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2014 Subaru Impreza Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20263 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2014 Subaru Impreza Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2014 Subaru Impreza has 153 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve air bags and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.2/ 10

Based on 153 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

AIR BAGS

37 24.2%

ENGINE

19 12.4%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14 9.2%

POWER TRAIN

9 5.9%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

9 5.9%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is AIR BAGS, accounting for 24.2% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 30 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 2014 Subaru Impreza

The 2014 Subaru Impreza has 153 owner complaints in this dataset. AIR BAGS is the most common complaint category, representing about 24% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2014 Subaru Impreza are AIR BAGS (37), ENGINE (19), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (14).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 98 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 2014 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 intervals2013 Impreza complaints2015 Impreza complaints2016 Impreza complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 30 of 30 systems

AIR BAGS

37 Reports24% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN MY SON HAS A 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA . LEASED BRAND NEW. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE BEACH AND AFTER DRYING OFF THE PASSENGER NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT LIGHT WAS NOT ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER IN RAMSEY NEW JERSEY ?INVOICE 244854 .THEY HAD THE TECHNICIANS LOOK AT THE CAR AND WHAT THEY TOLD US WAS VERY UPSETTING AND SEEMS RIDICULOUS . IF THE PASSENGER SEAT IS THE LEAST BIT DAMP THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE IN WRITING FROM SUBARU, OWNER?S MANUAL PAGE 1-47. SO IF THERE IS A CHILD THAT IS A PASSENGER AND HE SPILLS A SODA OR EVEN WATER THERE COULD BE A PROBLEM. HOW MANY PASSENGER DRINK COFFEE ON THEIR WAY TO WORK. THE ADVICE FROM SUBARU IS THAT IF THE SEAT GETS WET HAVE THE PASSENGER SIT IN THE BACK UNTIL IT TOTALLY DRIES. WHAT ? THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN?.REMEMBER TAKATA. I CAN?T BELIEVE A COMPANY LIKE SUBARU CANNOT FIX THIS PROBLEM, I UNDERSTAND THAT IT MAY ALSO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE OUTBACK AND FORESTER. ALL MODELS IF TRUE ARE ADVERTISED FOR THE OUT DOORS. UPDATED 11/25/15*LJ

7/30/2015

PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHTS TURNS OFF AFTER SOME TIME DRIVING WITH A 200 LB PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE LIGHT STARTS OFF ON AND TURNS OFF MEANING THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. SUBARU DEALER REVIEWED PROBLEM AND DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG EXCEPT FOR SOME HISTORICAL WET SENSOR ERROR CODES. THIS IS UNSAFE AS AS THE AIR BAG WON'T DEPLOY IF I HAVE A CRASH. I HAVE THE DEALER PAPERWORK WHERE THEY TESTED IT AND DID NOTHING !!

8/29/2015

35 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

19 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY AND RESUMED IN NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 424. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

5/13/2014

CHECK OIL LIGHT FIRST CAME ON AT 2500 MILES, HAD TO ADD A QUART OF OIL AND ALSO GOT A COMPLETE OIL CHANGE. HAD TO ADD ANOTHER 1/2 QUART OF OIL AT 6000 AND ANOTHER ONE AGAIN AT 9000 DUE TO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. AT 2500, DEALERSHIP SAID THIS OIL CONSUMPTION RATE WAS NORMAL. AT 9000, DURING ANOTHER MINOR SERVICE, WAS AGAIN TOLD MY CURRENT RATE OF OIL CONSUMPTION WAS NORMAL. HOWEVER, HAVING TO ADD OIL THREE TIMES IN 9000 MILES FOR A BRAND NEW CAR DOESN'T SEEM SAFE. *TR

11/5/2014

17 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING IT OFF, THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, AND WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHILE THE SHIFTER WAS STILL IN DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,073.

