VehicleVerdict

2019 Subaru Impreza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 220 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median Impreza year — the 2019 model ranks #5 of 34 Impreza years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Lighting leads the complaint categories with 63 reports (29% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

220

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Impreza years?

Impreza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Impreza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Subaru Impreza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting6329%
Visibility & Wipers6027%
Other2612%
Electrical System188%
Driver Assistance84%
Engine84%
Brakes73%
Fuel System63%
Steering52%
Airbags42%
Tires & Wheels42%
Transmission42%
Body & Structure31%
Speed Control21%
Suspension21%

Does the 2019 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

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

22V624000LightingAugust 12, 2022 · 188,397 units

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."

Consequence

Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.

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.

21V587000Fuel SystemJuly 29, 2021 · 175,968 units

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.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

21V264000Electrical SystemApril 15, 2021 · 466,205 units

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.

Consequence

A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

20V218000Fuel SystemApril 16, 2020 · 188,207 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.

Consequence

If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

19V743000Electrical SystemOctober 18, 2019 · 466,205 units

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.

Consequence

If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“In the middle of the night I attempted to make a left turn into a parking lot (with headlights on). I was unable to see the ground in the front/left portion of my car. It wasn't until I had almost completed the turn that my light was pointing towards the turn enough that I was able to see I turned…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · October 30, 2022 · crash

“WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY. WAS DRIVING DOWN A SMOOTH OPEN ROAD AT 40MPH AND HEARD THE SOUND OF A CRACK. I LOOK TO MY PASSENGER SIDE AND A LONG CRACK WAS THERE. THE CRACK ITSELF STARTS FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE GLASS AND MAKES ITS WAY UP AND ACROSS. AGAIN, DRIVING DOWN AN OPEN ROAD SO THERE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 10, 2019

“Windshield lower plastic mount or cowl is getting detached creating a large visible gap between the cowl and windshield about 0.5+ inch. The gap runs across the middle of the windshield to its left and right side occupying about 50% in total. Gap is an issue when it rains, when it is snowing or…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 15, 2025

“AFTER HAVING THE CAR 10 MONTHS BATTERY KEPT DYING. SUBARU REPLACED THE FIRST BATTERY WITH A NEW ONE EXACTLY ONE YEAR AGO. THAT BATTERY JUST DIED ON FEB 8 AFTER NOT BEING DRIVEN FOR 3 DAYS. I NEEDED TO GET IT JUMP STARTED. SUBARU WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AND TOLD ME TO GET A "SECOND OPINION." THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 8, 2021

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 5, 2020 · fire

2019 Subaru Impreza — common questions

Is the 2019 Subaru Impreza reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 220 complaints put the 2019 model at #5 of 34 Impreza years. It is one of the Impreza years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Impreza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (63 complaints), visibility & wipers (60 complaints), other (26 complaints).

Does the 2019 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 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 2019 Subaru Impreza?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 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.