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    GREEN CHOICE

    Subaru Impreza

    EPA MPG: 30 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Impreza will be much more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from the 2024 model and the Subaru brand score.

    The 2012 Subaru Impreza has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Subaru Impreza owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Other steering/suspension problem

    "This problem is the result of normal wear and tear."

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Subaru Impreza Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

    "Steering not working properly. Had difficult time finding electric (as opposed to hydraulic) rack. Bought remanufactured install didn't work. At standstill now."

    Anonymous A., NY (2012 Subaru Impreza Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Wheel bearings

    "Both front and rear wheel bearings needed to be completely replaced after only 90,000 miles. I drove a Toyota Highlander 220,000 miles and never needed to replace bearings. All 2012 Impreza's should be removed from resale and sent to the junk yard instead."

    Anonymous, DE (2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "I was told that I would have to get the air condition replace I took it to another auto repair and the guy told me he would look at it he found a small in its plumming The hard part was getting at the air condition"

    Anonymous, VT (2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other climate system problem

    "Air conditioning system has to be replaced"

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Exhaust leaks

    "Exhaust system rusted out."

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Subaru Impreza Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "Hatchback strut broke suddenly. The wheel bearings are shot"

    Anonymous, IL (2012 Subaru Impreza Premium 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Radio

    "Whole infotainment-navigation "head unit" went blank and did nothing for a bit over a year, then suddenly came back to life about 6 month ago, and has been fine ever since. The part we missed most was the radio; thus, our selection of "most"."

    Anonymous A., PA (2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Other major engine problem

    "After an oil change the car was driven only 2500 miles when the low engine oil light came on. Even though this is a know issue with the 2012-2013 Impreza's because the car was older than 8 years they would not fix the defect that was acknowledged after a class action law suit. These model year Impreza's should be avoided like the plague. Law Suit reference: https://www.classlawgroup.com/subaru-oil -consumption-class-action-lawsuit"

    Anonymous, DE (2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Rust

    "Very rusty below the doors in the rear especially. Along the frame."

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "After driving the car more than a few miles, we smell burning oil when we get out of the car, and sometimes in the car if the windows are often. We don't drive it a lot, so it goes through very little oil. Our neighborhood mechanic couldn't find the source of the leak. We haven't bothered taking it to the dealer, which is an inconvenient distance."

    Anonymous A., PA (2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other minor transmission & clutch problem

    "This may be a minor problem now and has not caused me loss of car use or time, but it is predicted to become catastrophic as some point soon and will result in the loss of this vehicle. It involves the cvt and cannot be repaired. It will need full replacement at the cost of $7000 and the car is worth less than $4000. I have owned 4 Subarus and the all go over 250000 miles before needing such major work that we discarded them. I am deeply disturbed that this 2012 will require more work than it is worth at such low mileage."

    Anonymous A., OR (2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
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    Engine Major
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    Engine Minor
    NA
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    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    Transmission Major
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    Transmission Minor
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    Drive System
    NA
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    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
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    Exhaust
    NA
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    Steering and Suspension
    NA
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    Brakes
    NA
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    Climate System
    NA
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    Build Quality
    NA
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    Electrical Accessories
    NA
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    Body Hardware
    NA
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    Paint/Trim
    NA
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    Noises/Leaks
    NA
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    In-car Electronics
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
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    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING
    Feb 28, 2019
    Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
    Summary:
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
    What should you do:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V149000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1303530
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Nov 01, 2018
    An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
    What should you do:
    Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V772000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 165534
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Oct 13, 2016
    If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
    What should you do:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V738000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 100127
    AIR BAGS
    Jul 01, 2015
    If the ODS deactivates, the front passenger air bag will be turned off and the front passenger air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
    Summary:
    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012 model year Subaru Impreza 4-Door and Station Wagon vehicles (except WRX/STI models) manufactured April 21, 2011, to February 16, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may deactivate if a front seat passenger operates a device that is plugged into the power outlet such as a music player or cell phone, or touches a metal part of the vehicle such as the forward/rearward seat adjuster lever.
    What should you do:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Occupant Control Unit with a modified one, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQT-55.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V419000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 30348
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT
    Feb 25, 2013
    The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
    Summary:
    Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
    What should you do:
    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
    For more information:
    Original equipment keyless entry fobs integrated on the vehicle key are not affected.Subaru's recall campaign number is WQF-42.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V061000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 47419
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Nov 29, 2011
    THE DRIVER MIGHT MISJUDGE THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD OCCUR UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Summary:
    SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS (EXCEPT WRX/STI MODELS), MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011, AND LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 23, 2011. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER THAT COULD MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL DISTANCE REQUIRED TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE.
    What should you do:
    SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
    For more information:
    SUBARU SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS WVY-35.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V562000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 32685
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