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.
2012 Subaru ImprezaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 243 owner complaints about the 2012 Subaru Impreza, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-738 the manufacturer reports only 61% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 11, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Subaru Impreza has problems
243 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
105Air bags7 crash/fire/injury
55Engine2 crash/fire/injury
30Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
26Power train
15Seats
13Service brakes
11Vehicle speed control
10Steering
7Wheels
4315 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 105 | 7 |
| Engine | 55 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 30 | 4 |
| Power train | 26 | 0 |
| Seats | 15 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 13 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 11 | 3 |
| Steering | 10 | 0 |
| Wheels | 7 | 0 |
| 15 other systems | 43 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2012 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 · 2020 Q1
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Electrical system
Risk. If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. If the ODS deactivates, the front passenger air bag will be turned off and the front passenger air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the…
Show 2 more recalls
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes.
no report yet
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
Risk. THE DRIVER MIGHT MISJUDGE THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED STOPPING DISTANCE.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
41kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 87 air bags complaints. 89% were reported before 100,000 miles.
37under 30k miles77under 100k miles10100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2012 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
2012 Subaru Impreza safety ratings
2012 Subaru Impreza SW AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Subaru Impreza, and the recalls they led to.
- Passenger Front Air Bag SuppressionLed to recall 15V-419
In owners' words
What Impreza owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The Airbag warning light has been lit within the dashboard. The front passenger seat airbag is faulty and is not able to correctly sense when a passenger is within the seat or not, which disables the airbags. This can be deadly to the passenger if in an accident. The issue seems to be in the ODS…
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and the contact was informed that there was a defective gasket on the transfer…
Over the past three months, the front driver and passenger airbag lights have been on in my 2012 Subaru Impreza while driving. Documented videos attached were on 01/11/23, 01/20/23, and 04/04/23. It has happened at least 6 times and possibly more. I contacted Subaru after it happened and took it to…
Own a 2012 Impreza?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.