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2020 Subaru Impreza Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 202620 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2020 Subaru Impreza Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2020 Subaru Impreza has 94 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve visibility/wiper and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

5.7/ 10

Based on 94 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

VISIBILITY/WIPER

50 53.2%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

15 16%

SERVICE BRAKES

5 5.3%

ENGINE

3 3.2%

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

3 3.2%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is VISIBILITY/WIPER, accounting for 53.2% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 17 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 2020 Subaru Impreza

The 2020 Subaru Impreza has 94 owner complaints in this dataset. VISIBILITY/WIPER is the most common complaint category, representing about 53% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2020 Subaru Impreza are VISIBILITY/WIPER (50), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15), SERVICE BRAKES (5).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 15 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 2020 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 intervals2019 Impreza complaints2021 Impreza complaints2018 Impreza complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 17 of 17 systems

VISIBILITY/WIPER

50 Reports53% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE IS ABOUT A MONTH OLD, I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN A TINY PIECE OF GRAVEL HIT MY WINDSHIELD RESULTING IN A CRACK ABOUT 10 INCHES IN LENGTH LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT SECTION. I DIDN'T HAVE ANY HEATING ON AND IT WAS A SUNNY DAY

12/30/2019

WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY OUTSIDE MY HOUSE.

2/12/2020

48 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

15 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

BOUGHT THE CAR 12/21 FIRST WINDSHIELD CRACKED 1/28 WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY OVER THE WEEKEND. DEALER CLAIMS THERE WAS A CHIP CAUSED BY A ROCK BUT I THINK THE "CHIP" WAS CAUSED BY THE CRACKING OF THE WINDSHIELD DROPPED OFF AT DEALER 2/4 THE FIRST REPLACEMENT IS BROKEN TAKES A WEEK TO GET ANOTHER PICKED UP 2/11 $500 REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD CRACKED 2/20 - WHILE DRIVING. I DID NOT SEE OR HEAR ANYTHING IMPACT THE WINDSHIELD BUT I DID HERE THE GLASS CRACK. I FEEL THAT THESE WINDSHIELDS ARE UNREASONABLY FRAGILE AND SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN 9 DAYS UNDER NORMAL USAGE.

2/21/2020

MY FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. A TINY ROCK CAME UP AND MADE A 10 INCH CRACK.

1/14/2021

13 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

5 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHO: DAUGHTER 16YO (DRIVER), FATHER (FRONT PASSENGER SEAT), DAUGHTER 14YO (DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT). VEHICLE: 2020 SUBARU IMPREZA WHAT: SUBARU ANTI-COLLISION ENGAGED UNNECESSARILY WHEN: 0704 EST 14 MAY 2021 WHERE: 41°43'07.4"N 81°14'08.3" MY 16YO DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WE WERE HEADING EAST ON E WALNUT STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ABOUT TO CROSS THE S STATE STREET INTERSECTION. THERE WERE NO VEHICLES OR OBSTRUCTIONS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUBARU ANTI-COLLISION BEGAN TO ALERT AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BEHIND US HAD TO BRAKE ABRUPTLY BUT DID NOT HIT US. I BELIEVE THIS WAS DUE TO THE SUN BEING LOW ON THE HORIZON AND DIRECTLY IN THE CAMERA'S VIEW. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THE ANTI-COLLISION HAS ENGAGED UNNECESSARILY. THE EVENTS PRIOR TO THIS, I WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 35 MPH IN MODERATE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WAS EXITING THE ROAD CAUSING THE ANTI-COLLISION BRAKING TO ENGAGE.

5/14/2021

I believe this article describes the cause of the issue. Thankfully the vehicle was parked in my driveway, and did not roll into the street or harm any people, but it could have. 2020 Subaru Impreza Wrx Service Brakes related problems https://www.carproblemzoo.com/subaru/imprezawrx/2020/2020-subaru-imprezawrx-service-brakes-problems.php

7/28/2022

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTING UNDER THE HOOD, THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BATTER HAD BEEN REPLACED AS THE PROBLEMS KILLED THE BATTERY. *AS

7/29/2020

On 3 separate occasions since I've had my car, it has powered off completely without warning while driving. This is very dangerous could cause a severe accident or death. I called a tow truck on 3 separate occasions (1/27/23; 2/26/24; 2/28/24) to take it to the dealer or car repair business. Then after 20 - 30 minutes, it starts up again like normal. This make of cars made in 2020 have recalls for this same problem except for the model I have. The maker of these cars are not responding to keep their customers safe and continue to lie about the problems these cars are having. They are poorly made and extremely unsafe.

2/29/2024

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND RETURNING, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK STARTED ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS APPROXIMATELY AN INCH IN LENGTH. THE CONTACT CALLED THE GLASS COMPANY REFERRED TO BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPAIRED BUT NOT REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED ELK GROVE SUBARU (8581 LAGUNA GROVE DR, ELK GROVE, CA 95757, (888) 904-6612) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REPAIR THAT WAS PERFORMED WAS ADEQUATE AND THAT THE WINDSHIELD DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.

1/4/2021

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, it was later discovered that a crack had developed on the front windshield. The crack measured approximately 10-inches and extended from the bottom of the windshield. The contact indicated that no rock or object had impacted the windshield to cause the crack. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.

3/20/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHO: DAUGHTER 16YO (DRIVER), FATHER (FRONT PASSENGER SEAT), DAUGHTER 14YO (DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT). VEHICLE: 2020 SUBARU IMPREZA WHAT: SUBARU ANTI-COLLISION ENGAGED UNNECESSARILY WHEN: 0704 EST 14 MAY 2021 WHERE: 41°43'07.4"N 81°14'08.3" MY 16YO DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WE WERE HEADING EAST ON E WALNUT STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ABOUT TO CROSS THE S STATE STREET INTERSECTION. THERE WERE NO VEHICLES OR OBSTRUCTIONS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUBARU ANTI-COLLISION BEGAN TO ALERT AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BEHIND US HAD TO BRAKE ABRUPTLY BUT DID NOT HIT US. I BELIEVE THIS WAS DUE TO THE SUN BEING LOW ON THE HORIZON AND DIRECTLY IN THE CAMERA'S VIEW. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THE ANTI-COLLISION HAS ENGAGED UNNECESSARILY. THE EVENTS PRIOR TO THIS, I WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 35 MPH IN MODERATE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WAS EXITING THE ROAD CAUSING THE ANTI-COLLISION BRAKING TO ENGAGE.

5/14/2021

The Eye Sight warning system is activated occasionally and VDC is cut off. The dealer diagnosed code C1742, and recommended replacing the control unit due to a pressure sensor issue after measurement. The units are on back order, which indicates to me a wider spread problem. VDC units should not fail even after 10 years.

9/3/2025

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The 2020 Subaru Impreza hatchback was purchased new from a Subaru dealer. Approximately, one year after purchase the vehicle started to exhibit hard starting. That is when the key is turned on the engine did not immediately turn over but there began an increased hesitation overtime before engine would turn over. It demonstrated issues of electrical problems. Finally, on March 24, 2022 the engine failed to turn over and we had to have the car towed to the original Subaru dealer. The tow truck driver attempted to turn the engine on but in his opinion, the starter was not working at all. As of the writing of this report we do not know the exact cause of issue nor do we expect to pay for any repairs or parts since the vehicle is still under warranty.

3/24/2022

On 3 separate occasions since I've had my car, it has powered off completely without warning while driving. This is very dangerous could cause a severe accident or death. I called a tow truck on 3 separate occasions (1/27/23; 2/26/24; 2/28/24) to take it to the dealer or car repair business. Then after 20 - 30 minutes, it starts up again like normal. This make of cars made in 2020 have recalls for this same problem except for the model I have. The maker of these cars are not responding to keep their customers safe and continue to lie about the problems these cars are having. They are poorly made and extremely unsafe.

2/29/2024

1 more complaint is available in this category.

AIR BAGS

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was not illuminating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the air bag warning light needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was involved in an accident that caused the air bag warning light to malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 46,000.

4/11/2023

Passenger Air-bag igniter's wiring shorted out releasing gas into car. The windows were up and the car was not running. I was sitting in passenger side went to light my cigarette and with no warning at all KABOOM!!! Car exploded catching my hair on fire as well as 2nd and 3rd degree burns on hands and 1st and 2nd degree burns on face. The explosion carried so much force that the doors and back hatch were dented outward making it impossible to shut and lock doors properly. Explosion was so loud the people inside the bar thought a bomb had gone off. This incident was not reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or insurance company due to the fact the car was stolen directly after incident due to the fact that the doors could not shut properly. Prior to this incident no warning lights had gone off to indicate a malfunction in the passenger airbag or the wiring. I guess I was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

4/26/2024

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The Eye Sight warning system is activated occasionally and VDC is cut off. The dealer diagnosed code C1742, and recommended replacing the control unit due to a pressure sensor issue after measurement. The units are on back order, which indicates to me a wider spread problem. VDC units should not fail even after 10 years.

9/3/2025

Reference complaint no.11684658 confirmed. From email from Tech representative "VDC HYDRAULIC UNIT REPLACEMENT. IT IS AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. THERE ARE SENSORS INSIDE THAT MEASURE BRAKE LINE PRESSURE. THE LEFT FRONT SENSOR IS STUCK AT NEGATIVE 59 BAR. SHOULD BE ZERO AT REST. NOTHING TO DO WITH EYESIGHT THAT LIGHT WILL COME ON WHENEVER THERE IS A WARNING LIGHT ON." The modulator is a safety critical component which undergoes extensive life time testing, one out of 4 pressure sensors should not fail during vehicle life time.

9/27/2025

SUSPENSION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

FOR A NEW CAR THAT IS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD,5000 MILE,THE CHASSIS PARTS FALL OFF DURING DRIVING,WHICH IS TOO DANGEROUS IN MOTION - ON A CITY STREET -TURNING

12/20/2020

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE AND FAILED TO RETURN TO NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER MONITORING SYSTEM TEMPORARILY STOPPED MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.

1/25/2021

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHO: DAUGHTER 16YO (DRIVER), FATHER (FRONT PASSENGER SEAT), DAUGHTER 14YO (DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT). VEHICLE: 2020 SUBARU IMPREZA WHAT: SUBARU ANTI-COLLISION ENGAGED UNNECESSARILY WHEN: 0704 EST 14 MAY 2021 WHERE: 41°43'07.4"N 81°14'08.3" MY 16YO DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WE WERE HEADING EAST ON E WALNUT STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ABOUT TO CROSS THE S STATE STREET INTERSECTION. THERE WERE NO VEHICLES OR OBSTRUCTIONS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUBARU ANTI-COLLISION BEGAN TO ALERT AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BEHIND US HAD TO BRAKE ABRUPTLY BUT DID NOT HIT US. I BELIEVE THIS WAS DUE TO THE SUN BEING LOW ON THE HORIZON AND DIRECTLY IN THE CAMERA'S VIEW. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THE ANTI-COLLISION HAS ENGAGED UNNECESSARILY. THE EVENTS PRIOR TO THIS, I WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 35 MPH IN MODERATE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WAS EXITING THE ROAD CAUSING THE ANTI-COLLISION BRAKING TO ENGAGE.

5/14/2021

STEERING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

10/7/2021

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

10/7/2021

VISIBILITY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the windshield had fractured on the passenger’s side lower right. The contact took the vehicle to a repair shop and had the windshield replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.

10/14/2021

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

P205/50R17 Driver side rear tire suddenly experiencing lots of pressure compared to others. Example 27.7 psi on a subject tire compared to 32.0 psi on others after approximately one week of garage storage. Upon inspection, tread separation/ visible cracking is visible on approximately 1/2 of the circumference of the tire. No warning lights from the vehicles tire pressure monitor system has activated and no trouble codes for that system or others are present, indicating the vehicle at least is not aware of a problem with the tire. Tire pressure sensor reports good battery, accurate pressure when compared to Tire gauge pressure, and reports temperature of approximately the ambient temperature (at the moment, is currently 57.0°F). Vehicle has been mostly garage kept since purchase due to Covid. Has experienced normal North Carolina Summer temperatures though recently within two weeks North Carolina has had some of the coldest weather in some time (Lows mid teens, highs low 30s). Manufacturer has been contacted and currently awaiting response. With my previous experience and knowledge in the automotive industry, it appears that the visible cracking on the tire is relatively new. The inner portions of the cracked area, for instance, are clean and free of any debris, dust or dirt.

1/26/2022

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Both rear doors will intermittently not open when unlocked from both the inside or the outside. I am unsure if this is electrical or related to the door components itself. This is a hazard because passengers have been locked in the back of the car, and needed to climb out from the front or needed me to open the door from the outside if it will open—which could be a deadly amount of extra time in an emergency situation where passengers need to quickly exit the vehicle. This issue has been going on over a year, but I did not take it in until two months ago because I rarely had back passengers. That has changed, so I took it in. I have brought the car to the dealership three times for this issue, which is as of now still unresolved, with the following results: 1st visit: They told me child lock was on and turned it off. (I do not believe this, as the doors would occasionally open correctly from the inside—so that would mean child lock is also faulty) 2nd visit: They found weak actuators in both doors and replaced them. 3rd visit: Currently still in the shop for other unrelated issues, but they are having a hard time diagnosing the cause since the doors will open for them—but the lady who checked me in experienced the door sticking with me, and she said she could tell something was wrong.

7/20/2024

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 2020 Subaru Impreza?

The most reported complaint category for the 2020 Subaru Impreza is VISIBILITY/WIPER, with 50 owner reports. That is about 53% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES.

Are complaints about the 2020 Subaru Impreza a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 15 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 2020 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 2020 Subaru Impreza severe?

15 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
94
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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