Last updated: 2026-03-04
Subaru Impreza Reliability by Year
The Subaru Impreza averages 73/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Subaru Impreza Reliability Overview
The Subaru Impreza, with an average reliability score of 74/100, demonstrates a generally good reliability record across recent model years, with improvements noted in the 2025 and 2026 models. Common issues reported by owners include windshield cracking and exterior lighting problems, particularly in earlier models like 2018 and 2019, while recent models show fewer complaints and no recalls. Repair costs for the Impreza are estimated at $653 annually, which is higher than the compact car average, indicating potential considerations for maintenance expenses.
Current generation: 6th gen (2024–2023).
Best & Worst Subaru Impreza Years
Best Subaru Impreza Years to Buy
The best Subaru Impreza year is 2025 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2022 (76/100) and 2024 (74/100).
Subaru Impreza Years to Avoid
The worst Subaru Impreza year is 2019 with a score of 66/100, primarily due to exterior lighting (62) issues.
See full Subaru Impreza years-to-avoid analysis →Subaru Impreza Reliability Score Trend
Subaru Impreza reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 73/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 77/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Subaru Impreza
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Subaru Impreza has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Subaru Impreza.
2025 Subaru Impreza
0 recalls · 2 complaints
The 2025 Subaru Impreza has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Subaru Impreza. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (1), Unknown Or Other (1).
2024 Subaru Impreza
2 recalls · 23 complaints
The 2024 Subaru Impreza has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 23 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Subaru Impreza. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (4), Visibility Wiper (3), Visibility (3).
2023 Subaru Impreza
2 recalls · 4 complaints
The 2023 Subaru Impreza has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 4 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Subaru Impreza. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Tires (2), Unknown Or Other (1), Electrical System (1).
2022 Subaru Impreza
1 recalls · 11 complaints
The 2022 Subaru Impreza has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 11 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Subaru Impreza. Severity signals include 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (2), Steering (2), Visibility Wiper (2).
2021 Subaru Impreza
2 recalls · 14 complaints
The 2021 Subaru Impreza has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 14 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru Impreza. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (2), Visibility Wiper (2), Vehicle Speed Control (2).
2020 Subaru Impreza
1 recalls · 83 complaints
The 2020 Subaru Impreza has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 83 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru Impreza. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (48), Unknown Or Other (15), Service Brakes (4).
2019 Subaru Impreza
5 recalls · 185 complaints
The 2019 Subaru Impreza has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 185 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Subaru Impreza. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (62), Visibility Wiper (53), Electrical System (15).
2018 Subaru Impreza
5 recalls · 148 complaints
The 2018 Subaru Impreza has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 148 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Subaru Impreza. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (62), Visibility Wiper (28), Unknown Or Other (17).
Subaru Impreza Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$653
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
17%
$127 above the compact cars average of $526/yr.
Ranked #33 of 36 among compact cars.
Subaru Impreza Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Subaru Models
Compare all Subaru models by reliability
Compare Subaru Impreza With Similar Sedans
The Subaru Impreza competes with other compact sedans such as Volkswagen Beetle, and BMW 2-Series.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Subaru Impreza reliable?
- The Subaru Impreza has good reliability with an average score of 73/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Subaru Impreza?
- The best year for the Subaru Impreza is 2025 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. It has 0 recalls and 2 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Subaru Impreza analysis →
- What are the Subaru Impreza years to avoid?
- The Subaru Impreza years to avoid include 2019 (66/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Subaru Impreza?
- The Subaru Impreza has an estimated annual repair cost of $653, which is $127 above the compact cars average of $526. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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