1993-2024 model years · 7,570+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
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According to Au7o's analysis of 7,570+ owner reports, the 1993-2024 Subaru Impreza has 13 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) ($1,500-$2,800 repair), CVT Transmission Failure and Harsh Engagement ($200-$7,500 repair), Rear Coil Spring Fracture ($0-$600 repair), 2023 Impreza Driveshaft Center Support Bolt Loosening - Safety Recall 23V647, Rear Wheel Arch, Rocker Panel, and Subframe Rust ($300-$2,500 repair), Interference-Engine Timing Belt Neglect (DOHC EJ25 / 1997+ SOHC) ($500-$1,000 repair) and Phase I EJ25D DOHC 2.5L Internal Head Gasket Failure ($1,200-$2,600 repair). The most commonly reported issue is EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) with 4,200 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $60 to $7,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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 circuit.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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. The vehicle may also allow drivers to start and shift the transmission out of the PARK position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."
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According to Au7o's analysis of 7,570+ owner reports, the 1993-2024 Subaru Impreza has 13 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak), CVT Transmission Failure and Harsh Engagement, Rear Coil Spring Fracture. Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 1993-2024 Subaru Impreza has 13 known issues documented across 7,570+ owner reports. 7 issues are rated critical: EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) and CVT Transmission Failure and Harsh Engagement and Rear Coil Spring Fracture and 2023 Impreza Driveshaft Center Support Bolt Loosening - Safety Recall 23V647 and Rear Wheel Arch, Rocker Panel, and Subframe Rust and Interference-Engine Timing Belt Neglect (DOHC EJ25 / 1997+ SOHC) and Phase I EJ25D DOHC 2.5L Internal Head Gasket Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Subaru Impreza issues range from $0 to $7,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak), typically costs $1,500-$2,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Reliability varies across model years of the Subaru Impreza. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1993-2024 Subaru Impreza with 13 documented issues documented across 7,570+ owner reports.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
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The 2.5L EJ253 naturally-aspirated engine in 1999-2011 Imprezas is notorious for external head gasket failure. The composite head gaskets degrade over time, allowing coolant and oil to seep externally at the gasket mating surfaces. Unlike a typical blown head gasket that causes c… Repairs typically run $1,500-$2,800. Severity: high.
The 2012+ Impreza's Lineartronic CVT (TR580 for 2.0L models) is prone to harsh engagement, delayed acceleration response, and premature failure. The smaller TR580 CVT handles the 2.0L engine but can develop valve body issues causing harsh shifts into Drive/Reverse and a pronounce… Repairs typically run $200-$7,500. Severity: high.
2008-2016 Imprezas (and related Crosstreks) have a known issue with rear coil springs fracturing, particularly in cold climates and areas that use road salt. The broken spring can puncture a tire, damage brake lines, or cause a sudden change in ride height and handling. Subaru is… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: high.
The 2023 Subaru Impreza is one of the models named in Subaru of America's WRN-23 safety recall. The defect is in the driveshaft's center support mounting: the support bolts may loosen, and if they do, the front end of the driveshaft can come disconnected from the car. NHTSA recor… Severity: high.
1993-1999 Imprezas (GC8/GF8/GM sedan, coupe, and wagon) are highly prone to corrosion at the rear wheel arches, rocker panels, and the rear subframe/crossmember, particularly in salted-road climates. The outer quarter panel and wheel housing are joined with spot welds and foam ad… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: high.
The 2.5L DOHC EJ25D and the 1997-and-later SOHC EJ engines are interference designs: if the rubber timing belt breaks or a belt idler/tensioner pulley seizes, the pistons strike open valves and bend them, destroying the top end. From 1997 all USDM Subaru EJ engines (including the… Repairs typically run $500-$1,000. Severity: high.
The first-generation 2.5L DOHC boxer (EJ25D) used in the 1998-1999 Impreza 2.5 RS (and shared with the 1996-1999 Legacy/Outback/Forester of the era) is notorious for internal head gasket failure. In 1996 Subaru used a composite gasket, then from 1997 switched to a multi-layer-ste… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,600. Severity: high.
Imprezas are highly susceptible to premature wheel bearing failure, often at 40,000-80,000 miles. The full-time AWD system adds constant load to all four wheel bearings. Rear bearings fail more frequently than fronts. Road salt, water, and debris accelerate bearing wear. Symptoms… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.
The 2017+ Impreza (5th generation) uses a thinner, more aerodynamic windshield design that is highly prone to stress cracking, particularly around the EyeSight camera housing area. Cracks often appear spontaneously without any impact, starting from the edges or around the camera… Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: medium.
The rear trailing arm bushings on Imprezas corrode and fail, particularly in salt-belt states. The steel sleeve inside the rubber bushing rusts and expands, tearing the rubber apart. This causes clunking noises, vague rear-end handling, and uneven rear tire wear. In severe cases,… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.
Automatic-transmission 1990s Imprezas use the 4EAT with an electronically managed transfer clutch (governed by the Duty C solenoid) to split torque to the rear wheels. When the Duty C solenoid or its control valve sticks/leaks, or the transfer clutch pack wears, the AWD stays par… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Pressed-in front wheel bearings on the 1993-2001 Impreza chassis are a recurring wear item; the bearings were sized for the small factory 15-16 inch wheels, and larger aftermarket wheels, high mileage, or hard cornering accelerate failure. A failed bearing hums or roars proportio… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.
The SOHC EJ18 and EJ22 engines in the base 1990s Impreza use a camshaft-driven distributor. With age, the cap and rotor corrode and crack, and the distributor O-ring can weep oil into the cap. This causes crossfire and weak spark that shows up as rough idle, hesitation, and hard… Repairs typically run $60-$250. Severity: low.
