MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Subaru Impreza

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Subaru Impreza

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

2Recalls
4Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE SUBARU IMPREZA

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.

VERDICT

The 2023 Subaru Impreza earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.5%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18429

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech6/10
Defect record18/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT23V647000

Risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.

Reported 2023-09-21

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH23V292000

Risk: An unintentional brake light illumination can fail to alert other motorists of actual brake application. A vehicle that shifts out of the park position unexpectedly can allow the vehicle to rollaway. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the gap between the brake light switch and stopper, adjusting the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 23, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-23.

Reported 2023-04-25

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

4 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsTires 2Unknown Or Other 1Electrical System 1Engine 1Fuel/Propulsion System 1

Other Impreza years

Rivals in Sedan (2023)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 18429), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Subaru Impreza 2023. Class rank 28 of 92 in Sedan 2023. Methodology · Disclosure