2020 Subaru Impreza Owner Complaints

The electrical system failed and battery then exploded. The vehicle is behind held at a tow yard and has been inspected by allied insurance CPI of tower federal credit union. It is available to be inspected for the time being but will be scrapped soon. Both my safety and the safety of others was at risk- this occurred in a Wendy’s drive through near other vehicles, a building and of course people there in. There’s video footage of the incident taken by Wendy’s staff. The car stopped running as the fire caught- I ( the driver ) had to push the vehicle physically away from the building and cars and got away only one minute before it entirely exploded. Whether or not the problem has been confirmed or reproduced elsewhere is UNKNOWN. The fire was extinguished by firefighters and police did take a report as well. There was absolutely no warning that there was an issue prior - not even a hazard light- the only thing I noticed was my oil temp had begun to increase.

NHTSA ID

11746233

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

For the second year in a row my windshield has cracked. Nothing hit it, or happened to make it crack. Both cracks were long and coming from the bottom of the windshield under the passenger wiper blade. I noticed it today, 4/28/26 and the same thing happened in the beginning of April last year with the same circumstances (or lack thereof).

NHTSA ID

11734220

Incident

Apr 28, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11715092

Incident

Jan 30, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11714764

Incident

Jan 15, 2026

Reference complaint no.11684658 confirmed. From email from Tech representative "VDC HYDRAULIC UNIT REPLACEMENT. IT IS AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. THERE ARE SENSORS INSIDE THAT MEASURE BRAKE LINE PRESSURE. THE LEFT FRONT SENSOR IS STUCK AT NEGATIVE 59 BAR. SHOULD BE ZERO AT REST. NOTHING TO DO WITH EYESIGHT THAT LIGHT WILL COME ON WHENEVER THERE IS A WARNING LIGHT ON." The modulator is a safety critical component which undergoes extensive life time testing, one out of 4 pressure sensors should not fail during vehicle life time.

NHTSA ID

11690067

Incident

Aug 15, 2025

The Eye Sight warning system is activated occasionally and VDC is cut off. The dealer diagnosed code C1742, and recommended replacing the control unit due to a pressure sensor issue after measurement. The units are on back order, which indicates to me a wider spread problem. VDC units should not fail even after 10 years.

NHTSA ID

11684658

Incident

Aug 15, 2025

White smoke mechanic claims oil mixed with the antifreeze. And stated that the engine needed to be replaced.

NHTSA ID

11663580

Incident

May 20, 2025

The windshield spontaneously cracked while sitting in my driveway. Windshield had no chips, damage, etc. The weather has been in the upper 70's, so no inclement weather. Upon researching, I found that many other Subaru owners have had the same issue.

NHTSA ID

11608479

Incident

Aug 14, 2024

While car was parked. Front windshield developed crack in the lower mid section of windshield. There was no damage to windshield that would have resulted in cracking. Crack has since spread.

NHTSA ID

11605501

Incident

Jul 23, 2024

Both rear doors will intermittently not open when unlocked from both the inside or the outside. I am unsure if this is electrical or related to the door components itself. This is a hazard because passengers have been locked in the back of the car, and needed to climb out from the front or needed me to open the door from the outside if it will open—which could be a deadly amount of extra time in an emergency situation where passengers need to quickly exit the vehicle. This issue has been going on over a year, but I did not take it in until two months ago because I rarely had back passengers. That has changed, so I took it in. I have brought the car to the dealership three times for this issue, which is as of now still unresolved, with the following results: 1st visit: They told me child lock was on and turned it off. (I do not believe this, as the doors would occasionally open correctly from the inside—so that would mean child lock is also faulty) 2nd visit: They found weak actuators in both doors and replaced them. 3rd visit: Currently still in the shop for other unrelated issues, but they are having a hard time diagnosing the cause since the doors will open for them—but the lady who checked me in experienced the door sticking with me, and she said she could tell something was wrong.

NHTSA ID

11603534

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

Windshield breaks (cracks) very easily. I have owned/driven cars for 45 years, during the first 41 years I have only had to replace one (1) windshield. Since I have owned this vehicle (Subaru), I am now onto windshield number five (5). Are they making these windows with inferior materials or thinner? I hate to think that an inferior window will not hold up or perform as designed in a major accident, possibly causing greater injury or death.