6/20/2014

TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT SYSTEM OF MY VEHICLE IS DEFINITELY DEFECTIVE. DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECT & "RESET" TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR AFTER I GOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY FROM MY TIRE EXPLODING FROM A LACK OF TIRE PRESSURE & FAILURE OF LIGHT SHOWING ON MY DASHBOARD. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, A 3RD PARTY TIRE SHOP THEN PROPERLY INFLATED AIR PRESSURE TO ALL 4 TIRES WHICH THEN CAUSED THE AIR PRESSURE LIGHT TO APPEAR ON THE DASH... THIS REVEALS THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE ALERT SYSTEM IS WORKING IN THE OPPOSITE WAY THAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO. IN MY CASE; WHEN THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOW; I WOULD NOT GET AN ALERT (THIS IS WHEN IT SHOULD ALERT); BUT WHEN MY TIRE PRESSURE WAS INFLATED TO STANDARDS, THE LIGHT WOULD ALERT ON THE DASH (ERROR). THIS CAUSED ME TO GET INTO A CAR ACCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY AND IS A DANGER TO MANY DRIVERS DRIVING & AROUND THE DRIVERS OF OTHER AFFECTED SUBARUS. THE 3RD PARTY TIRE SHOP TRIED RESETTING THE DEFECTED TIRE SENSOR; & WAS NOT ABLE TO RESET THE SENSOR THAT WAS NOT WORKING. SUBARU WAS ABLE TO RESET THE SENSOR. WHY WAS SUBARU ABLE TO RESET, BUT THE 3RD PARTY COULD NOT?-POSSIBLE RED FLAG.THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT ORDER ME A NEW TIRE SENSOR. THEY JUST "RESET" THE SENSOR WHEN ANOTHER TIRE COMPANY WAS NOT ABLE TO. RESET OR NOT; THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT; THE DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE SENSOR WAS DEFECTED (OR ELSE THEY WOULD NOT HAVE HAD A NEED TO "RESET" IT & GIVE ME A FREE MAINTENANCE SERVICE) AND KNOWS ABOUT THE ACCIDENT IT CAUSED ME AS A RESULT. BECAUSE WE KNOW THE TIRE SENSOR IS DEFECTED (OR ELSE THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO "RESET" THE SENSOR); WHAT'S TO SAY THAT IT WILL NOT DEFECT AGAIN? WHAT IS TO SAY THAT THEY ILLEGALLY JUST TURNED OFF THE SENSOR LIGHT TO COVER UP THE PROBLEM WHEN THE TIRE SENSOR IS STILL DEFECTIVE? WHY DID THEY REINSTALL AN ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECTED TIRE SENSOR AS OPPOSED TO ORDERING ME A NEW TIRE SENSOR?INVESTIGATE PLS

9/22/2015

12 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

9 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PARKED THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ON A LARGE PULL OUT AREA. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, TURNED THE OFF AND TOOK THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO TAKE SOME PICTURES OF THE FALL COLORS. I WAS OUT OF THE CAR FOR ABOUT 3 TO 5 MINUTES AND I LOOK BACK TO SEE THE CAR ROLLING DOWN THE SLOPE IN TO A TRUCK THAT WAS PARKED IN THE SAME AREA. WHEN I GOT BACK INTO THE CAR THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN NEUTRAL. THE HOOD AND FRONT BUMPER WAS DAMAGED. *TR

9/29/2014

I AM FILING A COMPLAINT FOR MY SUBARU AS THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. I WAS UNAWARE OF THIS AND NEVER EVEN NOTIFIED OF AN ISSUE OR AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. MY SAFETY IS AT RISK AS THE VEHICLE IS NOT OPERATING AS IT SHOULD AND I WAS TOLD BY SUBARU THAT THEY ONLY HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH I AM OUT OF AND BASICALLY TOO BAD OUR KNOWN ISSUE IS NOT SUBARUS RESPONSIBILITY ONCE YOU HIT A 100,000 MILES. HOW IS A KNOWN STALLING ISSUE DUE TO A TRANSMISION FAILURE IN A VEHICLE NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND A RECALL????? WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THERE NOT BEING A RECALL? I NEED TO KNOW SO THAT IF AND WHEN MY SAFETY OR ANY OTHERS IS COMPROMISED GOD FORBID ANYONE IS HURT OR CRITICALLY INJURED, DUE TO THIS KNOWN PROBLEM, WHICH HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED, WHO I WILL SUE.

