CSR
Check a VIN

Look up

About

Subaru · NHTSA safety record

2019 Subaru Impreza

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 194 safety complaints about the 2019 Subaru Impreza with the US government. Of those, 6 describe a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 5 people were injured and no death is recorded. 5 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the exterior lighting, named in 63 complaints, 32% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 11,700 miles, the median across the 66 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers January 2019 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

194 complaints on file

194

Complaints

6

Describe a crash

1

Mention fire

5

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

Complaints fell 47% year on year: 8 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 15 in the twelve before.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 63 · 32%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 55 · 28%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 26 · 13%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 19 · 10%
ENGINE 8 · 4%
SERVICE BRAKES 8 · 4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6 · 3%
STEERING 5 · 3%
VISIBILITY 5 · 3%
AIR BAGS 4 · 2%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 4 · 2%
POWER TRAIN 4 · 2%
0 27 54

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 194.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2023 at 53.

56 42 28 14
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2019 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2019 Subaru IMPREZA, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test 4 DR AWD SW AWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 9.5% 9.5%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

5 on file

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

22V624000 · August 12, 2022

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk
Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 188,397 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

21V587000 · July 29, 2021

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 175,968 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

21V264000 · April 15, 2021

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
The risk
A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 466,205 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

20V218000 · April 16, 2020

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
The risk
If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 188,207 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

19V743000 · October 18, 2019

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
The risk
If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 466,205 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed

On May 8th of this year, my fiancé were involved in a rear end collision. That morning, the Hyundai Tucson in front of us stopped short and we ran into the back of it doing around 35 an hour, and ended up with our vehicle (Subaru Impreza) being totaled. I’d like to provide pictures to show the impact, as even car experts have been surprised that the airbags didn’t deploy. As it turns out, a sedan hitting into the back of an SUV means that the airbag sensors may be untouched (because they’re too low) and therefore, airbags will not deploy, even if the accident severe. To me, that is a defect in the design and should be reconsidered going forward. My fiancé broke his foot , which caused him

NHTSA complaint 11428183, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed

AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN AN SIDE IMPACT ACCIDENT

NHTSA complaint 11552690. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 23,950 miles

MY VEHICLE IS IDENTIFIED IN THE ACCIDENT REPORT AS UNIT 2. UNIT 1 ATTEMPTED TO MAKE AN IMPROPER/CARELESS LEFT TURN ONTO MAUCH CHUNK RD. UNIT 2 WAS IN MOTION TRAVELING STRAIGHT ACROSS THE INTERSECTION WHEN UNIT 1 TRIED TO MAKE AN ILLEGAL LEFT TURN AND STRUCK UNIT 2. UNIT 1 WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCIDENT. INITIAL IMPACT POINT WAS 10 O'CLOCK. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON UNIT 2. UNIT 2 WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. WITH ALL DAMAGE ON THE FRONT END OF UNIT 2. TIME OF ACCIDENT WAS MONDAY, 7/27/2020. DRIVER OF UNIT #2 SUFFERED ANKLE, LEG, SHOULDER INJURIES ALONG WITH A CONCUSSION. ALL OF THESE SYMPTOMS APPEARED WITHIN 24 HOURS AFTER THE ACCIDENT. DRIVER OF UNIT #2 IS UNDER DOCTORS CARE AT THIS

NHTSA complaint 11351622, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire · 8,000 miles

CAR CAUGHT FIRE ON THE MORNING OF SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 2020 WHILE STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT. THE CAR HAD BEEN STATIONARY FOR APPROXIMATELY 12 HOURS. THE ATTENDING FIRE DEPARTMENT FELT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND CONSUMED THE ENTIRE CAR BY THE TIME IT WAS EXTINQUISHED. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAR RAN PERFECTLY UNTIL THEN, AND HAD IT'S ROUTINE 1ST SERVICE BY A SUBARU DEALER AROUND 5,000 MILES. MORE PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint 11297486. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

147,600 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle was jerking, shaking, and failed to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The failure nearly caused a crash. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where the oxygen sensor and spark plugs were replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,600.

NHTSA complaint 11761222. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
Front right caliper seized less than 3k miles following dealer service including brake fluid flush. Replaced calipers, pads, and rotors at my own expense. Suspect internal degradation of rubber brake lines. Service bulletin exists for year prior model. Many others report rubber brake line/caliper issues on this generation. Please investigate.

NHTSA complaint 11754703. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The cowl is the newest cowl on my 2019 subaru impreza and it still bowed like the original. Mine wasn't on the original recall and it bowed.

NHTSA complaint 11752823. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5,000 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle rolled to a stop and stalled in hot and cold temperatures. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was jump-started by Roadside Assistance. The contact purchased a trickle charger. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

NHTSA complaint 11747595. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When attempting to start the vehicle, randomly, the key loses programming. This is the 2nd time where the keys lose programming and vehicle has to be towed at owners' expense and wait as long as 5 days for dealership to reprogram.

NHTSA complaint 11742641. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

145,866 miles

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle loss power. An independent mechanic was contacted. No warning light warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic where the diagnosed the coil pack was melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed the coil pack had a shortage. The contact mention this failure has occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was repaired as the coil pack and wiring was replaced. The contact was relating to the recall to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V264000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE

NHTSA complaint 11740850, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Subaru Impreza

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2024 32 2 —
2022 13 1 —
2021 14 2 —
2020 85 1 —
2018 151 5 1
2017 125 7 —
2016 75 1 —
2015 77 2 —
2014 108 3 —
2013 249 4 —
2012 243 6 —
2011 57 14 —
2010 46 15 —

Other 2019 Subaru models

Outback 1,034 Forester 833 Ascent 441 Crosstrek 284 Legacy 123 WRX 30

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Subaru on this site — 99 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst