NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 194 owner complaints for the 2019 Subaru Impreza. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (63) and visibility/wiper (55). The EPA rates it 25–32 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
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.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Impreza model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 26 |
| 1997 | 34 |
| 1998 | 30 |
| 1999 | 22 |
| 2000 | 41 |
| 2001 | 11 |
| 2002 | 296 |
| 2003 | 64 |
| 2004 | 96 |
| 2005 | 75 |
| 2006 | 56 |
| 2007 | 68 |
| 2008 | 209 |
| 2009 | 113 |
| 2010 | 46 |
| 2011 | 58 |
| 2012 | 243 |
| 2013 | 251 |
| 2014 | 108 |
| 2015 | 79 |
| 2016 | 75 |
| 2019 | 194 |
| 2024 | 32 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 1 |
“I attempted to get a safety recall (headlamp assembly defect) addressed at my local Subaru dealership. The vehicle is still under warranty, and I was told I may be able to get a loaner or rental. However, when I arrived, I was informed that the dealership only has 9 loaners and does not offer rental coverage at all, even for warranty customers. I had already spoken to someone about my need for a rental due to my class schedule and was led to believe this could be arranged. I drove down there, took time out of my day, and missed class — only to be turned away with no solution. Subaru’s recall notice acknowledges the increased risk of a crash due to poor visibility and glare. My vehicle remains unfixed and unsafe to drive, and I was left with no support despite my warranty and a safety recall. Subaru has not made it reasonably possible for me to address this recall. If an accident occurs while I wait for a proper resolution, I will hold them responsible. I am submitting this complaint to formally document my experience and push for accountability.”
“I was under the vehicle changing the oil and heard a loud bang. I investigated the sound and didn't notice anything. After completion of the oil change I got into the driver seat and noticed my rear view mirror was hanging by the wires. It had come loose from the windshield taking a big chunk of glass out of the windshield. It left a gash approximately almost 3/4 of an inch deep by 1.5 inches long by about 3/4 of an inch wide. This seriously degrades the strength and puts any occupants at risk. The windshield can not be repaired and will have to be replaced. Cost of replacement is approximately $413.58.”
“The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle rolled to a stop and stalled in hot and cold temperatures. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was jump-started by Roadside Assistance. The contact purchased a trickle charger. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza 4-Door Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 38 | 32 | $2,000 | 282 |
| Impreza 5-Door Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 36 | 31 | $2,050 | 284 |
| Impreza Sport 4-Door Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,150 | 291 |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,150 | 292 |
| Impreza 4-Door Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,400 | 331 |
| Impreza 5-Door Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 26 | $2,450 | 335 |
| Impreza Sport 4-Door Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,450 | 337 |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,550 | 351 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Oct 31, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 194 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (63), visibility/wiper (55), electrical system (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2019 Subaru Impreza at 25–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Subaru Impreza 5 out of 5 stars overall.