2020 Subaru IMPREZA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Subaru IMPREZA has 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.2x the segment average of 80. 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. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 3 crash reports 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems

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

OTHER

16 complaints

16%

• 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
• MY FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. A TINY ROCK CAME UP AND MADE A 10 INCH CRACK.
• DRIVING AT 40 MPH WITHOUT HITTING A BUMP, AND WITHOUT A LIT "HOOD AJAR" WARNING LIGHT, THE CAR'S HOOD FLEW OPEN SMASHING THE WINDSHIELD AND OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VIEW. THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 10,022 MILES ON IT AND WAS LESS THAN 1 YEAR IN SERVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS ON A CITY STREET

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“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”

— NHTSA complaint filing

BRAKES

5 complaints

• 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
• I believe this article describes the cause of the issue. Thankfully the vehicle was parked in my driveway, and did not roll into the street or harm any people, but it could have. 2020 Subaru Impreza Wrx Service Brakes related problems https://www.carproblemzoo.com/subaru/imprezawrx/2020/2020-subaru
• A loud rumbling noise and vibration occurs while braking at high speed. Braking force seems unaffected but the noise in concerning. Upon inspection and a test drive, Subaru confirmed the issued and noticed uneven brake pad wear on the front brakes and leakage in the front caliper. Subaru recommen

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“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”

— NHTSA complaint filing

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

4 complaints

• 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
• 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
• 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 fa

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

— NHTSA complaint filing

ENGINE

3 complaints

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTING UNDER THE HOOD, THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE R
• 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 a
• White smoke mechanic claims oil mixed with the antifreeze. And stated that the engine needed to be replaced.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTING UNDER THE HOOD, THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE R”

— NHTSA complaint filing

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
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)