57 of the
3,451 complaints filed about the Subaru Impreza
are about the wheels —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2012.
In 2023 I leased a Subaru Impreza base model for 3 years and found Subaru no longer includes a spare tire, and only has a kit. This means paying to be towed to a service center when I could have a spare tire loaded by AAA. I bought myself a spare Firestone P225/40 R16 in event I needed it. 2025 State inspection found that all four tires had treads worn and I needed to get the tires replaced under warranty which Subaru did for me. 2026, I went to renew my lease and thee base model is no longer sold. A wider R18 trim car is sold, with a minimum $70 higher paying lease, and still no spare included. The dealer will not swap tires for me, despite doing so under warranty when the inspection failed. I'm concerned if I do get a flat, I'll be forced to pay towing and wait for ordering tires just for one flat. As a safety issue, all cars need spare tires, not kits. Subaru has stopped offer that safety feature. Waiting for a tow in the middle of the night makes driving risky with potential running into deer and animals to total my car. If a spare was available, I wouldn't have that risk. I'd just need to replace the tire. Please convince Subaru to replace the tire I bought with one that will fit my renewed lease car as a safety recall issue. They should offer spares for all cars. No accident has happened yet. I want to be ready in case I do get a flat.
NHTSA complaint #11747927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Part 1 Today is January, 28, 2026 How it all started. My appointment was Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 at 10:15 am. During my last oil change, I was informed by Chris that an alignment would be needed to correct the rear passenger wheel showing -2.4 camber. I asked Chris could I go ahead and schedule the service repair now. Chris replied, you will have to schedule the appointment after you leave. Isn’t it strange that I’m already at the dealership and being told a repair is needed, but I can’t schedule the appointment while I’m there, I have to leave to schedule an appointment. So I brought the vehicle back in for the service at a later date, and the wheel in question was not even corrected. When I mentioned this to the lady handling the paperwork, she went and asked someone about it. She came back and pointed to a front wheel that was never in question or out of tolerance and said see they did fix something. My other concern is the fact that when I got a text at 11:23 am like my vehicle was finished, and I saw it in the finished area, I sat a little longer before I went to see if it was ready. When I asked the young lady that checked me in about my car being ready, she said, I was getting your paperwork ready, you just kinda came over here. Well I got a text saying thank you, and my car was parked in the finished area. Then she asks me to sign paperwork that had my name on it, but had a completely different service done, and it was for a Subaru Accent, my car is an Impreza. When I asked about that, she said don’t worry I’m going to reprint everything out, but she was still trying to get me to sign incorrect paperwork. She never reprinted the paperwork, and she just came back and said I just need a signature to release your vehicle back to you. So you want me to sign paperwork that releases a vehicle back to me that doesn’t even have my vehicle on it. The vehicle is out of camber tolerance, which requires an alignment and maybe parts.
NHTSA complaint #11713916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUBARU STRUT ISSUE PART 2 Today is January, 28, 2026 To Whom this may concern, and all parties involved at Peltier Subaru, location 3200 S Southwest Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701 I regret to inform you that you failed to address my many concerns regarding my vehicle. This caused me to be out of pocket on multiple occasions, with regards to my safety, and my family’s safety when in the vehicle with me. I even drove up there regarding a premature worn tire, to show you the tire and a receipt. I asked about being reimbursed for the tire, and was told I would be reimbursed as soon as finance or human resources was in you guys would take care of it. You haven’t taken care of it, and for that, you now owe more than just one tire. Also, because you never fixed the initial problem, and we agreed that if you fixed the problem I would rescind my negative review. So now my initial review will stand for good, along with all this new information. On Saturday November 22nd, 2025 I had a flat on the way home, but was not far from my house. I was able to use my portable air compressor to put air in the tire, but had to repeat this process about 5 times before making it home because the air was escaping so fast. It also rained that weekend so I didn’t even take the tire until that Tuesday the 25th of November 2025. After taking the tire off and inspecting everything, the evidence was clear that this was caused by the car being out of tolerance and being overlooked by the service department on multiple occasions, even after bringing it to their attention with their own documentation of it. The tire shop in Tatum did not have the tire size I needed, so I drove to henderson and got one for $100 from M AND R ECONOMY TIRES LLC, located at 1000 US HIGHWAY 79 N, HENDERSON, TX 75652, PHONE: [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11713919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Part 3 SUBARU STRUT ISSUE I called the service department at Peltier Subaru and told them what happened and that I should be reimbursed for the tire. I was told that I needed to bring the tire in so that it could be inspected, along with the car to make there wasn’t something else going on. I talked with the service manager and he talked with his manager, who okayed a reimbursement verbally to me which was witnessed by the service manager. They said a check would be mailed from the finance department, which never happened. Supposedly they inspected the vehicle while I was in the lobby, and they found nothing, nothing at all. Basically this was another waste of time and money on my part. I live an hour away, they don’t give you a gas card, or even wash your car, just you have a good day sir, that they really don’t mean. Next I’m due for an oil change, which I scheduled over the phone and I mentioned noise coming from the same area that was fixed, or they never found anything wrong with. I took everything out of my car to pinpoint the noise and make sure it wasn’t a tool or something else moving around in the car. On Friday, December 12th, 2025 I go in for the oil change and for diagnosis of the noise coming from the same area that they strut was already replaced. Turns out it’s the strut again, and they have to order the part, and I’m told my car is fine to drive home till the part comes in and that I don’t need a loner. Now I have to come back on Thursday, December 18th, 2025 to get the strut replaced again.
