Last updated: 2026-10-10
2023 Subaru Impreza Reliability Report
The 2023 Subaru Impreza has good reliability and few owner complaints. The main concern is cracked or bulging tire sidewalls.
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
Final year of the fifth generation, with good reliability, fewer owner complaints than the 2022 or 2024 models, and two recalls on file.
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?
Good reliability puts this final year of the fifth generation ahead of most 2023 sedans. Within the Impreza line it sits in the middle of the nine scored years, and the 2022 and 2024 models rate about the same. Owners filed only 4 complaints, and the federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars. Independent repair-cost data puts model-wide upkeep at about $653 a year, against $526 for the class.
Tires are the one pattern, and it rests on just two reports. In the first, an owner found deep cracks on the outer sidewalls and near the rim line of all four original tires at about 30,000 miles. A dealer and a tire shop both called the car unsafe, and all four were replaced. The second involved aftermarket tires, not the factory set, with bubbles on two sidewalls. Cracked or bulging sidewalls raise the risk of a blowout at highway speed. Federal recall records also list two recalls, covering exterior lighting and the power train.
Check all four tire sidewalls before buying, and ask for proof that both recalls were completed.
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: Sidewalls crack or bulge, which raises the risk of a blowout at highway speed (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: 14.4
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
Tires problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 Subaru Impreza, and 2 recalls were 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
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.
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 2023 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
25–32 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 the outer sidewall of all four tires for cracks, especially near the bead and rim line.
Run a hand along each sidewall and look for bubbles or bulges, including on the inside face.
Note the tire brand and ask whether the tires are original or replacements, and where they were bought.
Ask for receipts showing whether any tires were replaced early, and why.
Budget for a full set of 225/40R18 tires if any sidewall shows cracking or bulging.
2023 Subaru Impreza Common Problems by Component
4 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
TIRES
2 complaintsSidewalls crack or bulge, which raises the risk of a blowout at highway speed. One report describes deep cracks on the outer sidewalls and near the rim line of all four original 225/40R18 tires at about 30,000 miles. Both a dealer and a tire shop judged the car unsafe and replaced all four tires. A second report involves aftermarket replacement tires, not the factory set. Bubbles appeared on the outer sidewalls of two tires, and the tire maker denied the owner's claim. With only 2 complaints, no wider pattern is clear.
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
Best & Worst Subaru Impreza Years
Best Subaru Impreza Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2022
2024
2023
(Current Model)
Subaru 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 2023 Subaru Impreza reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru Impreza?
Does the 2023 Subaru Impreza have tire problems?
Has the 2023 Subaru Impreza been recalled?
How does the 2023 Subaru Impreza compare with the 2022 and 2024 models?
Don’t buy a 2023 Subaru Impreza without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2023 Subaru Impreza
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 Subaru Impreza does best on recall impact (80/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). 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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