2014 Subaru Impreza Problems

After driving for about an hour stopped a light and accelerated to proceed and drivers side air bag exploded. Subaru states it was my fault because “dirt” got in the system. Refused to cover replacement or rental car. Minor hand injury.

The contact owned a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 20 mph for unknown reasons, she veered off the road into a ditch, rolled over, and crashed into a tree. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The driver sustained injuries to her back, fractured vertebrae, and a cracked sternum and received medical attention. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was towed by the insurance company and deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

Vehicle Production Date: January 2014 Related Recall: Subaru WTM-73 / NHTSA ID 16V738 (revised July 11, 2017 as WTM-73R) Recall Coverage Production End Date: September 13, 2013 Mileage at First Incident (March 2024): 79,268 Mileage at Second Incident (February 2026): 92,325 The secondary air pump failed in March 2024 (79,268 miles) and again in February 2026 (92,325 miles) just 13,057 miles later. The February 24, 2026 failure produced smoke while parked among other vehicles and trees. A tow truck operator disconnected the pump to prevent a potential fire. Dealer did not replace relay alongside the pump, inconsistent with WTM-73 as revised by WTM-73R (July 11, 2017). The relay subsequently failed, requiring a separate visit. Components are unavailable for inspection. The problems were confirmed and repaired by an authorized Subaru dealership in Sterling, VA. Service records document both failures. For the February 2026 repair, the dealership mistakenly concluded the repair was under warranty and completed it as such - then later tried to backtrack and make me pay. The March 2026 return visit confirmed blown fuses and a failed relay due to incomplete initial repair, which the dealership also made me pay, but later reimbursed me after I referenced the revised recall notice. March 4, 2024: P2444 diagnostic code and a hissing noise. Repair costs not reimbursed as the recall does not cover my vehicle's production date. February 13, 2026: a hissing noise was recorded February 14, 2026. Check Engine light; additional lights may have been present but cannot be confirmed with certainty, distracted by urgency of the situation. March 3, 2026: multiple warning lights illuminated within 2.3 miles after leaving dealership from having air pump repair: Check Engine, Sport Drive, and Cruise Control Recall WTM-73R covers vehicles through September 13, 2013, mine indicates January 2024. I request NHTSA extend coverage to vehicles produced through at least January 2014.

I was driving in my car had lost of power n started to make a noise n ALLL that so eather valve spring broke then messed up rod bearings n now to the point I can't drive my vehicle is like to know what to do next

Cabin blower fan stopped working. Faint burned plastic smell. Starting with the blower motor, I worked backwards. The Blower Motor Resistor showed significant wear, which I replaced. After checking or replacing all other components, I realized that it was likely the AC Control Unit. I took it out and the electrical issue is so bad that the plug has melted to the harness. I found plenty of online videos and forums which helped me diagnose the problem in my own car. This is a fire hazard, and considering how many other people have experienced this, I'm surprised there is no warning or a recall. There is already one other complaint in your database, [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

When I put my vehicle into park and try to remove the key, it becomes stuck in the vehicle every time due to a failing park position switch. This is a known issue to Subaru and should warrant a recall.

I am filing a complaint regarding a known issue with the CVT transmission in my 2014 Subaru Impreza, currently at approximately 80,000 miles. The CVT has started making a loud whining noise while driving. A licensed, independent repair shop diagnosed this as a likely early sign of internal CVT failure, advising that failure is imminent without repair or replacement. After researching the issue, I discovered that Subaru issued an extended warranty (WQA-86) specifically covering this known CVT defect. However, I was never notified of this extension or any service campaign. I learned about it only after experiencing symptoms and conducting my own research. By that time, the extended warranty had expired in February 2024 , only a few months before I began experiencing problems, despite my vehicle being well under the mileage limit for coverage. I maintain a service history with full documentation from licensed repair facilities. I submitted a goodwill assistance request to Subaru to cover the inspection and repair or replacement of the CVT based on this known defect and the professional assessment from my mechanic. Subaru denied the request solely because the extended warranty had expired by time, despite the fact that: I was never notified of the warranty extension or technical service bulletin (TSB). The issue is well documented and acknowledged by Subaru. My vehicle is still under the mileage limit. A qualified mechanic has confirmed early signs of failure. This is a serious safety concern, as CVT failure can lead to sudden loss of power or acceleration while driving. Subaru should be held accountable for notifying all affected owners about extended coverage related to known defects. I am requesting that Subaru be required to provide goodwill coverage or cost assistance for this repair, as the failure is directly related to a known manufacturer defect and the lack of notification prevented me from taking timely action.

