Last updated: 2026-03-04

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good
2020 Subaru Impreza

2020 Subaru Impreza Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2020 Subaru Impreza scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 83 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2020 received a first facelift update for the Fifth generation (GK, GT).

Recalls

1

Complaints

83

Complaint Rate

19

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$653

Above avg

Major Repair Risk

17%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
64/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
88/100 (Excellent)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
88/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

VISIBILITY/WIPER (48)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15)SERVICE BRAKES (4)

1 recall on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

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.

Fifth generation (GK, GT)

2017redesign
2018
2019
2020selected
2021
2022
2023

Should You Buy the 2020 Subaru Impreza?

The 2020 Subaru Impreza scores 74/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2020 received a first facelift update for the Fifth generation (GK, GT).

With 83 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to visibility/wiper and visibility wiper (48). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

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: Owners of the 2020 Subaru Impreza frequently report issues with windshield... (48 complaints)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (15 complaints)

Compare 2020 Subaru Impreza With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (48)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (4)
  • VISIBILITY (4)
  • AIR BAGS (3)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
  • ENGINE (2)
  • TIRES (1)
  • STEERING (1)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
  • SUSPENSION (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

1

recall on record

The 2020 Subaru Impreza has 1 recall on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

19

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 16.6

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

2

Fires

1

Injuries

2

Deaths

0

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.

21V5870002021-07-29

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.

2020 Subaru Impreza NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 9.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Subaru Impreza Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based 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

Impreza
$653
Category Avg
$526
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2020 Subaru Impreza

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect windshield for existing cracks or chips
  • Test rear doors for proper locking and unlocking
  • Check for any warning lights on the dashboard, especially airbag and brake system
  • Test drive to listen for unusual noises during braking
  • Verify engine starts smoothly without hesitation
  • Check for any signs of oil mixing with antifreeze under the hood

Check Any 2020 Subaru Impreza's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 Impreza in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Subaru Impreza with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2020 Subaru Impreza Common Problems by Component

83 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

48
15
VISIBILITY/WIPER (48)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15)SERVICE BRAKES (4)VISIBILITY (4)AIR BAGS (3)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)ENGINE (2)TIRES (1)Other (3)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

48 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Impreza frequently report issues with windshield cracking. Complaints commonly describe spontaneous cracks occurring while the vehicle is parked or at low speeds, often without any obvious impact or external cause. Windshield cracks are noted to originate from various points, including the lower center and top passenger side, and can spread significantly. Some owners mention repeated incidents of windshield damage, even from minor impacts like small gravel, suggesting a potential susceptibility of the glass. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase and others at higher mileages, such as 41,000 miles. While no crashes or injuries are directly reported, owners express concern about the integrity of the windshield in potential accidents.

48 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

15 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Impreza frequently report issues with the windshield, with numerous complaints describing cracks appearing spontaneously or from minor impacts. Symptoms typically include windshield cracks developing without apparent cause, often while the vehicle is parked or after minor road debris contact. Some owners note the cracks grow rapidly, causing visibility concerns. These issues are reported at various mileage levels, with some occurring under 12,000 miles. One complaint also mentions a safety-related incident where the hood flew open, damaging the windshield and obstructing the driver's view, though no injuries were reported. Buyers considering this model should be aware of the potential for frequent windshield replacements.

15 complaints total1 crash

SERVICE BRAKES

4 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Impreza report issues with the vehicle's service brakes, particularly involving the ABS control unit and the EyeSight system. Complaints frequently mention failures in the vehicle dynamics control (VDC) due to pressure sensor malfunctions, with specific references to the left front sensor being stuck at negative values. Additionally, owners describe a loud rumbling noise and vibration during high-speed braking, linked to uneven brake pad wear and caliper leakage. Some reports also highlight unnecessary engagement of the anti-collision system, causing abrupt stops. These issues are noted at varying mileages, and while no crashes are reported, they raise concerns about potential safety risks, such as unexpected braking and component wear.

4 complaints total
VISIBILITY (4 complaints)

VISIBILITY

4 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with windshield cracking on the 2020 Subaru Impreza. Complaints frequently mention cracks developing without any apparent impact from external objects, with cracks often originating from the lower sections of the windshield. The described failures occur across a range of mileages, from as low as 800 miles to as high as 94,000 miles. While no direct safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control are reported, the recurring nature of the windshield cracking could imply potential visibility concerns. This information may be relevant for used car buyers considering the durability of the vehicle's windshield.

4 complaints total
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)

AIR BAGS

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the airbag system in the 2020 Subaru Impreza. One complaint describes a failure of airbags to deploy during a high-speed crash, resulting in a broken wrist and dislocated thumb. Another owner details an incident where a passenger airbag igniter wiring short led to an explosion, causing burns and damage to the vehicle's doors and hatch. A third report mentions a non-illuminating airbag warning light, attributed to a previous accident, with the vehicle at approximately 46,000 miles. These reports highlight serious safety implications, including injuries and potential fire hazards, which prospective buyers should consider.

3 complaints total1 crash1 fire2 injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Impreza report intermittent electrical issues affecting vehicle operation and safety. Complaints frequently mention problems with the rear doors not opening from inside or outside, potentially trapping passengers, despite attempts to resolve the issue with dealership visits. Additionally, multiple owners describe the vehicle unexpectedly losing power while driving, which poses a risk of accidents, although the car typically restarts after a short period. Another reported issue involves difficulty starting the engine, escalating to a complete failure to start, often attributed to potential starter problems. These issues generally emerge around one year after purchase, and some vehicles have been towed for diagnosis and repair.

3 complaints total
ENGINE (2 complaints)

ENGINE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Impreza report issues related to the engine, with specific complaints about white smoke indicating oil mixing with antifreeze, leading to engine replacement. Another owner describes the vehicle losing motive power and stalling without warning, although the engine could be restarted and functioned normally afterward. This stalling issue reportedly occurs at around 10,000 miles and has happened multiple times, leading to a drained battery that required replacement. While no crashes or fires are reported, the stalling issue could pose a safety risk due to unexpected loss of power. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential engine concerns and the associated symptoms.

2 complaints total
TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint
2022-01-26

P205/50R17 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 complaint
2021-07-07

The 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 complaint
2021-01-23

TL* 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.

When Do 2020 Subaru Impreza Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

2,000–12,000 milesWindshield cracking
10,000–20,000 milesService brakes issues

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.

avg 73
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Subaru Impreza reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201869/100Good
201966/100Good
202074/100Good
202171/100Good
202276/100Good
202374/100Good
202474/100Good
202577/100Good

Subaru Impreza Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202675/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202577/100+3Good02
202474/1000Good223
202374/100-2Good24
202276/100+5Good111
202171/100-3Good214
2020(selected)74/100+8Good183
201966/100-3Good5185
201869/100Good5148

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Subaru Impreza reliable?
The 2020 Subaru Impreza has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 74/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 83 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Impreza?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Subaru Impreza include: VISIBILITY/WIPER (48 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints), VISIBILITY (4 complaints), AIR BAGS (3 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Impreza have?
The 2020 Subaru Impreza has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Subaru Impreza expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Subaru Impreza has estimated annual repair costs of $653/year, which is $127 more than the compact cars average of $526. With a reliability score of 74/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue