NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings
The 2023 Subaru Impreza scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 4 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Subaru Impreza achieves a perfect five-star rating across all NHTSA crash-test categories, forming the basis for its NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. This strong safety showing is further supported by a recall record of only two distinct campaigns.
The 2023 Subaru Impreza received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Subaru Impreza ranks 28 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.5% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 4 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 28 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Subaru Impreza?
The 2023 Impreza moved one point higher than the 2022 model's 93/100 Index, arriving at 94/100 within the same Exceptional band. That single-point gain is modest but meaningful: the crash-protection sub-score achieved its ceiling at 70 out of 70, meaning the full 5-star sweep across frontal, side, and rollover categories contributed the maximum possible credit. Where the year leaves points on the table is in avoidance technology, scoring 6 out of 10 because both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional rather than standard. Electronic stability control is standard, which provides a baseline. The defect record sub-score of 18 out of 20 reflects the two recall campaigns, one targeting brake light switch adjustment specific to the Impreza and one addressing driveshaft hardware across several 2023 Subaru models. The complaint volume of four unverified reports is low for a model year of this age, and none of those allegations involve crashes, injuries, or fires, which keeps the overall safety picture favorable for this specific production year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Subaru Impreza perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Subaru Impreza earned five out of five stars in every crash-test category assessed by NHTSA. This includes overall, frontal, and side impact protection, alongside a five-star rollover rating. The vehicle demonstrated a 10 percent rollover risk in testing, and the dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" result. The Impreza presents a complete and strong safety profile based on federal data, with no categories left unrated or demonstrating weakness.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18429
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2023 Impreza. The first, issued in April, targets the brake light switch, which may be improperly adjusted and cause the brake lights to illuminate incorrectly. The second, issued in September, addresses a driveshaft center support bolt concern shared with the 2023 Outback, Legacy, and Ascent. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the data provided.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA has logged four owner complaints against the 2023 Impreza. The most frequently cited component is Tires, with two alleged reports, followed by single unverified allegations touching the Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System, and an Unknown or Other category. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are reported among these allegations.
4 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Subaru Impreza?
Two open safety campaigns for the 2023 Impreza, targeting the brake light switch and driveshaft, underscore the importance of checking a used vehicle's recall status. An unrepaired recall remains the owner's responsibility, even after a private sale.
- The 2023 Impreza is one of the few vehicles in its segment to achieve a perfect 70/70 crash-protection sub-score, driven by five-star results in every NHTSA test category including a 10 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- Two specific recall campaigns were issued for this model year: one targeting potential brake light switch misadjustment unique to 2023 Impreza vehicles, and one covering driveshaft center support bolts shared across several 2023 Subaru models.
- The avoidance technology sub-score of 6/10 reflects that forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional on this model year, not standard, which is a gap buyers should evaluate when comparing specific trim configurations.
- Only four unverified owner complaints had been filed with NHTSA through early 2026, with zero alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths, making the complaint footprint unusually light for a model year now circulating in the used market.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Subaru Impreza places
The 2023 Subaru Impreza qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Subaru Impreza safety questions
Was the 2023 Subaru Impreza crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Subaru Impreza, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 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 2023 Subaru Impreza crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Subaru Impreza have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Subaru Impreza. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Subaru Impreza?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 4 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Subaru Impreza. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Impreza years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18429), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Impreza 2023.
- 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 28 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.