Subaru Impreza Reliability Problems

Impreza owners have made 252 complaints over 29 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 13th in overall reliability out of 17 Subaru models, with real engine and electrical concerns.

10 Common Subaru Impreza Problems

A list of some of the most common issues Impreza owners have to deal with.

  1. Denso Fuel Pump Failure

    The impellers inside of Denso branded fuel pumps may have been excessively exposed to a drying agent during manufacturing. This leads to them cracking, absorbing fuel, and deforming so badly that they stop sending fuel to the engine. Subaru…

    Continue reading article "Denso Fuel Pump Failure"

  2. Brake Light Switch Defect

    A build-up of chemicals from scented cleaning products containing silicone can disable the brake light switch in millions of Subaru vehicles. This can prevent the brake lights from turning on when pressing the pedal, among other things, and…

    Continue reading article "Brake Light Switch Defect" Close-up of a brake light with a red lens on top, clear lens on bottom.

  3. Subaru STARLINK Problems

    STARLINK is Subaru's latest infotainment system. It heavily relies on a touch screen interface that freezes randomly, stops responding to touch inputs, and sometimes requires the car to be shut off for over an hour before it starts working …

    Continue reading article "Subaru STARLINK Problems" An infotainment screen with StarLink's toucnscreen interface loaded.

  4. Lineartronic CVT Reliability

    Once praised for its design, Subaru's CVT is showing problems with age. It can shake occupants back and forth as it wobbles its way though gears. In extreme cases it can hesitate so much it causes the engine to stall, forcing Subaru to exte…

    Continue reading article "Lineartronic CVT Reliability"

  5. Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires

    Rodents just can't resist the soy-derived wire coatings used in many Subaru vehicles. The chewed up wires are costing owners hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars in repairs but Subaru, like other automakers, insists this isn't a def…

    Continue reading article "Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires" A very fat mouse.

  6. Subaru EyeSight Problems

    Subaru's EyeSight technology has been known to fall asleep on the job, particularly in bad weather driving. And while newer versions have improved, the system is generally regarded as bulky and an overly expensive upgrade on higher trim lev…

    Continue reading article "Subaru EyeSight Problems" Image looking through the windshield towards a pair of EyeSight cameras flanking the rearview mirror.

  8. Excessive Oil Consumption

    Subaru is one of a handful of automakers accused of making new engines that excessively burn through oil. And they'll tell you that adding a quart (or two) between scheduled changes is totally normal. It's not.

    Continue reading article "Excessive Oil Consumption" Top view of a Subaru engine."

  10. Leaky Head Gaskets

    Why can't Subaru build a decent head gasket? The automaker has had issues with leaky gaskets in their 4-cylinder engines since the 1980's. And repairing the issue is expensive as it requires the engine to be removed.

    Continue reading article "Leaky Head Gaskets" A close-up of a clean black head gasket above two silver pistons.

What Impreza Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

Impreza Generations

The Impreza has 5 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 4th generation (2012–2016).

Impreza Key Numbers

  1. 252 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 846 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 46 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Impreza Class-Action Lawsuits

The Impreza has been named as a class vehicle in the following lawsuits.

  • Sampson, et al., v. Subaru of America, Inc., et al.

    1. Case Filed

      A Subaru class action lawsuit includes 2013-2021 vehicles equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB), which includes pre-collision braking and reverse automatic braking. Additionally, the lawsuit includes 2013-2021 Subaru vehicles equipped with lane keep assist (LKA).

  • Adnan, et al., v. Subaru Corporation, et al.

    1. Case Filed

      Lawsuit alleges a recall of 188,000 vehicles didn't include all the vehicles affected by Denso fuel pumps that can fail and cause the engines to stall. According to the plaintiffs, Subaru should reimburse customers the purchase prices of all models equipped with the low-pressure fuel pumps, including pumps with the part number prefix 42022.

  • Motion to dismiss

    Leon, et al., v. Subaru of America, Inc.

    1. Motion to dismiss

      In a motion to dismiss the Subaru windshield class action, lawyers for the automaker say the plaintiffs can't support their claims.

    2. Case Filed

      Lawsuit alleges the glass chips, cracks and breaks within weeks or a few months of purchasing these vehicles. According to the plaintiffs, customers say the windshields crack and break from simple and light impacts to the glass, a problem no Subaru owner expects to experience on an expensive vehicle.

    Problem
    Cracked Windshields
    Class Vehicles
    • 2017-2020 Outback
    • 2017-2020 Forester
    • 2017-2020 Crosstrek
    • 2017-2020 Impreza
    • 2017-2020 Legacy
    • 2019-2020 Ascent
    Location
    California
  • Settled

    Yaeger, et al. v. Subaru of America Inc., et al.

    1. Settled

      Lawsuit claims some of its most popular models burn oil at an expensive and excessive rate. The lawsuit, filed in a New Jersey federal court, alleges the cars are defective because the piston rings wear out early and can cause engine failure while on the road.

    Problem
    Excessive Oil Consumption
    Class Vehicles
    • 2011-2014 Forester
    • 2013 Legacy
    • 2013 Outback
    • 2012-2013 Impreza
    • 2013 XV Crosstrek
    Location
    New Jersey

Recent Impreza News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Subaru isn't pulling any punches when placing blame for their latest recall.

    They say "a single associate" was found using "an improper torque wrench technique" while tightening a cable nut in the CVT select lever of the 2021 Impreza and Outback. That's going to be an awkward next performance review. If left loose, the gear selector may not function properly.…

    keep reading article "Single Factory Worker Linked to Latest Transmission Recall for 2021 Impreza and Outback"

  8. Subaru is recalling 783,000 vehicles to replace dangerous Takata airbag inflators.

    This campaign is part of an industry-wide effort involving more than a dozen automakers and 1.7 million vehicles. The chemical inside of Takata airbag inflators can become unstable over time, leading to violent and sometimes deadly airbag deployments. The recall is for both driver and passenger side inflators in certain 2010-2014 model years, but is limited to certain states.

    keep reading article "The Latest 783,000 Subaru Vehicles Recalled with Takata Inflators"

See All Impreza News

What Owners Say About Their Impreza

Subaru Head Gaskets Can't Seal the Deal

I have heard Subarus are bad with the whole head gasket thing. Everyone I know that owns a Subaru has had to have the head gaskets replaced ... Why hasn't Subaru addressed this issue? I bought a Subaru based on reliability and hopes that it would last a long time. I did not expect to have to replace both head gaskets, a leaking rack and pinion, a cooling fan and an oil pan gasket all at the same time at 85,000 miles

2006 Impreza Owner

Other Subaru Models