Owners have filed 99 complaints
about the 2015 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA between 2015 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 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 — 45
Against the median year of the Subaru Impreza. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 42
8.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 77
45% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
45.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
68.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1318.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2332.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2028.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
22.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
34.2%
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.
Jan 2015peak 4Apr 2026
Recalls on the 2015 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.
United States — NHTSA
19V149000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
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 20152494,587 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles, if the driver assist system were to become disabled due to a brake light switch failure, the system could fail to inform the driver that the automatic braking, adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking systems are disabled. This could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the driver assist system.
Recall 20152063,500 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles equipped with EyeSight driver assist technology, the French version of the EyeSight Owner’s Manual my contain incorrect translations of certain text. If the vehicle were to be operated as described in the mistranslated French text, it could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Subaru will send corrected French EyeSight manuals directly to affected vehicle owners and additional corrected manuals will be available to all Dealers.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 63,000 milesWalpole, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle at 10 MPH, the transmission was shifted into drive (D), and the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration at 30 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to stop and instead accelerated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle then crashed into a building. No air bags were deployed. The contact did not sustain any injuries, but medical attention was received on the scene. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop and had not yet been deemed totaled by the insurance company. The contact stated that a police officer later arrived at the residence to deliver a notice suspending her driver's license indefinitely due to a medical condition. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #11592389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesLOS Gatos, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON A IMPACT OF 50 MILES A HOUR.
NHTSA complaint #11155950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesBerkleu, MICrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
IT HAPPEN TO ME NOVEMBER 7TH AND ALMOST HAPPENED TO MY HUSBAND .I WAS PULLING IN A PARKING SPOT AT OUR LOCAL CVS DRUG STORE.ZTHENMY SHOE GOT CAUGHT BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDAL. I BELIEVE IT IS A DEFECT.I SMASHED IN TO A IRON GATE AND TO BRICK FENCE SUPPORT.THIS IS THE SECOND ACCIDENT I HAVE HAD LIKE THIS.AND MY HUSBAND ALMOST HAPPENED TO HIM.MY FROM END PRETTY TOE UP.
NHTSA complaint #11149981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,500 milesJupiter, FL2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MOON ROOF EXPLODED. LIKE A GUN SHOT GOING OFF. GLASS CASCADED DOWN ON ME AND MY WIFE. ALMOST KILLED.
NHTSA complaint #10816797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesWestmont, ILCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SUBARU EYESIGHT WILL LOCK UP BRAKES WHEN ACTIVELY BEING ENGAGED AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU MAKES 90 DEGREE RIGHT TURN AS IF THE CAR WAS STILL IN FRONT OF YOU AND YOU WERE ABOUT TO CRASH INTO IT. BUT IT ISN'T THERE INSTEAD YOU WILL BE CRASHED INTO FROM THE REAR. IT WILL DO THIS EVERY TIME GUARANTEED. JUST SET FOLLOWING DISTANCE TO 1.1 SEC GET BEHIND A CAR DOING OVER 25 MPH AND ENJOY. DEALERSHIP INSISTS THAT HOW IT SUPPOSE TO WORK. IF THIS WAS SUBARU'S INTEND IN ANY WAY IT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. HITTING GAS PEDAL WON'T HELP IT WILL ONLY REV UP THE ENGINE BUT CAR KEEPS BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10806535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesWestmont, ILCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
SUBARU EYESIGHT WILL LOCK UP BRAKES WHEN ACTIVELY BEING ENGAGED AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU MAKES 90 DEGREE RIGHT TURN AS IF THE CAR WAS STILL IN FRONT OF YOU AND YOU WERE ABOUT TO CRASH INTO IT. BUT IT ISN'T THERE INSTEAD YOU WILL BE CRASHED INTO FROM THE REAR. IT WILL DO THIS EVERY TIME GUARANTEED. JUST SET FOLLOWING DISTANCE TO 1.1 SEC GET BEHIND A CAR DOING OVER 25 MPH AND ENJOY. DEALERSHIP INSISTS THAT HOW IT SUPPOSE TO WORK. IF THIS WAS SUBARU'S INTEND IN ANY WAY IT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. HITTING GAS PEDAL WON'T HELP IT WILL ONLY REV UP THE ENGINE BUT CAR KEEPS BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10806535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Allen, TX
SEAT BELTS
My front passenger seat belt has been stuck and unusable since November 2025. This issue has been reported to Brandon Tomes Subaru in McKinney TX at the end of November. The seat belt was inspected and was determined faulty and covered under the warranty. The part needed to fix it wasn't unavailable and the dealership said it would be shipped. Today is April 6th of 2026 and my car has not been repaired still. It is not safe to transport passengers and I have 3 children. My oldest [XXX] ) always uses the front passenger seat. I am unable to safely drive the car and transport my family, and it very negatively affecting my family. Please help me to get my car back on the road and safely. With appreciation, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11729535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesWalpole, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle at 10 MPH, the transmission was shifted into drive (D), and the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration at 30 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to stop and instead accelerated. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle then crashed into a building. No air bags were deployed. The contact did not sustain any injuries, but medical attention was received on the scene. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop and had not yet been deemed totaled by the insurance company. The contact stated that a police officer later arrived at the residence to deliver a notice suspending her driver's license indefinitely due to a medical condition. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #11592389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garfield, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
P0018. P0016
NHTSA complaint #11585657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tempe, AZ
WHEELS
My 2015 Impreza has had its rear wheel bearings fail twice now, and now there’s still a loud noise coming from the end of my vehicle. My most recent trip to the dealer to get a bearing replaced costed me nearly $800. The kicker is, I just rolled over 65,000 on my car. There’s no reason I should be flying through bearings this fast, and have what seems like a never ending rear-end noise that seems to only be getting louder.
NHTSA complaint #11566216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tempe, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2015 Impreza has had its rear wheel bearings fail twice now, and now there’s still a loud noise coming from the end of my vehicle. My most recent trip to the dealer to get a bearing replaced costed me nearly $800. The kicker is, I just rolled over 65,000 on my car. There’s no reason I should be flying through bearings this fast, and have what seems like a never ending rear-end noise that seems to only be getting louder.
NHTSA complaint #11566216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Terrace, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving the 2015 Subaru Impreza the front hood popped open and crashed into my windshield. Luckily it popped at 30-40 miles per hour and I was able to stop safely. Many damage to the body of the vehicle. It has happened a couple times before (found the hood open) but the safety hook was holding the hood closed. Called the Subaru dealer at San Bernardino and they said that is not a recall for this issue and I asked to talk with a representative and they said someone will call me. After 3 days of waiting to be contacted, I called the insurance to fix the car.
NHTSA complaint #11554123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lacey, WA
ENGINE
All of a sudden, with no reason whatsoever, my daughter's car has "rod knock" with less than 100,000 miles on it. Bought this Subaru for my daughter so she would have a car that would last a long time and she would be safe. Maintenance was kept up at our local mechanic religiously. I am saddened and disappointed in the mechanical performance of this vehicle. Started with lights going out early in ownership when it was new, and now this. I have a Subaru Impreza as well and am strongly considering trading it in for a Honda. I have family that works for Subaru and I wanted to support family and bought 2 Impreza's based on belief that your brand was highly regarded for longevity and safety. Engine's in vehicles should last more than 100k miles, regardless of the manufacturer. This should be a recall based on internet research. My ask is that Subaru stands up to its marketing and its product and takes care of this repair at no cost.
NHTSA complaint #11537225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasadena, CA
AIR BAGS
We bought our 2015 Subaru Impreza from a used car dealer (we are second owner) in February 2020 with 55K miles on it. On our test drive, we noticed the air bag said it was off even with a passenger in the car. We agreed to purchase the vehicle upon repair. It was repaired and the mechanic guaranteed his work, and we had no issues for a year. Then, we moved across the country and the sensor began to sometimes malfunction again. The Subaru dealership quoted something like $3k to fix it. In Googling the issue, I see Subaru has had this issue in previous models. Please open an investigation to see if the problem continues in more recent years.
NHTSA complaint #11527736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Altadena, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Drain when plugging into the USB port: This is second battery that had to be replaced since purchase of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11519879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton Mills, NH
STEERING
Power Steering failed, extremely hard to turn steering wheel, EPS Light on dash illuminated. Luckily happened in driveway. Thinking back steering seemed odd last week was less effort to turn left as opposed to turning right.
NHTSA complaint #11509772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
League City, TX
AIR BAGS
Passenger air bag will randomly turn off with passenger riding. This is well know issue with subaru and they still have not sent a recall. With this issue being so wide spread I do not think the dealership should charge over 600 dollars for this repair. I previous did this repair and the same part failed within a year and half.
