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Subaru Impreza 2017–2023 problems by year and mileage

5th generation (GK/GT)

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

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Median failure report
15,000 mi
Complaints filed
125
Recalls naming this year
7

At least 40% of the complaints about the 2017 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.

Most reported on the 2017

  1. Exterior lighting32 reports
  2. Visibility/wiper25 reports
  3. Problems owners could not categorise22 reports

7 recall campaigns name the 2017: Exterior lighting — headlights; Electrical system — software; Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

The 2018 Subaru Impreza

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Median failure report
18,000 mi
Complaints filed
151
Recalls naming this year
5

At least 40% of the complaints about the 2018 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.

Most reported on the 2018

  1. Exterior lighting64 reports
  2. Visibility/wiper34 reports
  3. Problems owners could not categorise25 reports

5 recall campaigns name the 2018: Exterior lighting — headlights; Fuel system, gasoline — delivery; Electrical system — software. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

The 2019 Subaru Impreza

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Median failure report
12,000 mi
Complaints filed
194
Recalls naming this year
5

At least 40% of the complaints about the 2019 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.

Most reported on the 2019

  1. Exterior lighting63 reports
  2. Visibility/wiper55 reports · median 9,500 mi
  3. Problems owners could not categorise26 reports

5 recall campaigns name the 2019: Exterior lighting — headlights; Fuel system, gasoline — delivery; Electrical system — software. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

The 2020 Subaru Impreza

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Median failure report
7,000 mi
Complaints filed
85
Recalls naming this year
1

Most reported on the 2020

  1. Visibility/wiper52 reports
  2. Problems owners could not categorise17 reports
  3. Brakes5 reports

1 recall campaign names the 2020: Fuel system, gasoline — delivery. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza

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Median failure report
too few reports to time
Complaints filed
14
Recalls naming this year
2

Most reported on the 2021

  1. Forward collision avoidance3 reports
  2. Visibility/wiper3 reports
  3. Steering2 reports

2 recall campaigns name the 2021: Suspension — front; Power train — shift linkage/cable/rod. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

The 2022 Subaru Impreza

Close
Median failure report
too few reports to time
Complaints filed
13
Recalls naming this year
1

Most reported on the 2022

  1. Transmission and driveline4 reports
  2. Visibility/wiper3 reports
  3. Brakes2 reports

1 recall campaign names the 2022: Visibility — windshield. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

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

  1. Tyres2 reports
  2. Electrical system1 report
  3. Engine1 report

2 recall campaigns name the 2023: Power train — driveline; Exterior lighting — brake lights. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

Each tile shows the median mileage at which that model year’s failures were reported. † marks a year whose median likely understates the mileage: much of its reporting came after 2020, when most complaints stopped recording an odometer reading. The 2018 reports latest and the 2020 earliest, but part of that gap is age: the 2018 has had 2 more years on the road to accumulate mileage. 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 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading, so the median likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.

Most reported

  1. Visibility/wiper29.4% of complaints · median 11,000 mi
  2. Exterior lighting27.5% of complaints · median 28,000 mi
  3. Problems owners could not categorise16.2% of complaints · median 8,500 mi

When each system fails ↓

Documented problems

What each one is ↓

Owners filed 586 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017–2023 Subaru Impreza; visibility/wiper leads with 29.4% of them, and half of the 228 that record an odometer reading came by 12,000 miles. A count like this can’t rate reliability on its own: NHTSA records what owners chose to report, not how many of each car were sold.

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?

Complaint records can’t measure how long a car lasts; they show when reported failures happened. 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.

Figure 1 · Subaru Impreza 2017–2023 · 228 reports with mileage

Mileage at failure

Complaints per 20,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 142 complaints.

Mileage at failure, Subaru Impreza 2017–2023Histogram of 228 owner-reported failures by mileage, in 20,000-mile bins from 0 to 200,000. The tallest bin is 0 to 20,000 miles with 142 complaints, 62.3 percent of the total. 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. Median mileage at failure is 12,000.
  • 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

Tallest bin: 142 complaints between 0 and 20,000 miles. Based on 228 complaints that record mileage. Bin width 20,000 miles.

Show the numbers
Complaints by mileage bin
MileageComplaintsShare
0–20,00014262.3%
20,000–40,0005423.7%
40,000–60,000198.3%
60,000–80,00041.8%
80,000–100,00052.2%
100,000–120,00020.9%
140,000–160,00020.9%

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.

What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.

Common Impreza problems, and when they happen

Figure 2 · Subaru Impreza 2017–2023

When each system fails

Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.

  1. Electrical system58 reports5,5003,000–28,000Electrical system: 58 reports, median 5,500 miles, middle half 3,000 to 28,000 miles.
  2. Problems owners could not categorise95 reports8,5002,000–22,000Problems owners could not categorise: 95 reports, median 8,500 miles, middle half 2,000 to 22,000 miles.
  3. Engine39 reports9,0001,500–25,000Engine: 39 reports, median 9,000 miles, middle half 1,500 to 25,000 miles.
  4. Visibility/wiper172 reports11,0004,500–27,000Visibility/wiper: 172 reports, median 11,000 miles, middle half 4,500 to 27,000 miles.
  5. Airbag system21 reports14,0003,500–28,000Airbag system: 21 reports, median 14,000 miles, middle half 3,500 to 28,000 miles.
  6. Visibility equipment16 reports22,00014,000–47,000Visibility equipment: 16 reports, median 22,000 miles, middle half 14,000 to 47,000 miles.
  7. Exterior lighting161 reports28,0005,000–50,000Exterior lighting: 161 reports, median 28,000 miles, middle half 5,000 to 50,000 miles.
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”

Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

All systems in a table
Complaints by vehicle system
SystemComplaintsShareMedian25–75%
Visibility/wiper17229.4%11,0004,500–27,000
Exterior lighting16127.5%28,0005,000–50,000
Problems owners could not categorise9516.2%8,5002,000–22,000
Electrical system589.9%5,5003,000–28,000
Engine396.7%9,0001,500–25,000
Brakes264.4%——
Airbag system213.6%14,0003,500–28,000
Transmission and driveline183.1%——
Visibility equipment162.7%22,00014,000–47,000
Forward collision avoidance142.4%——
System by system, in words

Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 12,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.

