Owners have reported 6 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 Subaru Impreza. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints62
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners report ongoing issues with the exterior lighting of the 2019 Subaru Impreza, primarily related to inadequate headlight illumination. Complaints frequently mention that headlights, particularly low beams, are extremely dim, significantly reducing visibility during night driving and in adverse weather conditions, with some reports noting near-crash experiences due to poor lighting. Many owners highlight that the recall repair parts have been unavailable for extended periods, with some waiting over a year and a half, leading to continued safety concerns. The mileage at which these issues become apparent varies, with some reports starting as low as 5,000 miles. Safety implications are underscored by mentions of almost causing accidents and difficulties in seeing road hazards and markings.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints53
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2019 Subaru Impreza frequently report issues with windshield cracking, often occurring spontaneously without any apparent impact or damage. Common symptoms include cracks that start from the edges or bottom of the windshield and rapidly spread, impairing visibility. Multiple complaints mention these cracks appearing while the vehicle is parked or after minimal use, with some owners experiencing repeated occurrences. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the windshield cowl separating, potentially allowing water ingress or detachment while driving. These issues may pose safety risks due to impaired visibility and the potential for windshield failure.
Owner complaints15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2019 Subaru Impreza frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving battery failures and ignition problems. Many complaints describe batteries dying unexpectedly, often after the vehicle has been parked for short periods, with some owners replacing the battery multiple times within a few years. The average mileage at which these battery issues occur varies, but some reports mention occurrences as early as 5,709 miles. Additionally, several owners experience problems with the ignition system, such as blown fuses and damaged ignition coils, sometimes linked to previous recall repairs. Safety implications include sudden loss of engine power and distractions from non-functional head units, which could pose risks during driving. These patterns suggest potential electrical vulnerabilities that used car buyers should be aware of.
Owner complaints5
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2019 Subaru Impreza frequently report issues with the vehicle's brake system. Common complaints include swelling or bubbling of brake lines, with some owners noting that the parts are not readily available for replacement, posing a potential safety risk. Another pattern involves persistent squeaking of the brakes even after replacing pads and rotors, which some owners suggest might indicate a larger, unresolved issue. Additionally, one report involves a crash due to a brake pedal that became unresponsive, though no mechanical fault was identified after inspection. These problems are often reported without specific mileage details, but they suggest potential safety implications, particularly regarding the reliability of the braking system.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints5
STEERING
Owners report that the 2019 Subaru Impreza frequently exhibits issues related to steering stability at highway speeds. Common symptoms include the vehicle swaying or weaving in its lane, requiring constant small steering corrections to maintain a straight path, and a lack of self-centering in the steering wheel after turns. Some owners also describe a "floaty" steering feel and a momentary loss of steering tension. These issues are noted at various mileages, with some complaints beginning as early as 600 miles. Safety implications are evident as drivers express difficulty in maintaining lane position, particularly in the presence of other vehicles, which could lead to potential loss of control.
Owner complaints5
ENGINE
Owners of the 2019 Subaru Impreza frequently report issues related to engine performance and safety. Several complaints describe a lack of engine response at low speeds, particularly during throttle application, which has led to near-collision scenarios. Additionally, there are reports of the engine pinging on fuel grades lower than 91 octane, despite the manual recommending 87 octane. Some owners also mention problems with excessive carbon buildup on the engine heads, resulting in power loss and unusual shifting, often requiring extensive repairs. A significant safety concern is highlighted by a report of a vehicle fire originating in the engine compartment while the car was stationary, resulting in a total loss. These issues generally arise early in the vehicle's life, with one case occurring shortly after the first routine service at around 5,000 miles.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints5
VISIBILITY
Owners of the 2019 Subaru Impreza frequently report issues with windshield cracking. Complaints often describe cracks occurring without apparent impact or from minor impacts, such as small rocks or pebbles. The reported mileage at the time of these incidents varies, with some occurring as early as 14,000 miles and others around 52,000 miles. The cracks are described as expanding across the windshield, sometimes reaching up to 2 feet in length. No safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control are mentioned, but the recurring nature of these issues may be of concern to potential buyers.
Owner complaints4
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2019 Subaru Impreza frequently report issues with the power train, particularly concerning the drive shaft and wheel bearings. Complaints describe a sound from the drive shaft center bearing in cold weather, which requires costly replacement of the entire drive shaft. Additionally, premature wear of rear wheel bearings is noted, with replacements needed as early as 44,137 miles and again at 62,486 miles. Some owners also experience grinding when shifting into 4th gear on manual transmissions at higher RPMs. Safety implications include potential accidents due to failed wheel bearings at high speeds. These issues often arise at relatively low mileage, suggesting potential design or part quality concerns.
Owner complaints4
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2019 Subaru Impreza frequently report airbag non-deployment during collisions, with three out of four complaints involving crashes and resulting injuries. In these incidents, airbags fail to deploy in both side and front-end impacts, leading to injuries such as broken bones, whiplash, and concussions. One complaint describes a persistent SRS airbag warning light in a vehicle with only 150 miles. These complaints highlight potential safety implications related to airbag performance in crashes, which prospective buyers should consider, particularly if the vehicle has been involved in an accident.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 5 injury reports
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners report two main issues with the 2019 Subaru Impreza's vehicle speed control. The first involves the vehicle shaking and the engine behaving as if it might stall when reaching speeds of 50-60 mph, with the inability to accelerate beyond 60 mph, suggesting a possible fuel delivery problem. The second issue, which includes a crash, describes sudden unintended acceleration while parking, where the car unexpectedly lurches forward at full throttle without the accelerator being pressed. This incident highlights potential safety implications, as it resulted in a collision with a parked vehicle. These reports indicate symptoms that could affect both highway driving and low-speed maneuvering, with varying consequences.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
