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2012 Subaru Impreza Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20265 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2012 Subaru Impreza Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2012 Subaru Impreza has 336 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve air bags and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.5/ 10

Based on 336 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

AIR BAGS

105 31.2%

ENGINE

55 16.4%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

30 8.9%

POWER TRAIN

26 7.7%

SEATS

15 4.5%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is AIR BAGS, accounting for 31.2% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 31 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Subaru Impreza

The 2012 Subaru Impreza has 336 owner complaints in this dataset. AIR BAGS is the most common complaint category, representing about 31% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2012 Subaru Impreza are AIR BAGS (105), ENGINE (55), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (30).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 240 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Subaru Impreza?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2011 Impreza complaints2013 Impreza complaints2014 Impreza complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 27 of 27 systems

AIR BAGS

90 Reports36% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS INDICATING THAT IT WAS OFF WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THIS IS UNUSUAL BECAUSE IF SOMETHING SUCH AS A PURSE IS PLACED IN THE SEAT, THE INDICATOR WILL CHANGE FROM OFF TO ON DUE TO THE SEAT BEING OCCUPIED. I THINK THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND I FEAR DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. THIS IS VERY ALARMING TO ME BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY TIMES I HAVE 4 CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH ME. 3 IN THE BACK OF COURSE AND ONE IN THE FRONT. *TR

6/28/2012

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH A PASSENGER, AIRBAG LIGHT SWITCHES TO OFF AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH ILLUMINATES. PASSENGER CAN THEN UNBUCKLE SEAT BELT AND NO ALARMS SOUND ALERTING THAT THE SEATBELT IS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY BLAMED IT ON A PAIR OF JUMPER CABLES UNDER THE SEAT. SERVICE WRITER TOLD ME IT COULD HAPPEN IF SOMEONE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH WATER IN THEIR SYSTEM, WHICH IS BS. IF ITS NOT BS THEN I DON'T FEEL SAFE WITH A PASSENGER. EVEN AFTER JUMPER CABLES WERE REMOVED THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. HAVE SEEN MANY ISSUES ON FORUMS WITH SAME PROBLEM. *JS

7/29/2012

88 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

39 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED MY 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT PREMIUM ON 12/24/2011. IT HAD LESS THAN 100 MILES WHEN PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER. AT 1200 MILES, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL AND IT WAS VERY LOW. I CALLED BROADWAY SUBARU IN OAKLAND,CA ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I EXPLAINED, HOW CAN A BRAND NEW CAR HAVE LOW OIL? THEY SAID THIS IS COMMON AND TO ADD OIL. ADDED OIL AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF. TODAY, THE LIGHT APPEARED AGAIN AT 5560 MILES. OIL AGAIN IS LOW BUT WITHIN NORMAL LEVELS. I CALLED BROADWAY SUBARU AND TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM. AGAIN, THE GUY EXPLAINED THIS IS NORMAL FOR ALL CARS TO BURN OIL, WHETHER IT'S AN AMERICAN CAR, JAPANESE, OR ANYTHING ELSE. IS HE SERIOUS? I HONDAS FOR CLOSE TO 20 YEARS AND NEVER EVER DID AN OIL LIGHT COME ON, LET ALONE ON A NEW ENGINE WHICH IS NOT DUE FOR ITS FIRST OIL CHANGE UNTIL 7500 MILES. I MADE AN APPT FOR 8/24/2012. *TR

8/19/2012

FOLLOWED TOO CLOSELY THROUGH A DOUBLE INTERSECTION WITH A NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHT. POLICE OFFICER DIRECTED TRAFFIC THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BUT APPARENTLY WE HAD TO STOP BEFORE THE SECOND INTERSECTION. APPARENTLY I SLOWED DOWN ENOUGH THAT THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I INDICATED 20 BUT SURELY MY AIRBAG WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AT THAT SPEED. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR UNDER ITS OWN POWER OFF THE ROAD INTO A SUBWAY PARKING LOT. AS I WAS MANEUVERING INTO A PARKING SPOT THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT SEEMS STRANGE TO ME THAT IF I WAS GOING SLOW ENOUGH FOR THE AIRBAG NOT TO DEPLOY BUT FOR SOME COMPONENTS TO CATCH ON FIRE THAT THE CAR IS ROAD WORTHY. WORTH LOOKING INTO? *TR

5/28/2013

37 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

18 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE AIRBAGS IN THIS VEHICLE TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD ICONS INDICATE AIRBAGS ARE TURNED OFF). VEHICLE MUST BE STOPPED AND RESTARTED FOR THE AIRBAGS TO TURN BACK ON. THERE SEEMS TO BE A RELATIONSHIP TO ELECTRONIC INTERFERENCE - PASSENGER USE OF IPHONE OR IPAD MAY BE INVOLVED - BUT IT HAS HAPPENED WITH NO PASSENGER AS WELL. THIS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN ONE DAY RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH ALTITUDE (PIKES PEAK, CO). PROBABLY RELATED: THE SEAT BELT ALARM HAS GONE OFF WHEN IPHONE IS PLACED ON EMPTY PASSENGER SEAT WHILE DRIVING. *TR

10/21/2012

FOLLOWED TOO CLOSELY THROUGH A DOUBLE INTERSECTION WITH A NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHT. POLICE OFFICER DIRECTED TRAFFIC THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BUT APPARENTLY WE HAD TO STOP BEFORE THE SECOND INTERSECTION. APPARENTLY I SLOWED DOWN ENOUGH THAT THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I INDICATED 20 BUT SURELY MY AIRBAG WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AT THAT SPEED. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR UNDER ITS OWN POWER OFF THE ROAD INTO A SUBWAY PARKING LOT. AS I WAS MANEUVERING INTO A PARKING SPOT THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT SEEMS STRANGE TO ME THAT IF I WAS GOING SLOW ENOUGH FOR THE AIRBAG NOT TO DEPLOY BUT FOR SOME COMPONENTS TO CATCH ON FIRE THAT THE CAR IS ROAD WORTHY. WORTH LOOKING INTO? *TR

5/28/2013

16 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

15 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL OF THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CVT TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HIM AT A LATER DATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 500.

3/1/2012

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AT 65 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE ACTED AS IF I HAD SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. IT STARTED TO DECELERATE AND WHEN I PRESSED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR, IT ONLY REVVED THE RPM'S HIGHER. IT DID NOT SPEED UP TO ALLOW ME TO SAFELY GET OUT OF TRAFFIC. I TRIED MANUALLY SHIFTING THE AUTOMATIC CVT TRANSMISSION, BUT THIS MADE NO DIFFERENCE. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ON AT THE TIME. I TURNED ON MY FLASHERS AND WAS ABLE TO GO FROM THE LEFT LANE TO THE SHOULDER. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, SHUT OFF THE IGNITION AND LET IT SET FOR A MINUTE. I THEN RESTARTED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE IT TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP. THEY TESTED IT FOR A COUPLE DAYS AND WERE UNABLE TO RECREATE THE INCIDENT. THEY SAID THAT THERE WERE NO CODES STORED AND I DID NOT SEE ANY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THEY ALSO SAID THEY FILED A CLAIM WITH SUBARU NORTH AMERICA. THE SERVICE TECH SAID HE HAS NEVER HEARD OF ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAPPENING WITH SUBARU. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *TR

4/23/2012

13 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS

13 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR STATED THAT IT WAS DISABLED RANDOMLY (WHETHER CAR WAS IN MOTION OR NOT), EVEN THOUGH SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON DASHBOARD. TO CORRECT ISSUE, VEHICLE HAD TO BE RESTARTED MULTIPLE TIMES, SO THAT AIRBAG WOULD REACTIVATE. THIS WOULD NEED TO BE REPEATED, AS ISSUE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES PER DAY. IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, AIRBAG MOST LIKELY WOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED DUE TO FAULTY PASSENGER SENSOR. SUBARU STATED AIRBAG MODULE REQUIRED REPLACING, AFTER INSPECTION WAS MADE. *TR

9/3/2012

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WITH A PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE 'PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF' LIGHT BECOME ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS OFF. AFTER PULLING OVER AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, THE SENSOR BEHAVES NORMALLY. INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED 3-4 TIMES SINCE, WITH NO APPARENT PATTERN RELATED TO VEHICLE SPEED/DRIVING CONDITIONS. SUBARU DEALERSHIP SERVICE HAS CLAIMED IT MAY BE RELATED TO PASSENGER WEIGHT OR SHIFTING IN THE SEAT, OR CELLULAR PHONE CHARGERS NEARBY. INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED WITH OR WITHOUT SAID CHARGERS PRESENT IN THE CAR, WITH PASSENGERS WEIGHING 130 LBS AND 190 LBS. ALSO, THE RELEVANT SENSOR (OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM, OR ODS) IN THE 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA IS NOT BASED ON WEIGHT AT ALL, BUT ON ELECTROSTATIC CAPACITANCE. SEEMINGLY RANDOM MALFUNCTION OF THE ODS RESULTING IN DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WITH AN ADULT SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CONSTITUTES DANGEROUS FAILURE OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. *TR

1/8/2014

11 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, ENGINE POWER CUT OUT, AND COMPLETE LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL OCCURRED. THE CAR COULD ONLY ACCELERATE EXTREMELY SLOWLY, AND NOT PAST 20-25 MPH. THANKFULLY NOT ON A HIGH-SPEED ROAD. MANAGED TO GET HOME (BARELY), CAR WORKED FINE THE NEXT DAY. DEALER FOUND OBD CODE P0128, REPROGRAMMED ECM TO REMOVE THE CODE. THE SAME PROBLEM HAD OCCURRED ~1 YEAR PREVIOUSLY DUE TO A FAULTY ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR (NHTSA COMPLAINT RECENTLY FILED). DEALER CLAIMS CAUSES ARE UNRELATED. THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN IF IT OCCURS ON A HIGHWAY, WE NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. *TR

1/8/2014

WHILE DRIVING IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, ENGINE POWER WAS LOST, AND COMPLETE LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL OCCURRED. CAR WOULD ACCELERATE EXTREMELY SLOWLY, AND NOT PAST 20-25 MPH (PRESUMABLY 'ENGINE FAIL-SAFE MODE'?). THANKFULLY NOT ON A HIGH-SPEED ROAD. OBD CODE WAS P2138, INDICATING A FAULTY ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR, WHICH WAS REPLACED BY DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

1/8/2014

7 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED TWICE, SO I FEEL IT'S NECESSARY TO REPORT IT TO THE NHTSA. THE FIRST TIME THIS ISSUE WAS HAPPENING, I WAS FOLLOWING ANOTHER CAR GOING SLIGHTLY DOWNHILL AT ABOUT 30MPH. THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT WAS 35MPH SO I FELT LIKE I WAS CONSTANTLY SWITCHING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN THROTTLE AND BRAKE, BUT NOT SO QUICKLY AS TO PRESS THEM AT THE SAME TIME. WHEN THIS ISSUE OCCURED, THERE WERE THREE SOLID YELLOW/ORANGE/GOLD (DEPENDING ON HOW YOU LOOK AT COLORS) LIGHTS LIT UP SOLIDLY IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER: THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, THE ABS LIGHT, AND THE HILL HOLD ASSIST LIGHT. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO THE NEAREST PARKING LOT WHICH WAS ABOUT 15 FEET AWAY. I TRIED EVERYTHING TO GET THE LIGHTS TO GO AWAY BEFORE TURNING THE CAR OFF, AND WHEN NOTHING WORKED I FINALLY JUST CYCLED THE IGNITION OFF THEN BACK ON. ALL THREE MAGICALLY WENT AWAY BY DOING THIS. THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS ONLY A FEW DAYS AGO AND I WAS LITERALLY JUST SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY ON A LEVEL SURFACE. MY HOUSE IS RECESSED INTO THE GROUND ABOUT 10 FEET FROM THE TOP OF MY DRIVEWAY, WHERE THE TOP IS ACTUALLY LEVEL AND IT IS WHERE I WAS SITTING AT. SITTING THERE, I REVVED MY ENGINE AND SLOWLY ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY (IN NEUTRAL, SO I DIDN'T GO ANYWHERE). BEFORE THE RPMS WENT BACK TO AN IDLE I STARTED ROLLING DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY (WHICH IS AT LEAST A 30 DEGREE SLOPE DOWNHILL) BUT WHEN ROLLING DOWN I WAS DEFINITELY ON THE BRAKES A LITTLE AS TO NOT GO EVEN PAST 1MPH -- SO VERY SLOW. I NOTICED ALL THREE LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN. THIS TIME I DECIDED TO LET IT SIT FOR A WHILE SO I CAN TRY EVEN MORE TROUBLESHOOTING. STILL NO RESULTS UNLESS I CYCLED THE IGNITION. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER TODAY FOR AN ECM UPDATE THEY SENT ME IN THE MAIL, AND THEY SAID THEY DID SEE A "BRAKE SWITCH ERROR" FOR CODE "HISTORY" BUT THERE WERE NO CURRENT CODES. A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.

1/14/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UNTIL CONSTANT PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V562000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

1/29/2013

6 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S AIR BAGS WILL SHOW DISABLED WHENEVER AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE IS PRESENT ON THE PERSON IN THE SEAT. OCCURS IN ALL CONDITIONS. DOES NOT ENABLE AFTER REMOVING ELECTRONIC DEVICE FROM PERSON.

7/24/2018

THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM. WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT RIGHT SEAT THE AIRBAG SIGN WILL SAY PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF. THIS WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING OR STATIONARY.

8/7/2018

5 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

UNABLE TO CHANGE FLAT TIRE. THE WHEEL-NUT OR LUG-NUT TORQUE REQUIRED BY SUBARU IS 89FT LBS. THIS TORQUE WAS THE TORQUE ON MY WHEEL-NUTS, AS VERIFIED TWICE BY A NEW-TIRE SALES FACILITY. WITH SUBARU'S 11 1/2" WRENCH, MOST WOMEN AND MANY MEN (MYSELF INCLUDED) CANNOT LOOSEN THESE NUTS. MY WEIGHTLIFTING NEIGHBOR COULD NOT BELIEVE HE COULD NOT LOOSEN THE LUG-NUTS WITH THE SUPPLIED WRENCH. THEY ARE THAT TIGHT! THE OWNER'S MANUAL CAUTIONS NOT TO STAND ON THE WRENCH. THIS CONDITION CAN LEAVE SOMEONE STRANDED, PERHAPS IN A DANGEROUS AREA, OR UNDER DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. SUBARU SHOULD VERIFY THIS PROBLEM, BY HAVING INDIVIDUALS TRY TO LOOSEN THE NUTS. ANYONE WITH THIS VEHICLE (DO OTHER MODELS ALSO HAVE THIS CONDITION?) IS ADVISED TO FIGURE A WAY TO REMOVE THESE NUTS BEFORE AN EMERGENCY OCCURS. *TR

3/24/2014

IN A CRIME RIDDEN NEIGHBORHOOD I HAD A FLAT TIRE WHICH I WAS UNABLE TO CHANGE. THIS WAS DUE TO MY SUBARU LABELED AND PACKAGED "MCGARD" WHEEL KEY WHICH CRACKED AND BECAME UNUSABLE. TIRE SALES AND REPAIR FACILITY SUMMONED FOR ASSISTANCE REPORTS THEY HAVE A "BUCKET" FULL OF THIS BRAND OF WHEEL LOCK "KEYS" WHICH CRACKED AND BECAME UNUSABLE. AFTER MY FIRST MCGARD WHEEL LOCK KEY CRACKED, MCGARD SENT ME A FREE WHEEL LOCK "KEY" AND SAID THE ORIGINAL CRACKED, BECAUSE SOMEONE USED EXCESSIVE AIR-WRENCH TORQUE TO REMOVE LUG NUTS. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE UNTRUE, BECAUSE TO ELIMINATE THIS POSSIBILITY, I PERSONALLY ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE FOUR KEYED WHEEL LOCKS (WITH MY BRAND NEW WHEEL LOCK KEY) PRIOR TO A TIRE ROTATION AT A TIRE SALES FACILITY. THE BRAND NEW WHEEL LOCK KEY CRACKED AGAIN (AFTER THE THIRD MCGARD LUG), SIMPLY BY ME TRYING TO REMOVE THE KEYED LUGS. IT SHOULD BE NOTED SUBARU LUG NUT TORQUE HAD BEEN APPROXIMATELY 62' LBS., AND IT IS NOW APPROXIMATELY 85' LBS. PLEASE ALSO SEE MY OTHER NHTSA COMPLAINT REGARDING THE UNUSABLE SUBARU SUPPLIED LUG WRENCH. I BELIEVE THIS AFFECTS 2013 MODELS, AND VERY POSSIBLY MODEL YEARS PRIOR TO 2012. *TR

8/13/2014

4 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

POWER STEERING FAILED UNEXPECTEDLY, DEALER VERIFIED IT WAS DUE TO A CRACKED WIRING HARNESS. *TR

7/5/2012

CAR WAS DRIVEN TO A GROCERY STORE AND WAS PARKED FOR APPROX. 15 MINUTES. UPON STARTING THE CAR AND PLACING IT IN REVERSE, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AND THE POWER STEERING CEASED TO FUNCTION ACCOMPANIED BY AN EPAS WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYED ON THE DASH. THE LIGHT EXTINGUISHED AFTER TWO RESTARTS, BUT RE-LIT UPON SLIGHT MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MOMENTARY VIBRATION AND LOSS OF POWER ASSIST. WE DROVE THE CAR .7 MILE TO THE SUBARU DEALER WITH NO POWER STEERING ASSIST. A SERVICE ADVISER STARTED THE CAR MINUTES LATER AND THE STEERING FUNCTIONED NORMALLY WITH NO MALFUNCTION LIGHT DISPLAYED. THE SERVICE ADVISER SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO LOOK FOR A STORED CODE TO DETERMINE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 40 DEG F. THE CAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER WITHOUT POWER ASSIST AT LOWER SPEED. *TR

11/22/2014

3 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, ENGINE POWER CUT OUT, AND COMPLETE LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL OCCURRED. THE CAR COULD ONLY ACCELERATE EXTREMELY SLOWLY, AND NOT PAST 20-25 MPH. THANKFULLY NOT ON A HIGH-SPEED ROAD. MANAGED TO GET HOME (BARELY), CAR WORKED FINE THE NEXT DAY. DEALER FOUND OBD CODE P0128, REPROGRAMMED ECM TO REMOVE THE CODE. THE SAME PROBLEM HAD OCCURRED ~1 YEAR PREVIOUSLY DUE TO A FAULTY ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR (NHTSA COMPLAINT RECENTLY FILED). DEALER CLAIMS CAUSES ARE UNRELATED. THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN IF IT OCCURS ON A HIGHWAY, WE NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. *TR

1/8/2014

WHILE DRIVING IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, ENGINE POWER WAS LOST, AND COMPLETE LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL OCCURRED. CAR WOULD ACCELERATE EXTREMELY SLOWLY, AND NOT PAST 20-25 MPH (PRESUMABLY 'ENGINE FAIL-SAFE MODE'?). THANKFULLY NOT ON A HIGH-SPEED ROAD. OBD CODE WAS P2138, INDICATING A FAULTY ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR, WHICH WAS REPLACED BY DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

1/8/2014

3 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN JANUARY 2012 AND HAVE CONSISTENTLY ADDED 1 QUART +/- APPROXIMATELY EVERY 1,200 MILES, MORE OFTEN AND INCREASED ADDED OIL VOLUME DURING EXTENDED DRIVING TIMES. I HAVE SPOKEN DIRECTLY WITH SUBARU DEALERS/SERVICE MANAGERS IN 3 DIFFERENT CALIFORNIA CITIES WHOM HAVE BEEN ALERTED TO THIS OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE AND HAVE CASUALLY EXPLAINED THE CONSUMPTION OF 3-5 QUARTS OF OIL BETWEEN CHANGES AS NORMAL. RESEARCH SEEMS TO SHOW THAT SOME SUBARU DEALERS HAVE BEGUN TO REPLACE THE SHORT BLOCK OF THE ENGINES THAT ARE CONSUMING TOO MUCH OIL, BUT ONLY FOR THOSE WITH DOCUMENTED OIL LOSS. THOSE PEOPLE THAT VISIT THE DEALER EXCLUSIVELY FOR THEIR SERVICE ARE LIKELY THE ONES WHO WILL HAVE THEIR ENGINES REPLACED WITHOUT COST, LEAVING THE REST OF US OUT TO DRY. SUBARU NEEDS TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM, NOT SWEEP THE ISSUE UNDER THE RUG AND FORCE THE SUBARU CUSTOMER BASE TO PAY TOO MUCH FOR AN ENGINE THAT WAS NOT MEANT TO LAST.

6/30/2015

WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY ,SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED FOR UNKNOWN REASON.

