Last updated: 2026-03-04

Good

2022 Subaru Impreza Reliability Score & Common Problems

Name: 2022 Subaru Impreza
Brand: Subaru

The 2022 Subaru Impreza scores 76/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 11 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2022 is 2 years after the first facelift refresh.

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

3.6

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$653

Above avg

Major Repair Risk

17%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%

73/100 (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%

78/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

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

Top Issues

VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)POWER TRAIN (2)STEERING (2)

1 recall on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2022 is 2 years after the first facelift refresh.

Year 6 in the Fifth generation (GK, GT) (2017–2023).
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
5th generation Impreza (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

Fifth generation (GK, GT)

2017redesign

2018

2019

2020refresh

2021

2022selected

2023

Should You Buy the 2022 Subaru Impreza?

The 2022 Subaru Impreza scores 76/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2022 is 2 years after the first facelift refresh.

With 11 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 power train (2). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2023 Subaru Impreza, which scored 2 points lower. See also the 2021 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
POWER TRAIN: Two distinct power train issues with the 2022 Subaru Impreza (2 complaints)
STEERING issues reported (2 complaints)

Compare 2022 Subaru Impreza With

Good

2022 BMW 2-Series

Score: 74/100

Common Problem Categories

Safety

1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
POWER TRAIN (2)
STEERING (2)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
ENGINE (1)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
TIRES (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recall on record

The 2022 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

3.6

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 16.5

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2022 Subaru Impreza Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2022 Subaru Impreza. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

22V7120002022-09-22

VISIBILITY

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Consequence

An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-22.

2022 Subaru Impreza NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

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 (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)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 (n/a)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Subaru Impreza Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

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 2022 Subaru Impreza

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

Inspect transmission for fluid leaks and check for any burning smells
Test steering for looseness or over-sensitivity during a test drive
Examine windshield for any cracks or signs of spontaneous cracking
Verify that the vehicle has not been involved in any fire incidents
Check for any dashboard warning lights related to 'Eyesight Driver Assist' or 'check engine'
Ensure all power windows operate smoothly without reversing unexpectedly

Check Any 2022 Subaru Impreza's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2022 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.

Run a Free VIN Check

2022 Subaru Impreza Common Problems by Component

11 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)POWER TRAIN (2)STEERING (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)ENGINE (1)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)TIRES (1)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the 2022 Subaru Impreza's windshield cracking spontaneously without any apparent impact, often describing cracks that originate at the base or middle of the windshield. Complaints frequently mention that these cracks appear suddenly and can spread dramatically, affecting visibility, especially when sunlight causes glare on the cracks. No specific mileage range is indicated, but the issue occurs regardless of external impact, with one owner noting the vehicle is kept in a garage. The safety implications include obstructed views and potential misjudgment of objects' positions due to the cracks. Buyers should be aware that while Subaru offers a windshield protection plan, it may only cover a limited number of replacements, and subsequent windshields may exhibit the same problem.

2 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Owners report two distinct power train issues with the 2022 Subaru Impreza. One complaint describes the front wheels locking up while driving at high speed, attributed to a sudden transmission lock-up without prior warning. Another owner details a transmission failure at a stoplight, caused by a cut rubber hose leading to the transmission, resulting in fluid leakage and a burning smell. Both issues occur without warning signs, and the transmission-related failures have potential safety implications, such as loss of vehicle control and increased accident risk. These incidents happen shortly after vehicle servicing, though no specific mileage pattern is noted.

2 complaints total

STEERING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Subaru Impreza report issues with the steering system, specifically noting a sensation of looseness and over-sensitivity while driving. Complaints frequently mention the car jerking side to side and the steering wheel feeling disconnected, making it difficult to maintain lane position. These issues are observed both on dry surfaces and during long turns, with one owner experiencing the problem as early as 12 days after picking up the vehicle. Safety implications are noted, with one owner expressing difficulty in keeping the vehicle in lane, though no crashes or loss of control are reported. Used car buyers should be aware of these steering concerns, as they might affect handling and driving comfort.

2 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Subaru Impreza report issues related to spontaneous windshield cracking and a serious incident involving a vehicle fire. One complaint describes a windshield cracking by itself when the heater is turned on while the car is warming up. Another complaint details a significant safety concern where the vehicle displayed multiple dashboard warnings related to the "Eyesight Driver Assist" and "check engine" before rapidly decelerating and catching fire. This incident occurred within two months of ownership and at just over 1,000 miles. The fire resulted in the total loss of the vehicle, highlighting a potential safety risk. Buyers considering a used 2022 Subaru Impreza should be aware of these issues, particularly the potential for critical failures leading to a fire.

2 complaints total1 fire

ENGINE (1 complaints)

ENGINE

1 complaint

2025-11-11

We have a hesitation when hitting the gas with our Subaru Impreza. I took it to a mechanic who said there isn't officially an issue with the car, but it is consistent with a CRT transmition issue on other Subarus. The only way we are able to fix it is to take it to a Subaru dealership who insist there isn't an issue. I am not sure what to do but it seems like there is a consistent issue with the car model.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaintSafety-related

2025-03-06Fire reported

On [XXX], my 2022 Subaru Impreza caught fire in Lincolnwood, IL. My sister in-law and nephew escaped the vehicle just before it was consumed by the fire. The Lincolnwood Fire Department Fire Inspector said the fire was caused by a defected car battery. The car was declared a total loss. Subaru America only offered $2,000.00 credit towards the purchase of a new Subaru. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint

2025-02-22

Driving between 40-50mph on streets, my tire burst and the rubber part completely shredded off. I just had my tires checked a couple weeks ago where they said everything was great. This tire completely disintegrated out of nowhere and nearly damaged my rim! The tire guy said there's no way this happened from a nail or road injury to the tire

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).

Good

2025

0 recalls · 2 complaints

Good

2022(this page)

1 recall · 11 complaints

Good

2024

2 recalls · 23 complaints

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.

Good

2019

5 recalls · 185 complaints

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

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

Subaru Impreza reliability scores by year
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

Subaru Impreza Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	75/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	0	0
2025	77/100	+3	Good	0	2
2024	74/100	0	Good	2	23
2023	74/100	-2	Good	2	4
2022(selected)	76/100	+5	Good	1	11
2021	71/100	-3	Good	2	14
2020	74/100	+8	Good	1	83
2019	66/100	-3	Good	5	185
2018	69/100	—	Good	5	148

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 Subaru Impreza reliable?

The 2022 Subaru Impreza has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 76/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 11 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2022 Subaru Impreza?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 Subaru Impreza include: VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints), POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), STEERING (2 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), ENGINE (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru Impreza have?

The 2022 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 2022 Subaru Impreza expensive to maintain?

The 2022 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 76/100, 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

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.