Subaru Impreza Complaints

2,698 consumer complaints on file.

#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
#11723119March 9, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
National Highway Traffic Safety Admin March 9, 2026 I am submitted a vehicle safety complaint regarding a 2011 Subaru that I recently purchased on [XXX]. I purchased a used 2011 Subaru Impreza from Clear Cut Auto {241 S Dupont Hghwy – New Castle, DE 1920 (302-322-2050) on [XXX] for $5,147.04. The dealership person name was Erika Fernandez which reported the car was recently dropped of by a female owner a few days ago. The dealership issued temporary tags on the vehicle with the registration. The vehicle was sold as “as is”. Within three (3) days of purchase the vehicle On Sunday [XXX] while my [XXX] son was driving on a major highway, the vehicle suddenly showed a engine light which blink on and immediately went out. Thereafter, the car started smoking and was engulfed in flames ie: caught on fire. I am grateful that my [XXX] son was able to exit the vehicle safely and quickly to avoid injury. The car was completely destroyed by the result of the fire internally and externally. This created a serious life-threatening safety situation for my [XXX] son, which had to exit the vehicle quickly to avoid injury. Multiple people on the highway witnessed the fire. I am concerned that the vehicle sold to me by Clean Cut Auto (owner Lonnie and dealer Erika Fernandez) may have had a serious pre-existing defect involving the engine, electrical system or fuel system that caused the fire while the vehicle was being driven. I am submitting this complaint so that the incident can be investigated as a potential safety defect involving this vehicle model. 2011 Subaru Impreza VIN# [XXX] Fire Date: [XXX] Registration: [XXX] Location: [XXX] – [XXX] from [XXX] 3.04 miles from New Castle Municipality Police Report [XXX] Cpl Diprima -Troop 2 State Police 302-834-2620 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722609March 6, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On February 18, 2026, my 2019 Subaru Impreza displayed an “Emergency Service” alert and sent a MySubaru app message stating that Automatic Crash Notification, SOS Call, Stolen Vehicle Locator, and Roadside Assistance may not be available. A red SOS light also illuminated, and STARLINK sent alerts to Subaru each day I first started the car, prompting repeated dealer calls. I tested the SOS button and could hear the operator clearly. On March 6, 2026, a dealer diagnosed a faulty right dash speaker (B2A06 – telematics speaker circuit malfunction). The emergency system shares this speaker, so the system warned that safety services might not work. I paid $191 for diagnostics; the estimated repair is $216.69. I pay a monthly subscription for STARLINK safety services, but the vehicle’s warnings do not clearly indicate the real issue. Other owners of 2019 and similar Subaru models report persistent STARLINK/telematics errors, red SOS lights, and repeated dealer visits, suggesting this may be a broader systemic issue. I believe the warning system should specifically identify a failed speaker or audio circuit to reduce confusion, unnecessary diagnostics, and ensure drivers understand the true status of emergency safety features. My concern is that the vehicle’s warning system may mislead drivers into believing that critical safety systems are malfunctioning, when the actual issue is a non-critical speaker failure. A more specific diagnostic message indicating an audio system fault would be more useful.
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
#11719677February 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, AIR BAGS
car just locking on its own as you're driving down the road cruise control light blinking on and off randomly had a brake light gets stuck when I got home and got other vehicle the other night it took you forever to get that off but I have received takata airbag recall notice do not drive and no one can be in the passenger seat also definitely progressed as time went on these unusual symptoms mostly computerized but have a hard time believing they're not related to the airbag recall yes it's available for inspection that's what I tried to do at not closest authorized dealership but they would not budge really on anything at all wouldn't have towed it then tow back wouldn't come pick it up exchange me a car then I would have means of transportation to pick it back up that makes the most sense but I can drive it is what they're telling me but there can be no passengers in the car they want me to bring it down there bottom line but it's nothing like the complimentary round trip towing or other transportation alternatives are available that is advertised on the do not drive paper I got in the mail and its not worth my time arguing with them I had an appointment scheduled on the 17th at 8:30 but that was me driving it down there maybe getting a loaner vehicle while I was there but there just didn't seem like there was no certainty on that but something's got to be straightened out here I can't have my children riding in this car or my wife she's pregnant and my grandmother has got to get to dialysis this week and here I'm stuck I'm trying to get this dealership to reason with me we never come to an appointment to be rescheduled because they don't want to work with me at all drive down there wait and bring it back is it should I contact another dealership right now I'm driving it sparingly to get groceries in a few things by myself but the more I looked into the situation and the bizarre computer errors any more details you need contact me sorry for the grammar errors
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719120February 19, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the high-temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an engine reseal had failed and needed to be redone. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718214February 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY/WIPER
I noticed that visibility at night was poor. I was pulled over by the police and give a warning that my headlight was out and told to get it fixed. I thought it may be as simple as a bulb but was told the entire left headlamp assembly had to be replaced at a cost of more than $2,000. Just days later my Dealership send me a service notice which also stated that the left headlamp should be inspected. This was after I had already had it replaced at a local garage. The dealership confirmed that their was a recall but when I tried to get reimbursed by Subaru thru the safety recall WRG-22/NHTSA 22V624000 they said my vin# was excluded from the recall!(?)
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
#11715092February 2, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE NOW HAD 4 WINDSHIELDS CRACK AND BREAK AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY TIME ONE LITTLE ROCK HITS THE WINDSHIELD BOOM ANOTHER FULL REPLACEMENT IS NEEDED. EVERY TIME I GO FOR A ROAD TRIP THIS KEEPS HAPPENING THE MUST BE A DEFECT WITH THE DESIGN OR TYPE OF GLASS USED FOR THE SUBARU IMPREZA 2020 MODELS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714764February 1, 2026
AIR BAGS
I got into an accident going 60 miles an hour I crash into a guardrail totaled the car but no airbags deployed I broke my wrist and dislocated my thumb
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11714471January 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Smoke starting coming from around the ignition.
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
#11711738January 18, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The problem started on towards the end of Dec 2025. The primary latch that holds the hood down failed, and the safety latch kept the hood from flying off. I pulled the car over and shut it, and it seemed okay. Because the hood hadn't been lifted for a few days ( since its last service ), I was at a loss as to what could be causing it. Since then, it's happened several times. I've also examined the latch, and it appears to be fine. When it pops up, the safety latch catches it, and I pull over and close it. My next step is to have a mechanic put in a new latch. The car has 95,000 miles on the ticker,
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

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