NHTSA complaint #11497059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
League City, TX
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Passenger air bag will randomly turn off with passenger riding. This is well know issue with subaru and they still have not sent a recall. With this issue being so wide spread I do not think the dealership should charge over 600 dollars for this repair. I previous did this repair and the same part failed within a year and half.
NHTSA complaint #11497059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sioux Falls, SD
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My windshield cracked on its own, with no cause, chip, etc.
NHTSA complaint #11479022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murray, UT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I purchased a Subaru for reliability and safety reasons. This car has placed my family in some dangerous situations. Every time the outside temp is 90+ degrees F and it is driven on a road trip of 200+ miles, the car's acceleration shuts off. There is never any warning or check engine/trans lights until after this happens. Nate Wade Subaru in Salt Lake City cannot find any codes and does not know how to help. The car will not restart after being turned off, even after waiting up to an hour. We have had to tow it. The last incident taking place 7/30/2022 with our 19 year old son driving. The worst part is that twice it happened in the far left lane with no option to get over to the right side of the highway safely due to traffic. Cars/trucks from behind have narrowly missed hitting us because there was not enough shoulder to pull out of the way. This has happened both in UT and ID where posted speed limits were 70-80 mph and put us in real danger. I don't know what to do other than sell the car. But I don't feel right doing that without sharing this problem -which would then "kill" the sale. It is unacceptable to not have a fix for this issue or at least a warning light so we know when it might happen.
NHTSA complaint #11477430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murray, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased a Subaru for reliability and safety reasons. This car has placed my family in some dangerous situations. Every time the outside temp is 90+ degrees F and it is driven on a road trip of 200+ miles, the car's acceleration shuts off. There is never any warning or check engine/trans lights until after this happens. Nate Wade Subaru in Salt Lake City cannot find any codes and does not know how to help. The car will not restart after being turned off, even after waiting up to an hour. We have had to tow it. The last incident taking place 7/30/2022 with our 19 year old son driving. The worst part is that twice it happened in the far left lane with no option to get over to the right side of the highway safely due to traffic. Cars/trucks from behind have narrowly missed hitting us because there was not enough shoulder to pull out of the way. This has happened both in UT and ID where posted speed limits were 70-80 mph and put us in real danger. I don't know what to do other than sell the car. But I don't feel right doing that without sharing this problem -which would then "kill" the sale. It is unacceptable to not have a fix for this issue or at least a warning light so we know when it might happen.
NHTSA complaint #11477430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murray, UT
ENGINE
I purchased a Subaru for reliability and safety reasons. This car has placed my family in some dangerous situations. Every time the outside temp is 90+ degrees F and it is driven on a road trip of 200+ miles, the car's acceleration shuts off. There is never any warning or check engine/trans lights until after this happens. Nate Wade Subaru in Salt Lake City cannot find any codes and does not know how to help. The car will not restart after being turned off, even after waiting up to an hour. We have had to tow it. The last incident taking place 7/30/2022 with our 19 year old son driving. The worst part is that twice it happened in the far left lane with no option to get over to the right side of the highway safely due to traffic. Cars/trucks from behind have narrowly missed hitting us because there was not enough shoulder to pull out of the way. This has happened both in UT and ID where posted speed limits were 70-80 mph and put us in real danger. I don't know what to do other than sell the car. But I don't feel right doing that without sharing this problem -which would then "kill" the sale. It is unacceptable to not have a fix for this issue or at least a warning light so we know when it might happen.
NHTSA complaint #11477430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Crosse, WI
POWER TRAIN
My transmission completely locked up on me while driving at interstate speeds. I was traveling at 65 MPH with the car in regular driving mode, on cruise control and the transmission completely locked up on me. The front tires locked briefly, causing me to go into a small skid, which I was able to correct, and then the engine revved high and I had no power. This lockup and skid caused a rapid deceleration of the vehicle and had there been lots of traffic around me it would have caused a major accident on the interstate, possibly causing fatalities. My transmission completely locked up once I went through the nearest intersection to get to a side road. This left me stranded in the middle of a major highway intersection with no ability to physically push my vehicle out of the way. The vehicle behind me just about rear-ended me. This has been a major issue with these transmissions and a major safety issue. These transmissions should be put on a recall since this is a major safety issue. The extended warranty that Subaru has put out only waits for a problem to occur, this does not save lives but only puts them in danger. They should be FORCED to do a recall. No warning lights illuminated on the dash prior to the transmission locking up. The vehicle has been inspected by a certified mechanic and has diagnosed that it is an issue with the transmission itself and no other component on the vehicle. This issue of the CVT transmission is well documented.