2/4/2016

3 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE REAR-END LIGHTING (BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS) FOR A NUMBER OF RECENT MODEL YEARS FROM A FEW MANUFACTURERS IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE. IF IT HASN'T ALREADY CAUSED ACCIDENTS I WOULD BE COMPLETELY AMAZED. I HAVE SEEN, ON AT LEAST SUBARUS AND VOLKSWAGENS, BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WHICH ARE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DISTINGUISH IN REAL-LIFE DRIVING SCENARIOS. I AM AN EXCEPTIONALLY SKILLED AND ATTENTIVE DRIVER SO THIS HASN'T CAUSED ME ANY HARM YET, BUT I KNOW MOST DRIVERS ARE NOT SKILLED OR ATTENTIVE. *TR

5/8/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED RYE SUBARU (LOCATED AT 1175 BOSTON POST RD, RYE, NY 10580, (914) 967-6300) AND STAMFORD SUBARU (LOCATED AT 198 BAXTER AVE, STAMFORD, CT 06902, (203) 252-2222) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,777. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

4/1/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH A PASSENGER, AIRBAG LIGHT SWITCHES TO OFF AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH ILLUMINATES. PASSENGER CAN THEN UNBUCKLE SEAT BELT AND NO ALARMS SOUND ALERTING THAT THE SEATBELT IS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY BLAMED IT ON A PAIR OF JUMPER CABLES UNDER THE SEAT. SERVICE WRITER TOLD ME IT COULD HAPPEN IF SOMEONE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH WATER IN THEIR SYSTEM, WHICH IS BS. IF ITS NOT BS THEN I DON'T FEEL SAFE WITH A PASSENGER. EVEN AFTER JUMPER CABLES WERE REMOVED THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. HAVE SEEN MANY ISSUES ON FORUMS WITH SAME PROBLEM. *JS

7/29/2012

THE AIRBAGS IN THIS VEHICLE TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD ICONS INDICATE AIRBAGS ARE TURNED OFF). VEHICLE MUST BE STOPPED AND RESTARTED FOR THE AIRBAGS TO TURN BACK ON. THERE SEEMS TO BE A RELATIONSHIP TO ELECTRONIC INTERFERENCE - PASSENGER USE OF IPHONE OR IPAD MAY BE INVOLVED - BUT IT HAS HAPPENED WITH NO PASSENGER AS WELL. THIS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN ONE DAY RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH ALTITUDE (PIKES PEAK, CO). PROBABLY RELATED: THE SEAT BELT ALARM HAS GONE OFF WHEN IPHONE IS PLACED ON EMPTY PASSENGER SEAT WHILE DRIVING. *TR

10/21/2012

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN MY 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX. NO IMPACT, CALM WEATHER (NO DEBRIS FLYING AROUND), NO OTHER VEHICLES NEARBY (THAT COULD HAVE THROWN A ROCK OR SOMETHING). *TR

5/14/2014

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO A FRIEND'S HOUSE. AS SHE ENTERED THE PARKING AREA, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE HOUSE. THE FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS CAME OUT. THE ONLY INJURY TO HER WAS A BADLY SCRAPED RIGHT LEG AND CHEST PAIN. THE HOUSE SUFFERED DAMAGE.

12/23/2017

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SUSPENSION

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I SIDESWIPED A PARKED CAR AND THE MOMENTUM CAUSED MY CAR TO FLIP OVER AND LAND ON ITS ROOF. HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THE ADJUSTER BUT IT IS OBVIOUS THE CAR IS "TOTALED". WRITING TO YOU TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I ALSO WROTE TO SUBARU TO ADVISE THEM THAT I THINK THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED BUT NONE OF THEM DID. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN UNION, N.J. *TR

7/11/2014

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.

4/4/2018

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SPONTANEOUS CRACKS IN WINDSHIELD. CAR WAS NOT IN USE AND SITTING IN OPEN SPACE. NO VISIBLE CHIPS OR ANY REASON FOR THIS OCCURRENCE. *TR

7/22/2014

OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE: 33 DEGREES F. NO PRECIPITATION. ROAD CONDITION: DRY, MODERATELY ROUGH ROAD SURFACE. ONCOMING TRAFFIC: NONE INTERNAL HEAT APPLIED TO WINDSHIELD, FULL HEAT, AIR SPEED LEVEL 2. WITHOUT ANY EXTERNAL FORCE BEING APPLIED TO THE WINDSHIELD, SUDDENLY AN APPROXIMATELY 18 INCH CRACK APPEARED IN THE PASSENGER'S PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD, LOW DOWN, CRACKING FROM SLIGHTLY OFF RIGHT CENTER, TOWARD THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR. *TR

2/21/2015

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO FUEL THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL VENT WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FUEL TO LEAK OUT. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONTINUOUSLY FOR MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,500.

