Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Impreza vs Subaru Crosstrek
How the Subaru Impreza and Subaru Crosstrek 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 Crosstrek: The Impreza averages 62.4 complaints per year and has 25 recalls, while the Crosstrek averages 99.7 complaints per year and has 16 recalls. Both report windshield cracks and electrical issues, but the Crosstrek has more crash-related complaints (58 vs. 28). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Impreza or Subaru Crosstrek 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 the past decade, with 25 recalls. The most common owner-reported issues involve visibility and wiper problems, exterior lighting, and electrical system glitches. While it has a lower complaint rate than the Crosstrek, the Impreza still has notable reports of stalling, windshield cracking, and even a fire tied to a battery defect.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a subcompact SUV with a higher complaint rate—about 100 per year—and 16 recalls over 10 years. Owners frequently report visibility/wiper issues, unknown or other problems, and electrical system faults. The Crosstrek also has more crash-related complaints and injuries reported than the Impreza, though no deaths are listed in the data.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Impreza | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 624 Better | 997 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 | 16 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 58 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 62.4 Better | 99.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 Better | 34 |
| 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 spontaneous windshield cracking, often starting from the defroster area, and some say it has happened multiple times on the same vehicle. This matters because a cracked windshield can impair visibility and may require costly replacement and recalibration of driver-assist systems.
Complaints include headlights that fail to adequately illuminate the road at night, and some owners describe steering that feels loose or causes the car to jerk side to side. Poor lighting and steering issues can make driving less predictable, especially in dark or emergency situations.
Reports range from the entire dashboard going out to a vehicle catching fire due to a defective battery. Electrical failures can disable safety features and leave a driver stranded, and a fire risk is a serious safety concern.
Some owners report the engine losing power and stalling, particularly when making turns. Stalling in traffic can be dangerous and may indicate a persistent problem that is hard for dealers to diagnose.
“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 Crosstrek
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER287
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER229
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM154
- 04ENGINE115
- 05POWER TRAIN79
Windshield cracks are a frequent complaint, with some owners reporting cracks forming on the inside of the glass even on new vehicles with low mileage. A compromised windshield can reduce visibility and may need replacement, which can be expensive and inconvenient.
Owners describe unusual noises like a high-frequency whine at highway speeds and sunroofs that shatter unexpectedly. These issues can be alarming and may point to quality or manufacturing defects that are hard to pinpoint.
Complaints include seats heating up even when the heated seat button is off, and loud roaring sounds when starting the engine. Electrical gremlins can be frustrating and potentially unsafe if they affect critical systems.
Some owners report loud roaring noises on startup and issues with the auto start/stop feature, such as the engine shutting off when the door is opened. These problems can affect drivability and may lead to unexpected stalls or difficulty restarting.
“The component that is compromised on my '23 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is the windshield. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Monday, Jan 13, 2025, a crack formed on my windshield. The crack happened on the inside of the vehicle. It was positione…”
“Overall I’m disappointed in the quality of the manufactured parts and accessories. It leads me to believe low grade materials were used in manufacturing this vehicle. My vehicle is brand new and has 2500 miles on it and the front windshield has a crack that i…”
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 Crosstrek — 16 recalls
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.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing…
The 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.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
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 and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of ch…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Impreza or Subaru Crosstrek: which should you buy?
The Subaru Impreza has fewer issues per year on average (62.4 vs. 99.7 complaints) and fewer crash-related complaints (28 vs. 58). In practice, this means the Impreza may be less likely to have frequent owner-reported problems, but both models share common trouble spots like windshield cracks and electrical glitches.
Key differences
- The Crosstrek has about 60% more complaints per year than the Impreza (99.7 vs. 62.4), suggesting more frequent owner-reported issues.
- Crosstrek owners more often report sunroof shattering and unusual drivetrain noises, while Impreza owners report stalling during turns and dashboard failures.
- The Impreza has 25 recalls versus 16 for the Crosstrek, but the Crosstrek has more crash-related complaints (58 vs. 28) and injuries (34 vs. 20).
- Both models share windshield cracking and electrical problems, but the Crosstrek's higher complaint volume means these issues may be more common.
- Check the windshield for any cracks, especially near the defroster area, and ask if it has been replaced—repeated cracking is a known complaint.
- Test drive at night to ensure headlights provide adequate illumination, and listen for any engine stalling or power loss when making turns.
- Inspect the sunroof for any signs of shattering or weakness, and ask if it has been replaced—some owners report it exploding without warning.
- Listen for a high-frequency whine at highway speeds (around 72–76 mph) and check that the heated seats do not turn on by themselves.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for windshield, electrical, and powertrain issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the windshield, sunroof (if equipped), and electrical system for signs of cracking, shattering, or malfunction.
- During a test drive, pay attention to steering feel, unusual noises at highway speeds, and any hesitation or stalling when turning.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any windshield replacements or electrical repairs have been done.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
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 Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 10 |
| 2025 | 5 | 44 |
| 2024 | 32 | 119 |
| 2023 | 4 | 34 |
| 2022 | 13 | 31 |
| 2021 | 14 | 115 |
| 2020 | 85 | 69 |
| 2019 | 194 | 284 |
| 2018 | 151 | 194 |
| 2017 | 125 | 97 |
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 Crosstrek in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Impreza vs Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Impreza total complaints
- 624
- Subaru Crosstrek total complaints
- 997
- Subaru Impreza total recalls
- 25
- Subaru Crosstrek total recalls
- 16
- Subaru Impreza avg complaints/year
- 62.4
- Subaru Crosstrek avg complaints/year
- 99.7
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Impreza
- Subaru Impreza top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Subaru Crosstrek top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER