NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
Contaminants can damage the brake light switch, stopping brake lights from working and preventing some vehicles from starting or shifting out of Park.
This page covers 7 recalls, 241 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Subaru Impreza.
19–30 mpg combined
7.8–12.4 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The most-reported concern among 2012 Impreza owners centers on the airbag system, which draws the highest complaint volume by a significant margin. The engine is the second most-reported system, with owners describing oil consumption, rough running, and stalling. The HVAC system surfaces repeatedly as well, with owners reporting a specific failure pattern: the blower motor resistor and its wiring harness connector overheat, melt, and in some cases char the surrounding plastic, often leaving the defroster inoperable and producing a burning smell inside the cabin. Owners also describe power steering failures, including sudden loss of assist while driving and, in some cases, the steering wheel becoming difficult or impossible to turn. A recurring brake complaint involves corrosion on brake lines and control arms severe enough to cause reduced or lost braking performance.
241
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Subaru Impreza has 7 recalls, the most serious being a valve spring that can fracture and cause the engine to stall or fail entirely, leaving the driver unable to restart and raising the risk of a crash.
A second engine-related concern affects turbocharged models only: a relay controlling the secondary air injection pump can fail, causing the pump to run continuously, overheat, and melt, which raises the risk of a fire under the hood. On the brake side, certain non-WRX/STI sedans and wagons built in a specific production window have a brake pedal that can feel different than expected, causing the driver to misjudge how far to press it and increasing stopping distances without warning.
Two related recalls cover the front passenger airbag detection system, also on non-WRX/STI models. The passenger seat sensor can incorrectly classify the front seat as unoccupied, or deactivate the airbag system outright, meaning the front passenger airbag may not deploy in a crash. There is also a brake light switch that can fail to illuminate the brake lights consistently, leaving drivers behind unaware the vehicle is slowing.
At a glance
What can fail
Contaminants can damage the brake light switch, stopping brake lights from working and preventing some vehicles from starting or shifting out of Park.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake light switch at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine valve springs may fracture, causing the engine to fail or stall and not restart.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine valve springs.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine valve springs may crack, which can cause the engine to malfunction or stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the valve springs at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The relay controlling the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to run continuously and overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Occupant Detection System may turn off if a front passenger plugs in a device like a phone charger or music player, or touches the seat adjustment lever.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Occupant Control Unit with an updated one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The occupant detection system may incorrectly identify a front passenger when they touch a grounded metal part (like a seat lever) while using a plugged-in phone or iPod, disabling the airbag system and illuminating warning lights.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Occupant Control Unit with a revised version.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake master cylinder may malfunction, requiring you to push the brake pedal further than normal to slow or stop your vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your brake master cylinder and replace it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