3/26/2015

I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN JANUARY 2012 AND HAVE CONSISTENTLY ADDED 1 QUART +/- APPROXIMATELY EVERY 1,200 MILES, MORE OFTEN AND INCREASED ADDED OIL VOLUME DURING EXTENDED DRIVING TIMES. I HAVE SPOKEN DIRECTLY WITH SUBARU DEALERS/SERVICE MANAGERS IN 3 DIFFERENT CALIFORNIA CITIES WHOM HAVE BEEN ALERTED TO THIS OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE AND HAVE CASUALLY EXPLAINED THE CONSUMPTION OF 3-5 QUARTS OF OIL BETWEEN CHANGES AS NORMAL. RESEARCH SEEMS TO SHOW THAT SOME SUBARU DEALERS HAVE BEGUN TO REPLACE THE SHORT BLOCK OF THE ENGINES THAT ARE CONSUMING TOO MUCH OIL, BUT ONLY FOR THOSE WITH DOCUMENTED OIL LOSS. THOSE PEOPLE THAT VISIT THE DEALER EXCLUSIVELY FOR THEIR SERVICE ARE LIKELY THE ONES WHO WILL HAVE THEIR ENGINES REPLACED WITHOUT COST, LEAVING THE REST OF US OUT TO DRY. SUBARU NEEDS TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM, NOT SWEEP THE ISSUE UNDER THE RUG AND FORCE THE SUBARU CUSTOMER BASE TO PAY TOO MUCH FOR AN ENGINE THAT WAS NOT MEANT TO LAST.

6/30/2015

1 more complaint is available in this category.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM. WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT RIGHT SEAT THE AIRBAG SIGN WILL SAY PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF. THIS WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING OR STATIONARY.

8/7/2018

THE AIRBAG SENSOR DOES NOT DETECT THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER DURING TRAVEL. THE PASSESGER AIRBAG DISPLAY IS ON AT THE START BUT THEN SWITCHES TO OFF WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING, AFTER AROUND 20 MINUTES OR MORE OF DRIVING. SO FAR, RESTARTING THE CAR HAS PUT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG BACK ON, BUT THIS REQUIRES THE DRIVER TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO STOP AND RESTART THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN JUNE, ONCE IN JULY, AND NOW TWICE THIS WEEK (BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER). IN JUNE AND JULY WE WERE ON AN INTERSTATE GOING 70 MPH. THIS WEEK WE WERE DRIVING IN TOWN AT 40 MPH. THE CAR WAS MOVING STRAIGHT AT THE TIME. THE SEAT WAS NOT WET.

9/4/2018

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN MY 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX. NO IMPACT, CALM WEATHER (NO DEBRIS FLYING AROUND), NO OTHER VEHICLES NEARBY (THAT COULD HAVE THROWN A ROCK OR SOMETHING). *TR

5/14/2014

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE (ALMOST LIKE A GUNSHOT), AND LOOKED UP TO SEE MY SUNROOF/MOONROOF HAD SHATTERED. THE ROAD I WAS DRIVING ON WAS BEING REPAVED, SO I DID HIT A SLIGHT BUMP, BUT I HAD DRIVEN ON THE SAME BUMP FOR THE PREVIOUS 3 DAYS AND SO DID ALL OTHER DRIVERS. I DO NOT KNOW HOW SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAVE OCCURRED. MY CAR DID NOT BOTTOM-OUT OR HIT ANYTHING, BUT SOMEHOW THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED. *TR

4/7/2015

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TOOK DELIVERY OF VEHICLE THAT HAD RECALL WVY-35 COMPLETED PRE-DELIVERY. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES OF DRIVING (65 TOTAL ODOMETER MILES), BRAKING FORCE DROPPED TO NEAR ZERO. INSPECTION REVEALED SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. PROBLEM FIRST MANIFESTED WITH SLOWLY SINKING BRAKE PEDAL AT STOPS, WITH BRAKING STILL EFFECTIVE, BUT QUICKLY DEVELOPED TO THE POINT THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GO FULLY TO THE FLOOR WITH SEVERELY REDUCED BRAKE FORCE. *TR

