The best and worst Subaru Impreza years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Subaru Imprezas old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2006, 2015 and 2021–2022 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2008, 2012–2013 and 2019 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2008 Subaru Impreza · 25.9 per 10,000 sold (1.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Manual clutch, flywheel and hydraulics, typically around 70,000 miles; then doors, windows, latches, seats and trim.
2012 Subaru Impreza · 29.6 per 10,000 sold (2.1× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 40,000 miles; then oil consumption and leaks.
2013 Subaru Impreza · 32.4 per 10,000 sold (2.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 64,500 miles; then internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings).
2019 Subaru Impreza · 29.2 per 10,000 sold (2.1× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Water leaks and seals, typically around 10,300 miles; then doors, windows, latches, seats and trim.
Years with the fewest complaints
2006 Subaru Impreza · 9.7 per 10,000 sold (0.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 136,162 miles.
2015 Subaru Impreza · 7.7 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Body control and other modules, typically around 37,500 miles.
2021 Subaru Impreza · 4.0 per 10,000 sold (0.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Water leaks and seals.
2022 Subaru Impreza · 3.9 per 10,000 sold (0.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Water leaks and seals.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Subaru Impreza year: 14.2 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Subaru Impreza?
Among Subaru Imprezas old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2013 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 32.4, about 2.3× a typical Subaru Impreza year. The 2008, 2012 and 2019 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Subaru Impreza?
The 2022 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Subaru Imprezas from 2005–2022: 3.9, against 14.2 for a typical year. The 2006, 2015 and 2021 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2013 Subaru Impreza?
The most-reported problem on the 2013 Subaru Impreza is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 64,500 miles.
Why aren't the newest Subaru Impreza years ranked?
The 2023–2026 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
Looking at a specific Subaru Impreza?
See what it’s likely to cost you over the next 3 years from its year and mileage.
Open the cost estimator → Full Subaru Impreza reportCompare the Subaru Impreza with
Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.