Subaru Impreza common problems
Owners of 2015–2025 Subaru Impreza vehicles have filed 768 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is visibility (61% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 768
- Owner complaints
- 28
- Recall campaigns
- 38
- Crash-related reports
- 23
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 11 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Recall2024 impreza
A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Recall2023 impreza
Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
- Recall2024 impreza
A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Recall2023 impreza
An unintentional brake light illumination can fail to alert other motorists of actual brake application. A vehicle that shifts out of the park position unexpectedly can allow the vehicle to rollaway. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Recall2022 impreza
An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Recall2017 impreza
Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Subaru Impreza problems?
- Across 768 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2025 Subaru Impreza vehicles, the most reported systems are visibility (61%), engine & cooling (29%), airbags (6%).
- Which Subaru Impreza model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2019 Subaru Impreza has the most owner complaints, with 191 filed.
- Are Subaru Impreza problems dangerous?
- Of the 768 complaints on record, 38 mention a crash, 11 mention a fire and 23 mention an injury, and 1 involve a death. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2019 accounts for the most complaints (191). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.