MODEL
Subaru Impreza
NHTSA safety across every Subaru Impreza model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Subaru Impreza we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 86. 13 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Subaru Impreza is a compact sedan built for buyers who want all-wheel-drive capability in an accessible, everyday package. Competing against mainstream compact sedans, the Impreza targets practical-minded drivers, younger households, and anyone navigating variable weather conditions. It sits at the entry point of Subaru's lineup, carrying the brand's signature symmetrical AWD as standard equipment across all trims.
From a safety standpoint, the Subaru Impreza earns serious respect across our 2019-to-2025 coverage window. The 2025 model year reaches a perfect MotorCaliber Safety Index score of 100 out of 100, landing in our Exceptional band - the top tier we award. Crash-test performance at its best reaches five stars across frontal, side, and rollover categories, which is about as clean a sheet as any compact sedan can produce. That consistency is meaningful for a vehicle this size. The recall picture deserves honest attention, though. Across seven model years, the Impreza carries 13 recalls - a number that sits above what shoppers might hope for in this segment. One of those campaigns reached the severity level of a park-outside or do-not-drive directive, which is the most serious classification NHTSA issues. Buyers shopping used examples from earlier in this range should verify all recall work has been completed through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool before purchase. Owner complaints total 337 across covered years, with 11 reported crashes, 7 fire-related allegations, and 8 reported injuries among them. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects, but the fire-related complaint count is worth monitoring. On balance, the Impreza's crash-test results are genuinely strong, and the 2025 model represents the safest version of this generation. Shoppers who prioritize structural protection will find real substance here - but due diligence on recall status is non-negotiable.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Impreza as a sensible, no-drama compact that earns points for its standard all-wheel-drive system and composed everyday character. They typically acknowledge it as a practical rather than exciting choice, noting that its cabin and feature set are competitive without being class-leading. Safety credentials tend to draw consistent praise in professional assessments.
- The 2025 Impreza achieves a perfect MotorCaliber Safety Index score of 100 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band - the strongest safety rating we issue.
- Across 2019-2025, the Impreza has accumulated 13 NHTSA recalls, including at least one park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, the most serious recall severity level. Always verify recall completion via NHTSA's VIN tool before buying any used example.
- Owner complaints include 7 fire-related allegations across covered model years. These are unverified reports, not confirmed defects, but prospective buyers should review the specific complaint details on NHTSA's database for the model year they are considering.
- At its best, the Impreza earns five stars in NHTSA's frontal, side, and rollover crash tests simultaneously - a strong structural performance benchmark that holds up well against competitors in the compact sedan segment.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Subaru Impreza with 5 recalls.