Last updated: 2026-03-04

Subaru Impreza

1 Subaru Impreza Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Subaru Impreza average of 73/100

The Subaru Impreza years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 66/100. The best Subaru Impreza year to buy is 2025 77/100.

Verdict

The 2019 Subaru Impreza scores significantly below the model average of 73/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 66/100 due to exterior lighting (62) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 74/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Subaru Impreza Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Subaru Impreza average of 73/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201966/100Good5185Exterior Lighting (62)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Subaru Impreza

The 2019 Subaru Impreza has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 185 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Subaru Impreza. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (62), Visibility Wiper (53), Electrical System (15).

5 recalls185 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Exterior Lighting (62), Visibility Wiper (53), Electrical System (15), Unknown Or Other (14), Service Brakes (5), Steering (5)

View full 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Subaru Impreza Problems?

Top reported issues across all Subaru Impreza model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

136 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

126 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2024

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

39 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

31 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VISIBILITY

18 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

15 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

Best Subaru Impreza Year to Buy Instead

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Subaru Impreza

The 2020 Subaru Impreza has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 83 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru Impreza. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (48), Unknown Or Other (15), Service Brakes (4).

Score: 74/100 (Good)1 recalls83 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All Subaru Impreza Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Subaru Impreza Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Subaru Impreza years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Subaru Impreza years: 2019 (score: 66/100). These model years score significantly below the Subaru Impreza average of 73/100.
What is the best year for the Subaru Impreza?
The best year for the Subaru Impreza is 2025, with a reliability score of 77/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 2 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Subaru Impreza have?
Across all years in our database, the Subaru Impreza has a total of 18 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Subaru Impreza worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 77/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 73/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Subaru Impreza problems?
The most common Subaru Impreza problems are visibility/wiper (136 complaints), exterior lighting (126 complaints), unknown or other (39 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Subaru Impreza reliable long-term?
The Subaru Impreza has an average reliability score of 73/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Subaru Impreza generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Subaru Impreza generation is the Fifth generation (GK, GT) with an average score of 72/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Subaru Impreza?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Subaru Impreza is $653 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 Subaru Impreza a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru Impreza is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 77/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 2 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

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