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2017 Subaru Impreza Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~12.5 complaints per year on the road — ranking 5 of 15 Subaru Impreza years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Exterior Lighting is the most-reported problem area on the 2017 Subaru Impreza, cited in 32 of 125 filed complaints (26%).
Visibility/Wiper is next (25 complaints, 20%), followed by Electrical System (21), Engine (14), Air Bags (11).
Across all complaints, 10 report a crash, 3 report a fire, 7 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 5 crash, 5 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2017 Subaru Impreza, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 125.
Exterior Lighting 32 1 fire
“Parked at a store. Car caught on fire while in store. Car had been parked approximately 10 minutes. Left side headlight spontaneously ignited.”
NHTSA complaint #11606177, 2024 · fire
“I noticed that visibility at night was poor. I was pulled over by the police and give a warning that my headlight was out and told to get it fixed. I thought it may be as simple as a bulb but was told the entire left headlamp assembly had to be replaced at a cost of more than $2,000. Just days later my Dealership send me a service notice which also stated that the left headlamp should be inspected. This was after I had already had it replaced at a local garage. The dealership confirmed that their was a recall but when I tried to get reimbursed by Subaru thru the safety recall WRG-22/NHTSA 22V6…”
NHTSA complaint #11718214, 2026
“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the "Check Headlight Assembly" message was displayed, and the front passenger’s side headlight occasionally turned off or on, while attempting to start the vehicle and while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the front passenger’s side headlight assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); as a possible cause for the failure.…”
NHTSA complaint #11651397, 2024
Visibility/Wiper 25 1 crash
“I hit the guard rail going 35 mph on an exit ramp because of the low visibility because of the safety recall. I went to get the recall fixed when I found out and they refused to fix the recall because my bumper is messed up.”
NHTSA complaint #11640254, 2024 · crash
“I noticed that visibility at night was poor. I was pulled over by the police and give a warning that my headlight was out and told to get it fixed. I thought it may be as simple as a bulb but was told the entire left headlamp assembly had to be replaced at a cost of more than $2,000. Just days later my Dealership send me a service notice which also stated that the left headlamp should be inspected. This was after I had already had it replaced at a local garage. The dealership confirmed that their was a recall but when I tried to get reimbursed by Subaru thru the safety recall WRG-22/NHTSA 22V6…”
NHTSA complaint #11718214, 2026
“I am logging a complaint regarding my Subaru Impreza 2017 windshield. I bought new in 2017, and it currently has only about 55k miles. The windshield is completely covered (literally thousands) of tiny pinpoint chips. At certain times of day (usually sunset) the glare that this causes is so bad that visibility is very poor and driving is almost scary. I contacted the dealership and they said they haven’t heard of this issue. I drive regular roads and with this low of a mileage, I shouldn’t be having to think about replacing my windshield. I’ve driven cars with triple the mileage and windshield…”
NHTSA complaint #11557801, 2023
Unknown Or Other 22 1 crash 1 fire
“I PURCHASED A 2017 SUBARU IMPREZA LIMITED ON 7.30.17 FROM BOB BARKER SUBARU IN CARLSBAD, CA. THE CAR, UNTIL YESTERDAY, HAD APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. ON 8.9.17 AT 1830 MY SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND HIS FRIEND WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CAR WAS STRUCK ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE BY A FORD FUSION ENTERING THE INTERSECTION AFTER THE SIGNAL HAD CHANGED. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT IS UNBELIEVEABLE!! MY SON REPORTS THAT THE SMELL OF SMOKE CAUSED HIM TO AWAKEN AND SCRAMBLE, WITH HIS FRIEND, FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND REACH SAFETY BEFORE THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY ENGULF…”
NHTSA complaint #11014232, 2017 · crash · fire
“After reading forums online and my own experience I’m convinced the Subaru sun visors are improperly installed or fitted and pose a danger to drivers and those on the road. The sun visors on the driver and passenger side are incredibly loose and prone to falling off while I’m driving. I cannot use it to deflect sun because it will fall off while I’m driving - creating incredibly dangerous driving conditions. It has fallen in my lap but I’m afraid it might fall down to where the pedals are and cause further issues. This has been an issue since I purchased the vehicle in 2019 and happens almos…”
NHTSA complaint #11678597, 2025
“I have NOT been on an accident or anything related, my complaint is about my car's current recall that the manufacturer cannot fix. My husband is military and we are currently stationed in Spain, the car has a recall to be fixed before shipment to the new duty station. As per the shipping rules, there cannot be any recalls active on the vehicle and we have done our part to contact the manufacturer both in Spain, United States and Puerto Rico (where the car was purchased originally). We are expected to ship the car in January 31st, 2024 from Spain to the new duty station which this matter h…”
NHTSA complaint #11562240, 2023
Electrical System 21 1 crash 2 fire 1 injury
“I WAS PARKING MY CAR AT APARTMENT'S PARKING LOT BY RIGHT TURNING. I WAS DRIVING REALLY SLOW ABOUT 5MILES/HR.MY FOOT WAS ON THE BREAK PEDAL AND AS I PRESS THE BREAK TO SLOW MY CAR FURTHER IT GOT ACCELERATED (WITH RAVING ENGINE NOISE) AND HIT FRONT PARKING FENCE AS WELL AS PARKED CAR RIGHT TO ME. I MOVED THE AUTOMATIC GEAR STICK TO PARKING POSITION AND ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. I TALKED WITH MY CAR MAKER AND THEY LOOKED AT IT AND PREPARED A REPORT IN 10 WEEKS. ACCORDING TO THEM WEATHER MAT MIGHT BE THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.BUT I DO NOT THINK WEATHER MAT MOVED FROM ITS PLACE DURING INCIDENT. I AM R…”
NHTSA complaint #11063457, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“Parked at a store. Car caught on fire while in store. Car had been parked approximately 10 minutes. Left side headlight spontaneously ignited.”
