Subaru Impreza 2017–2023
5th generation (GK/GT)
NHTSA data through 13 August 2026707 complaints, 274 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
- Reports with mileage
- 274
- Median of reported failures
- 12,000 mi
- Most-reported system
- Visibility/wiper (24.2%)
- Recalls
- 14
Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
On this generation, 52% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 2 reports per 1,000 miles between 20,000 and 80,000.
Figure 1 · Subaru Impreza 2017–2023 · 274 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 20,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 173 complaints.
- First 12,000 miles — 52% of all failures
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 10%
- 850
- 25%
- 3,600
- Median
- 12,000
- 75%
- 27,000
- 90%
- 48,541
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–20,000 | 173 | 63.1% |
| 20,000–40,000 | 65 | 23.7% |
| 40,000–60,000 | 21 | 7.7% |
| 60,000–80,000 | 4 | 1.5% |
| 80,000–100,000 | 7 | 2.6% |
| 100,000–120,000 | 2 | 0.7% |
| 140,000–160,000 | 2 | 0.7% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 707 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017–2023 Subaru Impreza, and 274 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
52% of complaints that record mileage fall within the first 12,000 miles, against 2 reports per 1,000 miles between 20,000 and 80,000. Failures clustered that early usually indicate a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear.
The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (24.2% of complaints, typically around 11,000 miles), the exterior lighting (22.8% of complaints, typically around 28,000 miles), problems owners could not categorise (13.4% of complaints, typically around 8,500 miles).
14 recall campaigns cover this generation. 1 of them carry a severe NHTSA advisory.
If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.
How many miles does a 2017–2023 Subaru Impreza last?
Half of the failure reports on the 2017–2023 Subaru Impreza were filed by 12,000 miles and 90% by 49,000 miles — figures drawn from 274 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.
Before you buy a 2017–2023 Impreza: the 3-minute check
Generated from 274 mileage-tagged complaints, 14 recall campaigns, 1 documented problem area. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation. Run the VIN before you drive it home — the fix is free at any dealer.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 14 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Ask for visibility/wiper repair records. This area fails at a median of 11,000 miles — on any car this age it already happened or never will; the question is whether it was fixed under warranty.
- Ask for problems owners could not categorise repair records. This area fails at a median of 8,500 miles — on any car this age it already happened or never will; the question is whether it was fixed under warranty.
- Check pcv valve on 2017–2018 cars. The aluminum positive crankcase ventilation valve can come apart, allowing the separated pieces to be drawn into the engine and cause loss of power while driving. Subaru recalls WUP-01 (2017-2018 Impreza and 2018…
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, an early-failure pattern is comparatively good news on a used example: 52% of the reported failures occur in the first 12,000 miles, which on a car of this age means they have already happened or they were never going to. Service history matters more than mileage here.
On inspection, visibility/wiper and the exterior lighting are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. Visibility/wiper in particular shows a median failure mileage of 11,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
What fails, and when
Figure 2 · Subaru Impreza 2017–2023
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Electrical system58 reports5,5003,000–28,000Electrical system: 58 reports, median 5,500 miles, middle half 3,000 to 28,000 miles.
- Problems owners could not categorise95 reports8,5002,000–22,000Problems owners could not categorise: 95 reports, median 8,500 miles, middle half 2,000 to 22,000 miles.
- Engine39 reports9,0001,500–25,000Engine: 39 reports, median 9,000 miles, middle half 1,500 to 25,000 miles.
- Visibility/wiper171 reports11,0004,500–27,000Visibility/wiper: 171 reports, median 11,000 miles, middle half 4,500 to 27,000 miles.
- Airbag system22 reports13,0005,000–28,000Airbag system: 22 reports, median 13,000 miles, middle half 5,000 to 28,000 miles.
- Visibility equipment16 reports22,00014,000–47,000Visibility equipment: 16 reports, median 22,000 miles, middle half 14,000 to 47,000 miles.
- Exterior lighting161 reports28,0005,000–50,000Exterior lighting: 161 reports, median 28,000 miles, middle half 5,000 to 50,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 171 | 24.2% | 11,000 | 4,500–27,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 161 | 22.8% | 28,000 | 5,000–50,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 95 | 13.4% | 8,500 | 2,000–22,000 |
| Electrical system | 58 | 8.2% | 5,500 | 3,000–28,000 |
| Engine | 39 | 5.5% | 9,000 | 1,500–25,000 |
| Brakes | 25 | 3.5% | — | — |
| Airbag system | 22 | 3.1% | 13,000 | 5,000–28,000 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 19 | 2.7% | — | — |
| Transmission and driveline | 17 | 2.4% | — | — |
| Visibility equipment | 16 | 2.3% | 22,000 | 14,000–47,000 |
Where your car sits
Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.
