Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Forester vs Subaru Impreza
How the Subaru Forester and Subaru Impreza compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Subaru Forester vs Subaru Impreza: The Forester has 3,050 complaints over 10 years (305/year) and 176 crash-related reports, while the Impreza has 624 complaints (62.4/year) and 28 crash-related reports. Both have windshield and electrical issues, but the Forester also reports engine oil leaks that can cause fires. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Forester or Subaru Impreza more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV with a high complaint volume: 3,050 complaints over 10 years, averaging 305 per year. That's roughly five times the Impreza's rate, with 176 crash-related reports, 99 injuries, and 2 deaths. Owners frequently report windshield cracking, electrical glitches like dead batteries and melted mirrors, and engine oil leaks that can lead to fires. Living with a Forester means staying on top of recalls and being alert to sudden electrical failures.
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is a compact car with far fewer complaints: 624 over 10 years, averaging 62.4 per year. It has 25 recalls, 28 crash-related reports, 20 injuries, and 1 death. Common owner reports include spontaneous windshield cracks, headlights that don't illuminate well, and occasional electrical shutdowns or battery fires. Overall, it appears to have a lower complaint rate than the Forester, but still has notable safety-related issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Forester | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,050 | 624 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 25 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 176 | 28 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 305.0 | 62.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 99 | 20 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Subaru Forester
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER992
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER544
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM476
- 04ENGINE319
- 05AIR BAGS313
Owners report windshields that crack or shatter unexpectedly, sometimes from small impacts or even spontaneously during rain. This can send glass shards into the cabin and obstruct the driver's view, creating an immediate crash risk.
Complaints include side mirrors melting, vehicles dying repeatedly with multiple dashboard warnings, and failure to restart. These electrical faults can leave you stranded or distract you while driving.
Several owners report oil leaks after oil changes, with at least one case where oil leaked onto the catalytic converter and caused a fire that totaled the car. This means even routine maintenance can lead to serious safety hazards if leaks are missed.
Reports include a hard plastic HVAC duct in the driver's footwell that can interfere with pedals, and sudden unexpected acceleration while parking. These design and control issues can cause loss of control at low speeds.
“I was driving down the road and a bottle was thrown out of a vehicle going the opposite direction as me. Upon impact my windshield shattered and sent shards of glass flying into the cabin of my vehicle. The shards of glass were thrown into my face and would h…”
“Windshield cracked during rainstorm [XXX] in San Diego in upper right corner, After 3 days crack appeared which has now spread to 4 inches Dealer has confirmed that winsheild needs reapir and is not covered by bumper to bumber warranty Vehicle only has mileag…”
Subaru Impreza
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER176
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING164
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER100
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM61
- 05ENGINE42
Owners describe windshields cracking spontaneously in a 'J' shape from the defroster area, sometimes multiple times on the same vehicle. This impairs visibility and may require costly replacement and recalibration of the EyeSight system.
Complaints include headlights that fail to provide adequate illumination at night, reducing the driver's ability to see the road. Some also mention steering that feels loose or causes the car to jerk side to side.
Reports include the entire dashboard going dark, danger warnings to stop driving, and at least one fire caused by a defective battery. These issues can lead to sudden loss of critical information or a vehicle fire.
Owners report the EyeSight driver-assist system malfunctioning repeatedly without error codes, and one instance of cruise control engaging unexpectedly. These electronic glitches can undermine trust in safety features.
“JULY 09 2021 REPORTED TO SUBARU EL PASO AT TIME OF FIRST MAINTENANCE (6000 MILES) VEHICLE LOSSES POWER AND STALLS WHEN MAKING TURNS, IT IS MORE NOTICEABLE MAKING A LEFT TURN. TECHNICIAN SAID COUDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NO FURTER ACTION WAS NEEDED. HOWEV…”
“Front windshield spontaneous cracking from defroster area in a "J" shape. This is the second windshield since new to do this (2021 model). Available for inspection. The first windshield was inspected and replaced by Subaru at their cost minus eyesight recalib…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Subaru Forester — 17 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
The risk: Leaking coolant can contact a hot exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Subarus independent distributor processing facilities will tighten the water pipe attachment bolts. The affected vehicles have not been delivered to dealers or sold to owners and therefore, no owner notification letters will be sent. Owne…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Subaru Impreza — 25 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.
The risk: A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
The risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is W…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 Impreza and Outback vehicles. The incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied, which can cause the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Subaru will offer owners a vehicle exchange or repurchase, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this rec…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Impreza vehicles. The brake light switch may be improperly adjusted and illuminate the brake lights without application of the brake pedal. The vehicle may also allow drivers to start and shift the transmission out of the PARK position with…
The 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 fix: 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…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Forester or Subaru Impreza: which should you buy?
The Subaru Impreza has far fewer complaints per year (62.4 vs. 305.0) and fewer crash-related reports (28 vs. 176). In practice, that means you're less likely to encounter frequent or severe problems with an Impreza, though both models have safety-related complaints that warrant a thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The Forester has about five times as many complaints per year as the Impreza (305 vs. 62.4), with more crash-related reports (176 vs. 28) and injuries (99 vs. 20).
- Forester owners frequently report engine oil leaks that can lead to fires, while Impreza owners more often report exterior lighting failures and battery-related fires.
- Both models share windshield cracking complaints, but the Forester also has many electrical system issues like melting mirrors and repeated no-starts.
- The Impreza has more recalls (25 vs. 17) but fewer total complaints, suggesting recalls may address some issues before they become widespread complaints.
- Check the windshield for any cracks or chips, especially near the edges or defroster area, as spontaneous cracking is a common complaint.
- Inspect for oil leaks around the engine, particularly after an oil change, and look for any signs of oil on the catalytic converter or burning smells.
- Test the headlights at night to ensure they provide adequate illumination, and check for any dashboard warning lights or electrical glitches.
- Look for cracks in the windshield, especially in a 'J' shape from the defroster area, and verify that the EyeSight system functions without errors.
Before you buy
- Ask for the complete recall history and confirm all open recalls have been repaired by a dealer.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for oil leaks and the electrical system for any signs of melting, corrosion, or aftermarket modifications.
- Test-drive at night to evaluate headlight performance and check for any dashboard warnings or unusual steering feel.
- Inspect the windshield carefully for cracks or chips, and ask if it has been replaced and whether EyeSight was recalibrated.
- Request service records to see if the vehicle has had recurring electrical or engine issues, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a Subaru specialist.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Subaru Forester | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 33 | 1 |
| 2025 | 95 | 5 |
| 2024 | 29 | 32 |
| 2023 | 73 | 4 |
| 2022 | 98 | 13 |
| 2021 | 207 | 14 |
| 2020 | 600 | 85 |
| 2019 | 833 | 194 |
| 2018 | 496 | 151 |
| 2017 | 586 | 125 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Subaru Forester or Subaru Impreza in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Forester vs Subaru Impreza
- Subaru Forester total complaints
- 3,050
- Subaru Impreza total complaints
- 624
- Subaru Forester total recalls
- 17
- Subaru Impreza total recalls
- 25
- Subaru Forester avg complaints/year
- 305.0
- Subaru Impreza avg complaints/year
- 62.4
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Impreza
- Subaru Forester top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Subaru Impreza top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER