Owners have filed 337 complaints
about the 2012 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 31 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Subaru Impreza. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 55
10.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 73
43% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Occupant Classification
836.4%
Body
522.7%
Front Passenger
313.6%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
29.1%
Sidewall
14.5%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
14.5%
Control ARM
14.5%
Windshield
14.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
62.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
4416.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
3914.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5119.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4617.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
238.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4416.7%
150,000+ miles
103.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2011peak 14May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Subaru Impreza
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
The Office of Defects Investigation opened this investigation on April 10, 2015 based on 26 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire reports involving the passenger frontal air bag in MY 2012 Subaru Impreza vehicles.These vehicles use a capacitive type Occupant Detection System (ODS), which is intended to classify the occupant of the passenger seat as either full sized, small stature, a child seat, or other object.The reports alleged that the ODS failed to operate properly and incorrectly suppressed (turned off) the front passenger air bag when the seat was occupied.In a frontal crash sufficient to warrant...
Recalls on the 2012 Subaru Impreza
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2019191100 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: A problem with certain replacement ignition switches may allow the key turn out of the “ON” position while driving. This could cause the engine to turn off suddenly. It could also cause the airbag system not to work properly in a crash. Note: This is a voluntary service campaign that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This problem only affects certain parts used for replacement of original parts. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An airbag system that does not work properly in a crash could cause an increased risk of injuries. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary.
Recall 2019104135,814 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake lamp switch could fail. This would cause the brake lamps not to turn on when the brakes are applied. Depending on the model, this could cause an inability to shift from park or to start using the push-button ignition. This may also cause problems with the following: anti-lock brake system (ABS), vehicle dynamics control (VDC), and/or Eyesight system. Safety Risk: If the brake lights do not work, a following driver may not to recognize that a vehicle ahead is braking, increasing the risk of crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the brake lamp switch replaced.
Recall 201860619,164 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the engine valve springs could fracture, causing an engine failure or a stall with an inability to restart. This could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the engine valve springs. Note: A driver may notice abnormal noise and/or vibration prior to an engine failure or stalling.
Recall 20152855,182 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the Occupant Control Unit (OCU) of the ODS (Occupant Detection System) may incorrectly identify a front passenger occupant when seated in the front passenger seat if the passenger touches a metal part of the vehicle that is electrically grounded (i.e. forward/reward seat adjustment lever) while using an IPod or cell phone plugged into the accessory power outlet. This may result in the deactivation of the ODS, and cause the Air Bag Warning Light to illuminate and the Passenger Air Bag Indicator would illuminate “OFF”, providing a visual warning that the air bag system is not operating properly. Failure of the passenger frontal airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the Occupant Control Unit (OCU) with a revised one.
Recall 20130632,813 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles equipped with a dealer-installed accessory remote engine starter, if the fob is dropped, movement of the internal battery retaining clip may occur and cause damage to a component on the printed circuit board. Under this condition, the fob may transmit an engine start (or stop) request without the user pressing the button. If the vehicle is in range and receives the request, the engine may start and run for up to 15 minutes (or until a stop request is received). The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If that occurs when the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, such as a garage, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up, which could result in asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning. Correction: Dealers will replace the remote engine starter fob.
Recall 20114144,145 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, a seal within the brake master cylinder may have deformed during vehicle assembly. As such, the driver may experience extended brake pedal travel and increased stopping distance, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake master cylinder assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Plainsboro, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The AC unit suddenly shutoff and there was a burning smell while I was driving. It turns out that the connector on the back of the climate control unit had either drawn too much current, or the resistance was too high, and the connector had started burning. Fortunately, the melted plastic interrupted the electrical connection, and the fire had went out on its own. It looks like this is not an isolated incident, and several others have dealt with similar when looking online.
NHTSA complaint #11633290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesArvada, COFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON THE HEATER CONTROLS, FOR THE FAN SPEED, THE CONNECTOR ON THE BACK CAUGHT FIRE, I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT IN TIME TO PREVENT ANY FURTHER DAMAGE. MY MOTHER IN LAW AND MY SON RIDE THAT CAR DAILY, COULD OF BEEN A DISASTER. I HAVE PURCHASED A NEW PART, REPLACED THE PLUG, AND SAME ISSUE OCCURED, STARTED SMOKING AND RUINED ANOTHER HEATER CONTROL. USED AUTO PART LOCATIONS NEAR ME REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE ON AT LEAST 3 OTHER CARS. SEE ATTACHED IMAGES.
