The Subaru Impreza has an average reliability rating from RepairPal of 3.5 out of 5.0.
Common problems with the Subaru Impreza include engine issues, sudden and abrupt acceleration, transmission failure, and air bag problems.
The 2008 and 2012 models of the Subaru Impreza should be avoided, but the rest have generally good reliability. The 1998 Subaru Impreza is also a highly recommended model despite being an old redesign because of its reliability.
No matter the generation or year model, the Subaru Impreza delivers the handling of a sports car while also giving a pleasant ride to its driver and passengers. While the latest models offer the best performance and advanced features, older Imprezas can keep up with proper care and maintenance. This model’s resale value is pretty good—CarEdge.com estimates that an Impreza in good condition will roughly depreciate by only 19% after five years of ownership.
Are Subaru Imprezas Reliable Cars?
No matter the generation or year model, the Subaru Impreza delivers the handling of a sports car while also giving a pleasant ride to its driver and passengers. Image source: Subaru.
The Subaru Impreza enjoys average scores in major reliability ratings. RepairPal rates it a 3.5 out of 5.0, putting it 33rd out of 36 compact cars. While the 2008-2011 model years consumed more fuel because of their all-wheel-drive powertrain, Imprezas in general enjoy good fuel economy. By sticking to Subaru’s recommended service schedule and never skimping on maintenance, it can reach 200,000 miles and beyond while still performing well.
Top Subaru Impreza Problems
While the Subaru Impreza doesn’t run into problems very often, repairs for this car can prove quite costly. CarComplaints.com identified the two most troublesome model years—the 2008 Subaru Impreza developed problems that drew the most complaints from its owners, while the 2012 model can be considered the worst year because of numerous serious and costly problems that develop at low mileage.
To give you a better idea of what issues to expect, here are some of the most common Subaru Impreza problems:
Engine Issues
Fixing an engine problem can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s important to recognize which Subaru Impreza model years are most likely to develop this kind of problem. Based on reports from owners of this model, the 2006, 2008, and 2012 Imprezas are prone to engine issues.
Older Imprezas have had problems with using up more engine oil than normal. In some cases, this issue can be fixed by replacing the piston rings and rod bearings to eliminate leaks. There were a few instances where owners had to rebuild their engine, which takes a long time and costs a lot of money. Subaru was eventually able to fix this problem by the time the 2013 Impreza came out.
Another common engine problem for this model is blown head gaskets. Subaru Imprezas built before 2011 may need to replace their engine’s head gaskets multiple times once they reach 100,000 miles. An aftermarket head gasket set can cost you anywhere between $100 and $200. Including labor costs, repairs can set you back by roughly $2,000.
Subaru Imprezas built before 2011 may need to replace their engine’s head gaskets multiple times once they reach 100,000 miles.
In a similar vein, some units of the 2012 Subaru Impreza have had engine problems. Some owners report that their engine stalls while they’re driving at highway speeds. Normally, the check engine light would activate to warn the drivers about the impending engine trouble. But in many cases, the light didn’t illuminate.
Subaru eventually identified damaged engine valve springs as the culprit behind the Impreza’s engine stalling and malfunctions. The automaker recalled some 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza units to replace their bad valve springs in an attempt to solve their engine problems.
Abrupt and Inadvertent Acceleration
The 2012 Subaru Impreza handles well on the road thanks to its responsive steering and all-wheel drive continuously variable transmission (AWD CVT). But as it puts on the miles, some units may suddenly speed up without warning. Out of all the Impreza model years, it’s the most likely to develop sudden acceleration problems.
Owners have reported abrupt surges of speed while driving at low speeds or idling with their foot pressing down on the brake pedal. Their engine revs loudly as their vehicle abruptly zooms forward. A lot of these drivers could have gotten into a serious road accident and were lucky that they were able to stop their vehicle in time.
The sudden acceleration issue tends to develop once the Impreza reaches around 40,000 miles. Many 2012 Subaru Impreza owners report spending over $4,000 in repairs to fix the problem.
Transmission Failure
When the manual transmission of a 2006 or 2007 Subaru Impreza fails, it can cost thousands of dollars to repair. In most cases, the teeth on the transmission’s gears of these model years can fall apart. Some of the gears may not work at all.
On the other hand, the 2012-2013 and 2015 Subaru Impreza are the most likely model years to develop transmission problems.
Aside from outright failure, the 2012 model can shift into the wrong gears or randomly speed up in reverse. The 2013 model, on the other hand, has had problems with the operation of its CVT. This makes it dangerous to drive on slippery road surfaces. Finally, the 2015 Impreza may hesitate when the driver steps on the gas pedal, which can lead to the car lunging forward as it speeds up.
