Subaru Impreza Structure Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 6, 2026 · 130 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 130 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Subaru Impreza across 24 model years. The 2008 model year has the most (24). The words owners use most often: “clutch pedal” (18% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Clutch pedal: mentioned in 23 of 130 complaints (18%)
  • Spot welds: mentioned in 16 of 130 complaints (12%)
  • Sub frame: mentioned in 10 of 130 complaints (8%)
  • Front subframe: mentioned in 7 of 130 complaints (5%)

At what mileage do structure problems happen?

Based on 100 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles11 · 11%
10k–25k miles4 · 4%
25k–50k miles18 · 18%
50k–75k miles23 · 23%
75k–100k miles12 · 12%
100k–150k miles21 · 21%
150k+ miles11 · 11%

How serious are the reports?

Of 130 complaints, 13 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 5 an injury.

Subaru Impreza structure complaints by model year

Peak: 2008, with 24 complaints
1995: 119951997: 11998: 119982000: 12002: 2120022003: 32004: 320042005: 62006: 220062007: 22008: 242008242009: 222010: 120102011: 22012: 620122013: 62014: 820142015: 32016: 420162017: 22018: 620182019: 32020: 120202024: 1

n = 130 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearStructure complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2024 Impreza13%—
2020 Impreza11%—
2019 Impreza32%48,000
2018 Impreza64%6,885
2017 Impreza22%9,572
2016 Impreza45%35,000
2015 Impreza34%1,300
2014 Impreza87%75,000
2013 Impreza62%66,000
2012 Impreza62%76,000
2011 Impreza23%41,194
2010 Impreza12%34,438
2009 Impreza2221%90,000
2008 Impreza2414%62,000
2007 Impreza23%62,362
2006 Impreza24%6,500
2005 Impreza68%120,000
2004 Impreza33%137,500
2003 Impreza35%140,000
2002 Impreza217%118,132
2000 Impreza12%—
1998 Impreza13%—
1997 Impreza13%—
1995 Impreza12%—

When owners reported it

Peak: 2014, with 18 complaints
1996: 119961999: 12000: 120002001: 12004: 120042005: 12006: 220062007: 22008: 320082009: 22010: 220102011: 42012: 720122013: 172014: 182014182015: 52016: 1020162017: 72018: 820182019: 92020: 820202021: 32022: 620222023: 32024: 420242025: 32026: 12026

n = 130 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (0)

No safety recall lists structure 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.

While driving at various speeds, my vehicle consistently produces a clicking noise from the upper right-rear C-pillar area. The noise is most noticeable when the vehicle body twists slightly during normal driving, such as when traveling over uneven pavement, entering driveways, or making turns. The…

Received Jul 19, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11751421

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, excessive corrosion on the driver’s side rocker panel was observed. The contact inspected the passenger’s side rocker panel and found excessive corrosion. The vehicle was taken to an independent…

Received Aug 20, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11681924

Unknown

Received May 21, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11662436

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the doors automatically locked with her children inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the spare key failed to unlock the doors. The contact sought assistance from a locksmith to unlock…

Received Feb 19, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11643603

Severe rust on B Pillar of passenger door, and each door is rusting in same location. Have seen several reports of this online so reporting that I have experienced the same. Roof is also bubbling in a couple locations and I suspect it is from inside given the noise that comes from the windshield in…

Received Jun 11, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11593781
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Impreza (GU) at Auto Zürich 2023. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Subaru Imprezas have structure problems?

No. NHTSA has 130 owner complaints about structure 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 structure?

No recall currently lists structure for this vehicle.

What do owners say about structure problems on the Subaru Impreza?

The most frequent phrase is “clutch pedal”, in 23 of 130 complaints, followed by “spot welds” (16).

Other Subaru Impreza problems

See all Subaru Impreza problems.