NHTSA complaint #11337149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesEL Cajon, CACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1. 5/12/17. RANDOM SURGE FROM STOP OR SLOW SPEED. STOPPED AT LIGHT, GENTLY STEPPED ON GAS TO PULL AHEAD, CAR SURGED HARD AND QUICKLY INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. $1500 DAMAGE TO MY CAR. 2. 1/11/18. STOPPED AT LIGHT, GENTLY STEPPED ON GAS TO PULL AHEAD, CAR SURGED VERY HARD AND QUICKLY INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, THAT WAS QUITE SOME DISTANCE AWAY! AS I KNEW THE CAR HAS AN ISSUE WITH SURGING. THIS TIME $9500 DAMAGE TO MY CAR, UNKNOWN AMOUNT TO OTHER CAR. STATE FARM SHOULD HAVE TOTALED CAR, SAID INTERIOR WAS IN GREAT CONDITION. SO NOW WE HAVE TO KEEP DRIVING A CAR THAT IS NOT SAFE. 3. 3/5/18 (APPROX) THIS TIME I WENT TO PICK UP MY GRANDSON AT AFTERNOON PROGRAM, THE PARKING LOT ON HILL OVERLOOKING THE SCHOOL. STOPPED TO PARK, NEEDED TO PULL UP A BIT, GENTLY STEPPED ON GAS AND CAR SURGED HARD AND QUICKLY. IF CURB HAD NOT BEEN BIG ENOUGH, I WOULD HAVE WENT DOWN HILL INTO CLASSROOM FULL OF CHILDREN. THE RESPONSE FROM SUBARU HAS BEEN THERE'S NOTHING WRONG, JUST VERY RESPONSIVE GAS PEDAL. BS! I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 40 YEARS WITH NO ACCIDENTS NOW 2 IN 6 MONTHS AND I ALMOST WAS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR TRAGEDY. THIS NEEDS TO STOP NOW BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. MAKE SUBARU RECALL IMMEDIATELY AND FIX THIS ISSUE. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE, I FOUND OUT ONLINE. THE REASON WE BOUGHT A SUBARU WAS FOR SAFETY , NOW IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #11219444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesPrinceton, WVCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
WE WERE BROADSIDED (T-BONED) IN AN INTERSECTION WITH TRAFFIC LIGHTS. WE WERE EASTBOUND GOING 25MPH & HAD JUST LEFT HOME. TWO BLOCKS FROM MY HOME AS I PROCEEDED THROUGH THE GREEN LIGHT AND BAM SHE HIT MY DRIVER SIDE. RECESSING MY FRONT TIRE 3 OR MORE INCHES IN TOWARDS MY ENGINE. SHE WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON THE INTERSECTING ROAD. SHE MUST HAVE BEEN TRAVELING 25 MPH OR MORE BECAUSE DAMAGE CONTINUED ALL THE WAY DOWN THE DRIVER SIDE (BOTH DOORS) FINISHING ON MY REAR TIRE WHERE IT BENT IT INWARDS AS IF IT WAS A STEERING TIRE MAKING A TURN. THE REAR TIRE HAS A LARGE GASH IN THE SIDE WALL. THE FOLLOWING WHERE MY WIFE'S INJURIES AS SHE WAS DRIVING: ACUTE CERVICAL MYOFASCIAL STRAIN, CERVICAL STRAIN, CLOSED HEAD INJURY, DYSARTHRIA, ELBOW CONTUSION, HEADACHE, MUSCLE TENSION HEADACHE, POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME, AND SHOULDER CONTUSION. SHE RECEIVED ALL THESE INJURIES BECAUSE THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH HAS TO BE A MAJOR MANUFACTURING FLAW OF SOME TYPE. PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THIS HAPPENED. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER HAS TOTALED MY WIFE'S CAR. IT IS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA PREMIUM. I HAVE INCLUDED SOME DOCUMENTS/PHOTOS.
NHTSA complaint #11083187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesPrinceton, WVCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
WE WERE BROADSIDED (T-BONED) IN AN INTERSECTION WITH TRAFFIC LIGHTS. WE WERE EASTBOUND GOING 25MPH & HAD JUST LEFT HOME. TWO BLOCKS FROM MY HOME AS I PROCEEDED THROUGH THE GREEN LIGHT AND BAM SHE HIT MY DRIVER SIDE. RECESSING MY FRONT TIRE 3 OR MORE INCHES IN TOWARDS MY ENGINE. SHE WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON THE INTERSECTING ROAD. SHE MUST HAVE BEEN TRAVELING 25 MPH OR MORE BECAUSE DAMAGE CONTINUED ALL THE WAY DOWN THE DRIVER SIDE (BOTH DOORS) FINISHING ON MY REAR TIRE WHERE IT BENT IT INWARDS AS IF IT WAS A STEERING TIRE MAKING A TURN. THE REAR TIRE HAS A LARGE GASH IN THE SIDE WALL. THE FOLLOWING WHERE MY WIFE'S INJURIES AS SHE WAS DRIVING: ACUTE CERVICAL MYOFASCIAL STRAIN, CERVICAL STRAIN, CLOSED HEAD INJURY, DYSARTHRIA, ELBOW CONTUSION, HEADACHE, MUSCLE TENSION HEADACHE, POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME, AND SHOULDER CONTUSION. SHE RECEIVED ALL THESE INJURIES BECAUSE THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH HAS TO BE A MAJOR MANUFACTURING FLAW OF SOME TYPE. PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THIS HAPPENED. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER HAS TOTALED MY WIFE'S CAR. IT IS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA PREMIUM. I HAVE INCLUDED SOME DOCUMENTS/PHOTOS.
NHTSA complaint #11083187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesPrinceton, WVCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
WE WERE BROADSIDED (T-BONED) IN AN INTERSECTION WITH TRAFFIC LIGHTS. WE WERE EASTBOUND GOING 25MPH & HAD JUST LEFT HOME. TWO BLOCKS FROM MY HOME AS I PROCEEDED THROUGH THE GREEN LIGHT AND BAM SHE HIT MY DRIVER SIDE. RECESSING MY FRONT TIRE 3 OR MORE INCHES IN TOWARDS MY ENGINE. SHE WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON THE INTERSECTING ROAD. SHE MUST HAVE BEEN TRAVELING 25 MPH OR MORE BECAUSE DAMAGE CONTINUED ALL THE WAY DOWN THE DRIVER SIDE (BOTH DOORS) FINISHING ON MY REAR TIRE WHERE IT BENT IT INWARDS AS IF IT WAS A STEERING TIRE MAKING A TURN. THE REAR TIRE HAS A LARGE GASH IN THE SIDE WALL. THE FOLLOWING WHERE MY WIFE'S INJURIES AS SHE WAS DRIVING: ACUTE CERVICAL MYOFASCIAL STRAIN, CERVICAL STRAIN, CLOSED HEAD INJURY, DYSARTHRIA, ELBOW CONTUSION, HEADACHE, MUSCLE TENSION HEADACHE, POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME, AND SHOULDER CONTUSION. SHE RECEIVED ALL THESE INJURIES BECAUSE THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH HAS TO BE A MAJOR MANUFACTURING FLAW OF SOME TYPE. PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHY THIS HAPPENED. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER HAS TOTALED MY WIFE'S CAR. IT IS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA PREMIUM. I HAVE INCLUDED SOME DOCUMENTS/PHOTOS.
NHTSA complaint #11083187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Bronx, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My ignition key gets stuck when I shifted into park on my 2012 subaru impreza.
NHTSA complaint #11739696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
York, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The fan controls in the center of the dash failed. Fan speed 1&2 work, but 3&4 do not. After pulling the center dash controls out, I found that the plug connecting the fan speed controls to the wiring harness was burnt. This is a concern cause it could have burned other components or caused a fire.
