Last updated: 2026-10-10

BMW 2 Series vs Subaru Impreza: Reliability Compared

BMW 2 Series reliability comparison

BMW 2 Series

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableSubaru Impreza reliability comparison

Subaru Impreza

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the BMW 2 Series and the Subaru Impreza? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact coupes.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Subaru Impreza currently leads with an average score of 74/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

Verdict

The Subaru Impreza is more reliable than the BMW 2 Series, scoring 74/100 vs 72/100.

Key Differences

  1. 1Subaru Impreza has 159 fewer total recalls
  2. 2BMW 2 Series has 3.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  3. 3Subaru Impreza scores 2 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1BMW 2 Series
—
2Subaru Impreza
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

BMW 2 Series vs Subaru Impreza: Which Is More Reliable?

BMW 2 Series vs Subaru Impreza at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricBMW 2 SeriesSubaru Impreza
Reliability Score72/10074/100
Years Tracked99
Total Recalls17718
Complaints per 10k Sold0.94.1
Year Wins36

What Are the Common Problems With the BMW 2 Series and Subaru Impreza?

BMW 2 Series vs Subaru Impreza common problem areas comparison
ComponentBMW 2 SeriesSubaru Impreza
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None1.2Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None1.1Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.1Very Low0.5Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.1Very Low0.3Very Low
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
ENGINE0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY—None0.2Very Low
POWER TRAIN—None0.1Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES—None0.1Very Low
STEERING—None0.1Very Low
TIRES—None0.1Very Low
SEAT BELTS—None—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING—None—None
STRUCTURE—None—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION—None—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL—None—None
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)—None—None
SUSPENSION—None—None
SEATS—None—None
LANE DEPARTURE—None—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None—None
WHEELS—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

How Does BMW 2 Series vs Subaru Impreza Reliability Compare by Year?

BMW 2 Series vs Subaru Impreza year-by-year reliability scores
YearBMW 2 SeriesSubaru ImprezaEdge
202670/1004R / 0C81/1000R / 0CSubaru Impreza
202570/1009R / 2C77/1000R / 2CSubaru Impreza
202472/10013R / 17C74/1002R / 23CSubaru Impreza
202373/10026R / 43C74/1002R / 4CSubaru Impreza
202274/10018R / 35C76/1001R / 11CSubaru Impreza
202172/10043R / 70C71/1002R / 14CBMW 2 Series
202071/10023R / 62C74/1001R / 83CSubaru Impreza
201973/10018R / 67C66/1005R / 185CBMW 2 Series
201870/10023R / 264C69/1005R / 148CBMW 2 Series

Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 BMW 2 Series scored 74/100 and the 2022 Subaru Impreza scored 76/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.

BMW 2 Series vs Subaru Impreza: Common Questions

Is the BMW 2 Series more reliable than the Subaru Impreza?
Based on our data, the Subaru Impreza is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the BMW 2 Series or the Subaru Impreza?
The BMW 2 Series has more recalls (177) compared to the Subaru Impreza (18). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the BMW 2 Series or the Subaru Impreza?
Adjusted for sales volume, the BMW 2 Series has a lower complaint rate at 0.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 4.1 for the Subaru Impreza. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Related Reliability Comparisons

Decided between BMW 2 Series and Subaru Impreza? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the BMW 2 Series and Subaru Impreza

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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