Last updated: 2026-04-20
2023 Subaru Impreza Reliability Report
The 2023 Subaru Impreza scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 4 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
4
Complaint Rate
1.2per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$653
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,850–$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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- TIRES (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (GK, GT).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 3 years after the last refresh (2020).
- 5th generation Impreza (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2017: Fifth generation (GK, GT) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (GK, GT).
Should You Buy the 2023 Subaru Impreza?
At 74/100, the 2023 Subaru Impreza lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2023 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (GK, GT).
Owners log 4 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to tires (2). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2024 Subaru Impreza, which scored the same. See also the 2022 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
- −TIRES issues reported (2 complaints)
Compare 2023 Subaru Impreza With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
MODERATE- TIRES (2)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2023 Subaru Impreza carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
1.2
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 14.6
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Subaru Impreza Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Subaru Impreza. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Impreza vehicles. The brake light switch may be improperly adjusted and illuminate the brake lights without application of the brake pedal. The vehicle may also allow drivers to start and shift the transmission out of the PARK position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."
Consequence
An unintentional brake light illumination can fail to alert other motorists of actual brake application. A vehicle that shifts out of the park position unexpectedly can allow the vehicle to rollaway. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the gap between the brake light switch and stopper, adjusting the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 23, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-23.
POWER TRAIN
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
Consequence
Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
Buying a used 2023 Subaru Impreza? Check its history first
Every 2023 Subaru Impreza has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2023 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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
25–32 MPG
Running cost: $2,500–$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 2023 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 | 32 | $1,850 |
| 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 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 2023 Subaru Impreza.
Inspect tires for sidewall bubbles and cracking near bead/rim line
Test infotainment system for stable connection with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Check vehicle acceleration from a full stop for hesitation
Verify completion of any manufacturer updates or recalls related to infotainment system
2023 Subaru Impreza Common Problems by Component
4 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
TIRES
2 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Subaru Impreza report issues with tire integrity, specifically noting bubbles on the sidewalls and deep concentric cracking near the bead/rim line. Symptoms typically appear around 7,500 to 30,000 miles, with some tires showing bubbles while others exhibit cracking that compromises structural integrity. Safety implications are significant, as cracking poses a risk of high-speed blowouts, with one owner describing the need for immediate tire replacement to avoid potential accidents. Buyers should be aware of these tire issues, as they may require inspection and replacement, particularly if the vehicle has covered similar mileage.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintThis Subaru model and most other models I have researched is having connections issues with the infotainment systems, connecting and keeping a connection with Android auto and apple. It's not like just a small annoyance, this is causing me big issues when it does connect to Android auto then it is intermittent causing the driver to take their attention off of the road to unplug replug in the phone then stopping and turning off the car/ restarting phone to try fixing this issue, this have become very distracting iv almost been in multiple accidents trying to get my cars systems to work properly. This is something I have took to the dealership they assured me there was an update coming and told me they would not service my vehicle for this issue, even tho it's still under manufacturers warranty, it has now been 6 months and still no update or fix for the problem that is a serious distraction, some people might say no big deal drive without it, but when u are counting on directions and your map to work then it continues to jump on and off the completely tanks this is a big issue they are ignoring!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintCar does not accelerate from a full stop. Hesitates to react to gas pedal for a few seconds
When Do 2023 Subaru Impreza Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Subaru Impreza Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Subaru Impreza Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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.
Subaru Impreza Reliability Score Trend
Subaru Impreza reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 73/100.
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 |
Subaru Impreza Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Subaru Impreza reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru Impreza?
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Impreza have?
Is the 2023 Subaru Impreza expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2023 Subaru Impreza without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Subaru Impreza.
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