Subaru Impreza 2017–2023 problems by year and mileage
5th generation (GK/GT)
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026587 complaints, 228 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2017 Subaru Impreza
Close- Median failure report
- 15,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 125
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2017
- Exterior lighting32 reports
- Visibility/wiper25 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise22 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting — headlights · Electrical system — software · Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2018 Subaru Impreza
Close- Median failure report
- 18,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 151
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2018
- Exterior lighting64 reports
- Visibility/wiper34 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise25 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting — headlights · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Electrical system — software
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2019 Subaru Impreza
Close- Median failure report
- 12,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 194
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2019
- Exterior lighting63 reports
- Visibility/wiper55 reports · median 9,500 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise26 reports
Recall areas Exterior lighting — headlights · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Electrical system — software
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2020 Subaru Impreza
Close- Median failure report
- 7,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 85
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2020
- Visibility/wiper52 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise17 reports
- Brakes5 reports
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2021 Subaru Impreza
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 14
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2021
- Forward collision avoidance3 reports
- Visibility/wiper3 reports
- Steering2 reports
Recall areas Suspension — front · Power train — shift linkage/cable/rod
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2022 Subaru Impreza
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 14
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2022
- Transmission and driveline4 reports
- Visibility/wiper3 reports
- Brakes2 reports
Recall areas Visibility — windshield
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2023 Subaru Impreza
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 4
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2023
- Tyres2 reports
- Electrical system1 report
- Engine1 report
Recall areas Power train — driveline · Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2018; earliest: the 2020, and the 2018 is 2 years older (part of the gap is age). 3 of these years carry fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and show no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2017–2023 Subaru Impreza reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 12,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 50,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 228
- Recalls
- 14
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Visibility/wiper29.3% of complaints · median 11,000 mi
- Exterior lighting27.4% of complaints · median 28,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise16.2% of complaints · median 8,500 mi
Owners filed 587 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017–2023 Subaru Impreza; visibility/wiper leads with 29.3% of them, and half of the 228 that record an odometer reading came by 12,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
51% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 1.3 reports per 1,000 miles between 20,000 and 80,000. Failures clustered that early usually indicate a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2017–2023 Subaru Impreza last?
On the 2017–2023 Subaru Impreza, half of the 228 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 12,000 miles and 90% by 50,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
Figure 1 · Subaru Impreza 2017–2023 · 228 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
20,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 142 complaints
- First 12,000 miles — 51% of all failures
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 10%
- 1,000
- 25%
- 4,000
- Median
- 12,000
- 75%
- 28,000
- 90%
- 50,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–20,000 | 142 | 62.3% |
| 20,000–40,000 | 54 | 23.7% |
| 40,000–60,000 | 19 | 8.3% |
| 60,000–80,000 | 4 | 1.8% |
| 80,000–100,000 | 5 | 2.2% |
| 100,000–120,000 | 2 | 0.9% |
| 140,000–160,000 | 2 | 0.9% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Impreza problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Subaru Impreza 2017–2023
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Electrical system58 reportsmedian 5,500middle half 3,000–28,000
- Problems owners could not categorise95 reportsmedian 8,500middle half 2,000–22,000
- Engine39 reportsmedian 9,000middle half 1,500–25,000
- Visibility/wiper172 reportsmedian 11,000middle half 4,500–27,000
- Airbag system21 reportsmedian 14,000middle half 3,500–28,000
- Visibility equipment16 reportsmedian 22,000middle half 14,000–47,000
- Exterior lighting161 reportsmedian 28,000middle half 5,000–50,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 172 | 29.3% | 11,000 | 4,500–27,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 161 | 27.4% | 28,000 | 5,000–50,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 95 | 16.2% | 8,500 | 2,000–22,000 |
| Electrical system | 58 | 9.9% | 5,500 | 3,000–28,000 |
| Engine | 39 | 6.6% | 9,000 | 1,500–25,000 |
| Brakes | 26 | 4.4% | — | — |
| Airbag system | 21 | 3.6% | 14,000 | 3,500–28,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 18 | 3.1% | — | — |
| Visibility equipment | 16 | 2.7% | 22,000 | 14,000–47,000 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 14 | 2.4% | — | — |
Known problems with the 2017–2023 Impreza
PCV Valve 2017–2018
The aluminum positive crankcase ventilation valve can come apart, allowing the separated pieces to be drawn into the engine and cause loss of power while driving. Subaru recalls WUP-01 (2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek) and WUS-04 (2017 Impreza) provide inspection/replacement, with engine replacement if the separated pieces cannot be found.
Before you buy a 2017–2023 Impreza: the 3-minute check
Generated from 228 mileage-tagged complaints, 14 recall campaigns, 1 documented problem area.