Figure 3 · Subaru Impreza 2017–2023 · 274 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 95% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it below
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
At 60,000 miles
95% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Visibility/wiper — median 11,000 mi
- Exterior lighting — median 28,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — median 8,500 mi
- Electrical system — median 5,500 mi
- Engine — median 9,000 mi
- Airbag system — median 13,000 mi
- Visibility equipment — median 22,000 mi
At 90,000 miles
98% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Visibility/wiper — median 11,000 mi
- Exterior lighting — median 28,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — median 8,500 mi
- Electrical system — median 5,500 mi
- Engine — median 9,000 mi
- Airbag system — median 13,000 mi
- Visibility equipment — median 22,000 mi
At 120,000 miles
99% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Visibility/wiper — median 11,000 mi
- Exterior lighting — median 28,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — median 8,500 mi
- Electrical system — median 5,500 mi
- Engine — median 9,000 mi
- Airbag system — median 13,000 mi
- Visibility equipment — median 22,000 mi
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 12,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
Visibility/wiper accounts for 24.2% of complaints (171 reports, 96 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 11,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 4,500 and 27,000 miles.
The exterior lighting accounts for 22.8% of complaints (161 reports, 16 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails late — a median of 28,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 5,000 and 50,000 miles.
Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 13.4% of complaints (95 reports, 34 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 8,500 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 2,000 and 22,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 8.2% of complaints (58 reports, 24 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 5,500 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 3,000 and 28,000 miles.
The engine accounts for 5.5% of complaints (39 reports, 19 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 9,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 1,500 and 25,000 miles.
The airbag system accounts for 3.1% of complaints (22 reports, 12 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 13,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 5,000 and 28,000 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2019 model year drew the most — 224 complaints — while 2020 drew the fewest at 100. The median year sits at 171.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 14 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
1 of these carry a severe advisory — NHTSA's do not drive or park outside warnings, which the agency applies only when it considers the risk immediate. If you own one of these vehicles, that is the first thing to check by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the fuel system (3), the transmission and driveline (2), the exterior lighting (2). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 707 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 38 (5.4%)
- Fires
- 12
- Injury reports
- 23
- Fatality reports
- 1
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Documented problems
Pcv Valve 2017–2018
The aluminum positive crankcase ventilation valve can come apart, allowing the separated pieces to be drawn into the engine and cause loss of power while driving. Subaru recalls WUP-01 (2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek) and WUS-04 (2017 Impreza) provide inspection/replacement, with engine replacement if the separated pieces cannot be found.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 162 | 90 |
| 2018 | 181 | 62 |
| 2019 | 224 | 73 |
| 2020 | 100 | 44 |
| 2021 | 19 | 4 |
| 2022 | 15 | 0 |
| 2023 | 6 | 1 |
Recalls (14) — is your car included?
Nov 2023 · 2023 · Power TrainSeparation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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.
Nov 2023 · 2017–2019 · Exterior LightingReflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk…
The defect. 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."
What can happen. Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.
May 2023 · 2023 · Exterior LightingAn unintentional brake light illumination can fail to alert other motorists of actual brake application.
The defect. 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."
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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.
Nov 2022 · 2022 · VisibilityAn insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
What can happen. An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-22.
Sep 2021 · 2018–2020 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Sep 2021 · 2021 · Suspension do not driveA separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and…
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.
What can happen. A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-21.
Jun 2021 · 2017–2019 · Electrical SystemA short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
Feb 2021 · 2021 · Power TrainA loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not…
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
What can happen. A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.
Jun 2020 · 2019 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle…
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
What can happen. If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.
Dec 2019 · 2017–2019 · Electrical SystemIf a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
What can happen. If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
Dec 2019 · 2017 · Engine and Engine CoolingAn unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
What can happen. An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUS-04.
Dec 2019 · 2017–2018 · Engine and Engine CoolingAn unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
What can happen. An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.
Apr 2017 · 2017 · Fuel System, GasolineAn engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles. Winter fuels may vaporize prematurely in the fuel line, resulting in a reduction in fuel pressure, possibly causing the engine to stall.
What can happen. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control unit to turn the radiator cooling fan on at a lower temperature, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2738. Subaru's number for this recall is WTP-75.
Mar 2017 · 2017 · Back Over PreventionA rearview camera display that does not function as designed can reduce the driver's view of what is behind…
The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles. Due to a software problem, the rearview camera display may not work properly.
What can happen. A rearview camera display that does not function as designed can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the car, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for the recall is WTN-74.
What owners reported
I had purchased a Subaru Impreza 2017 in june of 2017. Since leaving the parking lot with the car i've experienced all the info entertainment issues. I have a weird engine ticking noise. The vehicle will continue to accelerate. It has never gone out of control. However the 'forward' momentum/ inertia that's created by…
2017 · Engine
I did a test drive of the Subaru Impreza 2017 premium wagon at a seattle-area dealership. I noticed that the car door did not lock completely or opened by itself while the car was in motion. I noticed that i am not the only one who sees this safety issue. There are others who have reported the same or similar problem…
2017 · 5 miles · Problems owners could not categorise
We purchased a new Impreza on 2/4/17, within days of bringing the car home we noticed that all the radio presets had been wiped out, and the xm radio had reverted back to a trial period. That same day we received an email saying that our car was sending a problem code for the starlink system. Upon calling the…
2017 · 69 miles · Electrical system
Built from 274 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page