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Subaru

2020 Subaru IMPREZA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Subaru IMPREZA has 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 99. The most common issue is visibility problems (57% of all complaints), specifically: the vehicle is about a month old, i was driving on the freeway when a tiny piece of gravel hit my windshield resulting in a crack about 10 inches in length located in the middle of the passenger and driver seat section. i didn't have any heating on and it was a sunny day. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 3 crash reports 2 injuries

98

Total Complaints

1

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

VISIBILITY

56 complaints
57%
  • THE VEHICLE IS ABOUT A MONTH OLD, I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN A TINY PIECE OF GRAVEL HIT MY WINDSHIELD RESULTING IN A CRACK ABOUT 10 INCHES IN LENGTH LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT SECTION. I DIDN'T HAVE ANY HEATING ON AND IT WAS A SUNNY DAY
  • WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE PARKED ON THE DRIVEWAY OUTSIDE MY HOUSE.
  • THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN JANUARY 2020 NEW FROM DEALER STOCK. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILES ON IT AND EXPERIENCED SPONTANEOUS WINDSHIELD CRACKS WITH NO INDICATION IT IS FROM SOMETHING STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD. CRACKS WERE DISCOVERED IN THE MORNING AFTER THE CAR WAS SITTING ALL NIGHT. THE DAY AFT
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

THE VEHICLE IS ABOUT A MONTH OLD, I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN A TINY PIECE OF GRAVEL HIT MY WINDSHIELD RESULTING IN A CRACK ABOUT 10 INCHES IN LENGTH LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT SECTION. I DIDN'T HAVE ANY HEATING ON AND IT WAS A SUNNY DAY

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Subaru IMPREZA

Based on 44 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 7K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
41
30-60K
1
60-100K
2
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 7K mi · 33 reports
0-30K
31
30-60K
0
60-100K
2
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

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 (1)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP29/07/2021

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Subaru IMPREZA

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,656
Per month
$138
Per mile
13.8¢
MPG
29
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,087/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,334/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
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 2020 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.
Full coverage / year
$1,607
Full coverage / month
$134
Liability only / year
$611
vs US avg
-4%
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 age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$1607

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 2020 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

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 98 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • VISIBILITY: THE VEHICLE IS ABOUT A MONTH OLD, I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN A TINY PIECE OF GRAVEL HIT MY WINDSHIELD RESULTING IN A CRACK ABOUT 10 INCHES IN LENGTH LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEAT SECTION. I DIDN'T HAVE ANY HEATING ON AND IT WAS A SUNNY DAY

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: BOUGHT THE CAR 12/21 FIRST WINDSHIELD CRACKED 1/28 WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY OVER THE WEEKEND. DEALER CLAIMS THERE WAS A CHIP CAUSED BY A ROCK BUT I THINK THE "CHIP" WAS CAUSED BY THE CRACKING OF THE WINDSHIELD DROPPED OFF AT DEALER 2/4 THE FIRST REPLACEMENT IS BROKEN TAKES A WEEK TO GE

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BRAKES: WHO: DAUGHTER 16YO (DRIVER), FATHER (FRONT PASSENGER SEAT), DAUGHTER 14YO (DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT). VEHICLE: 2020 SUBARU IMPREZA WHAT: SUBARU ANTI-COLLISION ENGAGED UNNECESSARILY WHEN: 0704 EST 14 MAY 2021 WHERE: 41°43'07.4"N 81°14'08.3" MY 16YO DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND I WAS IN THE PA

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: WHO: DAUGHTER 16YO (DRIVER), FATHER (FRONT PASSENGER SEAT), DAUGHTER 14YO (DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT). VEHICLE: 2020 SUBARU IMPREZA WHAT: SUBARU ANTI-COLLISION ENGAGED UNNECESSARILY WHEN: 0704 EST 14 MAY 2021 WHERE: 41°43'07.4"N 81°14'08.3" MY 16YO DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND I WAS IN THE PA

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
98
Recalls
1
Fire reports
1
Crash reports
3
Injury reports
2
Segment avg
99

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2020 Subaru IMPREZA