NHTSA complaint #11476180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bangor, ME
STRUCTURE:BODY
Hood flew open on interstate. After driving around town running errands I drove onto the interstate got like a mile down the road. I was in the left lane going about 60 mph the hood flew open. Smashing directly into the windshield. I thankfully was able to hit my four ways and get to a stop without any collision. I couldn’t say exactly when the hood had been opened last but certainly was not recent to this occurring. Quite severe damage was caused from this happening. Immediate estimate of damages were shown to the hood, fenders, roof, windshield and unknown damage as of yet under the hood or to the eyesight system.
NHTSA complaint #11468837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flint, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Yesterday, March 28, 2022 I stopped to run into a shop. Left my windows down because it was hot. My AC fan doesn’t work half the time. When I put my keys in the ignition, the key would not turn to accessories or ignite the car to start. The steering wheel was locked. The park gear shift wouldn’t move. I tried forcing these for at least 15 minutes. I had my emergency key fob and tried it repeatedly,too, but still I don’t know why it turned finally. I took to Subaru today who had a technical bulletin about it, fixed it for no charge. Says letter has gone out but I hadn’t received it. Why? I live alone, am 73, and do not have anyone to call to help. It’s unsafe because one could be stuck in the car when bad weather is outside creating a dangerous situation. Subaru called this Park-Range repair.
NHTSA complaint #11458895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flint, TX
ENGINE
Yesterday, March 28, 2022 I stopped to run into a shop. Left my windows down because it was hot. My AC fan doesn’t work half the time. When I put my keys in the ignition, the key would not turn to accessories or ignite the car to start. The steering wheel was locked. The park gear shift wouldn’t move. I tried forcing these for at least 15 minutes. I had my emergency key fob and tried it repeatedly,too, but still I don’t know why it turned finally. I took to Subaru today who had a technical bulletin about it, fixed it for no charge. Says letter has gone out but I hadn’t received it. Why? I live alone, am 73, and do not have anyone to call to help. It’s unsafe because one could be stuck in the car when bad weather is outside creating a dangerous situation. Subaru called this Park-Range repair.
NHTSA complaint #11458895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New London, CT
STRUCTURE:BODY
When leaving a gas station with a slight dip in the pavement, I inched my vehicle forward as slowly as I could as to not “bottom out.” This 2015 Impreza model has an overall design flaw; it sits too low to the ground therefore compromising the entire structure of the body. The Impreza in fact bottomed out and my entire front end cracked and fell off as well as the side panel on the front of the vehicle came apart and now hangs off the vehicle. I have seen NUMEROUS Subaru Imprezas that appeared to be the same make and model with this same exact problem. I believe this entire car should be recalled as it is structurally flawed, cannot maneuver safely and properly on standard roads and highways which results in body damage that is completely NOT operator error.
NHTSA complaint #11457517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flint, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When put key in ignition, the car doesn’t start. The key can not be taken out of ignition. Numerous jiggles. Put foot on the brake, take foot off the brake. Eventually starts. Fear will be unable to take key out of ignition.
NHTSA complaint #11456712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, CA
POWER TRAIN
Smoke and oil burning smell entering cabin through vents. I have two young children. I’m concerned of toxic fumes. Coming from oil leaking onto exhaust manifold and at only 52,000 miles on odometer!
NHTSA complaint #11450396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesKenneth Square, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION: OIL COOLER
The contact owns a 2015 SUBARU Impreza. The contact stated that the vehicle's check engine light was illuminated and they began to notice at an oil change that their vehicle was leaking excessive oil consumption a year ago. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who informed them they needed to rebuild the engine. The repair was covered under warranty. The contact stated that about a year after the vehicle's check engine light had illuminated again. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the short block caused the failure. The vehicle had been there for approximately 4 months and had not been repaired. The contact was told the repair was no longer covered under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware and opened a case regarding the matter. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #11434648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesWebb City, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, she noticed that the air conditioner was intermittently blowing warm air into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11419932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.