is snowing or other things since might get embedded on it.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/18/2026

On February 18, 2026, my 2019 Subaru Impreza displayed an “Emergency Service” alert and sent a MySubaru app message stating that Automatic Crash Notification, SOS Call, Stolen Vehicle Locator, and Roadside Assistance may not be available. A red SOS light also illuminated, and STARLINK sent alerts to Subaru each day I first started the car, prompting repeated dealer calls. I tested the SOS button and could hear the operator clearly. On March 6, 2026, a dealer diagnosed a faulty right dash speaker (B2A06 – telematics speaker circuit malfunction). The emergency system shares this speaker, so the system warned that safety services might not work. I paid $191 for diagnostics; the estimated repair is $216.69. I pay a monthly subscription for STARLINK safety services, but the vehicle’s warnings do not clearly indicate the real issue. Other owners of 2019 and similar Subaru models report persistent STARLINK/telematics errors, red SOS lights, and repeated dealer visits, suggesting this may be a broader systemic issue. I believe the warning system should specifically identify a failed speaker or audio circuit to reduce confusion, unnecessary diagnostics, and ensure drivers understand the true status of emergency safety features. My concern is that the vehicle’s warning system may mislead drivers into believing that critical safety systems are malfunctioning, when the actual issue is a non-critical speaker failure. A more specific diagnostic message indicating an audio system fault would be more useful.

SUSPENSION — Filed 06/25/2023

The front suspension has been broken since I purchased the vehicle with 50,000 miles on it. This has always been a safety concern for this vehicle yet I see no recalls for it. This puts my safety at risk as there is a metal clunking sound when turning the wheel and the tire rod can break from the faulty parts used for the vehicle. The vehicle’s front suspension was checked by a car repair company that was changing my brake pads at the time and saw that there was a dire issue with the vehicle that could put my life at risk. I have not had any car accidents or any other issues that could have caused this, meaning it is faulty manufacturing on Subaru’s part. There are no warning lights for the suspension, there is no way to know if you have a suspension issue unless you get the vehicle checked, or in my case can hear metal clunking sounds as the wheel is moved left or right while turning. This issue has been seen by many other owners of the same vehicle make, model and year but there has been no effort to fix this safety issue.

STRUCTURE — Filed 08/20/2025

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/03/2025

TPMS safety system failure. Vehicle display of tire pressure readings on the dash has changed from displaying tire pressures for each tire to no pressures displayed (pressures are blank; on the Subaru App which also accesses this data, all tires show red/abnormal with dashes displayed) for several weeks now and TPMS error warning light remains illuminated on dash. Manufacturer has suggested I take car to dealer to diagnose at my upfront cost for their defect as the vehicle is out of warranty. A friend with the same car has experienced the same problem, replaced all TPMS sensors at their expense, still having this same problem despite the attempted fix. This safety defect is not being adequately addressed by the manufacturer despite contacting the advocacy department and corporate executive.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/14/2025

I attempted to get a safety recall (headlamp assembly defect) addressed at my local Subaru dealership. The vehicle is still under warranty, and I was told I may be able to get a loaner or rental. However, when I arrived, I was informed that the dealership only has 9 loaners and does not offer rental coverage at all, even for warranty customers. I had already spoken to someone about my need for a rental due to my class schedule and was led to believe this could be arranged. I drove down there, took time out of my day, and missed class — only to be turned away with no solution. Subaru’s recall notice acknowledges the increased risk of a crash due to poor visibility and glare. My vehicle remains unfixed and unsafe to drive, and I was left with no support despite my warranty and a safety recall. Subaru has not made it reasonably possible for me to address this recall. If an accident occurs while I wait for a proper resolution, I will hold them responsible. I am submitting this complaint to formally document my experience and push for accountability.