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2020 Subaru Impreza Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
85
Latest Jun 24, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Subaru Impreza, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Visibility5670.0%
  • Brakes56.3%
  • Electrical45.0%
  • Airbags33.8%
  • Driver assistance33.8%
  • Engine33.8%
  • Interior & seats11.3%
  • Exterior lighting11.3%
  • Steering11.3%
  • Suspension11.3%
  • Tires & wheels11.3%
  • Body & structure11.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

56
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed 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 · filed Feb 2, 2026
All 56 reports naming visibility

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 27, 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 · filed Sep 3, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 24, 2026

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 · filed Jul 20, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 1, 2026

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 · filed Apr 26, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 27, 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 · filed Sep 3, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11663580 · filed May 29, 2025

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 · filed Feb 29, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 20, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE AND FAILED TO RETURN TO NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER MONITORING SYSTEM TEMPORARILY STOPPED MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.

NHTSA ID 11389863 · filed Jan 25, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The problem has been recognized as a vehicle that is not meeting manufacturer specifications by the Subaru from Pembroke Pines. Shifting and harm is visible to frame and vehicle is having clonking and parts are touching.

NHTSA ID 11435840 · filed Oct 7, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

FOR A NEW CAR THAT IS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD,5000 MILE,THE CHASSIS PARTS FALL OFF DURING DRIVING,WHICH IS TOO DANGEROUS IN MOTION - ON A CITY STREET -TURNING

NHTSA ID 11384263 · filed Dec 20, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

P205/50R17 Driver side rear tire suddenly experiencing lots of pressure compared to others. Example 27.7 psi on a subject tire compared to 32.0 psi on others after approximately one week of garage storage. Upon inspection, tread separation/ visible cracking is visible on approximately 1/2 of the circumference of the tire. No warning lights from the vehicles tire pressure monitor system has activated and no trouble codes for that system or others are present, indicating the vehicle at least is not aware of a problem with the tire. Tire pressure sensor reports good battery, accurate pressure when compared to Tire gauge pressure, and reports temperature of approximately the ambient temperature (at the moment, is currently 57.0°F). Vehicle has been mostly garage kept since purchase due to Covid. Has experienced normal North Carolina Summer temperatures though recently within two weeks North Carolina has had some of the coldest weather in some time (Lows mid teens, highs low 30s). Manufacturer has been contacted and currently awaiting response. With my previous experience and knowledge in the automotive industry, it appears that the visible cracking on the tire is relatively new. The inner portions of the cracked area, for instance, are clean and free of any debris, dust or dirt.

NHTSA ID 11448989 · filed Jan 26, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The problem has been recognized as a vehicle that is not meeting manufacturer specifications by the Subaru from Pembroke Pines. Shifting and harm is visible to frame and vehicle is having clonking and parts are touching.

NHTSA ID 11435840 · filed Oct 7, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .