2012 Subaru Impreza Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 105 7 crash 1 fire 4 injury

“WE WERE BROADSIDED (T-BONED) IN AN INTERSECTION WITH TRAFFIC LIGHTS. WE WERE EASTBOUND GOING 25MPH & HAD JUST LEFT HOME. TWO BLOCKS FROM MY HOME AS I PROCEEDED THROUGH THE GREEN LIGHT AND BAM SHE HIT MY DRIVER SIDE. RECESSING MY FRONT TIRE 3 OR MORE INCHES IN TOWARDS MY ENGINE. SHE WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON THE INTERSECTING ROAD. SHE MUST HAVE BEEN TRAVELING 25 MPH OR MORE BECAUSE DAMAGE CONTINUED ALL THE WAY DOWN THE DRIVER SIDE (BOTH DOORS) FINISHING ON MY REAR TIRE WHERE IT BENT IT INWARDS AS IF IT WAS A STEERING TIRE MAKING A TURN. THE REAR TIRE HAS A LARGE GASH IN THE SIDE WALL. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11083187, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY AND INJURIES TO THE LEFT ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE AIR BAG WIRING WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10860667, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10649225, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Engine 55 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“I SIDESWIPED A PARKED CAR AND THE MOMENTUM CAUSED MY CAR TO FLIP OVER AND LAND ON ITS ROOF. HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THE ADJUSTER BUT IT IS OBVIOUS THE CAR IS "TOTALED". WRITING TO YOU TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I ALSO WROTE TO SUBARU TO ADVISE THEM THAT I THINK THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED BUT NONE OF THEM DID. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN UNION, N.J. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10609858, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“FOLLOWED TOO CLOSELY THROUGH A DOUBLE INTERSECTION WITH A NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHT. POLICE OFFICER DIRECTED TRAFFIC THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BUT APPARENTLY WE HAD TO STOP BEFORE THE SECOND INTERSECTION. APPARENTLY I SLOWED DOWN ENOUGH THAT THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I INDICATED 20 BUT SURELY MY AIRBAG WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AT THAT SPEED. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR UNDER ITS OWN POWER OFF THE ROAD INTO A SUBWAY PARKING LOT. AS I WAS MANEUVERING INTO A PARKING SPOT THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT SEEMS STRANGE TO ME THAT IF I WAS GOING SLOW ENOUGH FOR THE AIRBAG NOT TO DEPLOY BUT FOR SOME COMPONENTS TO…”
NHTSA complaint #10513954, 2013 · crash · fire

“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where the gas cap was replaced; however, the warning light returned. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a diagnostic test and the contact was informed that the timing belt cover, cam carrier, and O2 sensors needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and agreed to cover a partial cost of the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11510843, 2022

Electrical System 30 1 crash 4 fire

“FOLLOWED TOO CLOSELY THROUGH A DOUBLE INTERSECTION WITH A NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHT. POLICE OFFICER DIRECTED TRAFFIC THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BUT APPARENTLY WE HAD TO STOP BEFORE THE SECOND INTERSECTION. APPARENTLY I SLOWED DOWN ENOUGH THAT THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I INDICATED 20 BUT SURELY MY AIRBAG WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AT THAT SPEED. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR UNDER ITS OWN POWER OFF THE ROAD INTO A SUBWAY PARKING LOT. AS I WAS MANEUVERING INTO A PARKING SPOT THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT SEEMS STRANGE TO ME THAT IF I WAS GOING SLOW ENOUGH FOR THE AIRBAG NOT TO DEPLOY BUT FOR SOME COMPONENTS TO…”
NHTSA complaint #10513954, 2013 · crash · fire

“The AC unit suddenly shutoff and there was a burning smell while I was driving. It turns out that the connector on the back of the climate control unit had either drawn too much current, or the resistance was too high, and the connector had started burning. Fortunately, the melted plastic interrupted the electrical connection, and the fire had went out on its own. It looks like this is not an isolated incident, and several others have dealt with similar when looking online.”
NHTSA complaint #11633290, 2024 · fire

“ON THE HEATER CONTROLS, FOR THE FAN SPEED, THE CONNECTOR ON THE BACK CAUGHT FIRE, I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT IN TIME TO PREVENT ANY FURTHER DAMAGE. MY MOTHER IN LAW AND MY SON RIDE THAT CAR DAILY, COULD OF BEEN A DISASTER. I HAVE PURCHASED A NEW PART, REPLACED THE PLUG, AND SAME ISSUE OCCURED, STARTED SMOKING AND RUINED ANOTHER HEATER CONTROL. USED AUTO PART LOCATIONS NEAR ME REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE ON AT LEAST 3 OTHER CARS. SEE ATTACHED IMAGES.”
NHTSA complaint #11337149, 2020 · fire

Power Train 26

“Hello car just stopped on the Fla turnpike because bad valve body on transmission seem subaru knows about this problem and offered a extended warranty 10 yr or 100k but they did this during covid with stay at home orders and never sent any type of Notification my wife was almost killed when this happened to her our car has only 70k I feel they should have sent us letter we had the car since new this is a very dangerous situation for anyone owning a Subaru imprezza from 2010 to 2015 and many other Subaru have this problem as well”
NHTSA complaint #11568258, 2023

“I was on the highway in mixed traffic for a couple hours. There was a burning smell in the cabin and then the warning lights came on including a check engine light and transmission light. The car started to jerk erratically when I accelerated and ultimately it would not accelerate. I pulled over and turned the car off as recommended in the owner's manualAfter following the manual's instructions to let the engine cool down, I attempted to turn the car on and put it in gear. It would not move when I put it in reverse or drive. The transmission failed entirely. Previous to my taking the car on t…”
NHTSA complaint #11553701, 2023

“The car will not allow me to turn it off and remove the key from the ignition. This is apparently caused by a known issue with the gear box/transmission stick not making proper contact with a metal plate within the box.”
NHTSA complaint #11468885, 2022

Seats 15

“The Airbag warning light has been lit within the dashboard. The front passenger seat airbag is faulty and is not able to correctly sense when a passenger is within the seat or not, which disables the airbags. This can be deadly to the passenger if in an accident. The issue seems to be in the ODS passenger seat mat that determines when the airbag is active or not. If moisture is able to get within the mat, then it can short the circuit and cause airbags to not deploy. My car was "supposed" to already been fixed with the issue in 2015 on the recall #WQT55, NHTSA Campaign 15V419000, but I do…”
NHTSA complaint #11634194, 2022

“WHEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING WOULD GO OFF WITH NO PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. WHEN I HAVE A PASSENGER IN MY VEHICLE, THE AIRBAG SENSOR CAN'T DETECT A PASSENGER WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. ALSO, FOR WHATEVER REASON THE DRIVERS SEAT ISNT DETECTING A DRIVER SO THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. AFTER GOOGLING THIS ISSUE I SEE THAT MANY OTHER 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH NO RESOLVE.”
NHTSA complaint #11373499, 2020

“THE OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR (ODS) CANNOT DETECT A PERSON WHEN SEATED IN THE PASSENGER. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WITH THE ENGINE ON AND OFF; WHILE IN MOTION AND ALSO WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE CENTER DASH REMAINS ILLUMINATED "OFF" ALSO, THE AIRBAG SYMBOL TURNS ON AT ALMOST RANDOM TIMES, INDICATING THAT THERE IS AN ERROR WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. ABOUT 50% OF THE TIME I DRIVE, THE AIRBAG SYSTEM LIGHT WILL COME ON AND STAY ON DURING MY DRIVE, WHETHER I AM DRIVING ALONE OR WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. SOMETIMES IF I TURN OFF…”
NHTSA complaint #11181995, 2019

Service Brakes 15 2 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A METAL POWER BOX AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10748680, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING ON AN ICY ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE AND THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF ANY INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED OR IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND YARD AND THEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10705583, 2013 · crash

“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the control arms and brake lines were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of…”
NHTSA complaint #11648309, 2025

Unknown Or Other 12

“My ignition key gets stuck when I shifted into park on my 2012 subaru impreza.”
NHTSA complaint #11739696, 2026

“The occupant control unit in my car has failed, and there is an open recall (Reference #WQT-55R) for the engine diagnostic code (B1650) for my specific part number for the occupant control unit, but the Subaru dealership is saying that my VIN number does not apply. The problem is a well known Subaru issue where the passenger airbag fails to turn on, and Subaru has recalled other vehicles of our make and model from this year (2012) for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11565102, 2024

