2012 Subaru Impreza
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 243
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
48% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 243 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1993 | 33 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1995 | 46 |
| 1996 | 20 |
| 1997 | 30 |
| 1998 | 30 |
| 1999 | 22 |
| 2000 | 41 |
| 2001 | 11 |
| 2002 | 292 |
| 2003 | 62 |
| 2004 | 96 |
| 2005 | 75 |
| 2006 | 56 |
| 2007 | 68 |
| 2008 | 176 |
| 2009 | 103 |
| 2010 | 46 |
| 2011 | 58 |
| 2012 | 243 |
| 2013 | 249 |
| 2014 | 108 |
| 2015 | 77 |
| 2016 | 75 |
| 2017 | 125 |
| 2018 | 151 |
| 2019 | 193 |
| 2020 | 85 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
48% · 116 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.
Show complaint excerpts
We were broadsided (T-boned) in an intersection with traffic lights. We were eastbound going 25MPH & had just left home. Two blocks from my home as I proceeded through the green light and bam she hit my driver side.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-04
Followed too closely through a double intersection with a non-functioning light. Police officer directed traffic through the intersection but apparently we had to stop before the second intersection.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-28
Also filed under Engine and electrical system
Engine
23% · 55 reportsElectrical system
12% · 30 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The AC unit suddenly shutoff and there was a burning smell while I was driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-12-31
Power train
11% · 26 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I was on the highway in mixed traffic for a couple hours. There was a burning smell in the cabin and then the warning lights came on including a check engine light and transmission light.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-05
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-01
Seats
6% · 15 reportsSafety timeline
6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2011-12-05Service brakes, hydraulic11V562000 Subaru is recalling certain model year 2012 Impreza sedans and wagons (Except wrx/sti models), manufactured from April 21, 2011, through November 15, 2011, and legacy and outback vehicles…
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder and if necessary, replace it, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during December 2011. Owners may…
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2012Complaint volume 243 complaints filed for this model year.
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2013-04-22Electrical system, equipment13V061000 Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year…
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
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2015-04-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-07-15 Passenger Front Air Bag Suppression
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2015-08-21Air bags15V419000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012 model year Subaru Impreza 4-Door and Station Wagon vehicles (except WRX/STI models) manufactured April 21, 2011, to February 16, 2012.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Occupant Control Unit with a modified one, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.
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2016-12-16Electrical system16V738000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
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2018-12-26Engine and engine cooling18V772000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018.
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2019-04-15Exterior lighting19V149000 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.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Subaru Impreza — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 116 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 55 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 30 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 11V562000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 13V061000 · Electrical system, equipment
- Recall 15V419000 · Air bags
- Recall 16V738000 · Electrical system
- Recall 18V772000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 19V149000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Subaru Impreza reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Subaru Impreza is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Subaru Impreza?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.