Subaru Impreza Complaints

66 consumer complaints on file.

#11756782August 13, 2026
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On three separate occasions between August 2025 and June 2026, my car engine revved continuously and noisily, and acceleration was sluggish at best. During that time frame, I took it to two different dealerships (on four separate occasions) and an independent auto repair shop. None was able to duplicate the problem, but on my third visit to a dealership, the technician found metal shavings in the oil pan and the forward clutch was leaking and unable to hold pressure. The transmission assembly was replaced by the problem recurred: I was going 27 mph, the car's rpm registered close to 5,000, the engine noise was very loud, and there was halting acceleration. Fortunately, none of these incidents has happened while highway driving. I am selling the vehicle to Sheehy Subaru and want these incidents on the record. Subaru Customer Advocacy is aware of the issues I have experienced with the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751421July 19, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving at various speeds, my vehicle consistently produces a clicking noise from the upper right-rear C-pillar area. The noise is most noticeable when the vehicle body twists slightly during normal driving, such as when traveling over uneven pavement, entering driveways, or making turns. The condition has persisted and is repeatable. The vehicle was inspected over approximately six weeks by an authorized dealership. After extensive diagnosis, the dealership identified a suspected welding defect in the upper right-rear C-pillar/body structure. The suspected defective area is available for inspection. The dealership requested authorization from the manufacturer to repair the condition under warranty, but the request was denied. To my knowledge, neither the manufacturer nor the dealership has provided any engineering analysis or technical evidence identifying an alternative root cause for the suspected welding defect. The C-pillar is a structural component of the vehicle that contributes to body rigidity and occupant protection. If the clicking noise is caused by a defective or failed body weld, the condition could indicate reduced structural integrity or progressive deterioration over time. Although no crash or injury has occurred, I am concerned that continued operation with a suspected structural weld defect could compromise vehicle safety or crashworthiness. No warning lights or diagnostic messages were displayed before or during the occurrence of this condition. The primary symptom has been the repeatable clicking noise from the upper right-rear C-pillar area during normal driving. I am requesting that this condition be investigated to determine whether it represents a manufacturing defect that could affect other vehicles of the same model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748394July 5, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On Sunday July 5th at approximately 4:10pm The vehicle experienced an unexpected Pre-Collision Braking activation at approximately 25 mph. A vehicle was approximately 40 feet ahead and there was no imminent collision. The vehicle automatically applied the brakes aggressively.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747927July 2, 2026
WHEELS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732323April 20, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while their son was driving approximately 45 MPH, a loud pop sound came from the right side of the engine department, and then the steering wheel seized. The driver attempted to apply the brakes; however, the brakes failed. The vehicle ended up crashing into a nearby pole post. The air bags deployed. The driver received a hematoma on their left arm from embracing for impact of the embrace. When the ambulance arrived, they tended to the injury, but the contact was not taken to receive further medical attention. The police department was contacted, and a police report was made. The vehicle was towed, but had not been deemed totaled as of yet. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,250.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731863April 17, 2026
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
My base level 2024 Subaru Impreza , while driving, has a vibration and shake in the drivers side rearview mirror at speeds over 25 mph, making it difficult to see clearly behind my vehicle. Vibration was present as a new vehicle and have reported issue to service advisor at Sport Subaru of Orlando Florida as a new vehicle owner.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730588April 11, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel tank is leaking at molded seam making the vehicle undriveable and a fire safety hazard. Contacting dealer Monday morning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727613March 27, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
My entire dash went out. Nothing worked. This car has only 3500 miles on it. I got danger signs and it said to stop driving the car. Danger. I also got messages in my e-mail I think from Starlink to stop driving the car and bring it in to service. It was dangerous. Service had it for two weeks. They didn't know what to do. They asked if I did something with wires. I'm a [XXX] woman and4'10". What a question. Then some guy at Subaru said "they'll probably have to put a whole new dash in. Days later I called again.Another guy said they had to call all over America to try and find the part. No one to my knowledge has inspected this. I am working with Subaru Customer Care. I don't want this car. I do not feel safe in it.For something so new these emergency problems should not be happening. I want a cash back or give me another car.They had it for two weeks and gave me no explanation what happened. It is not a safe car. I hope Customer Care will help me. Someone has to. I don't want this car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725160March 18, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
The vehicle's rear brake lines (both left rear and right rear) had ballooning present. The issue was initially identified by an independent mechanic during brake pad and rotor replacement on all four wheels. The ballooning was subsequently confirmed during an inspection by a Subaru dealership technician. This issue posed a safety risk, as the compromised brake lines could rupture under braking pressure, potentially resulting in reduced or complete loss of braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash. To safely operate the vehicle, replacement of the rear brake lines was required. Per the dealership’s recommendation, the front brake lines were also replaced, as they advised that if the brake lines were from the same batch, there was a high likelihood of similar ballooning occurring in the front brake lines. No warning lamps illuminated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724807March 16, 2026
TIRES
225 40 r18 all four of my tires have a crack thats on the side wall that goes around the whole tire took it to my dealership and they said that it was defective and that i couldn't drive my vehicle like that