“HVAC plug pigtail Blower motor resistor Heater control harness Is available for inspection HVAC electrical plugin was badly burned and melted causing risk of fire Summer months created dangerous interior temperatures Winter months & inclement weather created physical distress- & created dangerous vision restrictions/blockage because unable to use defroster Dangerous cab temperatures, limited or blocked vision through windshield created physical distress and distraction for me thus others and property were at elevated risk Yes confirmed by garage. No inspection performed. No warnings ava…”
NHTSA complaint #11661254, 2023

Vehicle Speed Control 11 3 crash 2 injury

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO A FRIEND'S HOUSE. AS SHE ENTERED THE PARKING AREA, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE HOUSE. THE FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS CAME OUT. THE ONLY INJURY TO HER WAS A BADLY SCRAPED RIGHT LEG AND CHEST PAIN. THE HOUSE SUFFERED DAMAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #11056232, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“UPON ENTERING A PARKING GARAGE AND PARKING, THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT WALL. I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY HAVING JUST MADE SEVERAL TURNS WITHIN THE GARAGE AND THEN ALIGNED, AS USUAL, WITH THE LINES TO PARK. THE CAR REVVED EXTREMELY HIGH AND TOOK OFF STRAIGHT INTO THE WALL THROWING ME BACK IN TO THE SEAT. I ONLY NEEDED TO SOFTLY TAP THE BRAKES TO BREAK NORMALLY, BUT IT TOOK OFF. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I MADE SURE TO CHECK THE FOOT PEDAL AREA TO SEE IF ANYTHING WAS INTERFERING WITH THE GAS, BUT NOTHING WAS NEAR. THE MATS ARE CUT WELL AWAY FROM THE PEDALS. I SUFFERED BURNS/SC…”
NHTSA complaint #10621897, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“1. 5/12/17. RANDOM SURGE FROM STOP OR SLOW SPEED. STOPPED AT LIGHT, GENTLY STEPPED ON GAS TO PULL AHEAD, CAR SURGED HARD AND QUICKLY INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. $1500 DAMAGE TO MY CAR. 2. 1/11/18. STOPPED AT LIGHT, GENTLY STEPPED ON GAS TO PULL AHEAD, CAR SURGED VERY HARD AND QUICKLY INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, THAT WAS QUITE SOME DISTANCE AWAY! AS I KNEW THE CAR HAS AN ISSUE WITH SURGING. THIS TIME $9500 DAMAGE TO MY CAR, UNKNOWN AMOUNT TO OTHER CAR. STATE FARM SHOULD HAVE TOTALED CAR, SAID INTERIOR WAS IN GREAT CONDITION. SO NOW WE HAVE TO KEEP DRIVING A CAR THAT IS NOT SAFE.…”
NHTSA complaint #11219444, 2019 · crash

Steering 10

“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was driven with manual steering. The failure occurred while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that approximately four days after the first failure, the steering wheel failed to move. Additionally, the vehicle was losing oil and one quart of oil had to be added every month. The contact stated that the power steering, ABS, TPMS, transmission automatic transmission fluid (ATF), and 4-WD failure warning lights were illuminated. The pas…”
NHTSA complaint #11640376, 2025

“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, upon pressing the horn, he became aware that the horn was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had previously been intermittent. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering roll connector. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V283000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened…”
NHTSA complaint #11546090, 2022

“POWER STEERING COMES ON 20 MINUTES AFTER I START THE ENGINE AND DRIVE A FEW MILES. HAS GIVEN ME APT OF CLOSE CALLS WITH HITTING CURBS OR AWKWARD TURNS. TRY TO FIND THE PART TO REPLACE IT, BUT MOST WEBSITES SAY THAT MY CAR HAS A GOOD CHANCE OF BEING RECALLED. TOOK TO A SUBARU DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT'S NOT RECALLED. BUT NOBODY WILL FIX OR SELL ME PARTS DUE TO 'RECALLS' PRECAUTIONS.”
NHTSA complaint #11361766, 2020

Wheels 7

“LEASED FROM BIZZAROS THE CAR WAS INSPECTED WITH A BROKEN SEAT BELT THERE'S RECALLS THE CAR KEEPS EATING BEARINGS AND HUBS THE CAR IS SIMPLY NOT SAFE AND BIZZAROS TOLD ME NOTHINGNESS IS WRONG WITH IT THE POWER TRAIN BRAKES AND ROTORS AND TIRES WERE FILLED TO 69PSI WHEN GOT IT”
NHTSA complaint #11219722, 2019

“WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY FAILED RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR HIGHWAY OPERATION. WHEN ATTEMPTING THE (SUBARU) RECOMMENDED REPAIR THE OEM PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE BY SUBSTITUTED BY AN ALTERNATIVE PART FOR THIS CRITICAL REPAIR. WE HAVE RETAINED THE ORIGINAL PART FOR INSPECTION.”
NHTSA complaint #11090755, 2018

“IN 2014 TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM LIGHT STARTED BLINKING THEN REMAINED ILLUMINATED. NOW 2016 SAME PROBLEM NOW TOLD ONE OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM SENSORS IS AGAIN DEFECTIVE BUT NOT UNDER WARRANTY.”
NHTSA complaint #10870761, 2016

Structure 6 2 crash 2 injury

“WE WERE BROADSIDED (T-BONED) IN AN INTERSECTION WITH TRAFFIC LIGHTS. WE WERE EASTBOUND GOING 25MPH & HAD JUST LEFT HOME. TWO BLOCKS FROM MY HOME AS I PROCEEDED THROUGH THE GREEN LIGHT AND BAM SHE HIT MY DRIVER SIDE. RECESSING MY FRONT TIRE 3 OR MORE INCHES IN TOWARDS MY ENGINE. SHE WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON THE INTERSECTING ROAD. SHE MUST HAVE BEEN TRAVELING 25 MPH OR MORE BECAUSE DAMAGE CONTINUED ALL THE WAY DOWN THE DRIVER SIDE (BOTH DOORS) FINISHING ON MY REAR TIRE WHERE IT BENT IT INWARDS AS IF IT WAS A STEERING TIRE MAKING A TURN. THE REAR TIRE HAS A LARGE GASH IN THE SIDE WALL. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11083187, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO A FRIEND'S HOUSE. AS SHE ENTERED THE PARKING AREA, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE HOUSE. THE FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS CAME OUT. THE ONLY INJURY TO HER WAS A BADLY SCRAPED RIGHT LEG AND CHEST PAIN. THE HOUSE SUFFERED DAMAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #11056232, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while the vehicle was under yearly inspection, she was informed that the subframe was corroded. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the stabilizer bar, the rocker panels, and the cross members to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called an independent mechanic and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11489945, 2022

Fuel System 5

“DRIVING HOME ON 12/11/16, THE CHECK ENGINE, VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL, AND CRUISE CONTROL INDICATORS CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. CHECK ENGINE AND VDC INDICATORS WERE STEADY, BUT CRUISE CONTROL WAS BLINKING. THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, THE PROBLEM WAS STILL THERE SO I IMMEDIATELY WENT TO SUBARU TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. THEY DISCOVERED CODE P1449: "EVAP SYSTEM CLUGGED CHECK & FOUND SPIDER WEBS IS EVAP DRAIN & VALVE ASSY. TECH RECOMMEND REPLACE EVAP DRAIN & VALVE ASSY." THEY REPLACED EVAP DRAIN & VALVE ASSEMBLY AND PERFORMED EVAP SYSTEM CLEAN REINSTALL WHICH FIXED THE ISSUE. TOTAL COST…”
NHTSA complaint #10935185, 2016

“MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR AFTER GETTING OFF WORK AT !:30 AM WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. FROM TIME TO TIME SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW, THE ENGINE WOULD SPUTTER WHILE DRIVING. IT TURNS OUT THAT THERE WAS A CUT IN THE FUEL FILTER. OUR MECHANIC SAID IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT IT HAPPENED ANY TIME EXCEPT WHEN THE FILTER AND FUEL PUMP WERE INSTALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR USING OIL...MINE DOES TOO. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10594849, 2014

“WHILE DRIVING IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, ENGINE POWER CUT OUT, AND COMPLETE LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL OCCURRED. THE CAR COULD ONLY ACCELERATE EXTREMELY SLOWLY, AND NOT PAST 20-25 MPH. THANKFULLY NOT ON A HIGH-SPEED ROAD. MANAGED TO GET HOME (BARELY), CAR WORKED FINE THE NEXT DAY. DEALER FOUND OBD CODE P0128, REPROGRAMMED ECM TO REMOVE THE CODE. THE SAME PROBLEM HAD OCCURRED ~1 YEAR PREVIOUSLY DUE TO A FAULTY ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR (NHTSA COMPLAINT RECENTLY FILED). DEALER CLAIMS CAUSES ARE UNRELATED. THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN IF IT OCCURS ON A HIGHWAY, WE NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVIN…”
NHTSA complaint #10559079, 2014

Suspension 5 2 crash 2 injury

“WE WERE BROADSIDED (T-BONED) IN AN INTERSECTION WITH TRAFFIC LIGHTS. WE WERE EASTBOUND GOING 25MPH & HAD JUST LEFT HOME. TWO BLOCKS FROM MY HOME AS I PROCEEDED THROUGH THE GREEN LIGHT AND BAM SHE HIT MY DRIVER SIDE. RECESSING MY FRONT TIRE 3 OR MORE INCHES IN TOWARDS MY ENGINE. SHE WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON THE INTERSECTING ROAD. SHE MUST HAVE BEEN TRAVELING 25 MPH OR MORE BECAUSE DAMAGE CONTINUED ALL THE WAY DOWN THE DRIVER SIDE (BOTH DOORS) FINISHING ON MY REAR TIRE WHERE IT BENT IT INWARDS AS IF IT WAS A STEERING TIRE MAKING A TURN. THE REAR TIRE HAS A LARGE GASH IN THE SIDE WALL. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11083187, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I SIDESWIPED A PARKED CAR AND THE MOMENTUM CAUSED MY CAR TO FLIP OVER AND LAND ON ITS ROOF. HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THE ADJUSTER BUT IT IS OBVIOUS THE CAR IS "TOTALED". WRITING TO YOU TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I ALSO WROTE TO SUBARU TO ADVISE THEM THAT I THINK THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED BUT NONE OF THEM DID. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN UNION, N.J. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10609858, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the control arms and brake lines were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of…”
NHTSA complaint #11648309, 2025

Exterior Lighting 4

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CHECK OIL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11241360, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE PART WITHIN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THE CONTACT HAD BEEN WAITING FOR MONTHS FOR THE PARTS TO ARRIVE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP OR APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. KEARNY MESA SUBARU (4797 CONVOY ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, (858) 278-7100) WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE…”
NHTSA complaint #11217768, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED RYE SUBARU (LOCATED AT 1175 BOSTON POST RD, RYE, NY 10580, (914) 967-6300) AND STAMFORD SUBARU (LOCATED AT 198 BAXTER AVE, STAMFORD, CT 06902,…”
NHTSA complaint #11193174, 2018

Seat Belts 4

“LEASED FROM BIZZAROS THE CAR WAS INSPECTED WITH A BROKEN SEAT BELT THERE'S RECALLS THE CAR KEEPS EATING BEARINGS AND HUBS THE CAR IS SIMPLY NOT SAFE AND BIZZAROS TOLD ME NOTHINGNESS IS WRONG WITH IT THE POWER TRAIN BRAKES AND ROTORS AND TIRES WERE FILLED TO 69PSI WHEN GOT IT”
NHTSA complaint #11219722, 2019

“WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WITH A PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE 'PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF' LIGHT BECOME ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS OFF. AFTER PULLING OVER AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, THE SENSOR BEHAVES NORMALLY. INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED 3-4 TIMES SINCE, WITH NO APPARENT PATTERN RELATED TO VEHICLE SPEED/DRIVING CONDITIONS. SUBARU DEALERSHIP SERVICE HAS CLAIMED IT MAY BE RELATED TO PASSENGER WEIGHT OR SHIFTING IN THE SEAT, OR CELLULAR PHONE CHARGERS NEARBY. INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED WITH OR WITHOUT SAID CHARGERS PRESENT IN THE CAR,…”
NHTSA complaint #10559081, 2013

