Subaru Impreza Fuel/propulsion System Problems
Owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA about fuel/propulsion system problems on the Subaru Impreza across 21 model years. The 2004 model year has the most (24). The words owners use most often: “cold weather” (16% of reports).
- 104fuel/propulsion system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 32%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Cold weather: mentioned in 17 of 104 complaints (16%)
- Fuel smell: mentioned in 16 of 104 complaints (15%)
- Intake manifold: mentioned in 11 of 104 complaints (11%)
At what mileage do fuel/propulsion system problems happen?
Based on 81 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 104 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 2 an injury.
Subaru Impreza fuel/propulsion system complaints by model year
| Model year | Fuel/propulsion System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Impreza | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2023 Impreza | 1 | 25% | — |
| 2019 Impreza | 6 | 3% | 8,625 |
| 2017 Impreza | 2 | 2% | 500 |
| 2016 Impreza | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2015 Impreza | 2 | 3% | 30,000 |
| 2014 Impreza | 2 | 2% | 19,450 |
| 2013 Impreza | 4 | 2% | 67,404 |
| 2012 Impreza | 3 | 1% | 21,500 |
| 2011 Impreza | 6 | 10% | 45,000 |
| 2010 Impreza | 6 | 13% | 86,000 |
| 2009 Impreza | 5 | 5% | 68,100 |
| 2008 Impreza | 3 | 2% | 95,985 |
| 2007 Impreza | 1 | 1% | 78,004 |
| 2006 Impreza | 4 | 7% | 105,000 |
| 2005 Impreza | 9 | 12% | 90,000 |
| 2004 Impreza | 24 | 25% | 110,000 |
| 2003 Impreza | 12 | 19% | 137,000 |
| 2002 Impreza | 8 | 3% | 93,000 |
| 2001 Impreza | 1 | 9% | 151,000 |
| 2000 Impreza | 1 | 2% | 135,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists fuel/propulsion system for the Subaru Impreza. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The fuel tank is leaking at molded seam making the vehicle undriveable and a fire safety hazard. Contacting dealer Monday morning.
National Highway Traffic Safety Admin March 9, 2026 I am submitted a vehicle safety complaint regarding a 2011 Subaru that I recently purchased on [XXX]. I purchased a used 2011 Subaru Impreza from Clear Cut Auto {241 S Dupont Hghwy â New Castle, DE 1920 [redacted]) on [XXX] for $5,147.04. The…
head on collision/hit the side of another car head, 2024 subaru impreza was smoking before vehicle stopped moving after impact (was slung in the opposite direction), not even five minutes after exiting vehicle it caught flames starting a the front of the engine that spread to the hood
Fuel lines under intake manifold leaking during cold weather. Causing smell to be pungent in cabin and in engine bay. Inspection upon request is allowed. Adds safety risk for potential fire in engine bay. Has not be confirmed or inspected by nobody else at this moment for this car specifically…
Low speed throttle application vehicle fails to respond. Does not happen all the time. A near collision almost happened while making a left hand turn with oncoming traffic. Has been happening repeatedly, usually within a parking lot.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Imprezas have fuel/propulsion system problems?
No. NHTSA has 104 owner complaints about fuel/propulsion system for the Subaru Impreza. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru Impreza fuel/propulsion system?
No recall currently lists fuel/propulsion system for this vehicle.
What do owners say about fuel/propulsion system problems on the Subaru Impreza?
The most frequent phrase is “cold weather”, in 17 of 104 complaints, followed by “fuel smell” (16).
Other Subaru Impreza problems
- Air Bags problems (449)
- Power Train problems (288)
- Engine problems (263)
- Electrical System problems (231)
- Exterior Lighting problems (202)
- Visibility/wiper problems (201)
- Suspension problems (156)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (149)
See all Subaru Impreza problems.