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722414March 6, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at nighttime, the headlights failed to provide adequate illumination of the roadway ahead, reducing the driver's ability to see the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the headlights were raised; however, the contact stated that the failure worsened while driving in foggy or rainy weather, requiring the driver to follow another vehicle to drive safely. The traction control warning light was illuminated, and the message that the Eyesight Driver Assist system was disabled was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was sold brand new without a spare tire. The contact attempted to purchase a spare tire, but the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722134March 4, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I own a 2024 Subaru Impreza (base trim, FB24 engine). The engine has developed repeated oil leaks into the spark plug wells due to failed spark plug tube seals / valve cover sealing on the same engine. The first occurrence was around 24,000 miles. The dealer found engine oil in the spark plug tubes, diagnosed leaking spark plug tube seals (and/or valve cover gasket), and performed repairs under warranty. At that time, the car was relatively new and maintained on schedule. The second occurrence happened again around 30,000 miles. The dealer again found oil in the spark plug tubes, indicating repeat failure of the same type of seals on this low‑mileage engine. This has already happened twice within approximately 6,000 miles on a 2024 vehicle. Oil in the spark plug tubes can cause misfires, rough running, and potential damage to ignition coils and the catalytic converter. It also raises concerns about stalling or loss of power if the misfires worsen while driving. I am concerned that this may be a systemic defect in the FB‑series engines used in late‑model Subaru vehicles, not normal wear. I am requesting that NHTSA track this issue as a potential safety‑related defect involving engine sealing components (spark plug tube seals / valve cover gaskets) that allow engine oil to leak into the spark plug wells on 2024 Subaru Impreza models at low mileage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715514February 4, 2026
TIRES
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Impreza equipped with Sailun Tires, Tire Line: Black Hawk Street UHP, Tire Size: 225/40R18, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact had purchased the tires from Amazon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a bubble on the outside of the rear passenger's side tire in December 2025. The vehicle was taken to Mavis Tire, and the tire was replaced. In addition, the contact recently noticed a bubble on the outside of the front driver's side tire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a complaint was filed; however, the complaint was denied. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 48,541, and the tire failure mileage was 7,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713925January 28, 2026
STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713923January 28, 2026
STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713919January 28, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING, WHEELS
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713916January 28, 2026
SUSPENSION, WHEELS, STEERING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708071December 31, 2025
TIRES
The original equipment (OE) tires (Size: 225/40R18) on a 2023 vehicle exhibited severe, deep concentric cracking on the outer sidewalls and near the bead/rim line of all four tires at approximately 30,000 miles. The safety of the driver and passengers was put at extreme risk as the structural integrity of the tires was compromised, posing an imminent threat of catastrophic high-speed blowouts on the expressway. The failure was confirmed and reproduced by two separate professional facilities: the original vehicle dealership and an authorized tire manufacturer dealer. Both independent inspections concluded the vehicle was unsafe to drive and required immediate replacement of all four tires. The manufacturer's engineering review also inspected photographic evidence and acknowledged a material defect related to a "soft compound" breakdown. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to discovery; the defect was only found by a technician during a separate flat tire repair. Despite the manufacturer formally authorizing a 75% "goodwill" credit (Authorization #35936) after acknowledging the defect, they failed to complete the agreement due to internal communication breakdowns with their authorized dealers. This resulted in months of delay, forcing the consumer to pay the full replacement cost out-of-pocket to mitigate the documented safety hazard. The defective tires are available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705353December 16, 2025
POWER TRAIN, SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES
On 12/12/2025, Subaru Orange Coast (Santa Ana, CA) service advisor stated via text: "Breaks feel fine, no issues there," "Tires no issues there," "Struts no leaks or issues," and "Car is ready for pick up." On 12/16/2025, Service Director confirmed: brake rotor defects, weak struts causing tire wear, and replaced both rear struts, tires, and "the other 2" components under warranty/customer satisfaction. CRITICAL SAFETY CONCERN: During a prior service visit, dealership performed tire rotation moving a compromised tire from rear axle to FRONT STEERING AXLE — where failure would cause loss of steering control. On 12/12/2025, technicians REFUSED to rotate tires because "wire was showing" — confirming visual identification of exposed steel cord as safety hazard. Dealership then attempted to SELL me replacement tires (profiting from condition their service created). Despite actual knowledge of exposed steel cord on steering-axle tire, service advisor texted "no issues" and attempted to release vehicle for highway operation. SEQUENCE OF DEALER CONDUCT: Rotated compromised tire to front steering axle (prior visit) Identified exposed steel cord on 12/12/2025 Refused rotation due to safety hazard Attempted to sell replacement tires Represented "no issues" via text Attempted release for public road operation DOCUMENTATION: Demand letter delivered to Subaru of America (tracking: [XXX] , received 12/16/2025). Text messages from service advisor preserved. Service Director's 12/16 acknowledgment of defects preserved. VEHICLE LOCATION: Subaru Orange Coast, Santa Ana, CA (not operated due to safety concerns) CONSUMER: [XXX] | [XXX] | [XXX] is AI and can make mistakes. Please double-check responses. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704720December 12, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Transmission Failure Communication warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnosis was not available. Fault code: P1894 was retrieved. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the same local dealer and another local dealer for a second opinion on several occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,700.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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