2021 Subaru Impreza Problems and Complaints

Users Opinions on 2021 Subaru Impreza

Recommended mentioned in Reviews

Write a Review

Disliked by Users

BW
Brian W
• 01/08/2022
Rating:
(1 Out Of 5 stars)
... I bought the car could have cared less about fixing the problem. Decades of buying new cars and this is a first for me. A problem with a brand new car in the first 2 months (I had not even made the first payment when the check engine light first came on). Horrendous service from the dealer where I bought the car. A year later I am still astounded by the utter lack of customerRead More
Source: edmunds

Nathan Dyer

Senior Editor,

Updated on March 23, 2023

The Subaru Impreza may not be the best-selling option in its class, but it still manages to attract a set of buyers by offering some unique additions like standard all-wheel-drive and tout handling. The interiors of the Impreza are also roomy and comfortable, complete with all the latest technology you can ask for. However, the powertrain continues to be a sore point among competitors, offering average performance and sub-par efficiency figures with its flat-four engine.

The Impreza continues to be offered in both hatchback and sedan configurations for 2021. Considering reliability, the Impreza has already been recalled two times so far and has 10 registered complaints. Let's take a detailed look at Subaru’s compact offering.

2021 Subaru Impreza User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Problems

Engine - Engine stalling issues were reported by some owners when moving at low speeds. Oil leaks were also reported in several cases, particularly at the rear side of the engine. These were traced back to the plastic oil baffle.
Brakes - Some owners reported excessive brake pad wear.
Steering - In some rare cases, customers have reported steering that doesn’t track straight even on newer examples.

Electrical Problems

Electrical malfunction - The soy-based wiring used on the Impreza is prone to rodent bites, leading to a range of electrical malfunctions.
Accelerator - Some owners report unintended acceleration without using the gas pedal, lunging forward.
Infotainment system - Several cases were reported of the infotainment system being slow and unresponsive.

Safety Problems

Driver assistance system - In some cases, owners report sudden deceleration when using the adaptive cruise control feature, without any vehicles in front.

Exterior Problems

Windshield - Windshield cracks were reported by owners even on new examples.

2021 Subaru Impreza Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	6th January 2021	21V024000	CVT Select Lever Cable Nut Not Tightened Properly	If the nut becomes loose, it can cause the CVT gear lever to become loose and not function properly, increasing the risk of a crash.	Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.
2	30th August 2021	21V675000	Lower Control Arm Weld Failure	If the weld fails, the lower control arm may become loose, causing loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.	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 on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-21.

Should you buy the 2021 Subaru Impreza?

The Subaru Impreza continues to focus on its strengths, offering all-wheel-drive performance, enjoyable handling, and a comfortable cabin. However, the unique engine configuration continues to be a source of issues and falls behind on the efficiency front. Reliability is also a concern for the 2021 model with several issues reported and an urgent recall concerning the lower control arm. If you’re in the market for a capable compact offering with all-wheel drive, the Impreza continues to be a good option for the price. When shopping for a used example, make sure the Impreza has gone through the recalls, deeming it safe to use.

Similar Cars