To whom this may concern, My name is [XXX] . I purchased my 2014 Subaru on December 13th, 2013. My car has 57,000 miles on it. It has loss of acceleration when entering a freeway. I push on the gas pedal harder and harder to try to get my car to obtain 60 mph. The car does not respond until minutes go by. The CVT transmission was replaced in June 2022. The car has not performed any better after the transmission replacement. I am the original owner of my car. Initially, my car performed very well, quick response to acceleration for the first 35-40 thousand miles. Then, it began to have lack of acceleration. The transmission was replaced by Subaru of America in June 2022 at around 48,000 miles. I brought my car to Elk Grove Subaru approximately 4 times since the transmission was replaced, each time I paid for their hourly diagnostic fee; between $165.00 to $195.00. Each time the service advisor said they found nothing wrong with my car. I took my car to two independent mechanics (One of them is a transmission repair shop) they each stated in writing that my transmission is slipping and has loss of power. I feel unsafe driving my car on the street as if shakes, shudders and jerks. I do not want to be a statistic in an accident on the freeway due to the lack of power trying to obtain speed while entering freeway and trying to keep my vehicle speed at a speed of barely 60 mph. My vehicle is still within the extended CVT warranty. I feel that the Subaru dealership is purposely avoiding acknowledgement of the failing transmission. Subaru is a big corporation. Many Subaru owners believe there needs to be an actual recall on their Subaru CVT transmissions. I do not feel safe driving my car. With 57,000 miles on a vehicle that's a potential safety hazard, Subaru needs to take more responsibility for their vehicles as people's lives are much more precious than their profit margins. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I was starting to reverse out of a parking spot in an underground parking lot. (It was about 10 am). The car accelerated and went backwards at top speed into a wall and door that led to elevators. It happened very suddenly. I did not have time to brake before impact. The car was still running after impact and I had to switch off the ignition to stop the engine running. The airbags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. I had ringing in my ears afterwards, was having difficulty focusing my thoughts. Pain in the tendons of my neck lasted a few days. I only realized later that I probably had a concussion from whiplash. My son was sitting in the back seat, and my daughter was standing nearby outside the car, but thank goodness, neither were injured. Fortunately no one was coming through the door into which the car crashed. The car was drivable despite the severe damage to the rear end. I drove it up to street level, where it was towed from to a body shop. The following week it was declared a total loss, and sent to salvage. I have not yet reported this to the manufacturer. It was only while I doing research to get a new car, that I stumbled upon the issue of subaru imprezas suddenly accelerating on their own. Now everything makes sense, although it doesn't lessen the trauma that we all experienced. I truly hope this doesn't happen to anyone else.

VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. WAS ABLE TO PULL CAR OVER QUICKLY AND THROW IT INTO NEUTRAL. IT THEN PRECEDED TO ACCELERATE RADICALLY ON ITS OWN. WHILE THIS WAS HAPPENING, THE HORN LOST ITS CONNECTION AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO HONK AT THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME. I AVOIDED A COLLUSION BY PULLING OVER IMMEDIATELY. THIS TOOK PLACE ON A CITY STREET GOING ABOUT 25 MILES AN HOUR DRIVING STRAIGHT.

Unknown

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the doors automatically locked with her children inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the spare key failed to unlock the doors. The contact sought assistance from a locksmith to unlock the vehicle. Additionally, the front bumper had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 190,417.

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the doors automatically locked with her children inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the spare key failed to unlock the doors. The contact sought assistance from a locksmith to unlock the vehicle. Additionally, the front bumper had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 190,417.

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SHOWS OFF WHEN AN ADULT IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS HAPPENS AT START UP AND WHILE DRIVING. THERE ARE MANY SUCH PROBLEMS FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR BEING REPORTED ONLINE.

To whom this may concern, My name is [XXX] . I purchased my 2014 Subaru on December 13th, 2013. My car has 57,000 miles on it. It has loss of acceleration when entering a freeway. I push on the gas pedal harder and harder to try to get my car to obtain 60 mph. The car does not respond until minutes go by. The CVT transmission was replaced in June 2022. The car has not performed any better after the transmission replacement. I am the original owner of my car. Initially, my car performed very well, quick response to acceleration for the first 35-40 thousand miles. Then, it began to have lack of acceleration. The transmission was replaced by Subaru of America in June 2022 at around 48,000 miles. I brought my car to Elk Grove Subaru approximately 4 times since the transmission was replaced, each time I paid for their hourly diagnostic fee; between $165.00 to $195.00. Each time the service advisor said they found nothing wrong with my car. I took my car to two independent mechanics (One of them is a transmission repair shop) they each stated in writing that my transmission is slipping and has loss of power. I feel unsafe driving my car on the street as if shakes, shudders and jerks. I do not want to be a statistic in an accident on the freeway due to the lack of power trying to obtain speed while entering freeway and trying to keep my vehicle speed at a speed of barely 60 mph. My vehicle is still within the extended CVT warranty. I feel that the Subaru dealership is purposely avoiding acknowledgement of the failing transmission. Subaru is a big corporation. Many Subaru owners believe there needs to be an actual recall on their Subaru CVT transmissions. I do not feel safe driving my car. With 57,000 miles on a vehicle that's a potential safety hazard, Subaru needs to take more responsibility for their vehicles as people's lives are much more precious than their profit margins. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The front control arm bushings are failing. The RF link is broken to the suspension too.

