EZ Swap LLC services the Subaru Impreza in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2005 to 2027. If your Impreza has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help Impreza owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 2,006 owner complaints on file for the Impreza and 46 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (395), engine (261), power train (236).
Most-Reported Subaru Impreza Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Impreza (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 395 | 19% | |
| Engine | 261 | 13% | |
| Power Train | 236 | 11% | |
| Electrical System | 216 | 10% | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 200 | 9% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 192 | 9% | |
| Service Brakes | 135 | 6% | |
| Structure | 105 | 5% |
Air Bags
395 of the 2,006 complaints (19%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Engine
261 of the 2,006 complaints (13%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Power Train
236 of the 2,006 complaints (11%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Subaru Impreza Complaints by Model Year
The Impreza model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2012, 2008. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 75 | |
| 2006 | 56 | |
| 2007 | 68 | |
| 2008 | 209 | |
| 2009 | 113 | |
| 2010 | 46 | |
| 2011 | 58 | |
| 2012 | 243 | |
| 2013 | 251 | |
| 2014 | 108 | |
| 2015 | 79 | |
| 2016 | 75 | |
| 2017 | 125 | |
| 2018 | 151 | |
| 2019 | 194 | |
| 2020 | 85 | |
| 2021 | 14 | |
| 2022 | 14 | |
| 2023 | 4 | |
| 2024 | 32 | |
| 2025 | 5 | |
| 2026 | 1 |
Most Common Subaru Impreza Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Impreza. The most-cited is B1650 (manufacturer-specific body code), mentioned in 6 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| B1650 | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 6 |
| P0021 | Intake camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 2) Oil, solenoid or timing component issue on the second bank. | 5 |
| P2764 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 5 |
| P0410 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 3 |
| P2138 | Throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation Failing accelerator pedal sensor or throttle sensor; can cause reduced power. | 3 |
| P1410 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
| P2440 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| P2444 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Subaru Impreza Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 46 recall campaigns for the Impreza in these model years, most often involving air bags, electrical system, engine and engine cooling. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2023 recall, Air Bags (campaign 23V076000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2004-2005 Impreza and WRX vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall.
- 2023 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 23V292000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Impreza vehicles. The brake light switch may be improperly adjusted and illuminate the brake lights without application of the brake pedal.
- 2023 recall, Power Train (campaign 23V647000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
- 2023 recall, Electrical System (campaign 23V551000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short...
- 2023 recall, Power Train (campaign 23V754000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
- 2022 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 22V624000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Impreza, 118 involved a crash, 35 involved a fire, 71 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Subaru Impreza Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Subaru will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Impreza that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Impreza owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Subaru Impreza, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Subaru Impreza Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Subaru Impreza repair service, or choose a service below.
Subaru Impreza FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Subaru Impreza?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Subaru Impreza are air bags (395), engine (261), power train (236). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Impreza model years have the most complaints?
The Impreza model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2012, 2008. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Subaru Impreza?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Subaru Impreza, the codes cited most often are B1650 (manufacturer-specific body code), P0021 (intake camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 2)), P2764 (powertrain code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Subaru Impreza have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 46 recall campaigns for the Subaru Impreza across model years 2005 to 2027. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Subaru Impreza in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Subaru vehicles including the Impreza, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Subaru Impreza?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Subaru Impreza in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Subaru Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.