Subaru Impreza problems
The Subaru Impreza (Japanese: スバル・インプレッサ, Hepburn: Subaru Inpuressa) is a compact car that has been manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru since 1992. It was introduced as a replacement for the Leone, with the predecessor's EA series engines replaced by the new EJ series. It is now in its sixth generation.
Subaru has offered a 5-door hatchback body variant since 2008. The firm also offered a coupé from 1995 until 2001, a 4-door sedan up to the fifth generation, and a 5-door wagon from the Impreza's introduction which was replaced by a hatchback with the third generation in 2008. Mainstream versions have received "boxer" flat-four engines ranging from 1.5- to 2.5-liters, with the performance-oriented Impreza WRX and WRX STI models upgraded with the addition of turbochargers. Since the third generation series, some markets have adopted the abbreviated Subaru WRX name for these high-performance variants. The first three generations of Impreza were also available with an off-road appearance non-SUV package called the Outback Sport, exclusive to the North American market. For the fourth generation, this appearance package was raised up to be subcompact crossover SUV and renamed the XV (Crosstrek in North America), and is sold internationally. Colloquially, the car is sometimes referred to as Scooby.
Subaru has offered front- and all-wheel drive layouts for the Impreza. Since the late-1990s, some markets have restricted sales to the all-wheel drive model, putting the Impreza in a unique selling proposition in the global compact class, which is usually characterized by front-wheel drive. Japanese models remain available in both configurations.
A 2019 iSeeCars study named the Impreza as the lowest-depreciating sedan in the United States after five years.
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Subaru Impreza model years
Common Subaru Impreza problems
The Subaru Impreza is a reliable car, but like any vehicle, it can still develop problems. Some common issues that owners have reported include CVT issues, fuel pump problems, underpowered brakes, rusted brake lines, infotainment system problems, oil consumption issues, EyeSight issues, unintended acceleration, soy wiring problems, faulty brake switches, and weakened suspension.
CVT issues are a common problem in some Subaru models, including the Impreza. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) can experience slipping, overheating, stalling, and trouble controlling engine speed. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including the age and mileage of the vehicle, as well as the specific driving conditions and maintenance history.
Fuel pump problems are another issue that has been reported by some Impreza owners. These problems can cause the car to not start or run erratically. The fuel delivery system is often the source of these issues, which can be caused by manufacturing defects or wear and tear over time. In some cases, Subaru has issued recalls to address these problems, but if your car is not covered by a recall, replacing the fuel pump can cost around $800.
Underpowered brakes are a safety concern that has been reported by some Impreza owners. This issue can cause longer braking distances and sluggish brake pedal response. Poorly maintained or infrequently tested brakes can fail when you need them the most, so it's important to use premium brake fluid and replace the brake kits if necessary.
Rusted brake lines are another issue that has been reported by some Impreza owners. While all cars are prone to rust, it's important for the automaker to ensure that rust or corrosion does not affect vital parts of the vehicle. Unfortunately, the Impreza is not one of those vehicles.
Infotainment system problems are a common issue in many modern cars, including the Impreza. These problems can include unresponsive touch screens, software glitches, and connectivity issues. While these problems are not typically safety concerns, they can be frustrating and affect the overall driving experience.
Oil consumption issues are another problem that has been reported by some Impreza owners. This issue can cause the engine to use up more oil than normal, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed. In some cases, this issue can be fixed by replacing the piston rings and rod bearings to eliminate leaks.
EyeSight issues are a problem that has been reported by some Impreza owners. EyeSight is a driver assistance system that uses cameras and sensors to monitor the road and alert the driver to potential hazards. If the system is not working properly, it can fail to detect obstacles or provide accurate alerts.
Unintended acceleration is a safety concern that has been reported by some Impreza owners. This issue can cause the car to suddenly accelerate without the driver's input, which can be dangerous in certain driving conditions.
Soy wiring problems are a unique issue that has been reported by some Impreza owners. Subaru has used soy-based wiring insulation in some of its vehicles, which can attract rodents. If a rodent chews on the wiring, it can cause electrical issues and potentially affect the vehicle's performance.
Faulty brake switches are a safety concern that has been reported by some Impreza owners. This issue can cause the brake lights to stay on or not come on when the brake pedal is pressed. This can be confusing for other drivers and potentially lead to accidents.
Weakened suspension is a problem that has been reported by some Impreza owners. This issue can cause the car to feel unstable or bouncy, which can affect the overall driving experience.
It's important to note that not all Subaru Imprezas will experience these problems, and many owners have reported having positive experiences with the car. However, it's always a good idea to do your research and be aware of potential issues before making a purchasing decision.
Is the Subaru Impreza a reliable car?
The Impreza's reliability score is ranked 33rd out of 36 compact cars by RepairPal, earning a 3.5 out of five-star rating. The average annual repair cost is $653, which isn't terribly high, but there is a 17% chance of severe repairs.
What is the problem with Subaru Impreza?
Common Subaru Impreza Problems
These include excessive oil consumption that sometimes requires replacing piston rings and rod bearings to address leaks. Older models also frequently had issues with blown head gaskets, especially once they reached around 100,000 miles.
How long do Subaru Imprezas last?
The first hard limit for most Subarus is between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, but with major maintenance, this can be extended to 300,000 miles. According to Way.com, the Subaru Impreza is relatively affordable to maintain.
What were the bad years for Subaru?
Subaru Outback Years to Avoid
- 1996 – 2008. Image Courtesy: Subaru. These Outbacks had an issue with the head gasket and engine overheating. ...
- 2010 – 2013. Outback from this period had issues with transmissions. ...
- 2015 – 2019. Unexpected acceleration issues, which are safety hazards, were reported by owners.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Subaru Impreza years
We have researched Subaru problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Subaru Impreza cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Subaru Impreza model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Subaru Impreza model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Subaru Impreza years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Subaru Impreza car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Subaru Impreza , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Subaru Impreza vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Impreza model years
A total of 184 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Impreza model years
There were a total of 40 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Impreza model years
There were a total of 138 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Impreza model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 2633 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Subaru Impreza . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Subaru Impreza vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Subaru Impreza 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-08
- VIN: 4S3GTAD63K3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Rear wheel bearing premature wear. Originally installed wheel bearings were replaced, under warranty, at 44,137 miles. Same bearings then had to be replaced again at 62,486 miles. Both replacements were done by Beardmore Subaru in Nebraska. A failed wheel bearing at high speed could result in a catastrophic accident, and requiring replacement at these low mileage levels is indicative of poor design or substandard parts.
Subaru Impreza 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-11
- VIN: JF1GPAL67E8
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: After driving for about an hour stopped a light and accelerated to proceed and drivers side air bag exploded. Subaru states it was my fault because “dirt” got in the system. Refused to cover replacement or rental car. Minor hand injury.
Subaru Impreza 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4S3GTAD66M3
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The force of the impact caused the contact to hit another vehicle which then caused that vehicle to also hit another vehicle; in total, four vehicles were involved in the accident. The contact's air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact was taken to hospital via an ambulance where they were treated for a nasal fracture. The contact also suffered additional bruises to the face, both arms and right upper thigh. During a recent surgery for an appendix removal, the contact's surgeon discovered bruising on the contact's colon; likely caused by the accident. The driver that caused the collision claimed to have suffered from a seizure which caused the accident; that driver did not suffer any physical injuries. The whereabouts of the other two drivers involved in the accident were unknown. A police report was filed. The contact's vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Subaru Impreza 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-07
- VIN: JF1GUABC5R8
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: I have not had an accident yet. I bought this vehicle in May and recently drove it at night. This vehicle is a nighmare!!!! The LED steering responsive headlights are absolutely horrible and you cannot drive this vehicle at night using the low beams. If you are on a completely level road, you'll be ok. If you are on a road with at least a slight dip in the road, these headlights face downward in front of you about 30 yards out max. That means you cannot see anything beyond where the beam hits the road. You would have to drive with high beams on constantly and this is an absolute safety hazard to my family and other vehicles and pedestrians. This problem goes back to 2017 and has been recalled up to 2019. There is not a fix for it and why they still installed these lights till today is beyond comprehension. I literally purchased a vehicle that my wife or I cannot drive. All you have to do is google this problem and you'll read a vast amount of complaints from people who have these headlights. Why are you not doing anything to correct this? I ask that somebody help us!! I took my vehicle back to the dealer and all they did was adjust the headlights 6 inches which is comical. You can come and drive my car at night if you think I'm just blowing smoke. Please tell me what you are going to do and don't tell me I have to have an accident first before you will act on this.
Subaru Impreza 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-06
- VIN: JF1GPAD65CH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and the contact was informed that there was a defective gasket on the transfer case and the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced. The contact stated that while a relative was seated in the front passenger’s seat, the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where a code reader determined that there was a defect with the front passenger’s side air bag sensor. A dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was made to have the vehicle serviced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Subaru Impreza 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-04
- VIN: 4S3GTAD64K3
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Vehicle sways significantly and continuously left and right in lane at highway speeds, including in low or no wind conditions, since the car was new. This happens regardless of whether eyesight/lane keep assist is enabled or not, and all tire pressures are regularly monitored and at manufacturer recommended levels. Changing tires from the OEM Continental Pro Contact to Michelin CrossClimate 2, while maintaining OEM wheels and 205/55R16 tire size, has not impacted the car's behavior. This weaving occurs at speeds of 50-70 mph on the highway, including on straight, smooth road. Swaying does not disappear with absence of adjacent vehicles influencing air turbulence. Neighboring vehicle air wakes will cause significant additional pushing of the car to the opposite side of the lane. The steering feel of this car on the highway is extremely "floaty" and unsettling. It is challenging to maintain lane with no surrounding cars, and it is extremely dangerous when passing vehicles.
Subaru Impreza 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-04
- VIN: JF1GUHHC1R8
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, while slowing for traffic ahead, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact pumped the brake pedal until the Forward Collision Avoidance system engaged and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but occurred at various speeds, but always occurred while slowing down with the brake pedal depressed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
Subaru Impreza 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-23
- VIN: 4S3GTAA6XJ1
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Subaru Impreza 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-14
- VIN: 4S3GTAU62L3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The windshield spontaneously cracked while sitting in my driveway. Windshield had no chips, damage, etc. The weather has been in the upper 70's, so no inclement weather. Upon researching, I found that many other Subaru owners have had the same issue.
Subaru Impreza 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-13
- VIN: 4S3GTAA60K1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Owner’s manual calls for 87 octane fuel. Vehicle engine pings on anything less than 91 octane. Subaru should issue an update to prevent engine damage.
Subaru Impreza 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-06
- VIN: 4S3GTAM62K3
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at night, the headlights failed to provide adequate illumination. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed that the failure was related to the recall. The failure mileage was 5,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Subaru Impreza 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-02
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4S3GTAA68H3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Parked at a store. Car caught on fire while in store. Car had been parked approximately 10 minutes. Left side headlight spontaneously ignited.
Subaru Impreza 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-01
- VIN: 4S3GTAB60J3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: March 2023 I had all 4 rotors & brakes replaced. About 2 weeks after, doing 65 mph on highway 79 I had to lightly apply my brakes. After letting off the brake all of a sudden my whole car, steering wheel, etc started shaking. I pulled off the road thinking something broke but nothing was. A couple months later on 79 it did it again without applying my brakes. It's happening more often and the shaking is getting more severe to where my car is either going to fall apart or bounce off the road or into another car. I'm terrified when this happens because I don't know what's going to happen. I won't even put my grand children in my car. One if my co-workers had the same thing happen to her Subaru. She said after her mechanics did some investigating, they found that there was an issue with the replacement rotors warping and causing the car to shake terribly. This is a severe safety issue and really needs to be investigated. Also a year warranty on these defective parts is too short.
Subaru Impreza 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-31
- VIN: 4S3GTAC61K3
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Subaru Impreza 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-30
- VIN: 4S3GTAD60L3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: While car was parked. Front windshield developed crack in the lower mid section of windshield. There was no damage to windshield that would have resulted in cracking. Crack has since spread.
Latest 5 recalls Subaru Impreza
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 175 recalls for different components of the Subaru Impreza.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Subaru Impreza 2024
- Report Received Date: 2023-11-09
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
- Consequence: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
- Model: Subaru Impreza 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-09-21
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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 customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
- Model: Subaru Impreza 2024
- Report Received Date: 2023-08-04
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Subaru Impreza 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-04-25
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: 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 transmission out of the PARK position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."
- Consequence: 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. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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 may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-23.
- Model: Subaru Impreza 2005
- Report Received Date: 2023-02-13
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2004-2005 Impreza and WRX vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
- Consequence: An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the passenger inflator and if necessary, install a new inflator kit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 14, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRF-23.
Latest negative Subaru Impreza car reviews
Latest positive Subaru Impreza car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2008
This is such a great car! It's so versatile, safe, reliable, and fun to drive. I love how it can handle anything I throw at it with its 44.4 cu/ft of cargo space and 60/40 fold-flat seats. Plus, with its AWD system and 6 standard air bags, I feel so confident on the road. Subaru has really found a great balance between ride and handling, too. The car rides so smoothly and can still handle turns like a pro. Of course, there are a few minor issues, like the hard plastic interior and some road noise, but overall it's an amazing car!
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Vehicle year: 2006
I was looking for a car with 4WD or AWD due to the location of my house. After test driving the BMW 325xi & 330xi, I found them to be really nice cars but way overpriced. That's when I decided to go for the Impreza and save the money for my kid's college. This car handles just as well as the BMW and puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. I love driving it just for the fun of it. I even installed aftermarket real xenon headlights, which make everything much brighter at night. Although the stock headlights are quite bright, the difference with the xenon is significant. Now, I sneak out at night just to drive on the curvy roads in my town.
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Vehicle year: 2018
I am thrilled to share my experience with the Imprezza Hatchback. This is actually my second one, having previously owned a 2015 limited edition for two years. While I did enjoy that car, I decided to upgrade to a 2018 model for one reason which I will explain shortly. I discovered that the '15 was the last year made in Japan, and I must say that the new platform of the 2018 model is a significant improvement. The ride is incredibly quiet and the interior design is top-notch, making it a clear winner over the previous model. I have read some negative reviews about the acceleration, but I have had no issues with it whatsoever. In fact, I have driven over 18,000 miles in just over a year and have had zero problems. I have a friend who lives up a steep hill, and this car handles it with ease. This is actually my fourth CVT, having previously owned two Nissan Altimas and the 2015 Subby. While the Nissan's were a bit smoother, I have no complaints about this one. I did notice one reviewer complaining about the gas mileage, but I have had no issues with it. I am 74 years old and tend to drive at or below the speed limit, and I have averaged just over 28 MPG over 18,000 miles. While this number is slightly off, my own calculations put the actual average at around 26.5 MPG, which is a combination of highway and city driving. On multiple highway trips, I have accurately calculated over 41 MPG at 60 miles per hour and around 36 MPG at 75 MPH. Now, let's talk about the one drawback of Subaru's vehicles, which is the transmission. Unfortunately, Subaru has installed a sealed, non-serviceable transmission in all their cars, which is a shame.Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that checking and adding transmission fluid can be a bit tricky with this car. It's important to be careful and make sure you know what you're doing. Also, there's a design flaw with the transmission that you should be aware of. It looks like an oil pan and drain plug, which can be confusing. Some people have accidentally drained their transmission fluid, which can cause serious damage. However, I've found that as long as you're aware of the issue, it's a great car overall. It has plenty of room, especially with the rear seats down. In fact, I love it so much that I plan on driving it until it reaches 200,000 miles! Thanks for listening.
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Vehicle year: 1998
I bought this car to commute and it has been amazing! Despite the New England weather, it runs like a top even without anti-lock brakes. The only major scare I had was replacing the speedometer sensor and the radiator cap, which my mechanic thought was the engine gasket. I almost junked the car, but I'm so glad I didn't! The car has some rust issues in the rear wheels, probably from the previous owners going off-roading, but overall it's been a great purchase. I love this car and plan to run it into the ground!
