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Subaru Impreza reliability

The Subaru Impreza fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 27.3% of 17,952 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Up to 5 years old
13.3% failed their MOT
About average
From 535 MOT tests of Subaru Imprezas this age. A small sample, so take it as a rough guide: a few cars either way can move these figures.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 3× as oftenExhaust emissions2.2% vs 0.8%Fix about £150
Fails 8× as oftenFront and rear fog lamps1.5% vs 0.2%Fix about £30
Fails 4× as oftenPosition lamps1.1% vs 0.3%Fix about £30
6 to 10 years old
13.8% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 737 MOT tests of Subaru Imprezas this age. A small sample, so take it as a rough guide: a few cars either way can move these figures.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 60% more oftenStop lamp2.4% vs 1.5%Fix about £30
Fails 3× as oftenFront and rear fog lamps1.4% vs 0.4%Fix about £30
Over 10 years old
27.3% failed their MOT
Better than most
From 17,952 MOT tests of Subaru Imprezas this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 80% more oftenExhaust emissions9.2% vs 5.1%Fix about £150
Fails 3× as oftenComponent mounting prescribed areas3.5% vs 1.4%
Fails 2× as oftenIntegral vehicle structure1% vs 0.5%
Advised 47% more oftenAnti-roll bars8.8% vs 6%
Advised 30% more oftenExhaust system6.9% vs 5.3%Fix about £150
Safety recalls

14 DVSA recalls for the Subaru Impreza

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2022/2601 Sept 2022Built 2014–2018The electronic park brake connector may disconnect

The electronic park brake connector may disconnect.

Fix: Inspect the electronic park brake connector and if necessary fit a retaining clip.

Recalled models: IMPREZA · 4,769 vehicles

R/2021/3531 Nov 2021Built 2016–2019Potential failure of the ignition coil module causing engine stall and a none start condition

Ignition coils may short circuit and fail.�

Fix: Replace all ignition coils. If a misfire DTC is stored replace the front exhaust pipe.�

Recalled models: IMPREZA · 2,338 vehicles

R/2020/31515 Nov 2020Built 2016–2018Brake hose fitting caulking area has insufficient sealing

Vehicles are equipped with brake hose fittings with insufficient sealing.

Fix: Replace affected brake hoses with a countermeasure part.

Recalled models: IMPREZA · 585 vehicles

R/2020/31615 Nov 2020Built 2016–2019Due to improper ecm programming under certain circumstances the ignition coil may be energized longer than designed after the engine is off

Possible engine stall and restart failure.

Fix: Re-programme the engine control module and replace if required the ignition coil.

Recalled models: IMPREZA · 2,338 vehicles

R/2019/1068 Apr 2019Built 2010–2016Silicone gas may seep into stop light switch housing and lead to a conduction failure

The vehicle�s brake lights may not operate properly.

Fix: The brake light switch will be replaced on affected vehicles.

Recalled models: IMPREZA · 6,975 vehicles

R/2019/0251 Mar 2019Built 2013–2014The load may exceed the valve spring's fatigue strength and the spring may fracture

Engine valve springs may fracture.

Fix: Replace all engine valve springs.

Recalled models: IMPREZA · 812 vehicles

R/2018/3261 Dec 2018Built 2008–2010Mis connection of the fuel pump connector

Fuel pump wiring poor connection.

Fix: Replace fuel pump harness and inspect pump flange or damage. Replace if required.

Recalled models: IMPREZA · 6,649 vehicles

R/2018/14123 Jul 2018Front passenger airbag inflator may rupture in a deployment event

Potential injury if Airbag deployed

Fix: On Affected vehicles replace Airbag inflator unit

Recalled models: IMPREZA · 7,589 vehicles

R/2016/1481 Aug 2016Built 2012Airbag may not deploy

Certain circumstances can trigger the Occupant Detection System (ODS) to incorrectly detect a high rise in capacitance which deactivates the ODS and turns the passenger airbag off. This is signalled to the driver via the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). If a heavy frontal collision occurs after the MIL illuminates the airbag will not deploy.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the Occupant Detection Unit.

Recalled models: IMPREZA · 408 vehicles

R/2015/1121 Jul 2015Built 2004–2007Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag the subject propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace passenger front air bag inflator.

Recalled models: IMPREZA · 10,452 vehicles

R/2014/12730 Nov 2014Built 2008–2011Brake fluid may leak

It is possible that corrosion can form on unprotected hidden brake pipes. This could result in the failure of the pipes and loss of brake fluid which can affect the brake system and ultimately cause reduced braking efficiency.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect and if required replace the subject brake pipes.

Recalled models: IMPREZA · 21,343 vehicles

R/2013/11710 Jan 2014Engine may cut out

It is possible that the main engine wiring harness may have been incorrectly routed within the engine bay. This can allow the harness to chaff on the engine inlet manifold. This can result in damage to the harness which will either cause rough running of the engine illumination of the engine management light or in the extreme cases cause the engine to cut out.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check the routing of the harness and if necessary reroute and repair the harness.

Recalled models: IMPREZA · 80 vehicles

R/2011/14615 Jan 2012Built 2002–2007Lower control arms may fail

The front Transverse links (lower Control Arms) may corrode leading to possible breakage if left without treatment.

Fix: Either additional rust proofing or replacement of the Transverse links will be performed according to the degree of corrosion.

Recalled models: IMPREZA · 22,928 vehicles

R/2004/1943 Nov 2004Oil flow control valve cover retaining bolts may become loose

The oil flow control valve cover retaining bolts may become loose with the result that the engine may leak oil and the risk of a fire.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the oil flow control valve cover retaining bolts re-tightened to a revised torque.

Recalled models: IMPREZA · 1,588 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Subaru Impreza before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

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Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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