Years to avoid
Subaru Impreza Years to Avoid
The 2019, 2018, 2021 model years stand out as the weakest in this Subaru Impreza dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated April 2026
- Weakest year
- 2019
- Model average
- 74/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 185
- Recalls, weakest year
- 5
66/100 reliability
15-point range
6 crash · 1 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2019 Subaru Impreza ranks last
The 2019 scores 66/100, rated good, versus a model average of 74/100. NHTSA data contains 185 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Exterior Lighting (62), Visibility Wiper (53), Electrical System (15), Unknown Or Other (14). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2019 Subaru Impreza record →Evidence by year
The weakest Subaru Impreza model years compared
2019 Subaru Impreza
- Complaints
- 185
- Recalls
- 5
- Crash reports
- 6
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Exterior Lighting (62), Visibility Wiper (53), Electrical System (15)
View 2019 details →2018 Subaru Impreza
- Complaints
- 148
- Recalls
- 5
- Crash reports
- 5
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Exterior Lighting (62), Visibility Wiper (28), Unknown Or Other (17)
View 2018 details →2021 Subaru Impreza
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 2
- Crash reports
- 1
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Unknown Or Other (2), Visibility Wiper (2), Vehicle Speed Control (2)
View 2021 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Subaru Impreza years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Subaru Impreza data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Subaru Impreza research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Subaru Impreza research FAQ
Which Subaru Impreza years should I avoid?
2019, 2018, 2021 score materially below the strongest Subaru Impreza years in this dataset. The 2019 is the weakest at 66/100, with 185 owner complaints and 5 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Subaru Impreza year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Subaru Impreza year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (81/100), 2025 (77/100), 2022 (76/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Subaru Impreza you are considering.