Last updated: 2026-10-10
2020 Subaru Impreza Reliability Report
The 2020 Subaru Impreza has a good reliability standing. Spontaneous windshield cracking is the main problem to check for before you buy.
Recalls
1
Complaints
83
Complaint Rate
19per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$653
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,950–$2,400
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mid-ranked among nine years, it rates better than both 2019 and 2021, though windshield cracking accounts for most owner complaints.
Top Issues to Watch
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (48)
- SERVICE BRAKES (4)
- VISIBILITY (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 received a first facelift update for the Fifth generation (GK, GT).
- Changes: Exterior styling updates and technology improvements.
- Year 4 in this generation (2017–2023).
- 5th generation Impreza (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
2017: Fifth generation (GK, GT) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: This Model Year (Refresh)
2020 received a first facelift update for the Fifth generation (GK, GT).
Should You Buy the 2020 Subaru Impreza?
Good reliability standing, and above average among 2020 sedans. Within the Impreza's nine scored years it sits in the middle, yet it rates better than both the 2019 and the 2021. Owners filed 83 complaints. Independent repair-cost data puts model-wide yearly repairs at $653, against $526 for the class.
Windshield cracking dominates the complaints. Owners describe glass that cracks with no visible impact, often overnight while parked, starting low at the center and spreading within hours or days. Some cars had only 1,300 to 7,000 miles. Replacement may require recalibrating the EyeSight camera. A smaller group reports ABS/VDC hydraulic unit failures that trigger EyeSight warnings and switch off stability control, with replacement units back-ordered. Air bag filings are few but serious, including one failure to deploy in a guardrail crash. One federal recall covers the fuel system.
Ask the seller for windshield replacement records and whether EyeSight was recalibrated afterward. Confirm the fuel system recall repair was completed, and ask about any ABS or stability control warnings.
Compared to the 2021 Subaru Impreza, which scored 3 points lower. See also the 2019 Subaru Impreza for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −VISIBILITY/WIPER: Windshield cracks with no visible impact, most often while the car sits parked... (48 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (15 complaints)
Compare 2020 Subaru Impreza With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- VISIBILITY/WIPER (48)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2020 Subaru Impreza carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
19
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.9
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Subaru Impreza Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2020 Subaru Impreza. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Buying a used 2020 Subaru Impreza? Check its history first
Visibility/wiper problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Subaru Impreza, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Subaru Impreza NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.5%
Safety Technologies
Subaru ImprezaRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$653
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
17%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Subaru Impreza Resale Value
The Subaru Impreza is estimated to retain about 65.2% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Subaru Impreza model overall and is not specific to the 2020 model year.
- Value Retained
- 65.2%
- Depreciation
- 34.8%
- Listings Analyzed
- 182
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Subaru Impreza depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
25–31 MPG
Running cost: $2,600–$3,050/yr
Fuel + repair
22–28 city / 30–36 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza 4-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 28 | 36 | 31 | $1,950 |
| Impreza 5-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 28 | 36 | 31 | $1,950 |
| Impreza Sport 4-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,000 |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 |
| Impreza 4-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,300 |
| Impreza 5-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 24 | 31 | 26 | $2,300 |
| Impreza Sport 4-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,300 |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,400 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Subaru Impreza.
Inspect the whole windshield, especially the lower center and passenger side, for hairline cracks with no chip.
Ask for windshield replacement records and proof the EyeSight camera was recalibrated afterward.
Start the car and confirm the airbag light comes on, then goes out.
Drive for 20 minutes and watch for EyeSight or VDC warning lights on the dash.
Brake firmly from highway speed and listen for rumbling or feel for vibration.
Open both rear doors several times from inside and outside after unlocking.
Cold-start the car several times and note any delay before the engine turns over.
Check for white exhaust smoke and look for oil in the coolant reservoir.
2020 Subaru Impreza Common Problems by Component
83 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
48 complaintsThe windshield cracks with no visible impact, most often while the car sits parked overnight, in a driveway, or in the sun. Cracks usually start at the lower center and spread across the glass within hours or days, often reaching 10 to 24 inches. Many reports come from nearly new cars, between about 1,300 and 7,000 miles. Some dealers blame stone chips that owners say they cannot find. A large crack blocks the driver's view, and replacement may also require recalibrating the EyeSight camera.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
15 complaintsSafety-relatedNearly all of these reports describe the same spontaneous windshield cracking, often while parked, with cracks that keep growing. Several owners report repeat failures, including replacement glass that cracked again within days and one owner on a fourth windshield. One owner says the dealer and Subaru refused warranty coverage and sent them to insurance. One report describes the hood flying open at 40 mph, smashing the windshield and blocking the view, at 10,022 miles. The one crash-flagged filing gives no clear details about what failed.
