Subaru Impreza 2012–2016 problems by year and mileage
4th generation (GJ/GP)
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026753 complaints, 499 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2012 Subaru Impreza
Close- Median failure report
- 46,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 243
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2012
- Airbag system105 reports · median 37,000 mi
- Engine55 reports · median 32,000 mi
- Electrical system30 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting — brake lights · Engine and engine cooling — engine · Electrical system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Subaru Impreza
Close- Median failure report
- 62,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 250
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2013
- Airbag system79 reports · median 57,000 mi
- Engine75 reports · median 67,000 mi
- Electrical system33 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting — brake lights · Engine and engine cooling — engine · Electrical system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Subaru Impreza
Close- Median failure report
- 50,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 108
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2014
- Airbag system38 reports
- Engine20 reports
- Electrical system17 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting — brake lights · Engine and engine cooling — engine · Electrical system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Subaru Impreza
Close- Median failure report
- 36,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 77
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2015
- Electrical system20 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise14 reports
- Transmission and driveline11 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting — brake lights · Forward collision avoidance — crash imminent braking
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 Subaru Impreza
Close- Median failure report
- 26,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 75
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2016
- Problems owners could not categorise19 reports
- Electrical system14 reports
- Transmission and driveline13 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2013; earliest: the 2016, and the 2013 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2012–2016 Subaru Impreza reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 46,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 107,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 499
- Recalls
- 7
Most reported
- Airbag system31.5% of complaints · median 44,000 mi
- Engine21.6% of complaints · median 50,000 mi
- Electrical system15.1% of complaints · median 45,000 mi
Documented problems
- Engine Oil Consumption (FB20)2012–2015
- Lineartronic CVT (TR580)2012–2015
Owners filed 753 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012–2016 Subaru Impreza; the airbag system leads with 31.5% of them, and half of the 499 that record an odometer reading came by 46,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 18,000 to 77,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2012–2016 Subaru Impreza last?
On the 2012–2016 Subaru Impreza, half of the 499 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 46,000 miles and 90% by 107,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
12 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 1 past 200,000 — each one proof that an Impreza reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Subaru Impreza 2012–2016 · 499 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 86 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 1 complaints (0.2%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 4,500
- 25%
- 18,000
- Median
- 46,000
- 75%
- 77,000
- 90%
- 107,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 86 | 17.2% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 43 | 8.6% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 47 | 9.4% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 40 | 8.0% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 48 | 9.6% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 39 | 7.8% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 42 | 8.4% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 40 | 8.0% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 23 | 4.6% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 25 | 5.0% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 19 | 3.8% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 6 | 1.2% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 19 | 3.8% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 7 | 1.4% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 3 | 0.6% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 4 | 0.8% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 1 | 0.2% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 3 | 0.6% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 1 | 0.2% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 2 | 0.4% |
| 200,000+ | 1 | 0.2% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Impreza problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Subaru Impreza 2012–2016
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Throttle and speed control46 reportsmedian 34,000middle half 6,000–63,000
- Airbag system237 reportsmedian 44,000middle half 20,000–70,000
- Problems owners could not categorise75 reportsmedian 45,000middle half 24,000–80,000
- Electrical system114 reportsmedian 45,000middle half 20,000–79,000
- Brakes50 reportsmedian 47,000middle half 16,000–67,000
- Engine163 reportsmedian 50,000middle half 15,000–78,000
- Transmission and driveline82 reportsmedian 67,000middle half 31,000–103,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 237 | 31.5% | 44,000 | 20,000–70,000 |
| Engine | 163 | 21.6% | 50,000 | 15,000–78,000 |
| Electrical system | 114 | 15.1% | 45,000 | 20,000–79,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 82 | 10.9% | 67,000 | 31,000–103,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 75 | 10.0% | 45,000 | 24,000–80,000 |
| Brakes | 50 | 6.6% | 47,000 | 16,000–67,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 46 | 6.1% | 34,000 | 6,000–63,000 |
| Steering | 39 | 5.2% | 48,000 | 22,000–74,000 |
| Seats | 33 | 4.4% | 65,000 | 30,000–83,000 |
| Body structure | 27 | 3.6% | 39,000 | 30,000–80,000 |
Known problems with the 2012–2016 Impreza
Engine Oil Consumption (FB20) 2012–2015
Defective piston rings allow excessive oil consumption between changes. A class action covering FB-engine Subarus (Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, roughly MY2011-2015) settled with warranty extension to 8 years/100,000 miles for oil-consumption repairs plus reimbursement; the Impreza classes were 2012-2013 4-door and 5-door and 2012-2015 manual-transmission cars below specified VIN breaks.