Visibility/wiper accounts for 29.4% of complaints (172 reports, 96 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 11,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 4,500 and 27,000 miles.

A single system taking 29.4% of all complaints is a concentration worth noting. It means that for this generation, most of what owners reported came back to one area of the car rather than being distributed across many small faults.

The exterior lighting accounts for 27.5% of complaints (161 reports, 16 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails late — a median of 28,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 5,000 and 50,000 miles.

Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 16.2% of complaints (95 reports, 34 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 8,500 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 2,000 and 22,000 miles.

The electrical system accounts for 9.9% of complaints (58 reports, 24 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 5,500 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 3,000 and 28,000 miles.

The engine accounts for 6.7% of complaints (39 reports, 19 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 9,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 1,500 and 25,000 miles.

The airbag system accounts for 3.6% of complaints (21 reports, 11 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 14,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 3,500 and 28,000 miles.

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. Print this page — the checklist survives print.

  1. 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.
  2. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 14 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
  3. 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.
  4. Ask for problems owners could not categorise repair records. Reports on this area come at a median of 8,500 miles — a newer example may not have reached that mileage yet, so ask what was repaired under warranty and what the warranty still covers.
  5. Check pcv valve on 2017–2018 cars. 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…
  6. Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
  7. End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.

For a buyer of a newer example: 51% of the reported failures occur in the first 12,000 miles, and many of these cars have not covered that yet. The early window may still be ahead, so check what the factory warranty still covers and whether any recall on the VIN is open.

On inspection, visibility/wiper and the exterior lighting are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. Visibility/wiper in particular shows a median failure mileage of 11,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.

None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.

Impreza problems by mileage: where your car sits

Type your odometer reading, or read the common mileages in the table. Your marker lands on the timing chart above and on the curve below.

earlier most reports on that system came below this mileage — ask for repair records. in window this mileage sits inside the middle half of its reports. later most reports came above it. That describes reports, not your odds.

Where each system’s reports sit against common odometer readings
SystemMiddle half of reports, miAt 60k mi94% belowAt 90k mi97% belowAt 120k mi99% belowAt 150k mi100% belowAt 200k mi100% below
Visibility/wiper4,500–27,000earlierearlierearlierearlierearlier
Exterior lighting5,000–50,000earlierearlierearlierearlierearlier
Problems owners could not categorise2,000–22,000earlierearlierearlierearlierearlier
Electrical system3,000–28,000earlierearlierearlierearlierearlier
Engine1,500–25,000earlierearlierearlierearlierearlier
Airbag system3,500–28,000earlierearlierearlierearlierearlier
Visibility equipment14,000–47,000earlierearlierearlierearlierearlier

Figure 3 · Subaru Impreza 2017–2023 · 228 reports with mileage

Share of reports below each mileage

Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.

Cumulative share of reports by mileage, Subaru Impreza 2017–2023Of 228 reports that record mileage, the share filed below each odometer reading, rising in steps at each 20,000-mile bin edge. 94 percent below 60,000 miles. 99 percent below 120,000 miles. 100 percent below 200,000 miles. Median 12,000 miles.
  • 60,000 mi — 94% of reports below
  • 120,000 mi — 99% of reports below
  • 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
  • Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it above

Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

2017–2023 Subaru Impreza recalls (14)

NHTSA records 14 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.

1 of these carry a severe advisory — NHTSA's do not drive or park outside warnings, which the agency applies only when it considers the risk immediate. If you own one of these vehicles, that is the first thing to check by VIN.

The campaigns cluster around the fuel system (3), the transmission and driveline (2), the exterior lighting (2). Several campaigns against one area can mean a remedy that did not hold, or separate defects in parts filed under the same heading; the summaries below name each defect.

Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.

Recall repairs are free at an authorized dealer, for any owner. Summaries below shorten NHTSA’s own wording.

  1. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 23V-647 (2023-09-21).

  2. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 23V-292 (2023-04-25).

  3. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 22V-712 (2022-09-22).

  4. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 22V-624 (2022-08-12).

  5. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 21V-675 (2021-08-30).

  6. 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.…

    NHTSA campaign 21V-587 (2021-07-29).

  7. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 21V-264 (2021-04-15).

  8. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 21V-024 (2021-01-26).

  9. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 20V-218 (2020-04-16).

  10. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 19V-743 (2019-10-18).

  11. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 19V-745 (2019-10-17).

  12. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 19V-744 (2019-10-17).

  13. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 17V-216 (2017-03-29).

  14. 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.…

    NHTSA campaign 17V-132 (2017-03-02).

Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported

What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 586 complaints against this generation:

Crashes
24 (4.1%)
Fires
9
Injury reports
15
Fatality reports
1

These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.

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.

Complaints by model year
YearComplaintsWith mileageMedian milesMost reportedRecalls
20171256515,000†Exterior lighting (32)7
20181515118,000†Exterior lighting (64)5
20191946612,000†Exterior lighting (63)5
202085427,000Visibility/wiper (52)1
2021143under 30 reportsForward collision avoidance (3)2
2022130under 30 reportsTransmission and driveline (4)1
202341under 30 reportsTyres (2)2

† At least 40% of this year’s complaints were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. Its median rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.

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 2026-09-26 · open data · how it is built

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