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsFailures of the ABS/VDC hydraulic unit set off EyeSight warnings and shut off stability control. Dealers trace this to an internal pressure sensor, log code C1742, and replace the control unit, but replacement units are back-ordered. Separate reports describe loud rumbling and vibration when braking at high speed, along with uneven front pad wear and a leaking front caliper. Calipers are also in short supply. One complaint describes the collision-avoidance system braking hard at 35 mph with nothing ahead, possibly because of low sun glare, which nearly caused a rear-end crash.
VISIBILITY (4 complaints)
VISIBILITY
4 complaintsThe windshield cracks after the car has been parked or while it is being driven, sometimes with an audible snap. Cracks typically begin at the bottom or lower passenger side, and some reach about 10 inches. At least one owner reports the crack returning in the same spot after the glass was replaced. The failures cluster around 15,000 to 16,000 miles, though one appears near 94,000. Small cracks are sometimes repaired instead of replaced.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedThese filings are few but serious. In one, the airbags failed to deploy in a 60 mph guardrail crash that totaled the car and injured the driver. Another blames a short in the passenger airbag wiring for an explosion and fire inside the cabin that caused burns, though no dealer or insurer confirmed it. A third describes an airbag warning light that did not come on at startup at 46,000 miles. The manufacturer blamed that fault on earlier accident damage.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsThe car shuts off completely while driving with no warning, then restarts normally after 20 to 30 minutes. One owner reports this 3 times, each requiring a tow. Other reports describe hard starting that gets worse over time until the engine will not turn over, possibly from a dead starter, and rear doors that sometimes will not open from inside or outside. That door fault can trap rear passengers and has needed repeated dealer visits without a fix.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsStalling and loss of power strike without warning while driving, after which the car restarts and runs normally. The problem recurs, and in one case it began around 10,000 miles with no cause found and drained the battery. A separate report describes white exhaust smoke with oil mixed into the coolant, which a mechanic said required a full engine replacement. A stall at speed raises crash risk, but only 2 complaints fall in this category.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintP205/50R17 Driver side rear tire suddenly experiencing lots of pressure compared to others. Example 27.7 psi on a subject tire compared to 32.0 psi on others after approximately one week of garage storage. Upon inspection, tread separation/ visible cracking is visible on approximately 1/2 of the circumference of the tire. No warning lights from the vehicles tire pressure monitor system has activated and no trouble codes for that system or others are present, indicating the vehicle at least is not aware of a problem with the tire. Tire pressure sensor reports good battery, accurate pressure when compared to Tire gauge pressure, and reports temperature of approximately the ambient temperature (at the moment, is currently 57.0°F). Vehicle has been mostly garage kept since purchase due to Covid. Has experienced normal North Carolina Summer temperatures though recently within two weeks North Carolina has had some of the coldest weather in some time (Lows mid teens, highs low 30s). Manufacturer has been contacted and currently awaiting response. With my previous experience and knowledge in the automotive industry, it appears that the visible cracking on the tire is relatively new. The inner portions of the cracked area, for instance, are clean and free of any debris, dust or dirt.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintThe problem has been recognized as a vehicle that is not meeting manufacturer specifications by the Subaru from Pembroke Pines. Shifting and harm is visible to frame and vehicle is having clonking and parts are touching.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE AND FAILED TO RETURN TO NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER MONITORING SYSTEM TEMPORARILY STOPPED MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.
Best & Worst Subaru Impreza Years
Best Subaru Impreza Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreSubaru Impreza Years to Avoid
Subaru Impreza Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
| 2026 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Subaru Impreza Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Subaru Impreza reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Impreza?
Does the 2020 Subaru Impreza have windshield cracking problems?
Was the 2020 Subaru Impreza recalled?
Is the 2020 Subaru Impreza expensive to repair?
Don’t buy a 2020 Subaru Impreza without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2020 Subaru Impreza
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Subaru Impreza does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on complaint severity (64/100). 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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