NHTSA complaint #11606177, 2024 · fire
“The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway and turned off, a fire ignited. The neighbor had discovered three vehicles in the driveway were on fire and called the fire department to the scene who extinguished the flames. During the incident, the three-vehicle were destroyed. A fire report was taken at the scene. Fire investigators determined that the fire started on the front passenger side of the Subaru vehicle. No further information was available. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the incident. The failur…”
NHTSA complaint #11429206, 2021 · fire
Engine 14 1 crash
“I hit the guard rail going 35 mph on an exit ramp because of the low visibility because of the safety recall. I went to get the recall fixed when I found out and they refused to fix the recall because my bumper is messed up.”
NHTSA complaint #11640254, 2024 · crash
“This is not a safety complaint. However I wish to share this information for your records kindly . Oil usage for 2017 Impreza per 2000 miles : 1.5Quarts (1419ml) ; Odometer approx 32 000 miles ; 5MT; Age 4 years Manufacturer notes this to be normal operating finding.”
NHTSA complaint #11436108, 2021
“Loss of power, hesitation, bucking ( jerky) with hints of stalling between 2000 and 3000 RPM in 2nd grear at appropriate speed and momentum . This is a 2017 manual Impreza sport sedan .”
NHTSA complaint #11430329, 2021
Air Bags 11 5 crash 5 injury
“1. Any and all airbags failed to deploy. The car is currently parked in my garage and is available for inspection. The insurance company has declared the car a "total loss," and would like to tow it away as soon as possible. 2. The driver had a concussion and whiplash after their forehead hit the steering wheel. 3. No safety inspector has inspected the car yet. The insurance appraiser has inspected the car for the insurance company. 4. There were no warnings or dashboard lights indicating that the airbag had a problem and would fail to fully deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11683244, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, she crashed into the rear of another vehicle on the front passenger side of her vehicle. The contact mentioned that the seat belt did retract during the impact. No air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to IAA by the insurance company. The insurance company inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the air bags should have deployed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact stated that she sustained a neck and brain injury from the impact that required medical attention. A police report…”
NHTSA complaint #11656333, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I was involved in an auto accident 9/18/2023. An SUV ran a red light and struck my care on the drivers side. The SUV struck me going between 45 and 50 mph according to the police report. My car was pushed over 20 feet and struck a traffic sign in the center median. My car was equipped with side curtain airbags and they did not deploy. I struck my head on the drivers side window. The front airbags failed to deploy also.”
NHTSA complaint #11571688, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Service Brakes 7 2 crash 1 injury
“I WAS PARKING MY CAR AT APARTMENT'S PARKING LOT BY RIGHT TURNING. I WAS DRIVING REALLY SLOW ABOUT 5MILES/HR.MY FOOT WAS ON THE BREAK PEDAL AND AS I PRESS THE BREAK TO SLOW MY CAR FURTHER IT GOT ACCELERATED (WITH RAVING ENGINE NOISE) AND HIT FRONT PARKING FENCE AS WELL AS PARKED CAR RIGHT TO ME. I MOVED THE AUTOMATIC GEAR STICK TO PARKING POSITION AND ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. I TALKED WITH MY CAR MAKER AND THEY LOOKED AT IT AND PREPARED A REPORT IN 10 WEEKS. ACCORDING TO THEM WEATHER MAT MIGHT BE THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.BUT I DO NOT THINK WEATHER MAT MOVED FROM ITS PLACE DURING INCIDENT. I AM R…”
NHTSA complaint #11063457, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM SUBARU DESCRIBED AS A SERVICE PROGRAM WUR-03. THEREFORE IT IS NOT A RECALL LIKE THE ECM AND PCV VALVE ISSUES. I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT SINCE I RECEIVED THE NOTICE SO CLOSE TO THE HOLIDAY. UNFORTUNATELY I WAS INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE SERVICE. THE SERVICE IS EXPLAINED AS AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE HOSES WHERE FLUID SEEPS BETWEEN THE LAYERS OF THE HOSES. SO, SUBARU WANTS TO REPLACE ALL 4 OF THE BRAKE HOSES AT NO CHARGE. I AM AN AUTO TECH SO I KNOW THAT ANY INTERNAL BREAKDOWN OF A BRAKE HOSE INTERFERES WITH THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11291393, 2019 · crash
“The brakes on the car rusted out and were making noise. I took it to multiple Subaru dealerships and all of them told me nothing was wrong with my car. After dealing with this issue for 2 years, I finally took it to an independent mechanic who found the rust along with an absurd amount of lubricant on my rotors. He was the first person to listen to me and he didn't make me feel crazy. He completely replaced my calipers, rotors, and brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #11439618, 2021
Power Train 5
“The clutch release bearing seized while driving preventing the clutch from being depressed. The only way to stop the car was by overpowering the clutch with the brakes and pulling the emergency brake. There is a service information bulletin (NUMBER: 03-82-18) currently for the known defective part. There were no dash lights on at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #11580215, 2024
“Since new, maybe once a month, Cruise control idiot light comes on and flashes until car is turned off. usually no bother but one day it started braking without me and I bought the DUMB base model!!! before extended warranty expires, this august, hopefully dealer will replace wheel speed sensors on rear wheels. not sure if this will fix problem. I have asked them to check this six or seven times now. they tell me warranty may not cover it unless code is stored? hopefully they will stand behind product and fix it anyway. 2017 Impreza with 33000 miles and have done ALL recalls and mainten…”
NHTSA complaint #11573219, 2024
“Premature failure of wheel bearings. Both rear wheel bearings had to be replaced after only 54,192 miles. Technician indicated that replacements were upgraded "sealed" systems. At 73,712 miles the front driver's side wheel bearing was also replaced by the dealer after the same symptoms of excessive noise and poor mileage occurred. Concern is that high resistance in the failing bearings creates a lot of heat and could eventually cause catastrophic failure. In 40+ years of driving and owning cars with mileage accruals up to 229,000, this is the only one that ever required a wheel bearing re…”
NHTSA complaint #11682621, 2023
Vehicle Speed Control 4 1 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS COASTING THE VEHICLE FORWARD IN THE DRIVEWAY, IT INDEPENDENTLY SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE BEFORE AND THAT THE EYESIGHT AUTOMATIC BRAKING FEATURE FAILED TO ACTIVATE DURING EACH OCCURRENCE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER (BEYER SUBARU, 7416 RICHMOND HWY, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22306, 703-768-5800) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A…”
NHTSA complaint #11268614, 2019 · crash
“Since new, maybe once a month, Cruise control idiot light comes on and flashes until car is turned off. usually no bother but one day it started braking without me and I bought the DUMB base model!!! before extended warranty expires, this august, hopefully dealer will replace wheel speed sensors on rear wheels. not sure if this will fix problem. I have asked them to check this six or seven times now. they tell me warranty may not cover it unless code is stored? hopefully they will stand behind product and fix it anyway. 2017 Impreza with 33000 miles and have done ALL recalls and mainten…”
NHTSA complaint #11573219, 2024
“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 THE ENGINE DOESN'T DISPERSE CORRECTLY THRU THE EXHAUST AS IT SHOULD. THE VEHICLE IS A 5 SPEED MANUAL AND IF I DON'T SHIFT DOWN TO NEUTRAL WHEN STOPING THEN I WON'T STOP WHERE I'M JUDGING TO. THE CAR WILL FEEL AS IF IT'S SLIDING OVER THE BRAKES. YOU ALSO MAY HAVE TO POWER BRAKE…”
NHTSA complaint #11364840, 2020
Wheels 4 1 injury
“ON MARCH 22, 2018, MY 2017 SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT WAGON, WITH APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS TRAVELING AT 8 MILES PER HOUR. I WAS PROCEEDING THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT ' MAKING A RIGHT. 3/4 OF THE WAY THRU THE TURN I FELT A VIOLENT JARRING OF MY CAR ON THE LEFT SIDE AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG SLAMMED THE LEFT SIDE OF MY UPPER BODY NECK AND HEAD. I SAW THAT MY DIRECTION OF TRAVEL DID NOT CHANGE I STARTED TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND APPLY THE BRAKES. HAD NO BRAKES. A WOMAN PULLED OVER AND SHE SAID " NO ONE HIT YOU,…”
