VehicleVerdict

2020 Subaru Impreza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2020 Subaru Impreza sits mid-pack among Impreza years: 100 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 68, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: visibility & wipers issues account for 56% of all reports (56 of 100), far ahead of other at 17. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

100

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Impreza years?

Impreza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 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, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Impreza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Subaru Impreza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers5656%
Other1717%
Driver Assistance66%
Brakes55%
Electrical System44%
Airbags33%
Engine33%
Lighting11%
Steering11%
Body & Structure11%
Suspension11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2020 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WITH 7,000 MILES ON IT, ONLY A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I'VE HEARD THIS IS VERY COMMON AND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST SUBARU FOR IT. THE PATTERN IN WHICH MINE CRACKED IS SIMILAR TO WHAT OTHERS HAVE POSTED IN IMPREZA OWNERS FORUMS WHICH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 28, 2020

“I believe this article describes the cause of the issue. Thankfully the vehicle was parked in my driveway, and did not roll into the street or harm any people, but it could have. 2020 Subaru Impreza Wrx Service Brakes related problems…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 26, 2021 · crash

“The Eye Sight warning system is activated occasionally and VDC is cut off. The dealer diagnosed code C1742, and recommended replacing the control unit due to a pressure sensor issue after measurement. The units are on back order, which indicates to me a wider spread problem. VDC units should not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · August 15, 2025

“I believe this article describes the cause of the issue. Thankfully the vehicle was parked in my driveway, and did not roll into the street or harm any people, but it could have. 2020 Subaru Impreza Wrx Service Brakes related problems…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 26, 2021 · crash

“The electrical system failed and battery then exploded. The vehicle is behind held at a tow yard and has been inspected by allied insurance CPI of tower federal credit union. It is available to be inspected for the time being but will be scrapped soon. Both my safety and the safety of others was at…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 17, 2026 · fire

2020 Subaru Impreza — common questions

Is the 2020 Subaru Impreza reliable?

It is close to typical for the Impreza: 100 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2020 Impreza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (56 complaints), other (17 complaints), driver assistance (6 complaints).

Does the 2020 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 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 2020 Subaru Impreza?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 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.