NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings
The 2020 Subaru Impreza scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 85 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Subaru Impreza achieved a perfect five-star rating in every NHTSA crash-test category. This strong performance, coupled with a single recall, contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, ranking it within the Exceptional band for safety. This model year presents a compelling option for those prioritizing robust crash protection.
The 2020 Subaru Impreza received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Subaru Impreza ranks 25 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 85 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 25 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Subaru Impreza?
The 2020 model year marks a meaningful step up for the Impreza in MotorCaliber's safety measurement. The Safety Index climbed from 86/100 in 2019, a Strong band result, to 92/100 in 2020, crossing into the Exceptional band. That six-point gain was driven primarily by the crash-protection component, which scored a perfect 70 out of 70, reflecting the clean five-star sweep across all NHTSA test modes including a 10 percent rollover risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result. The avoidance-tech score of 6 out of 10 is the one area holding the Index back from a higher ceiling, because both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional rather than standard equipment on this model year. Electronic stability control is standard, which contributes to the base avoidance score. The defect record component lands at 15.5 out of 20, shaped by the single fuel-pump recall that swept across multiple Subaru nameplates in the 2018-2020 production window. Taken together, the 2020 Impreza's profile is defined by elite crash-test performance and a lean recall history, offset modestly by the optional-only status of its most advanced driver-assist features.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Subaru Impreza perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2020 Subaru Impreza five stars overall, with five stars each for frontal protection, side protection, and rollover resistance. The rollover risk rating of 10 percent and a dynamic tip result of No Tip reinforce the rollover score. No category came back not rated or below five stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14810
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
The 2020 Subaru Impreza carries one recall campaign, targeting the fuel system specifically the gasoline delivery fuel pump. The campaign covers a broad range of Subaru models from the 2018-2020 period. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data, but prospective buyers should confirm remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V587000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Reported 2021-07-29
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA has logged 85 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged trouble areas include Visibility and Wipers at 52 reports, Unknown or Other at 17, Service Brakes at 5, Electrical System at 4, a separate Visibility category at 4, and Air Bags at 3. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established findings.
85 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Subaru Impreza?
For those considering a six-year-old model, verifying the fuel-pump recall status is critical. An open recall transfers with the vehicle, making VIN-specific remedy confirmation a non-negotiable step before purchase.
- The Safety Index rose six points from the 2019 model year, moving the Impreza from the Strong band into the Exceptional band, a year-over-year improvement driven by a perfect 70/70 crash-protection score.
- All four NHTSA crash-test categories, overall, frontal, side, and rollover, returned five stars in 2020, with rollover risk measured at 10 percent and a No Tip dynamic result.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on this model year, which is reflected in the avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 and is a key distinction from model years where those features became standard.
- The single recall on record targets the fuel delivery fuel pump and was issued as part of a multi-model Subaru campaign covering 2018-2020 production; used-market buyers must verify VIN-specific remedy completion before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Subaru Impreza places
The 2020 Subaru Impreza qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Subaru Impreza safety questions
Was the 2020 Subaru Impreza crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Subaru Impreza, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Subaru Impreza crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Subaru Impreza earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Impreza have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Subaru Impreza. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Subaru Impreza?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 85 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Subaru Impreza. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Impreza years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14810), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Impreza 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 25 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.