12/12/2011

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, HE NOTICED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK ON THEIR OWN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN WITHOUT ENGAGING THE LOCK BUTTON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS INTENDED. UPDATED 7/26/12 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED IF HE LOCKED THE DOORS AND TRIED TO EXIT THE DRIVERS DOOR (OR ANY OF THE DOORS), THE DOOR MUST BE UNLOCKED BEFORE THE DOOR WILL OPEN. UPDATED 08/07/12 THE CONSUMER STATED WITH ALL THE VEHICLES HE HAS DRIVEN/RENTED, HE HAS NEVER SEEN A SITUATION WHERE THIS WAS THE CASE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH WHERE FUEL IS LEAKING, THE EXTRA SECONDS NEEDED TO RESET THE LOCK COULD BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GETTING OUT THE CAR WITHOUT INJURY OR SUFFERING SIGNIFICANT/FATAL INJURY. UPDATED 03/26/13

5/21/2012

TIRES

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

CRACK IN TIRE SIDEWALL. NO EXTERIOR DAMAGE. TIRE GUY SAID PROBLEM IN MANUFACTURE. *TR

1/28/2013

EQUIPMENT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE INSTALLATION OF VEHICLE REMOTE STARTER. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A RECALL REGARDING THE REMOTE STARTED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE REMOTE THAT WAS INSTALLED IN HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT A SUBARU MANUFACTURED UNIT, AND THEREFORE NOT SUBJECT TO RECALL.

3/5/2014

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION: I AM EXPERIENCING A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM WITH MY SUBARU IMPREZA 2012 WITH EXCESSIVE USE OF OIL AND THE OIL LIGHT GOING ON. I UNDERSTAND FROM THE SERVICE PEOPLE THAT THIS IS CAUSED BY "BLOWBACK" PAST THE CYLINDERS, CAUSING EXCESSIVE OIL USE, INCONVENIENCE TO OWNERS, AND AN INFLATED COST OF OWNERSHIP (SYNTHETIC OIL IS $8/QT.) SUBARU INSISTS THIS IS NORMAL BUT WHEN I TRADED IN MY LEXUS AT 257,000 MILES WITH NEVER AN ADDITIONAL DROP OF OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES, I CERTAINLY DIDN'T EXPECT TO TRADE IT IN FOR AN OIL GUZZLER LIKE THE SUBARU IMPREZA. SUBARU WILL DO NOTHING AND INSISTS THIS IS NORMAL - - AT LEAST FOR THEM! IT WAS FIXED FOR THE 2013 AND 2014 MODELS BUT THEY ARE AVOIDING DOING ANYTHING FOR THOSE WHO PURCHASED THE 2012 MODEL AND ARE EXPERIENCING VERY INFLATED COST OF OWNERSHIP AS WELL AS TREMENDOUS INCONVENIENCE. *TR

3/7/2014

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

SPONTANEOUS CRACKS IN WINDSHIELD. CAR WAS NOT IN USE AND SITTING IN OPEN SPACE. NO VISIBLE CHIPS OR ANY REASON FOR THIS OCCURRENCE. *TR

7/22/2014

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WARNING LAMPS FOR STABILITY CONTROL AIR BAG RANDOMLY LIGHT UP ON MY DASH BOARD PANEL. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL ALSO SWITCH TO OFF EVEN WHEN A PASSER IS SITTING IN THE SEAT OR THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING SOUND WILL GO OFF IF A SMALL OBJECT IS PLACED ON THE SEAT. MY MECHANIC CAN'T FIND THE ISSUE AS I CANNOT RECREATE THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CAUSE THE LAMPS TO SWITCH ON OR THE WARNING SIREN TO CHIME. COMPUTER READINGS DO NOT RETURN ANY "CODES" IF THE LAMPS AREN'T ON.

8/25/2015

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Subaru Impreza?

The most reported complaint category for the 2012 Subaru Impreza is AIR BAGS, with 105 owner reports. That is about 31% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include AIR BAGS, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2012 Subaru Impreza a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 240 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Subaru Impreza?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2012 Subaru Impreza severe?

240 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Subaru Impreza: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
336
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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