Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Impreza vs Subaru Ascent
How the Subaru Impreza and Subaru Ascent compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Subaru Impreza vs Subaru Ascent: The Impreza averages 62.4 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Ascent averages 129.1 per year over 8 years. The Ascent has more electrical and power train complaints, while the Impreza leads in visibility issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Impreza or Subaru Ascent more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that averages about 62 complaints per year over a 10-year span. The most common owner-reported issues involve visibility and wiper problems, exterior lighting, and electrical glitches. While it has fewer annual complaints than the Ascent, the Impreza still has notable reports of windshield cracking, headlight inadequacy, and occasional stalling or electrical failures.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a three-row SUV that averages roughly 129 complaints per year over 8 years, more than double the Impreza's rate. Electrical system and power train complaints dominate, with owners reporting battery failures, transmission slippage, and sudden loss of power. Visibility issues like windshield cracking and mirror vibration are also frequently mentioned.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Impreza | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 624 Better | 1,033 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 | 25 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 34 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 62.4 Better | 129.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 Better | 29 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 0 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 Impreza
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER176
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING164
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER100
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM61
- 05ENGINE42
Owners report windshields cracking spontaneously from the defroster area, often in a 'J' shape, sometimes requiring multiple replacements. This matters because a cracked windshield can impair vision and may fail safety inspections.
Complaints include headlights that fail to provide adequate illumination at night, reducing the driver's ability to see the road. Some owners also note steering looseness or jerking side to side, which can feel unsafe.
Reports range from the entire dashboard going out at low mileage to a vehicle catching fire due to a defective battery. These electrical faults can leave a driver stranded or create a serious fire risk.
Some owners describe the vehicle losing power and stalling when making turns, especially left turns. This can be dangerous in intersections and is hard for dealers to diagnose if they cannot reproduce it.
“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…”
Subaru Ascent
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM292
- 02POWER TRAIN185
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER152
- 04VISIBILITY/WIPER152
- 05ENGINE104
Owners report intermittent electrical and ignition-control malfunctions, as well as repeated battery failures that can leave the vehicle completely immobilized. These issues often occur without warning and may require multiple dealer visits.
Complaints include transmission slippage with no warning lights, followed by a flashing yellow automatic transmission oil light and disabling of front systems. Some owners also experience the wheels suddenly stopping during a low-speed turn, which is a serious safety concern.
Windshields crack easily from minor rock strikes, sometimes requiring multiple replacements within months. Driver-side mirrors may vibrate, making the view blurry and difficult to see, especially at night.
While less common than electrical issues, some engine-related complaints exist, though the sample text does not provide specific details. Buyers should still be aware that engine problems can be costly.
“2024 Subaru Ascent – Intermittent Electrical / Ignition-Control Malfunction Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Ascent Mileage: Approximately 29,000 miles Chronology of Events August 19 Vehicle had been operating normally. First occurrence – grocery store •Returned to vehic…”
“2023 Subaru Ascent, under manufacturer basic warranty. Factory OEM battery has repeatedly failed. Voltage drops below 11.5V in normal use. Three documented failures in six weeks. SAFETY INCIDENT: Vehicle died on a public street and became completely immobiliz…”
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 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…
Subaru Ascent — 25 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with…
The risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letter…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
The risk: A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.
The risk: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. 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 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
The risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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. Suba…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Impreza or Subaru Ascent: which should you buy?
The Subaru Impreza has fewer issues per year (about 62 complaints annually) compared to the Subaru Ascent (about 129 annually). In practice, this means an Impreza owner may encounter fewer trips to the dealer for repairs, but both models have notable safety-related complaints. The Ascent's higher rate suggests it may demand more attention and potentially higher ownership costs.
Key differences
- The Ascent has more than double the annual complaint rate of the Impreza (129 vs. 62 per year).
- Electrical system complaints are the top issue for the Ascent (292 total), while the Impreza's top issue is visibility/wiper (176 total).
- The Ascent has reports of transmission slippage and sudden wheel stoppage, while the Impreza has reports of stalling during turns and battery-related fires.
- Both models share windshield cracking complaints, but the Ascent also has mirror vibration issues.
- Inspect the windshield for any cracks, especially near the defroster area, and check for a 'J'-shaped crack pattern.
- Test the headlights at night to ensure they provide adequate illumination, and check for any electrical gremlins like dashboard lights flickering or failing.
- Check the battery health and look for any signs of repeated failures or voltage drops below 11.5V.
- Test drive at low speeds and during turns to feel for any transmission slippage or sudden loss of power, and listen for unusual noises.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if any recalls or major repairs were performed.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring, for both models.
- For the Ascent, specifically test the transmission during a test drive, including slow turns and acceleration.
- For the Impreza, check the windshield for cracks and test all lighting functions, including headlights and brake lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that all open recalls have been addressed.
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 Impreza | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 | 15 |
| 2024 | 32 | 50 |
| 2023 | 4 | 45 |
| 2022 | 13 | 55 |
| 2021 | 14 | 102 |
| 2020 | 85 | 322 |
| 2019 | 194 | 441 |
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 Impreza or Subaru Ascent in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Impreza vs Subaru Ascent
- Subaru Impreza total complaints
- 624
- Subaru Ascent total complaints
- 1,033
- Subaru Impreza total recalls
- 25
- Subaru Ascent total recalls
- 25
- Subaru Impreza avg complaints/year
- 62.4
- Subaru Ascent avg complaints/year
- 129.1
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Impreza
- Subaru Impreza top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Subaru Ascent top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM