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: 2015
I purchased my 2015 Impreza Sport Limited in August of 2015 and it is now February of 2016. Living on a hill in an area that gets snow, I previously owned a 2003 AWD BMW 325xi with the sport package and premium package. However, the Impreza has proven to be a less expensive (especially in terms of maintenance) and better MPG option. Although it is louder inside on the freeway and not quite as sporty, this was expected. The initial test drive of this car was very good. I appreciated the fit, finish and overall handling. The power was adequate, especially considering it gets 35 mpg on the highway. The front seats are comfortable and the winter package is very nice. I appreciate the windshield defroster, the mirror defrosters, push button start and backup camera. It is easy to drive and has good visibility. I have been getting 30+ mpg on the freeway going about 70 on average. Around town is more like 24-26, which is not bad considering the number of stop signs around my neighborhood. The engine is a bit different, taking a long time to warm up and idling high for sometimes over 5 minutes. Although it can be annoying to wait so long for the blue temperature light to turn off, I understand that Subaru wants to avoid head gasket problems. So far, the driving experience has been fine (other than the increased noise) and the Subaru handles well in the rain. The stock tires are Yokohama Avid S34 -- more of a highway/3 season type of tire and did not perform very well in the snow. I will be getting dedicated snow tires for it next winter. The AWD works very well, but with those tires, it was constantly kicking in the traction control and sliding to a stop even at very low speeds. I am surprised Subaru doesn't match their AWD cars with a better true all season tire like the Toyo Celsius or Nokian WRG3. Most people buy these for snow driving. This car has a CVT with paddle shifters.The CVT is okay, but I don't really like the shifters. Personally, I prefer the BMW system where you move the shifter to the left and use it to go up and down, more like a manual transmission. Maybe I'll get used to it after a few thousand more miles. I don't use manual mode much anyway. The paddle shifters add to a fairly cluttered steering wheel. Initially, I didn't really test out the stereo and other electronics, but now that I've owned it for a while, I'm disappointed in them. The stereo sound is below average for a newer car, especially a 'limited' model. I didn't want to pay so much extra for the Eyesight and thus, I couldn't get navigation. Everyone who gets in my car for the first time thinks it has nav because of the large touchscreen, but it doesn't. It's just a fancy looking radio with Bluetooth. Subaru does have upgraded speaker options, but they are very expensive. They offered me the subwoofer for over $500 installed, but I declined. The overall touchscreen and stereo module looks impressive, but it's not very good. It has a Pandora app, but it hasn't always connected properly. The Bluetooth is slow with audio and messages. If someone sends a text, the car will 'speak' the message, but it takes sometimes up to 5 minutes from when my phone gets the text. The phone functions work well, but most cars with Bluetooth phone systems are pretty easy to use. I'm not super tech-savvy, but I would like to be able to maybe utilize the huge screen for a navigation app like Waze. This is a very good commuter type car for someone who has to deal with snow fairly often. I don't know what my plans are, if I want to keep it long term or find something in a few years that I might like better. There are always trade-offs, so this is good for me right now. Update: I had zero problems with the Subaru, but I felt like something a bit different. I recently traded it in for a 2017 Infiniti QX30. The Subaru was a solid, trusty commuter car.The QX30 is a fantastic car! It's much quieter inside and has a lot of power with over 200 hp and 250 lb feet of torque. Plus, it's a turbo and still manages to get 30 mpg. While it may not be as fuel-efficient as the Subie, it has a nicer fit and finish. Additionally, it boasts a Mercedes Benz drivetrain.
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Vehicle year: 1993
I bought a car with 161,000 miles, and now it has 234,000 miles. The motor and auto tranny are excellent, with good pick up and snappy shifts. It gets up to 31 mpg, with an average of 25-29. It's very good for its mileage and year, and it's easy to work on. The engineers definitely had regular people in mind when designing it. This is my first Subaru, and I've driven it really hard. I highly recommend this vehicle for its build quality, reliability, low maintenance cost, and the amount of options you get.
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Vehicle year: 1997
I really love my little Subaru! It's been a great first car for me. While it may not have a lot of horsepower under the hood, it handles just about anything I race against. I think it's a great car for a small family or even a single person like myself. I plan on keeping my Subaru for as long as possible, it's been so reliable! It takes turns on a dime and the AWD is especially nice in the rainy weather we have here in the Northwest. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a smaller vehicle that can handle well and is dependable.
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Vehicle year: 2016
I absolutely loved my Honda Accord which I bought brand new 15 years ago and drove for 222k almost trouble-free miles. I was convinced that I would be a Honda driver for life because of how reliable it was! However, as it started to show its age, I began to consider other options. Since I plan to retire in a place with snowy weather, I needed a car that could handle those conditions. I had heard great things about Subaru from several owners, but I was hesitant about the CVT transmission after reading some reviews. Luckily, the salesman was able to put my mind at ease during the test drive. Although the car revved high going up a hill, the salesman assured me that it would adjust if I kept accelerating. Now that the car is breaking in, I find that I have plenty of power whenever I need it. The handling is also impressive, as I discovered during a sharp U-turn on a deserted street. By the time I got the car home, I realized that I had already become a Subaru fan! Although I have only driven 200 miles so far, I can't wait to explore more with my new car. The only downside is that the cabin is a bit noisier than I would like, but overall, I am a huge fan of driving a Subaru.
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Vehicle year: 2020
No complaints! This car is great both around town and on the highway. It also gets good mileage. I would definitely lease it again and am even considering buying it at the end of the lease.
Are you having problems with your Subaru Impreza?
Garrett Little 2025-01-08
Vehicle year: 2013
Overall, the car is fine. Although the interior is just okay, it handles well on flat roads and downhill in the mountains. It's light and fun to drive in these conditions and feels very stable. However, it's more underpowered than I expected, even hilly neighborhoods have the engine revving high and loud. The AC seems to increase the problem. Additionally, the nav system is not very intuitive, but my cell phone app is more user-friendly. The speakers are tinny and HD radio is not useful because it keeps fading out. I'm unsure if the problem is the car or HD radio in general. The biggest problem is the MPG, as I have yet to break 25 MPG with 60+% highway driving. The trip computer seems to overestimate actual by about 1.4 MPG. After 42 months and 36k miles, the MPG is still way under EPA estimates. I average about 19 city and 27 if pure highway driving (as in a road trip from LA to San Francisco). This is exactly what I get in my 1999 Acura TL, which is a much older, heavier, and more powerful car. In fact, my Impreza matches the EPA estimated MPH for my Acura. At around 36k miles, we noticed oil leaking from the cylinder head. In the 5.5 years since purchase, I just sold it to the dealer for just over half the original purchase price. Not bad. Although it never did much better on MPG, the car did grow on me over the years. The paint seems to be a weak point.
Benny Mueller 2025-01-07
Vehicle year: 2017
All would seem fine if my 2017 Impreza Hatchback had better in-town gas mileage than the (very) low 20s and highway gas mileage that rarely topped 30. Unfortunately, these are major shortcomings that also happen to be costly. After a full year of ownership, the gas mileage has slightly worsened. This is not impressive, especially given the contrast between the EPA figures and real-world experience.
Amparo Tromp 2025-01-07
Vehicle year: 2002
Although there have been some issues with the car, I have taken good care of it and have not driven it hard. Unfortunately, at 60,000 miles, the head gasket went and I had to take it to the shop for over heating problems for the next 9 months. However, Subaru provided me with a new engine block which was a great help. Currently, at 90,000 miles, there are some transmission problems and it needs 1st, 2nd, 3rd and reverse gears replaced which will cost $2300. Despite these issues, I am confident that the car still has a lot of life left in it. However, I have decided to sell it and purchase a Toyota, Nissan or Mazda. Thank you for your understanding.
Mohammad McDermott 2025-01-06
Vehicle year: 2012
Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my thoughts on this vehicle after owning it for 2 years. While it's comfortable, great in all seasons, decently economical, and safe, I've had some reliability scares that have caused me to lower my rating from 4 stars to 3. Unfortunately, after only 35000 miles, the vehicle has begun to burn oil at an alarming rate. We're currently waiting for the dealer to do a compression test on the engine to see if they need to replace it. This is actually the second Subaru in our family that has had engine issues, despite regular oil changes. While it's a nice little car, I wouldn't recommend it unless you absolutely need the all-wheel drive. Nowadays, there are much better options in the compact car class. Just wanted to give you an update: we ended up selling the car after numerous issues at 5 years and 53,000 miles. Take care!
Ansley Bashirian 2025-01-06
Vehicle year: 2016
I bought the car for its AWD capabilities, but I replaced the poorly rated stock tires for better safety in wet/snow conditions, which cost me $800. Unfortunately, after a mountain trip with less than 6000 miles, the paint started chipping horribly, and Subaru will not stand behind their product, leaving me with a $2000 estimate for paint repair. On the bright side, the car has great rear visibility, and I love the paddle shifting and hatchback. However, due to the poor paint quality and lack of support from Subaru, I would not buy this car again. I will be looking into Honda or Toyota instead.