Subaru Impreza years to avoid and best years
Newer Subaru Impreza years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones. 2019 has the most complaints per year, at 25 (194 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2023 at 1 (from 4 complaints), 2022 at 2 (from 13 complaints), and 2021 at 4 (from 14 complaints). The Subaru Impreza 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2019 Subaru Impreza, 60 of 194 complaints name Exterior lighting.
Data as of .
2023
2022
2021
2025–26
Subaru Impreza reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Subaru Impreza. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 29 |
| 2025 Too early | 3 | 5 | 0 | Exterior lighting | 29.5 |
| 2024 → | 11 | 32 | 2 | Steering, Suspension, Wheels | 29.5 |
| 2023 → Fewest | 1 | 4 | 2 | Tires | 28.6 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 2 | 13 | 1 | Powertrain | 28.6 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 4 | 14 | 2 | Steering | 28.6 |
| 2020 → | 21 | 85 | 1 | Visibility and wipers | 28.1 |
| 2019 → Most | 25 | 194 | 5 | Exterior lighting | 28.4 |
| 2018 → | 13 | 151 | 5 | Exterior lighting | 28.4 |
| 2017 → | 15 | 125 | 7 | Exterior lighting | 28.4 |
| 2016 → | 6 | 75 | 1 | Powertrain | 29.2 |
| 2015 → | 5 | 79 | 2 | Electrical system | 29.2 |
| 2014 → | 7 | 108 | 3 | Air bags | 24.4 |
| 2013 → | 11 | 249 | 4 | Air bags | 24.4 |
| 2012 → | 21 | 243 | 6 | Air bags | 24.4 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan, Wagon
- Oil
- 0W-20 synthetic (2.0L; 5W-30 if 0W-20 unavailable) · 4.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 205/50R17, 205/55R16, 195/65R15 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 19V149000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park. Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash. Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90. When NHTSA lists multiple Subaru nameplates in one campaign, the published unit count is shared across them.
- Body styles
- Sedan, Wagon
- Oil
- 0W-20 synthetic (2.0L; 5W-30 if 0W-20 unavailable) · 4.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 205/55R16, 205/50R17, 225/40R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 21V587000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21. When NHTSA lists multiple Subaru nameplates in one campaign, the published unit count is shared across them.
- Body styles
- Sedan, Wagon
- Oil
- 0W-20 synthetic (2.0L; 5W-30 if 0W-20 unavailable) · 4.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/40R18
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 23V551000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit. A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRL-23. When NHTSA lists multiple Subaru nameplates in one campaign, the published unit count is shared across them.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Impreza years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2023 at 1 (from 4 complaints), 2022 at 2 (from 13 complaints), and 2021 at 4 (from 14 complaints).
Which Subaru Impreza year has the most owner complaints?
2019 has the most complaints per year, at 25 (194 complaints). On the 2019 Subaru Impreza, 60 of 194 complaints name Exterior lighting.
How do Subaru Impreza owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Subaru Impreza years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones.
Which Subaru Impreza years are too early to compare?
The Subaru Impreza 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a Subaru Impreza use?
US Impreza manuals specify 0W-20 synthetic for the FB 2.0L, with 5W-30 only when 0W-20 is unavailable.
What generation is the 2019 Subaru Impreza?
5th generation / GK-GT (2017-2022).
What body styles does the Subaru Impreza offer?
US Impreza generations on this site include sedan and wagon (hatchback) body styles.