NHTSA complaint #11097739, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)
“Since new, maybe once a month, Cruise control idiot light comes on and flashes until car is turned off. usually no bother but one day it started braking without me and I bought the DUMB base model!!! before extended warranty expires, this august, hopefully dealer will replace wheel speed sensors on rear wheels. not sure if this will fix problem. I have asked them to check this six or seven times now. they tell me warranty may not cover it unless code is stored? hopefully they will stand behind product and fix it anyway. 2017 Impreza with 33000 miles and have done ALL recalls and mainten…”
NHTSA complaint #11573219, 2024
“The rear wheel bearing hubs continuously have to be replaced due to failure. I have 110,000 miles and have replaced the same rear wheel bearing 3x since buying the vehicle new. The 1st occured withing the first 30,000 miles”
NHTSA complaint #11545009, 2023
Forward Collision Avoidance 3 2 crash 1 injury
“1. Any and all airbags failed to deploy. The car is currently parked in my garage and is available for inspection. The insurance company has declared the car a "total loss," and would like to tow it away as soon as possible. 2. The driver had a concussion and whiplash after their forehead hit the steering wheel. 3. No safety inspector has inspected the car yet. The insurance appraiser has inspected the car for the insurance company. 4. There were no warnings or dashboard lights indicating that the airbag had a problem and would fail to fully deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11683244, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS COASTING THE VEHICLE FORWARD IN THE DRIVEWAY, IT INDEPENDENTLY SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE BEFORE AND THAT THE EYESIGHT AUTOMATIC BRAKING FEATURE FAILED TO ACTIVATE DURING EACH OCCURRENCE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER (BEYER SUBARU, 7416 RICHMOND HWY, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22306, 703-768-5800) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A…”
NHTSA complaint #11268614, 2019 · crash
“A CRACK APPEARED IN THE WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR. THE CAR WAS MOVING WHEN THE CRACK APPEARED BUT WAS STATIONARY (DRIVEWAY) WHEN THE CRACK EXPANDED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE BY THE NEXT DAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11377348, 2020
Fuel System 3
“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate without warning. The contact then stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with the traction control symbol flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. An attempt to jumpstart the vehicle also failed to start the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was initially diagnosed with defective spark plugs and contaminated fuel. The contact was later informed that the…”
NHTSA complaint #11589288, 2024
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT IDLED STRANGELY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (OCEAN SUBARU OF FULLERTON, 1100 EUCLID ST, FULLERTON, CA 92832), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V216000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND THE FAILURE STARTED AFTER THE RECALL WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTIN…”
NHTSA complaint #11097256, 2018
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT METRO WEST SUBARU (948 WORCESTER ST, NATICK, MA 01760, (508) 651-2000) PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V216000 (FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,304. *BF. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11184805, 2017
Fuel/Propulsion System 2 1 crash 1 fire
“I PURCHASED A 2017 SUBARU IMPREZA LIMITED ON 7.30.17 FROM BOB BARKER SUBARU IN CARLSBAD, CA. THE CAR, UNTIL YESTERDAY, HAD APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. ON 8.9.17 AT 1830 MY SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND HIS FRIEND WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CAR WAS STRUCK ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE BY A FORD FUSION ENTERING THE INTERSECTION AFTER THE SIGNAL HAD CHANGED. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT IS UNBELIEVEABLE!! MY SON REPORTS THAT THE SMELL OF SMOKE CAUSED HIM TO AWAKEN AND SCRAMBLE, WITH HIS FRIEND, FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND REACH SAFETY BEFORE THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY ENGULF…”
NHTSA complaint #11014232, 2017 · crash · fire
“I bought a "Subaru Impreza" 2017, and in the span of 4 years, had numerous issues, including: -dead battery -car suddenly stopping on highway: no electroninc warning whatsoever -over 6 possibly lethal recalls (mainly pertaining to car electronics andbrakes), which might cause car to stop moving/responsing to steering/braking at any moment, which I send in for repair ASAP. Afterwards, I was assured all the electronics and brake components had been checked, and I would be safe to drive everyday for work. -This week, after all these "repaired" recalls, my car suddenly while I was driving on one…”
NHTSA complaint #11433154, 2021
Structure 2
“THE VEHICLE STARTED TO GET RUST IN THE TRUNK AROUND WHERE THE RAIN WATER SLIDES DOWN THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND TRIED TO CLAIM THE MANUFACTURER'S 3 YEAR ANTI CORROSION WARRANTY TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE BUT THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THAT SUBARU OF AMERICA DETERMINED THAT THE RUST WAS CAUSED BY "OUTSIDE INFLUENCES" AND REFUSED TO COVER IT WITH THE 3 YEAR ANTI CORROSION WARRANTY.”
