Subaru Impreza Visibility Problems
Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA about visibility problems on the Subaru Impreza across 26 model years. The 2008 model year has the most (24). The words owners use most often: “front windshield” (10% of reports).
- 100visibility complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 67%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.
- Front windshield: mentioned in 10 of 100 complaints (10%)
- View mirror: mentioned in 6 of 100 complaints (6%)
- Cold weather: mentioned in 5 of 100 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do visibility problems happen?
Based on 59 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 100 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 1 a fire.
Subaru Impreza visibility complaints by model year
| Model year | Visibility complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Impreza | 4 | 13% | — |
| 2020 Impreza | 4 | 5% | 15,500 |
| 2019 Impreza | 5 | 3% | 22,400 |
| 2018 Impreza | 6 | 4% | 25,500 |
| 2017 Impreza | 1 | 1% | 8,985 |
| 2016 Impreza | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2015 Impreza | 1 | 1% | 38,000 |
| 2014 Impreza | 1 | 1% | 49,000 |
| 2013 Impreza | 1 | 0% | 75,000 |
| 2012 Impreza | 4 | 2% | 47,105 |
| 2011 Impreza | 4 | 7% | 38,000 |
| 2010 Impreza | 2 | 4% | 24,025 |
| 2009 Impreza | 2 | 2% | 20,330 |
| 2008 Impreza | 24 | 14% | 12,000 |
| 2007 Impreza | 1 | 1% | 75,000 |
| 2006 Impreza | 2 | 4% | 3,500 |
| 2005 Impreza | 3 | 4% | 2,500 |
| 2004 Impreza | 4 | 4% | 12,000 |
| 2003 Impreza | 2 | 3% | 25,000 |
| 2002 Impreza | 17 | 6% | 45,000 |
| 2000 Impreza | 3 | 7% | — |
| 1999 Impreza | 1 | 5% | — |
| 1998 Impreza | 1 | 3% | — |
| 1997 Impreza | 2 | 7% | — |
| 1996 Impreza | 1 | 5% | — |
| 1995 Impreza | 3 | 7% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Visibility:windshield
Model years: 2022
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Risk: An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-22.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at various speeds, the rear-view mirror detached from the windshield. The smart rear-view mirror was attached to the mirror by a cord and was swinging back and forth after detaching. The contact…
My base level 2024 Subaru Impreza , while driving, has a vibration and shake in the drivers side rearview mirror at speeds over 25 mph, making it difficult to see clearly behind my vehicle. Vibration was present as a new vehicle and have reported issue to service advisor at Sport Subaru of Orlando…
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the sunroof exploded without impact. The contact was able to pull over safely. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
Since new, the image/reflection of the driver side rear view mirror shakes and unsteady at speed. The passenger side rear view mirror is rock steady and stable with a clear image/reflection. This creates a safety issue because the image I see in the mirror is distorted. This is an ongoing issue. It…
Driver side auto dimming with approach light mirror vibration on highway making road, cars and headlights jump around and causing driver distraction. Notified dealership who told me to contact Subaru of America. Due to safety I went to a dealership and had side mirrors switched to non dimming which…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Imprezas have visibility problems?
No. NHTSA has 100 owner complaints about visibility 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 visibility?
Yes: 1 safety recall list visibility. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about visibility problems on the Subaru Impreza?
The most frequent phrase is “front windshield”, in 10 of 100 complaints, followed by “view mirror” (6).
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.