repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2010 Subaru ImprezaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 46 owner complaints about the 2010 Subaru Impreza, most often about the engine. It is covered by 15 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-311 the manufacturer reports only 45% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 25, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2010 Subaru Impreza has problems
46 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
7Engine1 crash/fire/injury
6Fuel/propulsion system
6Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
5Service brakes
5Electrical system
5Power train
5Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
4Visibility/wiper
3Engine and engine cooling
85 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Air bags | 6 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 8 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
15 recalls
2010 Subaru Impreza recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Ignition: switch
Risk. The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash.
Show 11 more recalls
repaired · 2020 Q3
Brake lights: switch
Risk. Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other…
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other…
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other…
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other…
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other…
repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Electrical system
Risk. If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Service brakes, hydraulic
Risk. Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a…
repaired · 2015 Q4
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
2010 vs. every other Impreza year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Impreza median. How we score
'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2010 Subaru Impreza safety ratings
2010 Subaru Impreza 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Impreza owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owned a 2010 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 60 MPH, he stated that he heard a loud bang from the engine compartment and saw smoke coming from under the hood. The son stated that an unknown warning light had illuminated. The son safely stopped…
AFTER 72 HOURS OF MY PURCHASE OF THE 2010 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX FROM TOYOTA BOULDER DEALERSHIP LOCATED IN BOULDER, COLORADO, I HAD EXPERIENCED MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE STARTER OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO FAULT IN THIS SITUATION, HOWEVER I WAS SIMPLY MISINFORMED AND THEREFORE PURCHASED A VEHICLE…
ENGINE FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY AT 73K MILES. SUBARU ATTRIBUTED FAILURE TO "POOR LUBRICATION", BUT DENIES RESPONSIBILITY. THESE CARS BURN OIL EXCESSIVELY AND HAVE NO LOW OIL CAUTION LIGHT. MAJOR INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURES ARE COMMON WITH EJ AND FB ENGINES DUE TO FAILURE OF ROD BEARINGS, TURBOS, HEAD…
Own a 2010 Impreza?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.