Thinking about getting a Subaru Impreza? You’re probably wondering if these all-wheel-drive compacts are as dependable as fans claim or if they’ll leave you stranded with expensive repair bills. I’ve dug into real owner experiences, maintenance records, and reliability data to help you decide if an Impreza belongs in your garage.
Subaru Impreza Reliability Rating: The Bottom Line
Subaru Imprezas earn mixed reliability ratings, scoring 3.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal, ranking 33rd out of 36 compact cars. While not top-tier reliable like a Toyota Corolla, modern Imprezas (2017 and newer) have addressed many historical issues and typically deliver 200,000+ miles of service with proper maintenance.
The annual maintenance cost averages $653 for an Impreza, about 24% higher than the $526 compact car average. That extra cost buys you standard all-wheel drive and solid winter performance that front-wheel drive competitors can’t match.
Impreza Reliability Through the Generations
First to Third Generations (1992-2010): Building a Reputation
Early Imprezas, especially those with the EJ22 engine, built Subaru’s reputation for bulletproof reliability. These models frequently hit 250,000 miles with basic care—impressive for any vehicle.
The second generation (2000-2006) saw more mixed results with the introduction of some issues that would become recurring Subaru problems:
- Head gasket failures began appearing
- Clutch issues in manual transmissions
- Takata airbag recalls affected many models
Third-generation Imprezas (2007-2010) marked a decline with:
- Increased powertrain recalls
- More frequent head gasket failures
- Early transmission issues
Fourth Generation (2011-2016): The Trouble Years
This era represents the least reliable Impreza generation, accumulating over 1,100 complaints and 30 recalls. The 2012 model year was particularly problematic, with:
- Excessive oil consumption (up to 1 quart per 1,000 miles)
- Faulty piston rings
- Electrical system glitches
- Transmission shuddering in CVT models
Fifth and Sixth Generations (2017-Present): Significant Improvements
Subaru addressed many historical problems with the Global Platform introduced in 2017. Recent models feature:
- Improved structural rigidity
- Standard EyeSight driver assistance technology
- Better head gasket design
- More refined CVT programming
The 2024 redesign earned a projected reliability score of 69/100 from Consumer Reports—not class-leading but a respectable rating showing Subaru’s commitment to improvement.
Most Common Subaru Impreza Problems
1. Head Gasket Failures
Pre-2012 Imprezas with the 2.5L EJ25 engine frequently experienced head gasket failures around 90,000-120,000 miles. The boxer engine’s horizontal layout made this issue particularly troublesome.
What happens: Coolant mixes with oil, causing overheating, poor performance, and eventually engine damage.
Repair cost: $1,915-$2,220
Good news: Post-2012 FB-series engines largely solved this with multi-layer steel gaskets.
2. Excessive Oil Consumption
The 2012-2014 models gained notoriety for burning through oil at an alarming rate.
Signs of trouble:
- Needing to add oil between changes
- Oil light coming on unexpectedly
- Blue exhaust smoke
Root cause: Defective piston rings that Subaru addressed through a warranty extension program.
3. CVT Transmission Issues
While Subaru’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) improves fuel efficiency, early versions had reliability concerns:
- Shuddering during acceleration
- Hesitation when shifting between drive and reverse
- Premature failure requiring $4,000+ replacements
Subaru recognized these problems and extended CVT warranties to 100,000 miles for 2010-2018 models.
Impreza Model Years to Avoid
Based on complaint data and repair frequencies, these are the Impreza years with the most reliability concerns:
2008 Impreza
- 80+ complaints for transmission failures
- Electrical system faults
- Average repair costs of $4,500
2012 Impreza
- Notorious for oil consumption issues
- Reports of sudden unintended acceleration
- 17% of owners reported severe problems
- Highest complaint rate of any Impreza year
2013 Impreza
- Shares the 2012’s oil-burning defects
- CVT reliability concerns
- Higher-than-average electrical system failures
Best Impreza Years for Reliability
If you’re shopping for a used Impreza, these years offer the best reliability:
1998-2001 First Generation
- EJ22 engine often exceeds 250,000 miles
- Simple, robust design with fewer electronics to malfunction
- Affordable purchase price
- Easy DIY maintenance
2017-2023 Fifth Generation
- Improved Global Platform design
- Better head gasket materials
- Standard AWD with modern reliability
- 9.9% probability of reaching 250,000 miles according to iSeeCars data
- Enhanced safety features including EyeSight
How Long Do Subaru Imprezas Last?
With proper maintenance, a modern Impreza typically lasts:
- 200,000-250,000 miles before major repairs
- 13-17 years based on average annual driving
This longevity is respectable but falls short of Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic averages of 250,000-300,000 miles.
Impreza vs. Competitors: Reliability Comparison
Subaru Impreza vs. Toyota Corolla
| Factor | Impreza | Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| RepairPal Ranking | 33rd of 36 compact cars | 4th of 36 compact cars |
| Annual Repair Cost | $653 | $362 |
| Probability of Severe Repair | 16% | 7% |
| Advantages | Standard AWD, higher ground clearance | Lower ownership costs, better reliability history |
The Corolla is significantly more reliable but lacks the Impreza’s all-weather capability.
Subaru Impreza vs. Mazda3
| Factor | Impreza | Mazda3 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Repair Cost | $653 | $433 |
| Standard AWD | Yes | Optional (recent models only) |
| Driving Dynamics | Good | Excellent |
| Safety Features | Comprehensive EyeSight system | Good but less advanced |
The Mazda3 offers better reliability and driving experience, but the Impreza provides more value with standard AWD and safety features.
The Cost of Ownership: Is an Impreza Expensive to Maintain?
The real-world cost of Impreza ownership includes:
- Average annual maintenance: $653 (RepairPal data)
- Repair frequency: 0.3 visits per year (industry average is 0.4)
- Severe repair probability: 16% (industry average is 12%)
The Impreza costs more to maintain than many competitors, but those costs are often offset by:
- Higher resale values
- Lower insurance rates due to safety features
- Better performance in winter conditions (fewer accidents)
Real Owner Experiences
According to a Reddit thread, many Impreza owners report:
“My 2018 Impreza has 120,000 miles with zero issues besides regular maintenance. Oil changes every 6,000 miles with full synthetic.”
“The CVT is the weak point. If you do the fluid changes every 30k miles, you’ll probably be fine. Skip them and you’re asking for trouble.”
“My 2002 Impreza is still running at 285,000 miles. These older models are tanks if you watch the head gaskets.”
Impreza Safety and Recalls
The Impreza maintains excellent safety ratings, but has faced some notable recalls:
- 2021 models received a “Do Not Drive” advisory from NHTSA due to defective front lower control arm welds
- Multiple recalls for Takata airbags (like many manufacturers)
- CVT-related recalls for certain model years
Always check for open recalls on any used Impreza using the NHTSA database.
Is a Subaru Impreza Worth Buying?
Buy an Impreza if:
- You need affordable all-wheel drive
- You live in snowy or wet climates
- Safety features are a priority
- You’re considering a 2017 or newer model
- You’ll follow maintenance schedules
Consider alternatives if:
- Absolute reliability is your top priority
- You’re looking at a 2012-2014 model
- You drive primarily on dry, paved roads
- You want class-leading fuel economy
Final Verdict on Impreza Reliability
The Subaru Impreza isn’t the most reliable compact car on the market—that honor belongs to the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. However, with proper maintenance and by avoiding problematic model years, an Impreza can provide 200,000+ miles of dependable service while offering all-wheel drive capability at an affordable price point.
The newest generation (2017+) shows significant reliability improvements, suggesting Subaru has addressed many historical weaknesses. For most drivers, especially those in regions with harsh winters, an Impreza’s moderate reliability tradeoff is worth the enhanced safety and capability of standard all-wheel drive.
