2023 Subaru Impreza: common problems and reliability

The 2023 Subaru Impreza has 4 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are tires and electrical system. Owners most often flag cvt transmission problems — 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. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2023 model year

4
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2023 Subaru Impreza vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

tires
2
electrical system
1
engine
1
fuel/propulsion system
1

Recalls affecting the 2023 Impreza

exterior lighting:brake lights:switch

Campaign 23V292000

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 …

power train:driveline:driveshaft

Campaign 23V647000

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the dri…

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owners of older models (circa 2005-2013) with naturally aspirated engines and manual transmissions frequently praise the vehicles for their practicality, spacious interiors (especially hatchbacks), an

  • CVT transmission problems — 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. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Excessive oil consumption — Primarily noted on older models (pre-2014) with EJ-series engines, requiring frequent top-ups. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Head gasket failures — A historical issue strongly associated with pre-2012 models equipped with the EJ25 engine, particularly in North America. Frequency: recurrent (for older generations).
  • Rust — 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. Frequency: recurrent (for older generations).
  • Weak air conditioning — Inadequate cooling performance, particularly in temperatures above 90°F (32°C). Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Impreza.

Typical used price

Used Impreza listings typically run $12,499–$26,251 across 2012 to 2026 model years.

Other Impreza model years

2020 Impreza2016 Impreza2015 Impreza2011 Impreza2008 Impreza2007 Impreza2006 Impreza2005 Impreza2002 Impreza2000 Impreza1998 Impreza1996 Impreza
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