Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Subaru Impreza years to approach with the most caution are 2008, 2012, and 2013. The strongest years in our data are 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.
| Year | Verdict | Score | Top owner-reported problems | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Recommended | 7 | Owners of the redesigned model report occasional infotainment and electrical glitches with the larger touchscreen, but complaint volume is low and no widespread defect has emerged. | Full report ↗ |
| 2023 | Recommended | 7 | No major patterns recorded | Full report ↗ |
| 2022 | Recommended | 7 | No major patterns recorded | Full report ↗ |
| 2021 | Recommended | 7 | No major patterns recorded | Full report ↗ |
| 2020 | Caution | 6 | Premature low-beam headlight and exterior-lighting failures are the most-reported problem, sometimes leaving drivers without headlights at night until bulbs or units are replaced.; Spontaneous windshield cracking from minor impacts or temperature swings is frequently reported; replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.; Assorted electrical complaints including Starlink infotainment freezes or reboots and battery drain appear across these years. | Full report ↗ |
| 2017 | Caution | 6 | Premature low-beam headlight and exterior-lighting failures are the most-reported problem, sometimes leaving drivers without headlights at night until bulbs or units are replaced.; Spontaneous windshield cracking from minor impacts or temperature swings is frequently reported; replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.; Assorted electrical complaints including Starlink infotainment freezes or reboots and battery drain appear across these years. | Full report ↗ |
| 2016 | Caution | 6 | These years are covered by the Takata airbag inflator recall, which can rupture and is one of the largest sources of owner complaints for the generation.; The 2.0L boxer engine is prone to excessive oil consumption from premature piston-ring wear, the subject of a class action and extended warranty; owners must top off oil between changes.; The Lineartronic CVT can shudder, hesitate, or fail; Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles on these years due to early reliability problems. | Full report ↗ |
| 2015 | Caution | 6 | These years are covered by the Takata airbag inflator recall, which can rupture and is one of the largest sources of owner complaints for the generation.; The 2.0L boxer engine is prone to excessive oil consumption from premature piston-ring wear, the subject of a class action and extended warranty; owners must top off oil between changes.; The Lineartronic CVT can shudder, hesitate, or fail; Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles on these years due to early reliability problems. | Full report ↗ |
| 2011 | Caution | 6 | These years fall under the Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbag modules.; Powertrain and clutch or transmission complaints were the largest category at launch, with reports of premature clutch wear and driveline issues.; The 2.5L EJ253 engine commonly burns excessive oil and can develop head-gasket coolant and oil leaks as mileage climbs. | Full report ↗ |
| 2019 | Caution | 5 | Premature low-beam headlight and exterior-lighting failures are the most-reported problem, sometimes leaving drivers without headlights at night until bulbs or units are replaced.; Spontaneous windshield cracking from minor impacts or temperature swings is frequently reported; replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.; Assorted electrical complaints including Starlink infotainment freezes or reboots and battery drain appear across these years. | Full report ↗ |
| 2018 | Caution | 5 | Premature low-beam headlight and exterior-lighting failures are the most-reported problem, sometimes leaving drivers without headlights at night until bulbs or units are replaced.; Spontaneous windshield cracking from minor impacts or temperature swings is frequently reported; replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.; Assorted electrical complaints including Starlink infotainment freezes or reboots and battery drain appear across these years. | Full report ↗ |
| 2014 | Caution | 5 | These years are covered by the Takata airbag inflator recall, which can rupture and is one of the largest sources of owner complaints for the generation.; The 2.0L boxer engine is prone to excessive oil consumption from premature piston-ring wear, the subject of a class action and extended warranty; owners must top off oil between changes.; The Lineartronic CVT can shudder, hesitate, or fail; Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles on these years due to early reliability problems. | Full report ↗ |
| 2010 | Caution | 5 | These years fall under the Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbag modules.; Powertrain and clutch or transmission complaints were the largest category at launch, with reports of premature clutch wear and driveline issues.; The 2.5L EJ253 engine commonly burns excessive oil and can develop head-gasket coolant and oil leaks as mileage climbs. | Full report ↗ |
| 2009 | Caution | 5 | These years fall under the Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbag modules.; Powertrain and clutch or transmission complaints were the largest category at launch, with reports of premature clutch wear and driveline issues.; The 2.5L EJ253 engine commonly burns excessive oil and can develop head-gasket coolant and oil leaks as mileage climbs. | Full report ↗ |
| 2007 | Caution | 5 | These model years are included in the Takata airbag inflator recall.; The 2.5L SOHC boxer engine can develop external head-gasket coolant and oil leaks around the 100,000-mile mark, a known weak point of this era.; Early front suspension components and wheel bearings wear, and vehicles in salt-belt regions are prone to underbody corrosion. | Full report ↗ |
| 2006 | Caution | 5 | These model years are included in the Takata airbag inflator recall.; The 2.5L SOHC boxer engine can develop external head-gasket coolant and oil leaks around the 100,000-mile mark, a known weak point of this era.; Early front suspension components and wheel bearings wear, and vehicles in salt-belt regions are prone to underbody corrosion. | Full report ↗ |
| 2005 | Caution | 5 | These model years are included in the Takata airbag inflator recall.; The 2.5L SOHC boxer engine can develop external head-gasket coolant and oil leaks around the 100,000-mile mark, a known weak point of this era.; Early front suspension components and wheel bearings wear, and vehicles in salt-belt regions are prone to underbody corrosion. | Full report ↗ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 4 | These years are covered by the Takata airbag inflator recall, which can rupture and is one of the largest sources of owner complaints for the generation.; The 2.0L boxer engine is prone to excessive oil consumption from premature piston-ring wear, the subject of a class action and extended warranty; owners must top off oil between changes.; The Lineartronic CVT can shudder, hesitate, or fail; Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles on these years due to early reliability problems. | Full report ↗ |
| 2012 | Avoid | 4 | These years are covered by the Takata airbag inflator recall, which can rupture and is one of the largest sources of owner complaints for the generation.; The 2.0L boxer engine is prone to excessive oil consumption from premature piston-ring wear, the subject of a class action and extended warranty; owners must top off oil between changes.; The Lineartronic CVT can shudder, hesitate, or fail; Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles on these years due to early reliability problems. | Full report ↗ |
| 2008 | Avoid | 4 | These years fall under the Takata airbag inflator recall affecting the front airbag modules.; Powertrain and clutch or transmission complaints were the largest category at launch, with reports of premature clutch wear and driveline issues.; The 2.5L EJ253 engine commonly burns excessive oil and can develop head-gasket coolant and oil leaks as mileage climbs. | Full report ↗ |
Fully redesigned with standard AWD, top-tier crash safety, and a roomier cabin; early complaint volume is very low, though the new generation is still unproven long-term.
A mature, trouble-free year of the fifth-generation Impreza with standard AWD and strong safety; very few owner complaints reported.
Late fifth-generation Impreza with standard AWD and solid safety scores; complaint volume is low and the early headlight and windshield issues had largely settled.
Reliable late fifth-generation year with standard AWD and good crash protection; few reported problems.
Capable AWD compact with strong safety, but spontaneous windshield cracking is a notable and costly complaint this year.
Standard AWD and good safety scores are offset by widespread premature headlight failures and windshield cracking complaints.
Practical AWD hatchback let down by frequent headlight failures and windshield cracking reports.
First year of the fifth generation brings a better interior and standard AWD, but launch-year headlight and electrical complaints temper it.
Affordable AWD compact whose main risks are FB20 oil consumption, early CVT concerns, and Takata airbag recalls.
Practical AWD value with lingering FB20 oil-consumption and CVT reliability concerns plus Takata airbag recalls.
Standard AWD and decent economy, but oil consumption, CVT worries, and a high volume of Takata airbag complaints weigh it down.
One of the weaker years: heavy oil consumption, CVT shudder and failure reports, and extensive Takata airbag complaints.
Fourth-generation launch year widely flagged for excessive oil consumption and CVT problems, plus a large volume of Takata airbag complaints.
A relatively solid final third-generation year with standard AWD, though the 2.5L can consume oil and develop head-gasket leaks with age.
Capable AWD compact whose 2.5L engine is prone to oil consumption and head-gasket leaks as mileage rises.
Standard AWD and hatchback practicality offset by powertrain complaints and EJ253 oil and head-gasket weaknesses.
Third-generation launch year with a high complaint volume, notable powertrain issues, and excessive oil consumption.
Rally-bred AWD and simple mechanicals, but the 2.5L head gasket can leak near 100,000 miles and Takata airbags affect this year.
Sure-footed AWD compact with durable basics; expect possible head-gasket leaks with age and Takata airbag recall work.
Capable AWD handling and simple mechanicals, tempered by aging head-gasket risk, suspension wear, and Takata airbag recalls.
Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Subaru models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.