The 2020 Subaru Impreza is one of the best-selling compact cars on the market. The comfortable interior and easy-to-use controls create a pleasurable driving experience for new car owners. The advances in technology allow for a better performing vehicle in comparison to previous year models. Owners of older Subaru Impreza cars, however, are encountering several problems that are proving to be very expensive to deal with.

The worst years for the Subaru Impreza

According to CarComplaints.com, 2008 was a bad year for the Subaru Impreza since that model received the highest amount of consumer complaints. The most frequently reported problem was with the windshield and windows having a film on them.

The worst year for the Subaru Impreza is 2012 because of the high cost of repairs and the number of severe problems happening at low mileage.

Engine problems in older Subaru Impreza vehicles

The average cost of repair for reported engine problems is close to $3,000. The 2006, 2008, and 2012 models seem to be the model years most affected by these expensive issues. Excessive oil consumption is a big problem with older model Impreza cars, with consumers reporting burning through a quart of oil every 1,200 miles. Replacing piston rings, rod bearings, and sometimes a complete engine rebuild is necessary to correct the ongoing problem. Blown head gaskets are also a very common occurrence with a typical repair cost of $2,000.

According to an aggravated consumer on Car Complaints, “I would not recommend buying a Subaru older than 2011 to anyone because you will likely get head gasket issues around 100k. This is a well-documented problem amongst Subaru owners on every car forum.”

Sudden unintentional acceleration

One of the most commonly reported problems with the 2012 Subaru Impreza is that the vehicle suddenly accelerates unintentionally. This typically occurs around 40,500 miles, with consumers reporting costly repair bills in excess of $4,000.

Drivers experience a loud revving sound and sudden acceleration when lightly tapping on the gas pedal. This has caused numerous reported car accidents that have left the owner with major damage to the vehicle.

Transmission failure in the 2006 and 2007 Subaru Impreza

Transmission failure in the 2006 and 2007 Subaru Impreza has cost consumers $4,500 to repair. According to frustrated owners, Subaru is aware of the problem and has refused to fix it. The answer they offer is to accuse loyal customers of abusive driving, racing the car, or operating the vehicle “beyond its designed capabilities.”

Consumers claim this is not true and that the transmission in the Impreza simply cannot handle the engine platform. The teeth on the gear seem to fall apart, and Subaru states this is only possible from owner abuse. Subaru of America is refusing to pay for repairs, causing great financial hardship to 2007 Impreza owners.

Consumer Reports’ review of the 2020 Subaru Impreza

Consumer Reports claims that the 2020 Subaru Impreza “knocks it out of the park”, giving the newly designed vehicle a four-out-of-five predicted reliability score. The road test revealed that the 2020 Impreza sedan combines “practicality, safety, and comfort” to offer a vehicle that “puts some luxury cars to shame.” Consumer Reports gave the 2020 Subaru Impreza an overall score of 79 out of 100 and ranked it in the No. 3 spot out of 16 other compact cars on the market today.