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Vehicle year: 2018
I've been researching the compact car segment since 2010 and I have found that Subaru is the best choice. It has excellent resale value, is cheap to maintain, and provides an excellent ownership experience. Recently, I decided to lease my first new car and test drove a Toyota Yaris iA. However, I ultimately decided to go with the Subaru 2.0i Premium in white/tan cloth because it was only slightly more expensive and offered a much better overall package. I am very happy with my decision as the interior space is fantastic and the hatchback is an improvement over past Impreza hatchbacks. Although it may not be the sportiest car, it can still be playful and it is perfectly tolerable. The steering doesn't return-to-center very much and there is minimal feedback from the front wheels, but the brake pedal is top-notch and very smooth and easy to modulate. The gas pedal is very touchy and from a stop, it has a decent punch. The CVT is very responsive and will get up and go when you need it to. The manual mode works well and the shifts are near automatic quality. The turning radius is nice and the visibility is good. Overall, I am very pleased with this car, although I am not crazy about some of the interior design elements like the dashboard, windshield base, or gauge cluster. I much prefer the gauge cluster of the Crosstrek, which looks like it belongs on a luxury car, but these gauges look clunky and dull. Nonetheless, I would highly recommend this car to anyone as it will suit most people's needs.Hi there! I'm really excited about buying this car once my lease is up, but I'm also curious about the 2021 models. By the way, I wanted to share an update with you. I've driven the car for 483 miles now, and while I still like it, I have to admit that the throttle pedal is a bit too sensitive for my liking. It's hard to maintain slower speeds without gradually building up speed, which is a problem since I drive on a military installation with strict speed limits. I have to be very careful with the throttle to avoid jerky transitions and sudden slowdowns. It's a bit irritating, but I'm still enjoying the car overall. Thanks for listening!
Are you having problems with your Subaru Impreza?
Santa VonRueden 2025-09-13
Vehicle year: 2018
The steering ratio on the new Impreza global platform can be a bit challenging to handle. On the other hand, our 2018 Hyundai Ioniq has a perfect steering ratio that makes driving a breeze. While driving the Impreza, it's important to keep both hands on the wheel and maintain a steady grip. We recommend driving it at a maximum speed of 70 mph to ensure safety. Replacing the low-end Continental tires with high-performance Michelin highway tires might help stabilize it. We understand that the steering ratio was changed from 16 to 1 down to 13 to 1 with the new global platform, which might be the reason for the heavy-handed steering. We suggest contacting Subaru about this issue. Additionally, the air conditioning might struggle to keep up with the outside temperature over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. We had the dealer verify that the A/C was working properly, but it seems that it's not as effective as our other cars when the temperature is higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, after only one month of use, one of the low-quality Continental tires developed a crack in the sidewall which is not repairable. So, we replaced all the tires with high-quality Michelin all-season tires.The Impreza handles well on snow and ice without losing traction, but it requires a heavy hand on the steering wheel at all times. Although I should have purchased the Outback Subaru instead, I find that the Impreza drives better with higher quality tires. However, the low ground clearance of the Impreza makes it difficult to drive in heavy snow. Unfortunately, within the first 3000 miles, both the tires and the windshield failed. Some tiny bits of road sanding broke the windshield on the first day of snow this fall, and it now needs replacement.