Lineartronic CVT (TR580) 2012–2015
Chain/pulley and valve body complaints (shudder, hesitation, failure) led Subaru to extend CVT powertrain coverage to 10 years/100,000 miles on CVT-equipped vehicles from the 2010-2015 model years.
Before you buy a 2012–2016 Impreza: the 3-minute check
Generated from 499 mileage-tagged complaints, 7 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine oil consumption (FB20) on 2012–2015 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check lineartronic CVT (TR580) on 2012–2015 cars.
- Years differ here: from 75 to 250 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Impreza problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi61% below | At 90k mi82% below | At 120k mi92% below | At 150k mi98% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 20,000–70,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 15,000–78,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 20,000–79,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 31,000–103,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 24,000–80,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 16,000–67,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 6,000–63,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Subaru Impreza 2012–2016 · 499 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 61% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 82% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 92% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2012–2016 Subaru Impreza recalls (7)
NHTSA records 7 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
Feb 2019 · 2012–2016 · Exterior LightingBrake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
The free fix. 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…
Nov 2018 · 2012–2014 · Engine and Engine CoolingAn engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction…
What can happen. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru…
Oct 2016 · 2012–2014 · Electrical SystemIf the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air…
What can happen. If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at…
Jul 2015 · 2012 · Air BagsIf the ODS deactivates, the front passenger air bag will be turned off and the front passenger air bag will…
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012 model year Subaru Impreza 4-Door and Station Wagon vehicles (except WRX/STI models) manufactured April 21, 2011, to February 16, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may…
What can happen. If the ODS deactivates, the front passenger air bag will be turned off and the front passenger air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Occupant Control Unit with a modified one, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at…
Jun 2015 · 2015 · Forward Collision AvoidanceIf the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an…
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April…
What can happen. If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.…
Feb 2013 · 2012–2013 · EquipmentThe engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes.
The defect. Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission…
What can happen. The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the…
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Nov 2011 · 2012 · Service Brakes, HydraulicThe driver might misjudge the amount of brake pedal travel required to achieve the desired stopping distance.
The defect. Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Impreza sedans and wagons (except wrx/sti models), manufactured from april 21, 2011, through november 15, 2011, and legacy and outback vehicles manufactured from october 17, 2011, through november 23, 2011. These…
What can happen. The driver might misjudge the amount of brake pedal travel required to achieve the desired stopping distance. This could occur unexpectedly and without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder and if necessary, replace it, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during december 2011. Owners may…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 753 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 51 (6.8%)
- Fires
- 11
- Injury reports
- 19
- Fatality reports
- 0
Impreza problems by model year
The 2013 drew the most complaints of this generation, 250, most of them about the airbag system, and the 2016 the fewest, 75. A typical year drew about 108.
That makes the 2013 stand out at roughly 2.3 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 243 | 186 | 46,000 | Airbag system (105) | 6 |
| 2013 | 250 | 154 | 62,000 | Airbag system (79) | 4 |
| 2014 | 108 | 64 | 50,000 | Airbag system (38) | 3 |
| 2015 | 77 | 55 | 36,000 | Electrical system (20) | 2 |
| 2016 | 75 | 40 | 26,000 | Problems owners could not categorise (19) | 1 |
What Impreza owners reported
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while attempting to secure the front driver’s side seat belt, the locking mechanism failed to immediately lock. The contact stated that several attempts were needed before the seat belt locked as needed. The driver was also unable to immediately unlock the…
2014 · 62,000 miles · Seat belts
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the control…
2012 · 126,000 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the doors automatically locked with her children inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the spare key failed to unlock the doors. The contact sought assistance from a locksmith to unlock the vehicle.…
2014 · 190,000 miles · Latches and locks
The contact's son's father owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that upon activating the heating system, a burning odor would emit from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic discovered melted plastic; as well as black soot, inside the vehicle's instrument panel and…
2012 · 129,000 miles · Visibility equipment
Built from 499 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Impreza generations
- Impreza 2002–2007 901 reports with mileage, most about the fuel system
- Impreza 2008–2011 442 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline
- Impreza 2017–2023 228 reports with mileage, most about visibility/wiper