The 2020 Subaru Impreza has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 83 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru Impreza. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (48), Unknown Or Other (15), Service Brakes (4).
Impreza reliability snapshot
74/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$653
Avg annual repair cost vs $526 category avg
#33/36
Ranking in compact cars · better than 8% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
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Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Visibility Wiper48
Unknown Or Other15
Service Brakes4
Visibility4
Air Bags3
Electrical System3
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 Subaru Impreza
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Inspect windshield for existing cracks or chips
☐Test rear doors for proper locking and unlocking
☐Check for any warning lights on the dashboard, especially airbag and brake system
☐Test drive to listen for unusual noises during braking
☐Verify engine starts smoothly without hesitation
☐Check for any signs of oil mixing with antifreeze under the hood
What owners reported
2020 Subaru Impreza owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Subaru Impreza. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints48
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2020 Subaru Impreza frequently report issues with windshield cracking. Complaints commonly describe spontaneous cracks occurring while the vehicle is parked or at low speeds, often without any obvious impact or external cause. Windshield cracks are noted to originate from various points, including the lower center and top passenger side, and can spread significantly. Some owners mention repeated incidents of windshield damage, even from minor impacts like small gravel, suggesting a potential susceptibility of the glass. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase and others at higher mileages, such as 41,000 miles. While no crashes or injuries are directly reported, owners express concern about the integrity of the windshield in potential accidents.
Owner complaints15
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2020 Subaru Impreza frequently report issues with the windshield, with numerous complaints describing cracks appearing spontaneously or from minor impacts. Symptoms typically include windshield cracks developing without apparent cause, often while the vehicle is parked or after minor road debris contact. Some owners note the cracks grow rapidly, causing visibility concerns. These issues are reported at various mileage levels, with some occurring under 12,000 miles. One complaint also mentions a safety-related incident where the hood flew open, damaging the windshield and obstructing the driver's view, though no injuries were reported. Buyers considering this model should be aware of the potential for frequent windshield replacements.
Owners of the 2020 Subaru Impreza report issues with the vehicle's service brakes, particularly involving the ABS control unit and the EyeSight system. Complaints frequently mention failures in the vehicle dynamics control (VDC) due to pressure sensor malfunctions, with specific references to the left front sensor being stuck at negative values. Additionally, owners describe a loud rumbling noise and vibration during high-speed braking, linked to uneven brake pad wear and caliper leakage. Some reports also highlight unnecessary engagement of the anti-collision system, causing abrupt stops. These issues are noted at varying mileages, and while no crashes are reported, they raise concerns about potential safety risks, such as unexpected braking and component wear.
Owner complaints4
VISIBILITY
Owners report frequent issues with windshield cracking on the 2020 Subaru Impreza. Complaints frequently mention cracks developing without any apparent impact from external objects, with cracks often originating from the lower sections of the windshield. The described failures occur across a range of mileages, from as low as 800 miles to as high as 94,000 miles. While no direct safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control are reported, the recurring nature of the windshield cracking could imply potential visibility concerns. This information may be relevant for used car buyers considering the durability of the vehicle's windshield.
Owner complaints3
AIR BAGS
Owners report several issues with the airbag system in the 2020 Subaru Impreza. One complaint describes a failure of airbags to deploy during a high-speed crash, resulting in a broken wrist and dislocated thumb. Another owner details an incident where a passenger airbag igniter wiring short led to an explosion, causing burns and damage to the vehicle's doors and hatch. A third report mentions a non-illuminating airbag warning light, attributed to a previous accident, with the vehicle at approximately 46,000 miles. These reports highlight serious safety implications, including injuries and potential fire hazards, which prospective buyers should consider.
Owners of the 2020 Subaru Impreza report intermittent electrical issues affecting vehicle operation and safety. Complaints frequently mention problems with the rear doors not opening from inside or outside, potentially trapping passengers, despite attempts to resolve the issue with dealership visits. Additionally, multiple owners describe the vehicle unexpectedly losing power while driving, which poses a risk of accidents, although the car typically restarts after a short period. Another reported issue involves difficulty starting the engine, escalating to a complete failure to start, often attributed to potential starter problems. These issues generally emerge around one year after purchase, and some vehicles have been towed for diagnosis and repair.
Owner complaints2
ENGINE
Owners of the 2020 Subaru Impreza report issues related to the engine, with specific complaints about white smoke indicating oil mixing with antifreeze, leading to engine replacement. Another owner describes the vehicle losing motive power and stalling without warning, although the engine could be restarted and functioned normally afterward. This stalling issue reportedly occurs at around 10,000 miles and has happened multiple times, leading to a drained battery that required replacement. While no crashes or fires are reported, the stalling issue could pose a safety risk due to unexpected loss of power. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential engine concerns and the associated symptoms.
2020 Impreza recalls (1)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2020 Impreza. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 21V587000Jul 29, 2021
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.
Consequence: 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.
Used-market value
2020 Subaru Impreza resale snapshot
65.2%estimated value retained after 5 years
182listings in the model-level benchmark
$22,500median asking price from 19 listings
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
The 2020 Subaru Impreza scores slightly above the segment average, indicating moderate reliability. A single recall suggests limited widespread issues. However, complaints are concentrated heavily in the visibility and wiper systems, hinting at a potential area of concern for owners.
Other complaint categories, such as service brakes and airbags, are less frequent, indicating fewer systemic issues in these areas. The Impreza's facelift year may have contributed to these specific visibility-related problems, but the overall complaint distribution remains relatively focused.
In summary, the 2020 Subaru Impreza presents a moderate reliability risk, with particular attention needed for visibility components.
What you get in a 2020 Subaru Impreza report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
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2020 Subaru Impreza — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Subaru Impreza reliable?
The 2020 Subaru Impreza scores slightly above the segment average, indicating moderate reliability. A single recall suggests limited widespread issues. However, complaints are concentrated heavily in the visibility and wiper systems, hinting at a potential area of concern for owners.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Impreza have?
1 NHTSA safety recall has been issued for the 2020 Subaru Impreza. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2020 Subaru Impreza problems?
The most-reported 2020 Subaru Impreza problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (48), Unknown Or Other (15), Service Brakes (4).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Subaru Impreza?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Subaru Impreza, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.