131 of the
3,451 complaints filed about the Subaru Impreza
are about the body and structure —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2008.
While driving at various speeds, my vehicle consistently produces a clicking noise from the upper right-rear C-pillar area. The noise is most noticeable when the vehicle body twists slightly during normal driving, such as when traveling over uneven pavement, entering driveways, or making turns. The condition has persisted and is repeatable. The vehicle was inspected over approximately six weeks by an authorized dealership. After extensive diagnosis, the dealership identified a suspected welding defect in the upper right-rear C-pillar/body structure. The suspected defective area is available for inspection. The dealership requested authorization from the manufacturer to repair the condition under warranty, but the request was denied. To my knowledge, neither the manufacturer nor the dealership has provided any engineering analysis or technical evidence identifying an alternative root cause for the suspected welding defect. The C-pillar is a structural component of the vehicle that contributes to body rigidity and occupant protection. If the clicking noise is caused by a defective or failed body weld, the condition could indicate reduced structural integrity or progressive deterioration over time. Although no crash or injury has occurred, I am concerned that continued operation with a suspected structural weld defect could compromise vehicle safety or crashworthiness. No warning lights or diagnostic messages were displayed before or during the occurrence of this condition. The primary symptom has been the repeatable clicking noise from the upper right-rear C-pillar area during normal driving. I am requesting that this condition be investigated to determine whether it represents a manufacturing defect that could affect other vehicles of the same model.
NHTSA complaint #11751421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, excessive corrosion on the driver’s side rocker panel was observed. The contact inspected the passenger’s side rocker panel and found excessive corrosion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the frame needed to be cut, and the rocker panel needed to be refabricated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 48,000.
NHTSA complaint #11681924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the doors automatically locked with her children inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the spare key failed to unlock the doors. The contact sought assistance from a locksmith to unlock the vehicle. Additionally, the front bumper had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 190,417.
NHTSA complaint #11643603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Severe rust on B Pillar of passenger door, and each door is rusting in same location. Have seen several reports of this online so reporting that I have experienced the same. Roof is also bubbling in a couple locations and I suspect it is from inside given the noise that comes from the windshield in cold weather since the car was new. Not sure of the date I first noticed, so I am putting today’s date since that’s when I learned about reporting potential safety issues.to NHTSA.
NHTSA complaint #11593781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The hood latch system failed and flew open while driving on the highway smashing the windshield. I was unable to see driving, glass shattered everywhere. The car was serviced three weeks prior and there was no notation of an issue with the hood latch. The hood would not latch after the incident either. Police were on scene and viewed the incident and insurance will be investigating. There have been numerous other reports of this happening with other subaru models including recalls. There are no open recalls on this vehicle and a multi-point inspection was done on the car 3 weeks prior.
NHTSA complaint #11591962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parts of my undercarriage, rusting and falling off Parts of the car are dissolving and falling off like nuts bolts & an exhaust manifold cover & oil valve.
NHTSA complaint #11577981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The cowl that fills the gap between the bottom of the windshield and the hood is defective and warps from the heat of the engine. This warping leaves a huge gap that exposes the bottom of the windshield and allows debris and water under the hood of the car. I was told this was a known issue with multiple Subaru models. The auto glass specialist I was sent to did not have a fix other than replacing it whenever it warps, which is prohibitively expensive when it only lasts about a year.
NHTSA complaint #11573654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
it is a case of sudden acceleration when parking the car in battery , goin forward very slowly, the subaru impreza accelerate , jump the curve and crash agaings a tree 5 ft away from the curve, the results extensive damage in the left front , airbags did not deploy
NHTSA complaint #11536081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the operating the vehicle, the front driver’s side floor mat detached and slid underneath the brake pedal and accelerator pedal. The contact stated that one of the pegs used to secure the floor mat fractured, allowing the floor mat to become unsecured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #11519466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while the vehicle was under yearly inspection, she was informed that the subframe was corroded. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the stabilizer bar, the rocker panels, and the cross members to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called an independent mechanic and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #11489945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bought this car 1 year ago at East Hills Subaru. Among other problems such as water leaking inside vehicle due to clogged drains, most recent issue is the steering column not locking firmly. This is causing the steering wheel to shift up or down while driving, even though locking mechanism under steering wheel column is engaged. The car has under 40k miles. The safety of the driver is at risk here as the shifting movement of the steering wheel affect proper steering. Dealer is unable to give me a reasonable appointment to address this and only has drop off service, no loaner cars available. I am not happy with the Subaru service department and the inability of this service department to address serious issues in a timely matter.
NHTSA complaint #11484183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In April 2022 hood latch malfunctioned and caused hood to open while driving on interstate. Caused damage to Hood, Fenders, Windshield and Roof. I was able to get stopped safely without injury.
NHTSA complaint #11483177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The hood primary latch frequently releases causing me to rely on the safety catch. Re-dropping the hood sets it again only to notice several days later that the hood is again unlatched.
NHTSA complaint #11475516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
The problem has been recognized as a vehicle that is not meeting manufacturer specifications by the Subaru from Pembroke Pines. Shifting and harm is visible to frame and vehicle is having clonking and parts are touching.
NHTSA complaint #11435840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DRIVING AND HIT A SMALL POTHOLE AND THE ENTIRE PASSENGER FRONT HEADLIGHT FELL OUT OF THE CAR. IT WAS NOT DARK OUT. THE CAR WAS FINE PRIOR TO TODAY. I WAS ON A CITY STREET JUST AFTER A SNOWSTORM AND ROADS WERE PLOWED.
NHTSA complaint #11403410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.