NHTSA complaint #11682604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buena Vista, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
HVAC plug pigtail Blower motor resistor Heater control harness Is available for inspection HVAC electrical plugin was badly burned and melted causing risk of fire Summer months created dangerous interior temperatures Winter months & inclement weather created physical distress- & created dangerous vision restrictions/blockage because unable to use defroster Dangerous cab temperatures, limited or blocked vision through windshield created physical distress and distraction for me thus others and property were at elevated risk Yes confirmed by garage. No inspection performed. No warnings available. There are 2 separate incidents: July 2023/august 2023 September 2024/april 2025
NHTSA complaint #11661254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buena Vista, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HVAC plug pigtail Blower motor resistor Heater control harness Is available for inspection HVAC electrical plugin was badly burned and melted causing risk of fire Summer months created dangerous interior temperatures Winter months & inclement weather created physical distress- & created dangerous vision restrictions/blockage because unable to use defroster Dangerous cab temperatures, limited or blocked vision through windshield created physical distress and distraction for me thus others and property were at elevated risk Yes confirmed by garage. No inspection performed. No warnings available. There are 2 separate incidents: July 2023/august 2023 September 2024/april 2025
NHTSA complaint #11661254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesDenver, CO
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the control arms and brake lines were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
NHTSA complaint #11648309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesDenver, CO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the control arms and brake lines were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
NHTSA complaint #11648309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,964 milesErie, PA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was driven with manual steering. The failure occurred while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that approximately four days after the first failure, the steering wheel failed to move. Additionally, the vehicle was losing oil and one quart of oil had to be added every month. The contact stated that the power steering, ABS, TPMS, transmission automatic transmission fluid (ATF), and 4-WD failure warning lights were illuminated. The passenger occupant sensor chimed for the passenger to secure the seat belt consistently even though the occupant was seated with the seat belt buckled securely. The contact who is a certified mechanic had replaced the rack and pinion. The contact noticed that the threads on the tie rods were close in proximately risking the chance of damaging the tie rods. The ABS module had been replaced. The contact believed that the engine needed to be replaced but the engine was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer confirmed there was no recall for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 164,964.
NHTSA complaint #11640376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,173 milesMilford, NJ
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
The contact's son's father owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that upon activating the heating system, a burning odor would emit from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic discovered melted plastic; as well as black soot, inside the vehicle's instrument panel and harness blower resistor. The contact stated that an unknown fuse and the heater motor were replaced; however, the failure returned. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer(Prestige Subaru of Turnersville NJ) where a diagnostic was performed and the contact was given an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact reached out to the manufacturer but was offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 129,173
NHTSA complaint #11640388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,964 milesErie, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was driven with manual steering. The failure occurred while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that approximately four days after the first failure, the steering wheel failed to move. Additionally, the vehicle was losing oil and one quart of oil had to be added every month. The contact stated that the power steering, ABS, TPMS, transmission automatic transmission fluid (ATF), and 4-WD failure warning lights were illuminated. The passenger occupant sensor chimed for the passenger to secure the seat belt consistently even though the occupant was seated with the seat belt buckled securely. The contact who is a certified mechanic had replaced the rack and pinion. The contact noticed that the threads on the tie rods were close in proximately risking the chance of damaging the tie rods. The ABS module had been replaced. The contact believed that the engine needed to be replaced but the engine was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer confirmed there was no recall for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 164,964.
NHTSA complaint #11640376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,964 milesErie, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was driven with manual steering. The failure occurred while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that approximately four days after the first failure, the steering wheel failed to move. Additionally, the vehicle was losing oil and one quart of oil had to be added every month. The contact stated that the power steering, ABS, TPMS, transmission automatic transmission fluid (ATF), and 4-WD failure warning lights were illuminated. The passenger occupant sensor chimed for the passenger to secure the seat belt consistently even though the occupant was seated with the seat belt buckled securely. The contact who is a certified mechanic had replaced the rack and pinion. The contact noticed that the threads on the tie rods were close in proximately risking the chance of damaging the tie rods. The ABS module had been replaced. The contact believed that the engine needed to be replaced but the engine was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer confirmed there was no recall for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 164,964.
NHTSA complaint #11640376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bend, OR
SEATS
The Airbag warning light has been lit within the dashboard. The front passenger seat airbag is faulty and is not able to correctly sense when a passenger is within the seat or not, which disables the airbags. This can be deadly to the passenger if in an accident. The issue seems to be in the ODS passenger seat mat that determines when the airbag is active or not. If moisture is able to get within the mat, then it can short the circuit and cause airbags to not deploy. My car was "supposed" to already been fixed with the issue in 2015 on the recall #WQT55, NHTSA Campaign 15V419000, but I don't believe the underlying issue was fixed correctly or the same part has failed again. Looking further into recalls, the exact same issue is happening again with Subarus with #WRA-24 and NHTSA campaign 24V227. The dealer has asked me to pay over $1700 on to replace this part. Subaru America should fully cover the cost of any Passenger ODS issue especially when there have already been two recalls with the exact same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11634194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bend, OR
AIR BAGS
The Airbag warning light has been lit within the dashboard. The front passenger seat airbag is faulty and is not able to correctly sense when a passenger is within the seat or not, which disables the airbags. This can be deadly to the passenger if in an accident. The issue seems to be in the ODS passenger seat mat that determines when the airbag is active or not. If moisture is able to get within the mat, then it can short the circuit and cause airbags to not deploy. My car was "supposed" to already been fixed with the issue in 2015 on the recall #WQT55, NHTSA Campaign 15V419000, but I don't believe the underlying issue was fixed correctly or the same part has failed again. Looking further into recalls, the exact same issue is happening again with Subarus with #WRA-24 and NHTSA campaign 24V227. The dealer has asked me to pay over $1700 on to replace this part. Subaru America should fully cover the cost of any Passenger ODS issue especially when there have already been two recalls with the exact same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11634194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bend, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Airbag warning light has been lit within the dashboard. The front passenger seat airbag is faulty and is not able to correctly sense when a passenger is within the seat or not, which disables the airbags. This can be deadly to the passenger if in an accident. The issue seems to be in the ODS passenger seat mat that determines when the airbag is active or not. If moisture is able to get within the mat, then it can short the circuit and cause airbags to not deploy. My car was "supposed" to already been fixed with the issue in 2015 on the recall #WQT55, NHTSA Campaign 15V419000, but I don't believe the underlying issue was fixed correctly or the same part has failed again. Looking further into recalls, the exact same issue is happening again with Subarus with #WRA-24 and NHTSA campaign 24V227. The dealer has asked me to pay over $1700 on to replace this part. Subaru America should fully cover the cost of any Passenger ODS issue especially when there have already been two recalls with the exact same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11634194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainsboro, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The AC unit suddenly shutoff and there was a burning smell while I was driving. It turns out that the connector on the back of the climate control unit had either drawn too much current, or the resistance was too high, and the connector had started burning. Fortunately, the melted plastic interrupted the electrical connection, and the fire had went out on its own. It looks like this is not an isolated incident, and several others have dealt with similar when looking online.
NHTSA complaint #11633290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesRockford, IL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and the contact was informed that there was a defective gasket on the transfer case and the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced. The contact stated that while a relative was seated in the front passenger’s seat, the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where a code reader determined that there was a defect with the front passenger’s side air bag sensor. A dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was made to have the vehicle serviced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11613051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tamarac, FL
POWER TRAIN
Hello car just stopped on the Fla turnpike because bad valve body on transmission seem subaru knows about this problem and offered a extended warranty 10 yr or 100k but they did this during covid with stay at home orders and never sent any type of Notification my wife was almost killed when this happened to her our car has only 70k I feel they should have sent us letter we had the car since new this is a very dangerous situation for anyone owning a Subaru imprezza from 2010 to 2015 and many other Subaru have this problem as well
NHTSA complaint #11568258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homer, AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The occupant control unit in my car has failed, and there is an open recall (Reference #WQT-55R) for the engine diagnostic code (B1650) for my specific part number for the occupant control unit, but the Subaru dealership is saying that my VIN number does not apply. The problem is a well known Subaru issue where the passenger airbag fails to turn on, and Subaru has recalled other vehicles of our make and model from this year (2012) for this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11565102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salisbury, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Brake Lamp Switch failed in 2018 - we diagnosed the issue, based partly on information from other Subaru owners who had the same problem, and replaced the switch. Since that time, the brake lights have worked fine. We reported this in a letter to Subaru after their recall for the brake lamp switch replacement in 2019. They refused to pay for the part as we no longer have the receipt (not having a crystal ball, we couldn't see any reason to keep it for more than a year in 2018). We did not contest this - in fact, I had merely asked, in my letter, that they note that the part had already failed and been repaired in their records - however, they continue to flag the car as an open safety recall and insist that we bring the car in to replace a switch that no longer needs replacing. I am filing this complaint in the hope that an official record of the incident will fix the records on our car, as their constant recall notices are becoming increasingly more insistent and annoying, and they have also inaccurately noted it as an open recall at the DMV.
