Summary
The Subaru Impreza has 44 recalls spanning 1993 through the 2024 model year, with the most serious recent issue being a 2024 wiring harness that can chafe against the steering beam bracket, short circuit, and cut engine power while driving.
The 2023 model year has two separate concerns: bolts securing the driveshaft center support brace can loosen and allow the front section of the driveshaft to separate while driving, and a misadjusted brake light switch can illuminate the brake lights without any pedal input while also allowing the transmission to shift out of Park without pressing the brake pedal, creating a rollaway risk.
The 2021 model has a front lower control arm with a weld that can fail, causing the arm to separate from the crossmember and forcing the tire into the wheel well, with a sudden loss of directional control.
The 2019 and 2020 model years each have a tire concern involving Continental tires that were over-cured during manufacturing, leaving the sidewall prone to cracking and the tread to separating from the belt, which can cause an abrupt blowout. The 2019 model also has a low-pressure fuel pump that can stop working, stalling the engine with no ability to restart.
The 2017 and 2018 model years carry a cluster of related issues. The engine control module can continue supplying power to the ignition coils after the engine is shut off, eventually causing a short circuit and blown fuse that stalls the vehicle while driving. Separately, an aluminum PCV valve on some 2017-2018 vehicles can come apart and send debris into the engine, causing a loss of power. There is also a fuel line issue on 2017 models where winter-blend fuel vaporizes prematurely, dropping fuel pressure and stalling the engine. The 2017 model's rearview camera can fail to display properly during startup or freeze mid-use, reducing rear visibility.
The 2005-2012 model years are subject to the Takata airbag recall, where the front passenger inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin. The 2012 model has additional concerns: valve springs can fracture and cause an engine stall, the brake pedal feel can be inconsistent in a way that makes it difficult to judge stopping distance, and the passenger seat sensor can misread occupant status or lose power due to a pinched wiring harness, disabling the front passenger airbag.
Going further back, the 2008 model has brake lines that can corrode, perforate, and leak fluid, extending stopping distances. The 2007 model has a turbocharger oil supply pipe that can crack, leaking oil onto hot components and starting an engine compartment fire. The 2004 model has oil control valve cover bolts that can be insufficiently tightened, allowing oil to leak and potentially catch fire in the engine bay. The 2006 model's airbag occupant detection wiring can be pinched under the seat, shorting the circuit and disabling the front passenger airbag.
The 2002 and 2003 model years have front lower control arms that can corrode and fracture near the chassis attachment point on vehicles exposed to road salt. Wagon versions from those years also have liftgate stay damper bolts that can back out after repeated use, causing the liftgate to drop suddenly on anyone nearby. The driver's seat retaining bolt can also loosen and fall out, allowing the seat to shift in a crash. The 2003 WRX