“THE AIRBAGS IN THIS VEHICLE TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD ICONS INDICATE AIRBAGS ARE TURNED OFF). VEHICLE MUST BE STOPPED AND RESTARTED FOR THE AIRBAGS TO TURN BACK ON. THERE SEEMS TO BE A RELATIONSHIP TO ELECTRONIC INTERFERENCE - PASSENGER USE OF IPHONE OR IPAD MAY BE INVOLVED - BUT IT HAS HAPPENED WITH NO PASSENGER AS WELL. THIS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN ONE DAY RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH ALTITUDE (PIKES PEAK, CO). PROBABLY RELATED: THE SEAT BELT ALARM HAS GONE OFF WHEN IPHONE IS PLACED ON EMPTY PASSENGER SEAT WHILE DRIVING. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10481308, 2012

Visibility 4

“The contact's son's father owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that upon activating the heating system, a burning odor would emit from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic discovered melted plastic; as well as black soot, inside the vehicle's instrument panel and harness blower resistor. The contact stated that an unknown fuse and the heater motor were replaced; however, the failure returned. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer(Prestige Subaru of Turnersville NJ) where a diagnostic was performed and the contact was given an estimate…”
NHTSA complaint #11640388, 2021

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE (ALMOST LIKE A GUNSHOT), AND LOOKED UP TO SEE MY SUNROOF/MOONROOF HAD SHATTERED. THE ROAD I WAS DRIVING ON WAS BEING REPAVED, SO I DID HIT A SLIGHT BUMP, BUT I HAD DRIVEN ON THE SAME BUMP FOR THE PREVIOUS 3 DAYS AND SO DID ALL OTHER DRIVERS. I DO NOT KNOW HOW SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAVE OCCURRED. MY CAR DID NOT BOTTOM-OUT OR HIT ANYTHING, BUT SOMEHOW THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10704253, 2015

“SPONTANEOUS CRACKS IN WINDSHIELD. CAR WAS NOT IN USE AND SITTING IN OPEN SPACE. NO VISIBLE CHIPS OR ANY REASON FOR THIS OCCURRENCE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10615242, 2014

Fuel/Propulsion System 3

“DRIVING HOME ON 12/11/16, THE CHECK ENGINE, VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL, AND CRUISE CONTROL INDICATORS CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. CHECK ENGINE AND VDC INDICATORS WERE STEADY, BUT CRUISE CONTROL WAS BLINKING. THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, THE PROBLEM WAS STILL THERE SO I IMMEDIATELY WENT TO SUBARU TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. THEY DISCOVERED CODE P1449: "EVAP SYSTEM CLUGGED CHECK & FOUND SPIDER WEBS IS EVAP DRAIN & VALVE ASSY. TECH RECOMMEND REPLACE EVAP DRAIN & VALVE ASSY." THEY REPLACED EVAP DRAIN & VALVE ASSEMBLY AND PERFORMED EVAP SYSTEM CLEAN REINSTALL WHICH FIXED THE ISSUE. TOTAL COST…”
NHTSA complaint #10935185, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO FUEL THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL VENT WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FUEL TO LEAK OUT. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONTINUOUSLY FOR MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10701929, 2014

“I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN JANUARY 2012 AND HAVE CONSISTENTLY ADDED 1 QUART +/- APPROXIMATELY EVERY 1,200 MILES, MORE OFTEN AND INCREASED ADDED OIL VOLUME DURING EXTENDED DRIVING TIMES. I HAVE SPOKEN DIRECTLY WITH SUBARU DEALERS/SERVICE MANAGERS IN 3 DIFFERENT CALIFORNIA CITIES WHOM HAVE BEEN ALERTED TO THIS OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE AND HAVE CASUALLY EXPLAINED THE CONSUMPTION OF 3-5 QUARTS OF OIL BETWEEN CHANGES AS NORMAL. RESEARCH SEEMS TO SHOW THAT SOME SUBARU DEALERS HAVE BEGUN TO REPLACE THE SHORT BLOCK OF THE ENGINES THAT ARE CONSUMING TOO MUCH OIL, BUT ONLY FOR TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10731342, 2012