Gayle Gibson 2025-09-10
Vehicle year: 2013
We have a 2013 Subaru Impreza 4 Sedan Premium. While my wife was driving, the low engine oil light came on, then went off about 10 minutes later. I checked the oil and it was maybe a 1/4 of an inch below the low line/dot. We brought it to the dealer, and they told us it was down 3/4 to 1 quart. It was around 2,850 miles since our last oil & filter change from that dealer. We have around 23,000 miles on the vehicle, mainly highway use, and it sits in a garage when not being used, so we do not need to let it sit and idle to clear it off from the winter elements. It gets oil & filter changes every 6 months by the same Subaru dealership. We brought in our vehicle for the 2nd part of the oil consumption test and they said there was no problem, no excess oil consumption. To us, this meant either the dealer did not add enough oil when they did the oil change prior to the oil light going off, or they did the test wrong, or the engine healed itself. Our issue is not only with oil consumption, which the dealership tried to previously say was normal, but also with both Subaru’s paint and the ease at which the side panels dent, in addition to the oil issue. This is a 3-year-old vehicle, which looks worse for wear compared to our 2006 Hyundai Accent, which cost approximately $10K less than our Subaru. Subaru told us the paint was normal wear and tear for road conditions, weather, etc., and again I said, if that is the case, explain why none of our other vehicles we have owned during our lives had the same issues (with 1 exception), and why our 2006 Hyundai Accent shows none of the same wear, even though it went through similar driving conditions and weather. Subaru agreed to a one-time repainting of the hood only, without admitting to any issues on their part, stating it was a “Good Will” gesture. They did not cover the door pillars, the front bumper, or the scratches on the trunk, and we were disappointed with this outcome.We recently had our Subaru's hood repainted and it looks much better than the original paint job, at least for now. We didn't have to sign a release for the repainting, but we did have to bring it back to the dealership because the paint bled through to our front driver and passenger windows. The body shop was able to clean it up and correct it. We've noticed that the door guards on the Subaru are notably thinner and softer than those on our previous Hyundai, which seemed to withstand more force without denting. Unfortunately, we've already experienced two dents on the driver's side of the Subaru. One was caused by a shopping cart that was blown by the wind and rolled downhill, causing a small dent. The other dent appeared to be caused by an SUV or truck door opening into our vehicle, leaving a larger and deeper indentation. We're disappointed not only by the oil consumption issue, which may decrease the value of our vehicle, but also by its appearance. We know that diminished value claims can be difficult to prove, but we're not the only ones who have voiced concerns about this issue. The interior of the car is loud when driving and we occasionally hear a rattle on washboard roads. This will be our first and last Subaru. We may even trade it in for a Honda or Hyundai again. We received a little under NADA value for our car, but we believe that the oil consumption problem was reflected in the price. We were disappointed by the class action lawsuit settlement, as Subaru will determine if the problem is related to the oil consumption issue if and when someone experiences it. Lastly, we found the red light instrument panel difficult to see at night and the engine was very loud, sounding like a plane. Goodbye Subaru!
Merl Block 2025-09-09
Vehicle year: 2002
When my car was 2 years old, it developed small oil drop leaks after 20,000 miles. At 3 years old, it started to drip coolant on the driveway along with oil drops. Unfortunately, the dealer would not cover the cost of the fix because Subaru claimed that only the Forester has bad gaskets. However, they did ask for my VIN anyway. They gave me a bottle of head gasket sealer for $2 and told me that they were going to charge me $3,500 for a new gasket replacement. The fact that the dealer even stocked the sealant and gave it to me indicated that they have a widespread problem. Unfortunately, the sealant did not work, so I used Bars Stop Leak instead. In 2014, at 75,000 miles, I had to add coolant twice a week and the code (Knock) was triggered, probably due to worn bearings from water in the oil.
Isidro Reilly 2025-09-07
Vehicle year: 2017
This vehicle has had several issues that may cause concern for long distance trips. However, it is important to note that many of these issues were addressed under warranty and have been resolved. While there were some initial problems with the car's bearings and brakes, these have since been replaced with redesigned OEM calipers and superior aftermarket rotors. Additionally, the rubber brake lines have been recalled and replaced under warranty. While there were some issues with the car's plastic and rubber components, it is important to note that Subaru was attempting to utilize environmentally friendly materials. Overall, while there were some initial problems with the car, these have been addressed and resolved. It is important to note that Subaru is a reputable brand with a history of producing reliable vehicles.The availability of redesigned calipers was extremely poor, resulting in a delay of over three months for diagnosis and parts. Despite this, no recall was issued. The car did have some issues, including the replacement of four coils under recall and the need for ECU reprogramming. Other minor issues included the lack of a CD player, limited visibility out the back (although this was improved with the camera), and the sensitivity of the power steering which could lead to wandering for jittery drivers. Additionally, the car's low profile made changing the oil a bit challenging, with the drain plug being particularly vulnerable to damage.
Colton Lockman 2025-09-01
Vehicle year: 2001
Hey there, little spitfire! You're always so full of energy!