NHTSA complaint #11311702, 2019
“2017 SUBARU IMPREZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEALERS PUTTING AFTRMARKET PARTS ON VEHICLE DURING REPAIR AND REMOVING ORIGNAL SUBARU PARTS. *LD *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11287330, 2019
Suspension 2 1 injury
“ON MARCH 22, 2018, MY 2017 SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT WAGON, WITH APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS TRAVELING AT 8 MILES PER HOUR. I WAS PROCEEDING THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT ' MAKING A RIGHT. 3/4 OF THE WAY THRU THE TURN I FELT A VIOLENT JARRING OF MY CAR ON THE LEFT SIDE AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG SLAMMED THE LEFT SIDE OF MY UPPER BODY NECK AND HEAD. I SAW THAT MY DIRECTION OF TRAVEL DID NOT CHANGE I STARTED TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND APPLY THE BRAKES. HAD NO BRAKES. A WOMAN PULLED OVER AND SHE SAID " NO ONE HIT YOU,…”
NHTSA complaint #11097739, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)
“CAR ONLY YEAR OLD. RUST ON SUSPENSION COMPONENTS REAR OF CAR. SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS.”
NHTSA complaint #11140574, 2018
Back Over Prevention 1
“A CRACK APPEARED IN THE WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR. THE CAR WAS MOVING WHEN THE CRACK APPEARED BUT WAS STATIONARY (DRIVEWAY) WHEN THE CRACK EXPANDED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE BY THE NEXT DAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11377348, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1
“UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND PREPARING TO START I PLACED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IT PROCEEDED TO TRAVEL TO THE FIREWALL WITH NO RESISTANCE. I THEN PUSHED THE START BUTTON AND THE INSTRUMENTATION LIT UP. I COULD NOT PROCEED ANY FURTHER. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR SHUT THE DOOR. I PONDERED WHAT TO DO NEXT IE, CALL A TOW TRUCK, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND DECIDED TO RE-ENTER THE VEHICLE. UPON ENTERING EVERYTHING RETURNED TO NORMAL. AFTER THIS OCCURRED I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. IN THE PAST I HAVE HAD…”
NHTSA complaint #11111911, 2018
Lane Departure 1
“THE WINDSHIELD HAS A CRACK OUT OF NOWHERE. THIS HAPPENED IN MY GARAGE WHERE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED MOST OF THE TIME.”
NHTSA complaint #11376756, 2020
Steering 1
“WITH STEERING WHEEL HELD STRAIGHT OR TURNING, IN TOWN OR HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WHEELS WILL PULL LEFT OR RIGHT AS ROAD SURFACE VARIES CAUSING CAR TO MOVE IN LANE, PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO BE CORRECTED. IT IS AS IF THE CAR WANTS TO STEER ITSELF. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE LEASING THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11083767, 2018
Visibility 1
“I BELIEVE MY CAR EXPERIENCED A SPONTANEOUS EXPLOSION OF THE SUN ROOF GLASS: WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF HIGHWAY I HEARD AND FELT A SUDDEN, LOUD, EXPLOSIVE SOUND THAT I THOUGHT WAS FROM SOMETHING HITTING THE ROOF OF MY CAR. AT THE TIME I WAS DRIVING IT CLOUDY BUT NO PRECIPITATION, APPROX. 36 DEGREES, DRY ROAD CONDITIONS WITH MINIMAL TRAFFIC, APPROX. 3:30PM. I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE, NO CONSTRUCTION OR OBJECTS NOTED IN THE ROAD IN THE AREA AND NOT NEAR AN OVERHEAD ROADWAY OR ELEVATED SIDE OF ROAD. I EXITED THE HIGHWAY AT THE NEAREST EXIT AND PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT TO INSPECT MY CAR,…”
NHTSA complaint #11082518, 2018
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2017 Subaru Impreza draws about 12.5 complaints per year on the road, ranking 5 of 15 among the Subaru Impreza model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.