YearToAvoid

2019 Subaru Impreza Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 81 electrical system complaints for the 2019 Subaru Impreza, 42% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 21,000 miles. Three recalls tied to headlamps and the ECM/ignition coil cover 2017-2019 Imprezas.

Electrical System complaints
81
42% of 194
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
21,000 mi
Related recalls
3

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Batteries repeatedly die or fail to hold charge, with some owners reporting replacement batteries dying again within months or a few thousand miles.
  • Headlights dim or flicker at low speed or while decelerating, then return to normal brightness once the vehicle stops.
  • Dashboard gauges, radio, and clock lose power intermittently, with speedometer and tachometer needles dropping to zero before resetting.
  • Owners report the ignition can be knocked into the off position by accidental knee contact while driving, cutting power unexpectedly.
  • Wiring under the hood was reported chewed by rodents, leading to electrical damage not covered under warranty.

When 2019 Subaru Impreza electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 5, 2019, latest Jul 1, 2026.

2019 Subaru Impreza electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month7Dec 2019Dec 2021Feb 2023Jul 2023Dec 2023Jun 2024Apr 2025
81 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2019 to Jul 2026; peak Mar 2023 (7).

Electrical System recalls for the 2019 Subaru Impreza

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. NHTSA 19V743000Oct 18, 2019Electrical System466,205 vehicles

    Electrical system:software

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.

    Risk: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.

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 common are electrical problems in the 2019 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA lists 81 electrical system complaints for the 2019 Impreza, which is 42% of the 194 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do 2019 Impreza electrical problems usually appear?
The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints is 21,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2019 Impreza electrical issues?
Yes. NHTSA recall 22V624000 covers headlamp reflectors, and recalls 21V264000 and 19V743000 cover the ECM continuing to power the ignition coil after shutoff, all affecting 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles.
Did the 2019 Impreza electrical issues cause crashes or fires?
NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires and 0 injuries linked to electrical system complaints for the 2019 Impreza.
How does the 2019 Impreza compare to other years for electrical complaints?
The 42% share for 2019 is close to 2018's 49% and higher than most other model years, which range from 0% to 27%, based on NHTSA data.

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.