2012 Subaru Impreza Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 33 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Subaru Impreza, 14% of its 243 total complaints that year, including 4 fires. Two related recalls exist, covering the brake light switch and the secondary air injection pump relay, at a median failure mileage of 45,900.
- Electrical System complaints
- 33
- 14% of 243
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 45,900 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Heater/AC blower control switches and connectors reportedly overheat, burn, or catch fire, sometimes with a burning smell filling the cabin.
- Owners describe driver and passenger airbag warning lights turning on and airbags deactivating, sometimes linked to phone use near the dashboard.
- Some drivers report the engine or throttle response cutting out or dropping to idle while other electrical systems like lights and radio stay on.
- Rear brake lights and turn signals are described as hard to see or distinguish from one another in real driving conditions.
- One owner reported a remote starter installed by a dealer was not a genuine Subaru part and was not covered by a related recall.
When 2012 Subaru Impreza electrical complaints were filed
First complaint May 8, 2012, latest Aug 23, 2025.
Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Subaru Impreza
- NHTSA 19V149000Feb 28, 2019Electrical System1,303,530 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
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.
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.
- NHTSA 16V738000Oct 13, 2016Electrical System100,127 vehicles
Electrical system
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. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Risk: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Electrical System complaints by Impreza model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Subaru Impreza?
- NHTSA lists 33 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Impreza, which is 14% of the 243 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Are there fires linked to the 2012 Subaru Impreza's electrical system?
- Yes, NHTSA records show 4 fires among the complaints filed in this area, along with 1 crash and 0 injuries.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 Subaru Impreza's electrical system?
- Two related recalls exist: campaign 19V149000 for the brake light switch and campaign 16V738000 for the secondary air injection pump relay on turbo-charged models.
- At what mileage do 2012 Impreza electrical problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 45,900 for electrical system complaints on the 2012 Impreza.
- How does 2012 compare to other Impreza years for electrical complaints?
- The 2012 Impreza's 14% share of complaints in this area is lower than years like 2018 at 49% and 2019 at 42%, but higher than 2020's 6%.