Here Are The 5 Subaru Impreza Years to Avoid

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: May 10, 2023

Are you considering buying a Subaru Impreza? While it's a popular choice for those who want a reliable all-wheel-drive vehicle with a sporty edge, it's important to be aware of the potential issues that come with certain model years. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the Subaru Impreza years to avoid, including common problems with the power train, air bags, visibility, body structure, and service brakes.

Worst Years of Subaru Impreza by Complaints, Severity of Issues Reported, and Recalls

2002 285 2012 186 2008 170 2013 154 2009 87

What are the Biggest Problems with Subaru Impreza?

2008 Subaru Impreza

POWER TRAIN 49 AIR BAGS 24 VISIBILITY 18 BODY > STRUCTURE 17 SERVICE BRAKES 14

The Subaru Impreza has been plagued with a number of issues over the years, ranging from power train problems to air bag malfunctions. According to complaints from real owners and official recall statistics, some of the most common issues with this car include issues with the power train, air bags, visibility, body structure, and service brakes. While these problems can be frustrating for drivers, it's important to remember that they are not unique to the Impreza and can be found in many other vehicles as well. Overall, I believe that the Impreza is a reliable and well-built car, but it's important for drivers to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for any potential issues that may arise.

2009 Subaru Impreza

POWER TRAIN 23 BODY > STRUCTURE 20 SERVICE BRAKES 12 ENGINE 10 AIR BAGS 9

As a car enthusiast, I have to say that the Subaru Impreza 2009 has some serious issues that need to be addressed. The power train seems to be a common problem, with many owners reporting issues with the transmission and drivetrain. The body structure also seems to be a weak point, with rust and corrosion being reported in many areas. The service brakes have also been a cause for concern, with reports of the brake pedal going to the floor and the brakes failing to engage properly. And let's not forget about the engine, which has been known to have issues with oil consumption and head gasket failure. Lastly, the air bags have been known to malfunction, which is a major safety concern. All in all, it's clear that the Subaru Impreza 2009 has some serious problems that need to be addressed.

2010 Subaru Impreza

AIR BAGS 6 ENGINE 6 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 4 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 4 POWER TRAIN 4

Well, let me tell you something folks, when it comes to the Subaru Impreza 2010 model, there are a few components that can get affected. First off, we got the air bags. Now, you don't want those things failing on you, trust me. Then we got the engine, fuel/propulsion system, and power train. And last but not least, we got the mysterious "unknown or other" category. Who knows what could be lurking in there? All I know is, you better keep an eye on all of these components if you want to keep that Impreza running like a champ.

2011 Subaru Impreza

AIR BAGS 17 POWER TRAIN 6 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6 SERVICE BRAKES 5 VISIBILITY/WIPER 4

Now then, this 2011 Subaru Impreza may look like a proper rally car, but it's not without its faults. The airbags, powertrain, electrical system, service brakes, and visibility/wiper have all been known to cause a bit of trouble. However, it's still a solid choice for those who want a reliable all-wheel-drive vehicle with a sporty edge.

2012 Subaru Impreza

AIR BAGS 91 ENGINE 44 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 19 POWER TRAIN 18 SEATS 13

Now we're taking a look at the 2012 Subaru Impreza, and while it's a fun car to drive with its all-wheel drive and sporty handling, it unfortunately has some major issues. The airbags have been known to randomly deploy, the engine has a tendency to burn oil at an alarming rate, and the electrical system and powertrain have been known to have some serious malfunctions. Additionally, the seats aren't the most comfortable for long drives. Overall, while the Impreza has its strong points, these problems make it a bit of a risky choice for a daily driver.

Common Issues with Subaru Impreza

AIR BAGS 304 ENGINE 176 POWER TRAIN 144 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 95 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 78 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 74 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 73 SUSPENSION 72 SERVICE BRAKES 72 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 66

Source

Conclusion

Subaru Impreza owners have reported a variety of problems across multiple years, including issues with the power train, air bags, visibility, body structure, service brakes, engine, and electrical system. In 2008, there were complaints about the power train, air bags, visibility, and body structure. The 2009 model year saw problems with the power train, body structure, service brakes, engine, and air bags. In 2010, issues arose with the air bags, engine, fuel/propulsion system, unknown or other, and power train. The 2011 Impreza had issues with the air bags, power train, electrical system, service brakes, and visibility/wiper. Finally, in 2012, there were reports of problems with the air bags, engine, electrical system, power train, and seats. These issues have led to official recalls and should be taken into consideration when purchasing or maintaining a Subaru Impreza.