While driving on the highway in Denver, the engine stalled - I later learned that a valve spring broke and went through the engine, destroying it. I lost all power - lost braking - but was able to steer the vehicle off to the side of the road. I subsequently learned that about 160,000 Subarus - the same vehicle year, the same model car, the same exact engine - have been recalled by Subaru. However, this car, which suffered the same exact problem was considering "outside the window" of the recall. If I had been on the freeway at a normal rate of speed this could have been a very dangerous accident. My concern is hundreds if not thousands of these cars are still on the road and Subaru is well aware of the problem.

THE RECALL PART REPLACEMENT DIDN'T FIX MY BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING BECAUSE OF A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH DEFECT. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE SUBARU DEALER IN GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA FOR PART REPLACEMENT. THEY SAID THEY REPLACED THE PART BUT THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS STILL DO. IT WORK AND THAT IT WOULD COST $1000.00 FOR THEM TO FIX THE ELECTRICAL WIRES.

Two Lug studs broke on opposite wheels from torque issues caused when rotating tires. Based on speaking with both the dealer and the tire shop, they said this is a common issue with Subaru's. Fortunately this happened while the tires were being replaced and not while driving. Had 2 of the lug studs broken on the same tire and I had not been aware, this could cause safety issues for both myself and other drivers.

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM ON THE SUBARU IMPREZA. THE INSIDE OF THE TIRES WILL WEAR OUT PREMATURELY AND THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE WILL HAVE PLENTY OF TREAD ON IT. IF THE OWNER DOES NOT CHECK THE WHOLE TIRE THEY WILL MISS IT AND COULD RESULT IN A BLOWN TIRE. HAVE HEARD OF MANY IMPREZA OWNERS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. TALKED TO A SERVICE MANAGER AND THEY INDICATED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM ALSO. IT NEEDS LOOKED AT BEFORE SOMEBODY GET HURT OR KILLED.

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while attempting to secure the front driver’s side seat belt, the locking mechanism failed to immediately lock. The contact stated that several attempts were needed before the seat belt locked as needed. The driver was also unable to immediately unlock the seat belt buckle from the locking mechanism. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. The VIN was not available.

TWO SPECIFIC ISSUES. 1) THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WILL NOT ACTIVATE, ACCORDING TO THE INDICATOR LIGHT, WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE CAR. 2) THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGERS SIDE THAT RINGS A BELL IF THE PASSENGER IS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT WILL GO OFF WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT - DANGEROUSLY DISTRACTING FOR THE DRIVER. THE START DATE BELOW IS THE DATE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED, AS THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED SINCE PURCHASE.

To whom this may concern, My name is [XXX] . I purchased my 2014 Subaru on December 13th, 2013. My car has 57,000 miles on it. It has loss of acceleration when entering a freeway. I push on the gas pedal harder and harder to try to get my car to obtain 60 mph. The car does not respond until minutes go by. The CVT transmission was replaced in June 2022. The car has not performed any better after the transmission replacement. I am the original owner of my car. Initially, my car performed very well, quick response to acceleration for the first 35-40 thousand miles. Then, it began to have lack of acceleration. The transmission was replaced by Subaru of America in June 2022 at around 48,000 miles. I brought my car to Elk Grove Subaru approximately 4 times since the transmission was replaced, each time I paid for their hourly diagnostic fee; between $165.00 to $195.00. Each time the service advisor said they found nothing wrong with my car. I took my car to two independent mechanics (One of them is a transmission repair shop) they each stated in writing that my transmission is slipping and has loss of power. I feel unsafe driving my car on the street as if shakes, shudders and jerks. I do not want to be a statistic in an accident on the freeway due to the lack of power trying to obtain speed while entering freeway and trying to keep my vehicle speed at a speed of barely 60 mph. My vehicle is still within the extended CVT warranty. I feel that the Subaru dealership is purposely avoiding acknowledgement of the failing transmission. Subaru is a big corporation. Many Subaru owners believe there needs to be an actual recall on their Subaru CVT transmissions. I do not feel safe driving my car. With 57,000 miles on a vehicle that's a potential safety hazard, Subaru needs to take more responsibility for their vehicles as people's lives are much more precious than their profit margins. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2 differt items not sure if interconnected. Drove out of driveway and 3 blocks away the car was shaking violently and could not go more than 5 miles an hour. Was able to turn around and pull into driveway and the car died and would not start. Subarau dealer said it was the Engine Control Module and replaced it for free. There was a recall done on the 2012 Impreza for same problem and mine is a 2014 with only 35,990 miles. Should be a recall for this model year also. This would have been very dangerous if I was on the freeway and I would hate to have it happen to someone else. A week before the car died I was having problems with my key frequently getting stuck in the ignition when it was in park. Had to pull the car in and out of parking spaces and play with steering wheel constantly to release the key. This was happening a lot. When the car was at the dealer for the ECM, I also told them about the key getting stuck. They said the problem was the release switch and replaced the switch guide plate for $564. I saw on line that this also happened with the 2012 Impreza which were recalled for the keys getting stuck in the ignition but they told me I had to pay since there was no recall. Apparently this problem is still continuing with the newer models.

