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Subaru Impreza — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Subaru Impreza model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
35
Years to Avoid
2019, 2018, 2017, 2013, 2012
Best Years
1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1990
2026
1 complaints0 recalls54 TSBs
2025
10 complaints0 recalls141 TSBs
2024
55 complaints2 recalls217 TSBs
2023
6 complaints2 recalls219 TSBs
2022
18 complaints1 recalls261 TSBs
2021
19 complaints2 recalls323 TSBs
2020
100 complaints1 recalls407 TSBs
2019Avoid
225 complaints5 recalls530 TSBs
2018Avoid
184 complaints5 recalls528 TSBs
2017Avoid
162 complaints7 recalls569 TSBs
2016
108 complaints1 recalls359 TSBs
2015
99 complaints2 recalls420 TSBs
2014
157 complaints3 recalls393 TSBs
2013Avoid
346 complaints4 recalls509 TSBs
2012Avoid
338 complaints6 recalls1 invest.522 TSBs
2011
76 complaints14 recalls252 TSBs
2010
63 complaints15 recalls230 TSBs
2009
150 complaints15 recalls218 TSBs
2008
249 complaints15 recalls222 TSBs
2007
84 complaints9 recalls1 invest.145 TSBs
2006
68 complaints10 recalls1 invest.146 TSBs
2005
95 complaints6 recalls3 invest.190 TSBs
2004
113 complaints8 recalls4 invest.208 TSBs
2003
64 complaints6 recalls5 invest.152 TSBs
2002
339 complaints6 recalls4 invest.178 TSBs
2001
13 complaints3 recalls106 TSBs
2000
54 complaints4 recalls71 TSBs
1999Best Year
27 complaints4 recalls36 TSBs
1998Best Year
55 complaints3 recalls24 TSBs
1997Best Year
38 complaints3 recalls27 TSBs
1996Best Year
25 complaints3 recalls20 TSBs
1995Best Year
69 complaints4 recalls2 invest.21 TSBs
1994Best Year
8 complaints3 recalls2 invest.19 TSBs
1993Best Year
48 complaints3 recalls17 TSBs
1990Best Year
2 complaints0 recalls13 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Subaru Impreza Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2019, 2018, 2017, 2013, 2012 Subaru Impreza are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Subaru Impreza, consider the 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1990 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

35 model years analyzed