- A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation. Run the VIN before you drive it home — the fix is free at an authorized dealer.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 14 campaigns cover this generation.
- Ask for visibility/wiper repair records. Reports on this area come at a median of 11,000 miles — a newer example may not have reached that mileage yet, so ask what was repaired under warranty and what the warranty still covers.
- Ask for problems owners could not categorise repair records. Same question here: a median of 8,500 miles.
- Check PCV valve on 2017–2018 cars. What it looks like: Known problems.
- Years differ here: from 4 to 194 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 mi94% below | At 90k mi97% below | At 120k mi99% below | At 150k mi100% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 4,500–27,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Exterior lighting | 5,000–50,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 2,000–22,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 3,000–28,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 1,500–25,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 3,500–28,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Visibility equipment | 14,000–47,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Subaru Impreza 2017–2023 · 228 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 94% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2017–2023 Subaru Impreza recalls (14)
NHTSA records 14 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
1 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the fuel system (3), the transmission and driveline (2), the exterior lighting (2) (why one area can repeat).
Sep 2023 · 2023 · Power TrainSeparation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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 driveshaft.
What can happen. Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's…
Apr 2023 · 2023 · Exterior LightingAn unintentional brake light illumination can fail to alert other motorists of actual brake application.
The defect. 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 allow drivers to start and shift the…
What can happen. An unintentional brake light illumination can fail to alert other motorists of actual brake application. A vehicle that shifts out of the park position unexpectedly can allow the vehicle to rollaway.…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the gap between the brake light switch and stopper, adjusting the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 23, 2023. Owners…
Sep 2022 · 2022 · VisibilityAn insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply…
What can happen. An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at…
Aug 2022 · 2017–2019 · Exterior LightingReflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk…
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
What can happen. Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's…
Aug 2021 · 2021 · Suspension do not driveA separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and…
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.
What can happen. A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed…
Jul 2021 · 2018–2020 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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.…
Apr 2021 · 2017–2019 · Electrical SystemA short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
What can happen. A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed…
Jan 2021 · 2021 · Power TrainA loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not…
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
What can happen. A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at…
Apr 2020 · 2019 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle…
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
What can happen. If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's…
Oct 2019 · 2017–2019 · Electrical SystemIf a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown…
What can happen. If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil…
Oct 2019 · 2017 · Engine and Engine CoolingAn unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss…
What can happen. An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for…
Oct 2019 · 2017–2018 · Engine and Engine CoolingAn unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine…
What can happen. An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be…
Mar 2017 · 2017 · Fuel System, GasolineAn engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles. Winter fuels may vaporize prematurely in the fuel line, resulting in a reduction in fuel pressure, possibly causing the engine to stall.
What can happen. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control unit to turn the radiator cooling fan on at a lower temperature, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2017. Owners…
Mar 2017 · 2017 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera display that does not function as designed can reduce the driver's view of what is behind…
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles. Due to a software problem, the rearview camera display may not work properly.
What can happen. A rearview camera display that does not function as designed can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the car, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 587 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 24 (4.1%)
- Fires
- 9
- Injury reports
- 15
- Fatality reports
- 1
Impreza problems by model year
The 2019 drew the most complaints of this generation, 194, most of them about the exterior lighting, and the 2020 the fewest among the 4 years with at least 20 complaints, 85. A typical year drew about 138.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 125 | 65 | 15,000† | Exterior lighting (32) | 7 |
| 2018 | 151 | 51 | 18,000† | Exterior lighting (64) | 5 |
| 2019 | 194 | 66 | 12,000† | Exterior lighting (63) | 5 |
| 2020 | 85 | 42 | 7,000 | Visibility/wiper (52) | 1 |
| 2021 | 14 | 3 | under 30 reports | Forward collision avoidance (3) | 2 |
| 2022 | 14 | 0 | under 30 reports | Transmission and driveline (4) | 1 |
| 2023 | 4 | 1 | under 30 reports | Tyres (2) | 2 |
What Impreza owners reported
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle was jerking, shaking, and failed to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The failure nearly caused a crash. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where the oxygen sensor and…
2019 · 148,000 miles · Engine and its cooling system
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle rolled to a stop and stalled in hot and cold temperatures. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was jump-started by Roadside Assistance. The contact purchased a trickle charger. The local…
2019 · 5,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle loss power. An independent mechanic was contacted. No warning light warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic where the diagnosed the coil pack was melted…
2019 · 146,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the high-temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an engine reseal had failed and needed to be…
2018 · 106,000 miles · Engine
Built from 228 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 2012–2016 499 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system