Air Bag Problems
The Subaru Impreza is one of the numerous models that was equipped with faulty Takata airbags. The inflators in the flawed airbags used a propellant that can break down after prolonged exposure to high humidity or extreme temperatures. The degraded propellant could cause the inflator to explode, which could harm or even kill the driver or passengers. Fortunately, Subaru spokespersons stated that this issue hasn’t caused any crashes or deaths.
In January 2020, Subaru issued a recall for nearly 500,000 vehicles. These various models had already received temporary replacements for their bad Takata airbags while their owners waited for a permanent solution.
Among the affected models covered by the new recall are the 2004-2011 Subaru Impreza. Dealerships replaced the airbag inflators at no cost to the owners.
As long as you’re aware of the potential problems with the particular Subaru Impreza model you’re planning to buy, choosing this car should come with little risk. If you have your heart set on getting a used Impreza, do your best to learn about the most common issues with the model that you want. This will help you make sure that the seller has cleared everything before you buy the vehicle.
O2 Sensor Problems
For some Imprezas belonging to the 2000, 2002, 2006-2009, and 2012 classes, a faulty oxygen (O2) sensor has been a common issue that resulted in check engine lights turning on.
The front oxygen sensor element in some of these models has been known to crack and trigger the check engine light. Although the issue isn’t a government-mandated recall, Subaru has sought to recall the affected vehicles under service program number WXW-80.
Many affected car owners have reported that they used an OBD-II scanner to identify the faulty part that’s been causing the check engine light to illuminate. In the absence of a scanner, check engine light diagnosis and testing by a trained professional can cost anywhere between $88 and $111.
Keep in mind that the O2 sensor plays an important role in calculating the right amount of air-fuel mixture for efficient fuel combustion. Leaving the issue unaddressed can result in problems like poor fuel economy and engine performance.
Engine Misfires
Some 2000-2012 Imprezas have been known to show signs of engine misfires. The issue is known to arise during the 130,000 mile range.
To address the issue, Subaru released an improved spark plug wire set. The automaker also recommends inspecting the ignition coil for carbon tracks or short circuits between the contacts.
Best Subaru Impreza Models to Look Out For
Regrettably, the Subaru Impreza is a car that is not completely free of flaws or problems. It’s already well-established that many models across the years run into the same set of problems. Drivers of the Subaru Impreza have reported engine problems, issues with acceleration, and problems with their airbags.
Despite this, the Subaru Impreza is still a handy, reliable, and perfectly decent vehicle. The 2008 and 2012 models should be avoided, but the same cannot be said for the rest. If you want to familiarize yourself with some of the best, most functional Subaru Imprezas, be sure to keep an eye out for these models.
2017 Subaru Impreza
What distinguishes the 2017 Subaru Impreza from models made in other years is how it is longer, wider, and lower. This means it has more interior space and is much easier to handle and drive. This model is available as a sedan or as a hatchback, giving drivers opportunities to choose which version they prefer.
The 2017 Subaru Impreza also comes with numerous safety features like adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and lane keeping assistance. The vehicle also provides audible warnings when vehicles approach from the side to prevent you from getting into accidents.
2010 Subaru Impreza
The 2010 Subaru Impreza boasts impressive performance for a car of its size, equipped with a standard all-wheel drive and turbocharged engines. One of this model’s greatest strengths is its handling — especially in wet-weather scenarios.
Like other Impreza models, the 2010 Subaru Impreza has a spacious interior with roomy seating in the front and rear. The car also comes with antilock disc brakes, stability controls, front-seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags. With this mind, you can expect excellent protection against crashes and collisions.
2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i
Last but not least is the 2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i, which, despite its age, boasts a tremendous 230 horsepower thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. Like its successors, this model has standard all-wheel drive and exceptional handling, making it a solid pick for car enthusiasts looking for something that’s satisfying to drive.
The 2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i comes in two different styles — the sedan style, and the wagon style. Drivers are free to choose which style fits their needs more. Naturally, the wagons are more spacious, holding up to 27.9 cubic feet of cargo, or up to 61.6 cubic feet if the rear seats are folded flat.
1998 Subaru Impreza
The 1998 Subaru Impreza might be an oldie, but it’s got a great track record in terms of consumer reviews.
The 1998 model has a 4.7 out of 5.0 rating from Kelley Blue Book, with 93% of the consumers recommending the vehicle to other drivers. Reliability is perhaps one of the 1998 Impreza’s strongest suits, earning a 4.0 crash test rating from the NHTSA.
According to some owners, the 1998 Impreza can go up to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance and has a great resale value and an adequate trunk space for lugging some cargo.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
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