Visibility/Wiper 3

“I WAS AT A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION ABOUT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED AND BROKE. I LOOKED TO SEE IF A CAR HAD HIT ME AND THEIR WAS NO CAR THERE. I PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE DAMAGE AND LOOKED FOR A ROCK OR STONE. NOTHING WAS THERE, THE REAR WINDOW JUST BROKE ON IT'S OWN. I WAS USING MY REAR DEFROSTER AT THE TIME. IT WAS STRANGE AND I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A FAULT FROM THE FACTORY. I HAVE READ THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE IN THE PAST WITH SUBARU. THE REAR GLASS HAD NO CHIPS OR CRACKS PRIOR TO THIS SPONTANEOUS DAMAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #11172014, 2019

“OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE: 33 DEGREES F. NO PRECIPITATION. ROAD CONDITION: DRY, MODERATELY ROUGH ROAD SURFACE. ONCOMING TRAFFIC: NONE INTERNAL HEAT APPLIED TO WINDSHIELD, FULL HEAT, AIR SPEED LEVEL 2. WITHOUT ANY EXTERNAL FORCE BEING APPLIED TO THE WINDSHIELD, SUDDENLY AN APPROXIMATELY 18 INCH CRACK APPEARED IN THE PASSENGER'S PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD, LOW DOWN, CRACKING FROM SLIGHTLY OFF RIGHT CENTER, TOWARD THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10689763, 2015

“SPONTANEOUS CRACKS IN WINDSHIELD. CAR WAS NOT IN USE AND SITTING IN OPEN SPACE. NO VISIBLE CHIPS OR ANY REASON FOR THIS OCCURRENCE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10615242, 2014

Tires 2

“Two of the four tires on the car have flaps / tears on sidewalls.”
NHTSA complaint #11423602, 2021

“CRACK IN TIRE SIDEWALL. NO EXTERIOR DAMAGE. TIRE GUY SAID PROBLEM IN MANUFACTURE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10494943, 2013

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“WARNING LAMPS FOR STABILITY CONTROL AIR BAG RANDOMLY LIGHT UP ON MY DASH BOARD PANEL. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL ALSO SWITCH TO OFF EVEN WHEN A PASSER IS SITTING IN THE SEAT OR THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING SOUND WILL GO OFF IF A SMALL OBJECT IS PLACED ON THE SEAT. MY MECHANIC CAN'T FIND THE ISSUE AS I CANNOT RECREATE THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CAUSE THE LAMPS TO SWITCH ON OR THE WARNING SIREN TO CHIME. COMPUTER READINGS DO NOT RETURN ANY "CODES" IF THE LAMPS AREN'T ON.”
NHTSA complaint #10759185, 2014

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION: I AM EXPERIENCING A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM WITH MY SUBARU IMPREZA 2012 WITH EXCESSIVE USE OF OIL AND THE OIL LIGHT GOING ON. I UNDERSTAND FROM THE SERVICE PEOPLE THAT THIS IS CAUSED BY "BLOWBACK" PAST THE CYLINDERS, CAUSING EXCESSIVE OIL USE, INCONVENIENCE TO OWNERS, AND AN INFLATED COST OF OWNERSHIP (SYNTHETIC OIL IS $8/QT.) SUBARU INSISTS THIS IS NORMAL BUT WHEN I TRADED IN MY LEXUS AT 257,000 MILES WITH NEVER AN ADDITIONAL DROP OF OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES, I CERTAINLY DIDN'T EXPECT TO TRADE IT IN FOR AN OIL GUZZLER LIKE THE SUBARU IMPREZA. SUBARU WILL DO NOTHING…”
NHTSA complaint #10567811, 2014

Equipment 1

“2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE INSTALLATION OF VEHICLE REMOTE STARTER. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL REGARDING THE REMOTE STARTED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE REMOTE THAT WAS INSTALLED IN HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT A SUBARU MANUFACTURED UNIT, AND THEREFORE NOT SUBJECT TO RECALL.”
NHTSA complaint #10566147, 2014

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, HE NOTICED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK ON THEIR OWN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN WITHOUT ENGAGING THE LOCK BUTTON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS INTENDED. UPDATED 7/26/12 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED IF HE LOCKED THE DOORS AND TRIED TO EXIT THE DRIVERS DOOR (OR ANY OF THE DOORS), THE DOOR MUST BE UNLOCKED BEFORE THE DOOR WILL OPEN. UPDATED 08/07/12 THE CONSUMER STATED WITH ALL THE VEH…”
NHTSA complaint #10459127, 2012