2014 SUBARU IMPREZZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FAINT METALLIC SQUEAL ON LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE METALLIC SQUEAL WAS DUE TO BRAKES THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED PREMATURELY. THE TIRES MADE A SHIMMYING SOUND WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER ADVISED THE SOUND WAS DUE TO ROCKS TRAPPED IN THE TIRE TREAD BEING TOSSED AROUND IN THE WHEEL WELLS. THE BREAKS WERE REPAIRED, BUT THE TIRES WERE NOT. *JS

WARNING LIGHT FLASHES FOR 30 SECONDS THEN STAY ON. CHECKED TIRE PRESSURE. ALL WERE GOOD. *TR

THE GAS GUAGE INNACCURATELY DESCRIBES HOW MUCH GAS IS LEFT IN THE TANK. I FILLED MY TANK FROM 40 MILES TWO WEEKS AGO. I PAID $32 FOR THE GAS AND IT ONLY READ 170 MILES TILL EMPTY UNLIKE THE USUAL 300 MILES. 5 HOURS LATER, WHEN IT CORRECTED ITSELF, RETURNING TO 300 MILES. THIS WEEK, UPON FILLING MY CAR UP AT 40 MILES TILL EMPTY, I PAID $28. MY CAR READ 280 MILES TILL EMPTY AND THEN SHOT UP TO 300 MILES HALF AN HOUR LATER. I FEEL UNSAFE TO LET MY CAR GO LONG PERIODS OF TIME WITHOUT FILLING WITH GAS. I CALLED MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANTED ME TO WAIT ALMOST 3 WEEKS TO BRING MY CAR IN, EVEN WHEN STATED THAT I HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING PREVIOUSLY WITH OTHER 2011-2016 SUBARU IMPREZAS. THEIR RESPONSE WAS LESS THAN COMFORTING "CLAIMING" THEY HAVE HAD NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OR TRENDS OF THIS HAPPENING WITH MY GENERATION IMPREZA, ONLY THE NEWER MODEL IMPREZAS AND CROSSTREKS.

ABOUT 6-8 MONTHS AGO AS I WAS MAKING A TURN I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND INSTEAD OF SLOWING DOWN THE ENGINE THROTTLED UP. AND AFTER A FEW MOMENTS WENT BACK TO NORMAL. TWO WEEKS AGO AS I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE COMING TO A STOP SIGN THE ENGINE THROTTLED UP AND I HAD DIFFICULTY COMING TO A STOP. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF. WHEN I STARTED IT AGAIN THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY WENT TO HIGH THROTTLE TO THE POINT THAT THE FRONT OF THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING. I TURNED IT OFF AGAIN AND RESTARTED IT AND THIS TIME IT WAS OK. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP. THEIR MECHANIC RAN THE DIAGNOSTICS AND WAS UNABLE TO PIN POINT THE PROBLEM. THEY DECIDED TO CALL THE SUBARU TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT AND WERE TOLD TO NOT LET ME DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THEIR ENGINEER TOOK A LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. THIS WAS A WEEK AGO AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT THEY HAVE FOUND.

DRIVING 65 MPH (TEMPERATURE 34 DEGREES, NO HEAT ON IN CAR) EARLY SUNDAY AM 12/4 (NO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME) AND MY SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED. DEALER IS TRYING TO TELL ME IT WAS FROM A ROCK OR OTHER PARTICLE ITEM (SERIOUSLY... NO ONE WAS IN FRONT ME). THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT AND I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. I HAVE 5 TOTAL PICTURES BUT THE SYSTEM ISN'T ALLOWING ME TO ATTACH MORE. *TR

I ADUJSTED STEERING WHEEL AND TRIED TO START THE IGNITION AND NO CRANK, NO LIGHTS ON DASH AND CAR WINDOWS WONT WORK. THIS CAR IS WELL TAKING CARE OF AT SUBARU DEALERSHIP ONLY. PLEASE HELP.