Is the 2012 Subaru IMPREZA reliable?

The 2012 Subaru IMPREZA has 337 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Subaru IMPREZA?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (116 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (56 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (30 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Subaru IMPREZA?

Yes, there are 6 recall(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Subaru IMPREZA?

The 2012 Subaru IMPREZA gets 25 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1920. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Subaru IMPREZA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Subaru IMPREZA is approximately $1,478/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.

2012 Subaru IMPREZA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2012 Subaru IMPREZA has 337 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.4x the segment average of 99. The most common issue is air bags problems (34% of all complaints), specifically: while driving the vehicle, the passenger air bag indicator was indicating that it was off while a passenger was sitting in the seat. this is unusual because if something such as a purse is placed in the seat, the indicator will change from off to on due to the seat being occupied. i think this is ve. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 6 fire reports filed.

6 fire reports 15 crash reports 7 injuries

337

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

3.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

116 complaints

34%

• WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS INDICATING THAT IT WAS OFF WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THIS IS UNUSUAL BECAUSE IF SOMETHING SUCH AS A PURSE IS PLACED IN THE SEAT, THE INDICATOR WILL CHANGE FROM OFF TO ON DUE TO THE SEAT BEING OCCUPIED. I THINK THIS IS VE
• DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH A PASSENGER, AIRBAG LIGHT SWITCHES TO OFF AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH ILLUMINATES. PASSENGER CAN THEN UNBUCKLE SEAT BELT AND NO ALARMS SOUND ALERTING THAT THE SEATBELT IS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY BLAMED IT ON A PAIR OF JUMPE
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS AN OCCUPANT IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE OCCUPANCY SEAT SENSOR DETECTED WETNE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 7 crashes

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS INDICATING THAT IT WAS OFF WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THIS IS UNUSUAL BECAUSE IF SOMETHING SUCH AS A PURSE IS PLACED IN THE SEAT, THE INDICATOR WILL CHANGE FROM OFF TO ON DUE TO THE SEAT BEING OCCUPIED. I THINK THIS IS VE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Subaru IMPREZA

Based on 262 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 45K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 41K mi · 96 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 31K mi · 39 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 45K mi · 21 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

In line with typicalmedian 32K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 47K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 22K mi · 8 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 (6)

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 2012 Subaru IMPREZA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,920

Per month

$160

Per mile

16.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,372/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 2012 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

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

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 age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

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 2012 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

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 337 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS INDICATING THAT IT WAS OFF WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THIS IS UNUSUAL BECAUSE IF SOMETHING SUCH AS A PURSE IS PLACED IN THE SEAT, THE INDICATOR WILL CHANGE FROM OFF TO ON DUE TO THE SEAT BEING OCCUPIED. I THINK THIS IS VE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: I PURCHASED MY 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT PREMIUM ON 12/24/2011. IT HAD LESS THAN 100 MILES WHEN PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER. AT 1200 MILES, THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL AND IT WAS VERY LOW. I CALLED BROADWAY SUBARU IN OAKLAND,CA ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I EXPLAINED, HOW CAN A BRAND NEW CAR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: THE AIRBAGS IN THIS VEHICLE TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD ICONS INDICATE AIRBAGS ARE TURNED OFF). VEHICLE MUST BE STOPPED AND RESTARTED FOR THE AIRBAGS TO TURN BACK ON. THERE SEEMS TO BE A RELATIONSHIP TO ELECTRONIC INTERFERENCE - PASSENGER USE OF IPHONE OR IPAD MAY BE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL OF THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CV
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)