1/25/2019

7 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

9 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVING 65 MPH (TEMPERATURE 34 DEGREES, NO HEAT ON IN CAR) EARLY SUNDAY AM 12/4 (NO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME) AND MY SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED. DEALER IS TRYING TO TELL ME IT WAS FROM A ROCK OR OTHER PARTICLE ITEM (SERIOUSLY... NO ONE WAS IN FRONT ME). THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT AND I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. I HAVE 5 TOTAL PICTURES BUT THE SYSTEM ISN'T ALLOWING ME TO ATTACH MORE. *TR

12/5/2016

THE GAS GUAGE INNACCURATELY DESCRIBES HOW MUCH GAS IS LEFT IN THE TANK. I FILLED MY TANK FROM 40 MILES TWO WEEKS AGO. I PAID $32 FOR THE GAS AND IT ONLY READ 170 MILES TILL EMPTY UNLIKE THE USUAL 300 MILES. 5 HOURS LATER, WHEN IT CORRECTED ITSELF, RETURNING TO 300 MILES. THIS WEEK, UPON FILLING MY CAR UP AT 40 MILES TILL EMPTY, I PAID $28. MY CAR READ 280 MILES TILL EMPTY AND THEN SHOT UP TO 300 MILES HALF AN HOUR LATER. I FEEL UNSAFE TO LET MY CAR GO LONG PERIODS OF TIME WITHOUT FILLING WITH GAS. I CALLED MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANTED ME TO WAIT ALMOST 3 WEEKS TO BRING MY CAR IN, EVEN WHEN STATED THAT I HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING PREVIOUSLY WITH OTHER 2011-2016 SUBARU IMPREZAS. THEIR RESPONSE WAS LESS THAN COMFORTING "CLAIMING" THEY HAVE HAD NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OR TRENDS OF THIS HAPPENING WITH MY GENERATION IMPREZA, ONLY THE NEWER MODEL IMPREZAS AND CROSSTREKS.

12/8/2018

7 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

8 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS IN MY 2014 IMPREZA STOPPED WORKING DUE TO A SENSOR MALFUNCTION AFTER THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION GOT WET (E.G., BY PEOPLE SITTING IN THE SEAT AFTER EXERCISING OR GETTING CAUGHT IN THE RAIN). AN AIRBAG SENSOR SHOULD NOT DISABLE AN AIRBAG BECAUSE OF A WET SEAT. THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT, HAS BEEN WIDELY REPORTED FOR THE 2014 IMPREZA IN ONLINE MESSAGE BOARDS, AND IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE DEFECT THAT PRECIPITATED A 2012 IMPREZA SAFETY RECALL (RECALL #WQT-55, SAFETY CAMPAIGN 15V419000) SUBARU SHOULD RECALL THE 2014 IMPREZA AND PAY FOR THE COST OF REPLACING DEFECTIVE AIRBAG SENSORS.

8/9/2018

AIRBAGS IN THE CAR SHUT OFF WHEN A PASSENGER GETS IN THE SEAT IF THEY HAVE EVEN A TINY AMOUNT OF MOISTURE....SUCH AS AFTER WORKING OUT AT THE GYM *AND CHANGING CLOTHES*. ALSO IF IT'S RAINING, THE 50' WALK FROM THE HOUSE TO THE CAR PUTS ENOUGH MOISTURE ON THE PASSENGER TO MAKE ALL OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE CAR SHUT OFF. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME TO NOT GET THE SEAT WET. SEVERAL OTHER YEAR MODELS OF SUBARU HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE- THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED.

10/30/2018

6 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2014 I HAD A FEW QUESTIONABLE INCIDENTS THAT HAPPENED PULLING IN TO VARIOUS PARKING SPACES, WHETHER IT WAS THE SUPERMARKET OR THE SCHOOLS WITH WHICH MY CHILDREN ATTEND AND THAT I WORK. I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT AS THIS IS A NEW CAR AND IT SHOULD WORK PERFECTLY. THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 17TH THIS WAS THE MOMENT I KNEW I WASN'T IMAGINING THINGS, MY FIRST MOMENT OF COMPLETE PANIC AS MY BRAND NEW CAR UNINTENDED ACCELERATED TOWARD MY GARAGE. I HAD JUST DROPPED OFF MY CHILD AND A NEIGHBORS CHILD AT SCHOOL. WE CARPOOL TO HELP EACH OTHER OUT. I APPLIED AS MUCH PRESSURE I COULD TO BRAKE THAT CAR. I KNEW AT THIS MOMENT IT WASN'T ME AND THAT I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN MORE NOTICE AND ACTION IN JANUARY. MARCH 7TH IT WAS JUST ANOTHER TYPICAL DAY OF DRIVING MY AND MY NEIGHBORS' CHILDREN TO AND FROM SCHOOL. WE HAD MY SON'S FRIEND IN THE CAR, BOTH ARE ONLY 9/8 YEARS OF AGE, MY DAUGHTER, 11, HAD HER FRIEND IN THE CAR. WE WENT FROM THE LIBRARY DROPPED OFF MY SON'S FRIEND AND PROCEEDED HOME. WE WERE ALL LAUGHING AND HAVING A GOOD TIME AS WE PULLED IN TO THE DRIVEWAY. ALL OF SUDDEN THE CAR HAD AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATED MOMENT AND RACED TOWARD THE GARAGE. ONCE THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED THERE, WAS COMPLETE DEAD SILENCE. SKID MARKS ON MY DRIVEWAY. I IMMEDIATELY WENT IN TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP TO INFORM AND FIND OUT WHAT TO DO. MARCH 14TH LOADED 2 DOGS IN TO THE CAR TO GO TO THE PARK. AS WE BACKED OUT I SAW THE OTHER TWO AND DECIDED IT WOULD BE A FAMILY AFFAIR. WE HAVE 4 LABRADORS. SO AS I PULLED BACK IN TO THE DRIVEWAY AND AS WE (THE DOGS AND I) PULLED IN, THE CAR AGAIN ACCELERATED TOWARDS THE GARAGE. AT THIS POINT I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND SAID THAT IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. STILL THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND EVEN CAME AND DROVE IT AT MY HOUSE WITH THE CAR COMPUTER ATTACHED TO A LAPTOP. WE DROVE IN AND OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY 2 TIMES. *TR

4/6/2014

DRIVER WAS PARKING VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD, CROSSING PARKING BARRIER, BUSHES IN PLANTING AT EDGE OF LOT, AND SIDEWALK HITTING A PARKED CAR. DRIVER STATES THAT BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED AT TIME OF INCIDENT. *TR

8/8/2014

5 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

5 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVER WAS PARKING VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD, CROSSING PARKING BARRIER, BUSHES IN PLANTING AT EDGE OF LOT, AND SIDEWALK HITTING A PARKED CAR. DRIVER STATES THAT BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED AT TIME OF INCIDENT. *TR

8/8/2014

CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED IN A REMOTE AREA OF A PARKING LOT IN A MALL. WENT OVER A CURB, CROSSED A GRASSY AREA AND STRUCK A TREE. DRIVER INDICATES THAT BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO NO AVAIL. REAR DRIVING WHEELS WERE DEPRESSED INTO THE GROUND AFTER THE CAR WAS STOPPED BY THE TREE, INDICATING THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE CAR WAS STILL ACCELERATING AFTER IT WAS STOPPED BY THE TREE. *TR

11/10/2014

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

5 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVER WAS PARKING VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD, CROSSING PARKING BARRIER, BUSHES IN PLANTING AT EDGE OF LOT, AND SIDEWALK HITTING A PARKED CAR. DRIVER STATES THAT BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED AT TIME OF INCIDENT. *TR

8/8/2014

CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED IN A REMOTE AREA OF A PARKING LOT IN A MALL. WENT OVER A CURB, CROSSED A GRASSY AREA AND STRUCK A TREE. DRIVER INDICATES THAT BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO NO AVAIL. REAR DRIVING WHEELS WERE DEPRESSED INTO THE GROUND AFTER THE CAR WAS STOPPED BY THE TREE, INDICATING THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE CAR WAS STILL ACCELERATING AFTER IT WAS STOPPED BY THE TREE. *TR

11/10/2014

3 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

5 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED IN A REMOTE AREA OF A PARKING LOT IN A MALL. WENT OVER A CURB, CROSSED A GRASSY AREA AND STRUCK A TREE. DRIVER INDICATES THAT BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO NO AVAIL. REAR DRIVING WHEELS WERE DEPRESSED INTO THE GROUND AFTER THE CAR WAS STOPPED BY THE TREE, INDICATING THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE CAR WAS STILL ACCELERATING AFTER IT WAS STOPPED BY THE TREE. *TR

11/10/2014

WARNING LIGHT FLASHES FOR 30 SECONDS THEN STAY ON. CHECKED TIRE PRESSURE. ALL WERE GOOD. *TR

1/8/2015

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

4 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY 2014 SUBARU HAS LESS THEN 21,000 MILES AND THE FRONT BRAKES STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE WHHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE CALIPERS WERE BINDING UP DUE TO RUST, PRESUMABLY FROM ROAD SALT. MY CAR SPENT 2 WINTERS IN UTAH AND THE REMAINDER OF ITS SHORT 3 YEAR LIFE IN THE CALIFORNIA BAY AREA. I CONTACTED SUBARU CUSTOMER SUPPORT ABOUT THIS AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR WAS 6 MONTHS OUTSIDE ITS 3 YEAR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY, THERE WERE NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME. BRAKE CALIPERS SHOULD NOT NEED REPLACING AT 21,000 MILES AND SHOULD LAST CLOSER TO 100,000 MILES. I BELEIVE THESE CALIPERS ARE DEFECTIVE AND A SAFETY HAZARD. SUBARU HAD TO RECALL 660,000 VEHICLES DUE TO RUST AFFECTING THEIR BRAKE LINES (HTTPS://WWW.NYTIMES.COM/2014/07/04/AUTOMOBILES/SUBARU-RECALLS-660000-VEHICLES-FOR-BRAKE-LINE-CORROSION.HTML?MCUBZ=3) AND I BELEIVE THAT THIS PROBLEM ALSO EXTEND TO THEIR BRAKE CALIPERS AND THAT THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THIS PART OF THE VEHICLE. I THINK THE NHTSA NEEDS TO EXOAND THE SUBARU RECALL. I MENTIONED THIS RUST RELATED BRAKE RECALL TO SUBARU SUPPORT AND THEY REFUSED TO RECOGNIZE ANY CONNECTION BETWEEN MY ISSUE AND THE RECALLS THEY HAVE HAD.

8/28/2017

2014 SUBARU IMPREZZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FAINT METALLIC SQUEAL ON LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE METALLIC SQUEAL WAS DUE TO BRAKES THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED PREMATURELY. THE TIRES MADE A SHIMMYING SOUND WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER ADVISED THE SOUND WAS DUE TO ROCKS TRAPPED IN THE TIRE TREAD BEING TOSSED AROUND IN THE WHEEL WELLS. THE BREAKS WERE REPAIRED, BUT THE TIRES WERE NOT. *JS

11/30/2018

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS

4 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO METRO WEST SUBARU (948 WORCESTER ST, NATICK, MA 01760) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR ON THE PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND A NEW SEAT NEEDED TO BE PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.

11/5/2019

THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR CONTINUALLY MALFUNCTIONS AND TURNS OFF THE AIRBAG WHILE A FRONT PASSENGER IS IN PLACE. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE FOR WHICH A NHTSA RECALL WAS PLACED ON 2013 SUBARU IMPREZAS, SO THE PROBLEM IS NOT LIMITED TO ONLY THAT ONE MODEL YEAR. IN FACT, THIS APPEARS TO BE COMMON ACROSS ALL SUBARUS' ELECTROSTATIC CAPACITANCE SENSOR. THIS RECALL MUST BE EXPANDED FOR THE PROTECTION OF PASSENGERS IN THESE CARS.

8/11/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

4 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY CAR HAS AN UNEVEN STEERING EFFORT. THE STEERING IS TIGHTER AND MORE DIFFICULT TO STEER WHEN DRIVING, WHILE TURNING RIGHT. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE IN THE TWO YEARS I'VE OWNED THIS CAR. A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS RELEASED 7/24/18, NUMBER: 04-21-18, SHOWING SEVERAL MODELS OF SUBARU'S HAVE THIS STEERING ISSUE. I HAVE ATTACHED THE BULLETIN BELOW FOR YOUR REVIEW. THE BULLETIN SAYS, "IF A CRACK IS CONFIRMED, THE EPS STEERING GEAR BOX ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED." THE WORD "MUST" TELLS ME IT IS AN IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THIS CAR, I RETURNED IT TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING.

11/29/2019

I BOUGHT MY CAR BRAND NEW AND ABOUT SIX MONTHS AFTER OWNING IT MY CHECK ENGINE, HAZARDOUS ROADS AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. THIS HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT'S A SENSOR, MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR. OCV VALVES AND "MAINTENANCE" LIGHT. THE PROBLEM HAS NEVER TRULY BEEN RESOLVED AND NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM IS. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN SERVICE WORKERS HAVE JUST CLEARED THE COMPUTER AND SENT ME ON MY WAY.

12/15/2019

2 more complaints are available in this category.

TIRES

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

HIT SMALL POT HOLE WHICH OTHER CARS WERE DRIVING OVER WITH NO FAILURES. I CALLED SUBARU ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THEY PUT DONUT FLAT ON. *JS

4/30/2014

WARNING LIGHT FLASHES FOR 30 SECONDS THEN STAY ON. CHECKED TIRE PRESSURE. ALL WERE GOOD. *TR

1/8/2015

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING IT OFF, THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, AND WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHILE THE SHIFTER WAS STILL IN DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,073.

6/20/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS CEASED IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO EXCESSIVELY TURN THE KEY WHEN IN THE IGNITION FOR THE KEY TO BE RELEASED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER (ANCHOR SUBARU - ADDRESS: 949 EDDIE DOWLING HWY, NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI 02896, PHONE: (401) 769-1199) WHO SCHEDULED AN UPCOMING APPOINTMENT HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

8/12/2020

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ABOUT 6-8 MONTHS AGO AS I WAS MAKING A TURN I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND INSTEAD OF SLOWING DOWN THE ENGINE THROTTLED UP. AND AFTER A FEW MOMENTS WENT BACK TO NORMAL. TWO WEEKS AGO AS I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE COMING TO A STOP SIGN THE ENGINE THROTTLED UP AND I HAD DIFFICULTY COMING TO A STOP. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF. WHEN I STARTED IT AGAIN THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY WENT TO HIGH THROTTLE TO THE POINT THAT THE FRONT OF THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING. I TURNED IT OFF AGAIN AND RESTARTED IT AND THIS TIME IT WAS OK. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP. THEIR MECHANIC RAN THE DIAGNOSTICS AND WAS UNABLE TO PIN POINT THE PROBLEM. THEY DECIDED TO CALL THE SUBARU TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT AND WERE TOLD TO NOT LET ME DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THEIR ENGINEER TOOK A LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. THIS WAS A WEEK AGO AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT THEY HAVE FOUND.

11/18/2015

THE GAS GUAGE INNACCURATELY DESCRIBES HOW MUCH GAS IS LEFT IN THE TANK. I FILLED MY TANK FROM 40 MILES TWO WEEKS AGO. I PAID $32 FOR THE GAS AND IT ONLY READ 170 MILES TILL EMPTY UNLIKE THE USUAL 300 MILES. 5 HOURS LATER, WHEN IT CORRECTED ITSELF, RETURNING TO 300 MILES. THIS WEEK, UPON FILLING MY CAR UP AT 40 MILES TILL EMPTY, I PAID $28. MY CAR READ 280 MILES TILL EMPTY AND THEN SHOT UP TO 300 MILES HALF AN HOUR LATER. I FEEL UNSAFE TO LET MY CAR GO LONG PERIODS OF TIME WITHOUT FILLING WITH GAS. I CALLED MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANTED ME TO WAIT ALMOST 3 WEEKS TO BRING MY CAR IN, EVEN WHEN STATED THAT I HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING PREVIOUSLY WITH OTHER 2011-2016 SUBARU IMPREZAS. THEIR RESPONSE WAS LESS THAN COMFORTING "CLAIMING" THEY HAVE HAD NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OR TRENDS OF THIS HAPPENING WITH MY GENERATION IMPREZA, ONLY THE NEWER MODEL IMPREZAS AND CROSSTREKS.

12/8/2018

SEAT BELTS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG WILL SWITCH OFF WITH AN ADULT SEATED OR SWITCH IT ON WHEN NO ONE IS PRESENT. AT THE SAME TIME THE SEAT BELT LIGHT WILL TURN ON. WE HAVE FOUND THAT STOPPING THE VEHICLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE CORRECT THIS ISSUE. ON THE 2012 SUBARU THERE WAS A PROBLEM JUST LIKE THIS THAT WAS RECALLED. SUBARU CAN'T FIND ANYTHING BECAUSE THESE PROBLEMS ARE CORRECTED AFTER THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AGAIN. NO ONE AT SUBARU CAN STATE THAT THE SYSTEM IS WORKING WHILE THIS HAPPENS.

4/20/2017

TWO SPECIFIC ISSUES. 1) THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WILL NOT ACTIVATE, ACCORDING TO THE INDICATOR LIGHT, WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE CAR. 2) THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGERS SIDE THAT RINGS A BELL IF THE PASSENGER IS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT WILL GO OFF WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT - DANGEROUSLY DISTRACTING FOR THE DRIVER. THE START DATE BELOW IS THE DATE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED, AS THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED SINCE PURCHASE.

11/8/2018

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AIRBAGS IN THE CAR SHUT OFF WHEN A PASSENGER GETS IN THE SEAT IF THEY HAVE EVEN A TINY AMOUNT OF MOISTURE....SUCH AS AFTER WORKING OUT AT THE GYM *AND CHANGING CLOTHES*. ALSO IF IT'S RAINING, THE 50' WALK FROM THE HOUSE TO THE CAR PUTS ENOUGH MOISTURE ON THE PASSENGER TO MAKE ALL OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE CAR SHUT OFF. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME TO NOT GET THE SEAT WET. SEVERAL OTHER YEAR MODELS OF SUBARU HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE- THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED.

10/30/2018

PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. AIRBAG DOES NOT TURN ON WHEN A PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE SEAT, BOTH WHEN STATIONARY AND IN MOTION.

