2019 Subaru Impreza Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2019 Subaru Impreza ranks worst of 21 model years for owner complaints, with a complaint index of 100 and 194 complaints covering electrical system and windshield issues. It carries 5 recalls, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Impreza years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 21 Impreza years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 194
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 28.5
- 25.5 city / 33.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2019 Subaru Impreza problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System81 (42%)
- Visibility & Wipers60 (31%)
- Other27 (14%)
- Engine11 (6%)
- Brakes8 (4%)
- Fuel System6 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (3%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (3%)
- Steering5 (3%)
- Airbags4 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Windshields crack spontaneously with no impact, sometimes replaced more than once on the same car.
- Headlight or low-beam reflectors reportedly fail to light the road properly during turns at night.
- Steering feels unstable at highway speeds, requiring constant small corrections and not self-centering after turns.
- Some owners report brake pedals locking up and becoming immovable during stop-and-go driving.
- One owner reported an engine fire while the car was parked and had recently been serviced.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in rear-end and side-impact collisions.
2019 Subaru Impreza recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V624000Aug 12, 2022Electrical System188,397 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.
- NHTSA 21V587000Jul 29, 2021Fuel System175,968 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 21V264000Apr 15, 2021Electrical System466,205 vehicles
Electrical system:software
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Risk: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
2019 Subaru Impreza fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25.5 MPG
- Highway
- 33.5 MPG
- Combined
- 28.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,275
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2019 compared with other Impreza years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Subaru Impreza reliable?
- Among 21 Impreza model years tracked, 2019 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst overall, driven mainly by electrical system and windshield/visibility complaints.
- What are the main problems with the 2019 Subaru Impreza?
- NHTSA complaints show Electrical System issues account for 42% of complaints (81 total), followed by Visibility & Wipers at 31% (60 complaints), often involving headlight aim and cracked windshields.
- Does the 2019 Subaru Impreza have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2019 Impreza, covering the fuel pump, headlamp reflectors, and an Engine Control Module issue that could keep the ignition coil powered after shutoff.
- What is the median mileage for complaints on the 2019 Impreza?
- Across all complaints the median mileage at failure is 11,700 miles, though Visibility & Wipers issues showed up earlier at a median of 10,300 miles and Fuel System issues even sooner at 8,625 miles.
- How does the 2019 Impreza compare to other years?
- The 2019 model has a complaint index of 100 and is rated Avoid, while years like 2022 and 2025 score much lower (10 and 5) and carry Best verdicts.