NHTSA complaint #11558431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salisbury, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake Lamp Switch failed in 2018 - we diagnosed the issue, based partly on information from other Subaru owners who had the same problem, and replaced the switch. Since that time, the brake lights have worked fine. We reported this in a letter to Subaru after their recall for the brake lamp switch replacement in 2019. They refused to pay for the part as we no longer have the receipt (not having a crystal ball, we couldn't see any reason to keep it for more than a year in 2018). We did not contest this - in fact, I had merely asked, in my letter, that they note that the part had already failed and been repaired in their records - however, they continue to flag the car as an open safety recall and insist that we bring the car in to replace a switch that no longer needs replacing. I am filing this complaint in the hope that an official record of the incident will fix the records on our car, as their constant recall notices are becoming increasingly more insistent and annoying, and they have also inaccurately noted it as an open recall at the DMV.
NHTSA complaint #11558431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyside, NY
POWER TRAIN
I was on the highway in mixed traffic for a couple hours. There was a burning smell in the cabin and then the warning lights came on including a check engine light and transmission light. The car started to jerk erratically when I accelerated and ultimately it would not accelerate. I pulled over and turned the car off as recommended in the owner's manualAfter following the manual's instructions to let the engine cool down, I attempted to turn the car on and put it in gear. It would not move when I put it in reverse or drive. The transmission failed entirely. Previous to my taking the car on this trip, I brought the car to my Subaru Dealership because I smelled the same burning in the cabin along with a strange whirring sound and the transmission light came on then too. At that time, I pulled over and read the owner's manual and did what it recommended. The car started working again after 10 minutes of cooling. This is why I brought the car to the Subaru dealership to have this issue inspected. At the time they recommended that I change the CVT fluid and that the issue would then go away. The issue did not go away. When I informed them that the car was unsafe and dangerous to drive because of the jerking and violent shuddering, they told me that I should trade the car in or pay for a new transmission. They did not tell me that the 2012 version of the car had a history of issues with its CVT, and that some of the repairs were covered under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11553701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMarquette, MI
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, upon pressing the horn, he became aware that the horn was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had previously been intermittent. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering roll connector. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V283000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11546090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Patchogue, NY
POWER TRAIN
Transmission valve body failure causing dangerous erratic shifting while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11540476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yorktown, VA
AIR BAGS
Over the past three months, the front driver and passenger airbag lights have been on in my 2012 Subaru Impreza while driving. Documented videos attached were on 01/11/23, 01/20/23, and 04/04/23. It has happened at least 6 times and possibly more. I contacted Subaru after it happened and took it to the local Subaru dealer, who advised me to bring the car in when the airbag light was on, as at my 1/17/23 visit, they could not figure out the cause of the airbag light. On 4/4/23, while driving on the expressway, the airbag light came on, and as advised, I drove it straight to the local dealership. Code B1650 was pulled off the airbag system, which I am told could be 3 different reasons. On 4/10/23, I contacted Subaru Customer Advocacy and said the local dealer's solutions were unacceptable and to wait and see. Again on 4/12/23, while my daughter was driving on the expressway with my son in the passenger seat, the airbag lights on again for both the passenger and driver. As I told Subaru on 4/10/23, this Subaru Impreza is unsafe to drive, and the airbags would not deploy in the case of an accident with both airbag lights on. This is a very dangerous situation that could end up with some very dire consequences. The ODS system was previously replaced under NHTSA #15V419000, but it appears that the recall part may also be defective. The passenger seat has not been altered or wet to cause malfunctions. It is a defect in the Subaru airbag system.
NHTSA complaint #11516870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Littleton, NH
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving, I suddenly lost braking ability and the brake pedal would go to the floor before slowing the car. I drove slowly approximately 1-2 miles, using the emergency brake and downshifting to control my speed, stopping at a local auto repair garage. On inspection, on the brake lines had rusted through completely and the other was soft, leaking brake fluid.
NHTSA complaint #11514497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bedford, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where the gas cap was replaced; however, the warning light returned. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a diagnostic test and the contact was informed that the timing belt cover, cam carrier, and O2 sensors needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and agreed to cover a partial cost of the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11510843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.