YearToAvoid

2015 Subaru Impreza Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 21 Electrical System complaints for the 2015 Subaru Impreza, 27% of that year's 77 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 38,000. A related recall (19V149000) covers a brake light switch issue tied to this system.

Electrical System complaints
21
27% of 77
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
38,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the key becomes stuck in the ignition after shifting into park, requiring repeated shifting between park and other gears to free it.
  • Some describe the passenger air bag occupancy sensor failing to detect a passenger, either leaving the air bag off light on or activating the air bag with no one seated.
  • Several report the vehicle failing to start while pressing the brake and start button, with the brake pedal traveling to the floor and warning lights illuminating.
  • One owner reported an overhead interior light that would not turn off, draining the battery overnight.
  • One owner linked the ignition-stuck-in-ACC problem to the brake light switch recall repair, noting it began shortly after that fix.

When 2015 Subaru Impreza electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 24, 2015, latest May 1, 2023.

2015 Subaru Impreza electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month2Apr 2015Jan 2018May 2019Jul 2020Jan 2021Jun 2021May 2023
21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2015 to May 2023; peak Aug 2019 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2015 Subaru Impreza

  1. 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.

Electrical System complaints by Impreza model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20105 (11%)
  2. 20119 (16%)
  3. 201233 (14%)
  4. 201338 (15%)
  5. 201417 (16%)
  6. 201521 (27%)
  7. 201618 (24%)
  8. 201751 (41%)
  9. 201874 (49%)
  10. 201981 (42%)
  11. 20205 (6%)
  12. 20210 (0%)
  13. 20222 (15%)
  14. 20231 (25%)
  15. 20245 (16%)
  16. 20251 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2015 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA lists 21 Electrical System complaints for the 2015 Impreza, which is 27% of the 77 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Subaru Impreza's electrical system?
Yes. Recall 19V149000 covers the brake light switch on certain 2008-2016 Impreza sedans and 2012-2016 Impreza wagons, among other Subaru models; dealers replace the switch free of charge.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2015 Impreza is 38,000 miles.
What is the most common electrical complaint pattern?
Multiple owners describe the ignition key getting stuck in the ignition switch after shifting into park, sometimes requiring several attempts to remove it.
Did the electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?
NHTSA data for this component and year shows 1 crash and 0 fires reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.