Is the 2010 Subaru IMPREZA reliable?

The 2010 Subaru IMPREZA has 61 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2010 Subaru IMPREZA?

Top problems: ENGINE (10 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (8 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (7 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2010 Subaru IMPREZA?

Yes, there are 15 recall(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Subaru IMPREZA?

The 2010 Subaru IMPREZA gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2010 Subaru IMPREZA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2010 Subaru IMPREZA is approximately $1,366/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2010 Subaru IMPREZA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2010 Subaru IMPREZA has 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.6x the segment average of 99. The most common issue is engine problems (16% of all complaints), specifically: engine failure due to complete loss of oil pressure in 2006 subaru impreza wrx limited sportwagon. *tr. There are 15 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 2 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

10 complaints

16%

• ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO COMPLETE LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE IN 2006 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX LIMITED SPORTWAGON. *TR
• BEFORE THE FAILURE WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT THE TAILPIPE AND THE ENGINE WAS HESITATING. PISTON #4 HAD A FAILED RINGLAND CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FAIL. TO CORRECT THE FAILURE THE ENGINE HAD TO BE TAKEN APART AT THE DEALER AND HAVE NEW PARTS INSTALLED. THE CAR WAS OUT OF MY POSSESSION FOR TWO WEEKS. THE
• FIRST FAILURE WAS MY CLUTCH DUE TO THE PRESSURE PLATE BEING INSTALLED INCORRECTLY FROM THE FACTORY AND WAS WARRANTED. SECOND FAILURE WAS AN AIR FUEL SENSOR WHICH ALSO WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THIRD FAILURE WAS MY 4TH CYLINDER CRACKED PISTON. THE DEALERSHIP WHICH HAS BEEN THE SAME THAT I HAVE GONE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO COMPLETE LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE IN 2006 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX LIMITED SPORTWAGON. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Subaru IMPREZA

Based on 42 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 60K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Earlier than typicalmedian 34K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 72K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (15)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH28/02/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Subaru IMPREZA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Subaru IMPREZA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,366

Full coverage / month

$114

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1366

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru IMPREZA Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2010 IMPREZA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 61 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO COMPLETE LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE IN 2006 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX LIMITED SPORTWAGON. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR NO LONGER STAYS UP. THE INTERNAL PLASTIC TENSION TUBING HAS BROKEN AND VISOR CAN SEPARATE FROM MOUNT ATTACHING TO THE CAR. PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND MOVING. PROBLEM WAS NOT EXACERBATED BY ANY ACTION OR ABUSE, IT SIMPLY STARTED.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: SUBARU HAS AN INHERENT BRAKE DEFECT IN THEIR 2010-2011 SUBARU WRX AND WRX STI MODEL CARS. THE BRAKE SENSOR IN NEW CARS IS FAULTY CAUSING SYSTEM FAILURE WITH REGARDS TO ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. WHEN BRAKES ARE USED IN A PANIC SITUATION THEY LOCK UP CAUSING DRIVERS TO LOSE CONTROL WITH THE ROAD AND DO NOT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG OFF INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHETHER THE PASSENGER'S SEAT WAS OCCUPIED OR NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO ADVISED THAT THE FRONT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 15 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)