NHTSA complaint #11713923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PART 4 SUBARU STRUT ISSUE How come no one can tell me what’s actually wrong. Was this a faulty part or was it not installed correctly, who knows, no one can tell me. The strut was loose and I could hear it rattling or jolting on many occasions before I knew that’s what it was. Was it not torqued to specs, installed in hurry, or defective part. They had my car for atleast a week the first time, so why not take the time to fix it right. The fact remains though, the problem was never initially fixed. You again let me drive an unsafe vehicle which caused premature wear on the tire, and god knows what else. On multiple occasions of inspections you said you found nothing or the vehicle was fine, when it wasn’t. This has created anxiety for me when driving my car, and visiting your facility. I don’t feel comfortable or trust this dealership, service department, or any staff there. I can feel the awkwardness with every visit and the bias that has now been created, but I did not create it, all I did was document and report my experience. Let my complaint serve as record and as a reference for any future complaints, investigations, or similar concerns that others may report.
NHTSA complaint #11713925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Two Lug studs broke on opposite wheels from torque issues caused when rotating tires. Based on speaking with both the dealer and the tire shop, they said this is a common issue with Subaru's. Fortunately this happened while the tires were being replaced and not while driving. Had 2 of the lug studs broken on the same tire and I had not been aware, this could cause safety issues for both myself and other drivers.
NHTSA complaint #11631878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Since new, maybe once a month, Cruise control idiot light comes on and flashes until car is turned off. usually no bother but one day it started braking without me and I bought the DUMB base model!!! before extended warranty expires, this august, hopefully dealer will replace wheel speed sensors on rear wheels. not sure if this will fix problem. I have asked them to check this six or seven times now. they tell me warranty may not cover it unless code is stored? hopefully they will stand behind product and fix it anyway. 2017 Impreza with 33000 miles and have done ALL recalls and maintenance!
NHTSA complaint #11573219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I brought my car into my family mechanic to get an inspection after I noticed severe shaking when breaking and a burnt rubber smell. They determined the left front caliper was hanging and needed to be replaced- the caliper is covered under my warranty, so I brought my car into the dealership - service department at dealership was UNABLE to detect the issue for weeks until I gave them detailed instructions on how to find the issue, once they agreed the caliper needed to be replaced, the part was backordered until late august - I got my car back after they changed the caliper and the issue is still happening after long drives- dealership is still UNALBE to detect the issue - I am being told after market brakes are the issue
NHTSA complaint #11548410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear wheel bearing hubs continuously have to be replaced due to failure. I have 110,000 miles and have replaced the same rear wheel bearing 3x since buying the vehicle new. The 1st occured withing the first 30,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11545009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The hubcaps that were manufactured with the car and given with the car have repeatedly fallen off while driving. This is a hazard because it has almost hit other cars while driving. In the 5 years I have had this car I’ve had to replace 6 hub caps that have fallen off. When I got my tires replaced this year I was also told by the tire center that they constantly see this issue with Subarus and that the hub caps for this car frequently fall off because of the design. I have tried to tell Subaru about this issue but they don’t care. I have friends who also have Subarus who have the same issue and whenever I’m driving around I can see other Subarus missing their hubcaps so I know I’m not the only one having this issue. The approximate date I’ll enter is the most recent but this dates back to 2020
NHTSA complaint #11533161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. The weakness (dimness) of the low beams is a DANGEROUS situation. The assemblies are not dirty or oxidized; the low beam height was properly adjusted; Tested the power going to each light and it showed 14 volts; Bought some high power LED bulbs which didn't help. I am very hesitant to spend up to $400 for new assemblies hoping that maybe it will fix the problem. I have adjusted the high beam level to the height of what the low beams were and now have to use the high beams as low beams to sufficiently see the road and now have no high beams if I need them. Subaru should be recalling and replacing these faulty assemblies immediately. 2. Wheel lugs shear off when being removed. When the lug nuts were put on, they were tightened with a torque wrench to manufacturer specifications. This is the only vehicle (out of the 13 I have owned) I have ever had this problem with. Subaru should be recalling and replacing lugs immediately with lugs of proper materials immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11469970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ON OR ABOUT JULY 17, 2020, I WAS TRAVELING ON AN INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 63 MPH WHEN I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN RIGHT FRONT TIRE. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND NOTHING ON MY DASH INDICATED THAT PRESSURE WAS LOW AT ANY TIRE PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND GET TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. THE TIRE LOST ALL AIR PRESSURE AND THE RIM HIT THE PAVEMENT DESTROYING THE RIM. THE TIRE AND RIM WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER THAT DAY. THE TIRE WAS A CONTINENTAL PROCONTACT TX 205/55R16 89V. DOT A3T2 WC39 2919.
NHTSA complaint #11412983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER FAULKNER SUBARU BETHLEHEM LOCATED AT 330 STOKE PARK RD, BETHLEHEM, PA 18017, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING WAS AND TRANSMISSION WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WHEEL BEARING WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #11363000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE CAR IS LESS THEN 2 YEARS OLD AND IT HAS A PROBLEM BRAKING, IT MAKES A RUBBING NOISE EVERTING TIME IT TURNS WHILE BRAKING, AT HIGHER SPEEDS IT VIBRATES, AND ALSO HAS PROBLEM SHIFTING DEALERSHIP SAID THEY HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR
NHTSA complaint #11325865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I DRIVE APPROX. 145 MILES A DAY FOR WORK; NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING. I BOUGHT MY CAR 2.5 YEARS AGO AND HAVE JUST OVER 96,000 MILES ON IT. IN THIS TIME SPAN I'VE HAD TO REPLACE TWO WHEEL BEARINGS; 40,000 MILES AND 96,000 MILES. THIS SEEMS TO ME TO BE A HIGH RATE OF WEAR ON A FAIRLY CRITICAL PART.
NHTSA complaint #11266485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LEASED FROM BIZZAROS THE CAR WAS INSPECTED WITH A BROKEN SEAT BELT THERE'S RECALLS THE CAR KEEPS EATING BEARINGS AND HUBS THE CAR IS SIMPLY NOT SAFE AND BIZZAROS TOLD ME NOTHINGNESS IS WRONG WITH IT THE POWER TRAIN BRAKES AND ROTORS AND TIRES WERE FILLED TO 69PSI WHEN GOT IT
NHTSA complaint #11219722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WAS DRIVING AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT STARTED BLINKING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/ZUJIGGDQQ5E
NHTSA complaint #11203294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TAKATA RECALL AND SAFETY RECALL WUE90 NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 19V149000 BRAKE LAMP SWITCH. ON APRIL 4TH, 2019 I CALLED MULTIPLE DEALERS FOR THIS RECALL AND THE TAKATA RECALL AND THEY COULD NOT GET ME IN UNTIL MAY 11TH FOR AIRBAG AND THE BRAKE RECALL THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS YET FOR IT AND THE CARS BRAKE LIGHT IS ON. THE LAST WEEK AND A HALF THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN GOOFY AND LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHICH IS PART OF THE RECALL. MONDAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55MPH THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLEW. CAR HAS BEEN TOWED BECAUSE IT APPEARS PART OF THE ABS SYSTEM HAS BROKE AND PIERCED THE BRAND NEW TIRE!
NHTSA complaint #11197303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.