Is the 2014 Subaru IMPREZA reliable?

The 2014 Subaru IMPREZA has 157 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2014 Subaru IMPREZA?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (48 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (20 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (18 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2014 Subaru IMPREZA?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2014 Subaru IMPREZA?

The 2014 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 2014 Subaru IMPREZA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2014 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.

2014 Subaru IMPREZA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2014 Subaru IMPREZA has 157 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.6x the segment average of 99. The most common issue is air bags problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: to whom it may concern my son has a 2014 subaru impreza . leased brand new. while driving home from the beach and after drying off the passenger noticed that the air bag deployment light was not on. i took the car to the dealer in ramsey new jersey ?invoice 244854 .they had the technicians look at . There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

19 crash reports 6 injuries

157

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

48 complaints

31%

• TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN MY SON HAS A 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA . LEASED BRAND NEW. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE BEACH AND AFTER DRYING OFF THE PASSENGER NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT LIGHT WAS NOT ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER IN RAMSEY NEW JERSEY ?INVOICE 244854 .THEY HAD THE TECHNICIANS LOOK AT
• PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHTS TURNS OFF AFTER SOME TIME DRIVING WITH A 200 LB PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE LIGHT STARTS OFF ON AND TURNS OFF MEANING THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. SUBARU DEALER REVIEWED PROBLEM AND DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG EXCEPT FOR SOME HISTORICAL WET SENSOR ERROR CODES. TH
• SENSOR FOR THE AIR BAGS ISN'T WORKING RIGHT. IT TURNS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF WHEN PEOPLE MUCH HEAVIER THAN 80 POUNDS ARE IN THE FRONT SEAT. WHEN NO ONE IS IN THE SEAT, SOMETIMES THE PASSENGER AIR BAG COMES ON. THIS HAPPENS BOTH IN PARK AND WHEN I AM DRIVING.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 5 crashes

“TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN MY SON HAS A 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA . LEASED BRAND NEW. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE BEACH AND AFTER DRYING OFF THE PASSENGER NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT LIGHT WAS NOT ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER IN RAMSEY NEW JERSEY ?INVOICE 244854 .THEY HAD THE TECHNICIANS LOOK AT ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2014 Subaru IMPREZA

Based on 95 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 34K 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 37K mi · 32 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 75K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

Later than typicalmedian 46K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Later than typicalmedian 38K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

High-mileage issuemedian 62K mi · 7 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 (3)

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 2014 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 2014 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 2014 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

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 157 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN MY SON HAS A 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA . LEASED BRAND NEW. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE BEACH AND AFTER DRYING OFF THE PASSENGER NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT LIGHT WAS NOT ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER IN RAMSEY NEW JERSEY ?INVOICE 244854 .THEY HAD THE TECHNICIANS LOOK AT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY AND RESUMED IN NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING IT OFF, THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, AND WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHILE THE SHIFTER WAS STILL IN DRIVE. THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: I PARKED THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ON A LARGE PULL OUT AREA. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, TURNED THE OFF AND TOOK THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO TAKE SOME PICTURES OF THE FALL COLORS. I WAS OUT OF THE CAR FOR ABOUT 3 TO 5 MINUTES AND I LOOK BACK TO SEE THE CAR ROLLING DO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)