Avoid: 2019, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2008, 2002 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2023 (few owner reports)
24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 30 model years, the Subaru Impreza has 3,380 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 165 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and engine. 2013 drew the most complaints (492), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (4).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Subaru Impreza vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2024 | 32 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2020 | 85 |
| 2019 | 194 |
| 2018 | 151 |
| 2017 | 125 |
| 2016 | 75 |
| 2015 | 79 |
| 2014 | 318 |
| 2013 | 492 |
| 2012 | 482 |
| 2011 | 57 |
| 2010 | 92 |
| 2009 | 112 |
| 2008 | 209 |
| 2007 | 68 |
| 2006 | 56 |
| 2005 | 75 |
| 2004 | 96 |
| 2003 | 64 |
| 2002 | 300 |
| 2001 | 11 |
| 2000 | 42 |
| 1999 | 22 |
| 1998 | 46 |
| 1997 | 34 |
| 1996 | 27 |
Highest: 2013 (492 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (4).
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide.
Jerky, hesitant behavior in stop-and-go traffic (10-30 mph / 16-48 km/h); pronounced concerns about long-term reliability and high replacement costs; fluid leaks indicative of failure.
Primarily noted on older models (pre-2014) with EJ-series engines, requiring frequent top-ups.
A historical issue strongly associated with pre-2012 models equipped with the EJ25 engine, particularly in North America.
Severe corrosion, especially on rear wheel arches and undercarriage, noted as a major issue for older models (e.g., 2008) in regions using road salt.
Inadequate cooling performance, particularly in temperatures above 90°F (32°C).
Owner insights cover all generations of the Impreza. Individual model years are broken down above.
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