VehicleVerdict

2015 Subaru Impreza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2015 Subaru Impreza sits mid-pack among Impreza years: 99 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 68, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (20), other (14), and transmission (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

99

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Impreza years?

Impreza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted343 complaints1990: 2 complaints1993: 48 complaints1994: 8 complaints1995: 69 complaints1996: 25 complaints1997: 38 complaints1998: 55 complaints1999: 27 complaints2000: 54 complaints2001: 13 complaints2002: 339 complaints2003: 64 complaints2004: 113 complaints2005: 95 complaints2006: 68 complaints2007: 84 complaints2008: 249 complaints2009: 149 complaints2010: 60 complaints2011: 75 complaints2012: 337 complaints2013: 343 complaints2014: 157 complaints2015: 99 complaints2016: 108 complaints2017: 162 complaints2018: 181 complaints2019: 220 complaints2020: 100 complaints2021: 19 complaints2022: 15 complaints2023: 6 complaints2024: 50 complaints2025: 8 complaints
Impreza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Impreza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Subaru Impreza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2020%
Other1414%
Transmission1111%
Engine1111%
Airbags99%
Steering66%
Speed Control66%
Tires & Wheels55%
Visibility & Wipers44%
Brakes44%
Body & Structure33%
Fuel System22%
Seats11%
Seat Belts11%
Lighting11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2015 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V149000LightingFebruary 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Consequence

Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

15V366000Driver AssistanceJune 12, 2015 · 71,710 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.

Consequence

If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“FRONT OVERHEAD INTERIOR LIGHT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. IT WAS AT NIGHT, I WAS VISITING, I CALLED SUBARU FOR HELP. RESPONSE ; CALL BACK TOMORROW. I PRIED THE PLASTIC COVER OFF AND TOOK OUT THE BULB. DEALERSHIP RESPONSE WAS ' LEAVE IT ON, THE NEXT MORNING WHEN THE BATTERY IS DEAD, CALL OUR ROAD SIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 20, 2017

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY THE HOOD SPONTANEOUSLY UNLATCHED AND FLIPPED ONTO THE WINDSHIELD, CAUSING IT TO SHATTER. DRIVER WAS UNINJURED, NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED. HINGES WERE SNAPPED AND IT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRON FENDERS ALSO. HOOD HAD BEEN OPENED THE DAY PRIOR FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 17, 2020

“A BAD OIL VALVE IN THE ENGINE TRIPPED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT UPON STARTING THE CAR. THE BAD VALVE WAS POSSIBLY LETTING SLUDGE GET INTO THE ENGINE. AT ONLY 60K ANDWITH DOING RELIGIOUS OIL CHANGES ON TIME, THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEFECTIVE PART FOR WHICH A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT NOT A RECALL HAS BEEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 28, 2021

“WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL ON THE INTERSTATE, THE ACCELERATOR SUDDENLY WAS UNRESPONSIVE, ALMOST AS IF THE CAR WERE IN NEUTRAL. ONCE PULLING OVER AND RESTARTING THE CAR IT DROVE NORMALLY. TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE AND THERE WERE NO ERROR CODES. [XXX]…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 10, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING, THE PASSENGER PRESENCE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED CONSTANTLY. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE A PASSENGER WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 15, 2016

2015 Subaru Impreza — common questions

Is the 2015 Subaru Impreza reliable?

It is close to typical for the Impreza: 99 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2015 Impreza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (20 complaints), other (14 complaints), transmission (11 complaints).

Does the 2015 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Subaru Impreza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Impreza years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Impreza years to avoid are 2013, 2002, 2012, 2008, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2009, 2004, 2016, 2005. The cleanest record among Impreza years belongs to 1990.

How safe is the 2015 Subaru Impreza?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Subaru Impreza earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.