2022 Subaru Impreza User Complaints and Problems
The Subaru Impreza has a history of user complaints and problems across all five generations. Over the years, the most common complaint with the car has been the windshield cracking without impact. Subaru is yet to find the right solution for the issue. Besides the windshield issues, most complaints focus on the electrical systems of the car. A few prominent problems with the Impreza are as listed below.
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine stalling: Engine stalling is a known problem for Subaru Impreza owners. Customers complain that the Impreza loses engine power and drive resulting in engine stalling. An unexpected loss of drive power is risky while driving on the interstates as it can lead to accidents.
Electrical Complaints
- Battery drain: Battery drain is the next well-known problem with the Subaru Impreza. Customers have complained about the vehicle losing battery power at a quick rate which results in loss of vehicle power. User complaints also reported cases of battery drainage in parked vehicles resulting in ignition failure.
- Auto Emergency Braking malfunction: Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) malfunctions link with the front collision avoidance system. User complaints report cases of false triggering of the forward collision avoidance and AEB resulting in unexpected braking. AEB malfunctions have resulted in few vehicle crashes.
- Radio malfunctions: Complaints of radio malfunction are common with Subaru Impreza users. Users have experienced the radio switching on with a high volume level along with a loss of radio controls. This problem is generally seen to occur during ignition.
Structural Complaints
- Windshield cracking: Windshield developing cracks is the most reported complaint from Impreza users over the years. As per user complaints, the vehicle develops a crack on the front windshield starting at the bottom corners. Subaru states the temperature and pressure variations to be the cause here but fails to find a fix.
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Category
|
Number of complaints
|
|
Electrical Systems
|
33
|
|
Powertrain
|
6
|
|
Wheels
|
8
|
|
Brakes
|
11
|
2022 Subaru Impreza Recalls
Subaru shows a headstrong approach to vehicle recalls. As per NHTSA records, there are 17 recalls in all registered for the fifth-generation Impreza across model years dating from 2017 to 2022. Subaru offers quick and efficient aftersale services which ensure satisfactory recalls for the customers.
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S. No
|
Date
|
NHTSA ID
|
Issues Noticed
|
Additional Remarks
|
|
1
|
August 30, 2021
|
21V675000
|
The lower control arm weld fails.
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A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well resulting in loss of control, increasing the chances of a crash.
|
|
2
|
July 29, 2021
|
21V587000
|
The fuel pump may fail.
|
A fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the chances of a crash.
|
|
3
|
April 15, 2021
|
21V264000
|
The ECM software may cause a stall.
|
A short circuit in the ignition coil may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
|
|
4.
|
January 26, 2021
|
21V024000
|
CVT select lever cable nut not tightened properly.
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A loose nut can lead to loss of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly.
|
|
5
|
April 16, 2020
|
20V218000
|
The fuel pump may become inoperative.
|
If the low-pressure fuel pump fails, the engine stalls without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
|
|
6
|
October 18, 2019
|
19V743000
|
The ECM software may cause a stall.
|
If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
|
|
7
|
October 17, 2019
|
19V744000
|
PCV valve may separate.
|
An unexpected loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
|
|
8
|
October 17, 2019
|
19V745000
|
The PCV valve may separate.
|
An unexpected loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
|
|
9
|
March 29, 2017
|
17V216000
|
Loss of fuel pressure from vaporization.
|
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
|
|
10
|
March 2, 2017
|
17V132000
|
The rearview camera display may not function properly.
|
A rearview camera display that does not function properly can reduce the driver’s view behind the car, increasing the risk of a crash.
|
In this segment, 2022 MY of all 4 cars have zero recalls. However, NHTSA issues a notice of safety concern for the 2022 Kia Forte. For 2021, the Subaru Impreza has seen the most recalls (2) compared to the competition.
|
Component Affected
|
2022
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
|
Safety
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
|
Exterior
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Electric
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
|
Interior
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Drive System
|
0
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Fuel System
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
Engine
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
Which Subaru Impreza model year should you avoid?
Problems and complaints exist across all the iterations of the 5th generation Impreza lineup. However, the 2017 Subaru Impreza (6 recalls /73 complaints) and the 2019 Impreza (4 recalls/83 complaints) are the two model years to avoid because of the high numbers of complaints and recalls.
Should you buy a used Subaru Impreza?
Buying a used Subaru Impreza needs planning and research due to the high volumes of recalls and problems with the car. A used Impreza is a good option for a budget-friendly commuter that offers a versatile driving experience and basic comfort. However, it demands maintenance and upkeep. If spending on regular maintenance is not a constraint, the Subaru Impreza is either a fun car to own or a liability.