1/4/2019

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2014 SUBARU IMPREZZA. CUSTOMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HEAD RESTRAINTS REGULATIONS AND THINKS THEY SHOULD BE MODIFIED. *CW THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEAD RESTRAINTS, WERE OVERLY RESTRICTIVE, UNNECESSARY BAD FOR DRIVER'S POSTURE, AND DEVASTATING TO SHORTER PEOPLE AND OTHERS WITH EXISTING PR POTENTIAL SHOULDER, BACK AND NECK PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER STATED DRIVING 30 MINUTES OR LESS SHE EXPERIENCED CONSIDERABLE NECK PAIN AND SHOULDER PROBLEMS, WHICH HAVE CONTINUED TO WORSEN. *JB

11/20/2014

STRUCTURE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2014 SUBARU IMPREZA FELT AN UNUSUAL WIND PROBLEM WITH IT BEING VERY UNPREDICTABLE MAKING IT UNSTABLE. *TA THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, IT WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. *JB

12/9/2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2014 SUBARU IMPREZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS PEDAL ISSUE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HER FOOT BECAME STUCK UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND SHE CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. IT WAS DETERMINED, HER SHOE BECAME CAUGHT IN A PLASTIC PIECE TO THE RIGHT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *JB

2/26/2015

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2014 SUBARU IMPREZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS PEDAL ISSUE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HER FOOT BECAME STUCK UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND SHE CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. IT WAS DETERMINED, HER SHOE BECAME CAUGHT IN A PLASTIC PIECE TO THE RIGHT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *JB

2/26/2015

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

DRIVING 65 MPH (TEMPERATURE 34 DEGREES, NO HEAT ON IN CAR) EARLY SUNDAY AM 12/4 (NO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME) AND MY SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED. DEALER IS TRYING TO TELL ME IT WAS FROM A ROCK OR OTHER PARTICLE ITEM (SERIOUSLY... NO ONE WAS IN FRONT ME). THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT AND I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. I HAVE 5 TOTAL PICTURES BUT THE SYSTEM ISN'T ALLOWING ME TO ATTACH MORE. *TR

12/5/2016

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S HOOD INDEPENDENTLY OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE BODY SHOP, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V060000 (STRUCTURE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 33,000.

4/5/2017

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING WITH THE HATCH OPEN, THE HATCH FELL DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE HATCH BOLT HAD FRACTURED IN HALF. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.

6/20/2018

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I ADUJSTED STEERING WHEEL AND TRIED TO START THE IGNITION AND NO CRANK, NO LIGHTS ON DASH AND CAR WINDOWS WONT WORK. THIS CAR IS WELL TAKING CARE OF AT SUBARU DEALERSHIP ONLY. PLEASE HELP.

8/31/2019

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I BOUGHT MY CAR BRAND NEW AND ABOUT SIX MONTHS AFTER OWNING IT MY CHECK ENGINE, HAZARDOUS ROADS AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. THIS HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT'S A SENSOR, MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR. OCV VALVES AND "MAINTENANCE" LIGHT. THE PROBLEM HAS NEVER TRULY BEEN RESOLVED AND NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM IS. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN SERVICE WORKERS HAVE JUST CLEARED THE COMPUTER AND SENT ME ON MY WAY.

12/15/2019

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

2/19/2025

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

2/19/2025

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while attempting to secure the front driver’s side seat belt, the locking mechanism failed to immediately lock. The contact stated that several attempts were needed before the seat belt locked as needed. The driver was also unable to immediately unlock the seat belt buckle from the locking mechanism. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. The VIN was not available.

7/29/2025

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 2014 Subaru Impreza?

The most reported complaint category for the 2014 Subaru Impreza is AIR BAGS, with 37 owner reports. That is about 24% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include AIR BAGS, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2014 Subaru Impreza a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 98 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 2014 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 2014 Subaru Impreza severe?

98 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
153
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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