NHTSA ID

11595823

Incident

Jun 18, 2024

Passenger Air-bag igniter's wiring shorted out releasing gas into car. The windows were up and the car was not running. I was sitting in passenger side went to light my cigarette and with no warning at all KABOOM!!! Car exploded catching my hair on fire as well as 2nd and 3rd degree burns on hands and 1st and 2nd degree burns on face. The explosion carried so much force that the doors and back hatch were dented outward making it impossible to shut and lock doors properly. Explosion was so loud the people inside the bar thought a bomb had gone off. This incident was not reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or insurance company due to the fact the car was stolen directly after incident due to the fact that the doors could not shut properly. Prior to this incident no warning lights had gone off to indicate a malfunction in the passenger airbag or the wiring. I guess I was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

NHTSA ID

11585384

Incident

Dec 31, 2022

On 3 separate occasions since I've had my car, it has powered off completely without warning while driving. This is very dangerous could cause a severe accident or death. I called a tow truck on 3 separate occasions (1/27/23; 2/26/24; 2/28/24) to take it to the dealer or car repair business. Then after 20 - 30 minutes, it starts up again like normal. This make of cars made in 2020 have recalls for this same problem except for the model I have. The maker of these cars are not responding to keep their customers safe and continue to lie about the problems these cars are having. They are poorly made and extremely unsafe.

NHTSA ID

11574727

Incident

Feb 28, 2024

Over the course of 3 days, my vehicle has sustained 4 chips in the windshield from standard city street driving. The windshield now needs to be replaced from excessive cracks.

NHTSA ID

11552065

Incident

Oct 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound and became aware that the windshield had cracked. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the windshield was replaced. The failure had reoccurred, and a crack appeared on the windshield in the same area. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA ID

11550500

Incident

Oct 10, 2023

Mileage

94,000 mi

A loud rumbling noise and vibration occurs while braking at high speed. Braking force seems unaffected but the noise in concerning. Upon inspection and a test drive, Subaru confirmed the issued and noticed uneven brake pad wear on the front brakes and leakage in the front caliper. Subaru recommended replacement of front calipers, pads, and rotors. Subaru replaced pads and rotors. The noise continues to occur occassionally. Subaru is recommending replacement of front brake calipers but is unable to replace them due to a shortage. I am concerned the brakes or other components may fail due to unusual wear. No inspection by police or insurance has been completed. No warning lights occurred, only the noise and vibration during braking.

NHTSA ID

11536986

Incident

Apr 15, 2023

Was sitting in car preparing to leave. Car was in park and turned on. Heard a loud popping/creaking noise. Looked up and the front windshield cracked in several places.

NHTSA ID

11519211

Incident

Apr 17, 2023

My car spontanously developed a crack in the windshield. It has slowly grown double in size. The crack has no clear cause, chipping, or impact.

NHTSA ID

11519163

Incident

Apr 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was not illuminating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the air bag warning light needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was involved in an accident that caused the air bag warning light to malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 46,000.

NHTSA ID

11516514

Incident

Apr 4, 2023

Mileage

46,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, it was later discovered that a crack had developed on the front windshield. The crack measured approximately 10-inches and extended from the bottom of the windshield. The contact indicated that no rock or object had impacted the windshield to cause the crack. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.

NHTSA ID

11512839

Incident

Mar 19, 2023

Mileage

15,000 mi

I was stopped at a stop light. Traffic was basically at a stand still while the lights were changing. During this time my windshield spontaneously cracked on the lower center section of the glass. It cracked for seemingly no reason at all. Since traffic was stopped there's no way it could have been caused by a rock or flying debris. No weather (such as hail) was occurring at the time.

NHTSA ID

11509999

Incident

Mar 3, 2023

I believe this article describes the cause of the issue. Thankfully the vehicle was parked in my driveway, and did not roll into the street or harm any people, but it could have. 2020 Subaru Impreza Wrx Service Brakes related problems https://www.carproblemzoo.com/subaru/imprezawrx/2020/2020-subaru-imprezawrx-service-brakes-problems.php

NHTSA ID

11476393

Incident

Dec 26, 2021

My car was parked outside on the street and when I went to drive it the next morning the windshield had a foot long crack in it. There is no obvious point of collision--it looks like it just split. I will need to replace the windshield for around $1300 since the crack is so large.

NHTSA ID

11472642

Incident

Jul 6, 2022

I own a 2020 Impreza Hatchback with 18k miles. A significant crack appeared in the windshield out of nowhere, literally while parked in a safe environment. I was advised by Subaru corporate and my local dealership that this is not covered by warranty and would have to make a claim with my insurance. I can provide pictures and further detailed information if so required.

NHTSA ID

11468778

Incident

Jun 9, 2022

A large Crack appeared and the bottom middle of the windshield and cracked upwards to the lower middle windshield and cracked both to the left and right side.

NHTSA ID

11466862

Incident

May 31, 2022