Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Outback vs Subaru Impreza
How the Subaru Outback 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 Outback vs Subaru Impreza: The Outback averages 462.1 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Impreza averages 62.4, about one-seventh as many. Both have similar recall counts (26 vs 25). The Outback has more crash-related complaints (135 vs 28). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Outback or Subaru Impreza more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a popular wagon with a high complaint volume: 4,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging 462.1 per year. That's roughly seven times the Impreza's rate, so owners report problems more often. The most common issues involve the windshield and wipers, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with some complaints about shattered moonroofs and battery failures. While it has 26 recalls and 135 crash-related complaints, there were no deaths reported in this dataset.
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is a compact car with far fewer complaints: 624 over 10 years, averaging 62.4 per year. That's about one-seventh the Outback's rate, suggesting fewer reported problems per vehicle. Top issues include visibility/wiper, exterior lighting, and electrical system, with reports of spontaneous windshield cracking and headlights that don't illuminate well. It has 25 recalls and 28 crash-related complaints, including one death.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Outback | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,621 | 624 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 | 25 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 135 | 28 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 462.1 | 62.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 84 | 20 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 Outback
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER1,454
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,440
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER885
- 04VISIBILITY244
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE228
Owners report windshields that sparkle with thousands of diamonds in direct sunlight, making it hazardous to drive, and moonroofs that shatter spontaneously, sometimes within days of purchase. These issues can impair vision and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include complete failures to start due to battery problems, and malfunctions of the EyeSight driver-assistance system, brakes, and central electrical system. Such failures can strand drivers and affect safety features.
The EyeSight system, which includes automatic emergency braking, is reported to malfunction, potentially reducing its effectiveness in preventing crashes. This is a key safety feature that buyers should verify works properly.
Issues include non-working SOS buttons after failed software updates and wireless charging pads that overheat phones. These problems affect convenience and emergency communication.
“When driving east into direct sunshine, the entire windshield sparkles with thousands of diamonds, making it hazardous to drive. Just bought the car June 8, 2023, as a Certified Pre-Owned (it had been a dealer loaner). Had to dealer last week, they claim not…”
“The moon roof shattered. Have not even had the vehicle two days yet. It was fine yesterday (5/26/2023). Went out this afternoon (5/27/2023) and found the moon roof completely shattered and fractured. There is a hole near the rear center and fractures covering…”
Subaru Impreza
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER176
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING164
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER100
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM61
- 05ENGINE42
Owners report spontaneous windshield cracking from the defroster area in a 'J' shape, sometimes multiple times on the same vehicle. This can obstruct the driver's view and require replacement.
Complaints include headlights that fail to provide adequate illumination at night, reducing visibility, and steering that feels loose or causes jerking side to side. These issues affect nighttime safety and vehicle control.
Reports include entire dash going out, danger warnings to stop driving, and even a vehicle fire caused by a defective battery. Electrical failures can be serious and costly.
Some owners report loss of power and stalling when making turns, particularly left turns, which can be dangerous in traffic. This issue may be hard to diagnose if the dealer cannot replicate 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…”
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 Outback — 26 recalls
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…
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 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. 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 Outback or Subaru Impreza: which should you buy?
The Subaru Impreza has far fewer complaints per year (62.4) compared to the Outback (462.1), meaning owners report problems much less often. In practice, this suggests the Impreza may be less likely to have recurring issues, but both have recalls and safety complaints. Buyers should weigh the Outback's larger size against its higher reported problem rate.
Key differences
- The Outback has about 7 times more complaints per year than the Impreza, with visibility/wiper and electrical issues dominating.
- The Impreza's top complaints include exterior lighting problems like inadequate headlights, which are less frequent in the Outback's top areas.
- The Outback has 135 crash-related complaints and 84 injuries, while the Impreza has 28 crash-related complaints and 20 injuries, though the Impreza had 1 death.
- Both have similar numbers of recalls (26 vs 25), but the Outback's recalls often involve power train and shift linkage, while the Impreza's include suspension and windshield.
- Check the windshield for a sparkling effect in direct sunlight and inspect the moonroof for cracks or shattering, as these are common complaints.
- Test the battery and starting system, and verify that the EyeSight driver-assistance system and SOS button function correctly, as failures have been reported.
- Inspect the windshield for spontaneous cracks, especially near the defroster area, and check for a 'J' shape pattern.
- Test the headlights at night to ensure adequate illumination, and check for any steering looseness or jerking while driving.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the windshield, moonroof (Outback), and electrical system, including battery and driver-assistance features.
- During a test drive, pay attention to steering feel, headlight brightness (Impreza), and any warning lights on the dashboard.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for battery replacements and software updates.
- For the Outback, test the wireless charging pad and SOS button; for the Impreza, listen for engine stalling during turns.
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 Outback | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 | 1 |
| 2025 | 81 | 5 |
| 2024 | 2 | 32 |
| 2023 | 89 | 4 |
| 2022 | 464 | 13 |
| 2021 | 296 | 14 |
| 2020 | 899 | 85 |
| 2019 | 1034 | 194 |
| 2018 | 812 | 151 |
| 2017 | 917 | 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 Outback or Subaru Impreza in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Outback vs Subaru Impreza
- Subaru Outback total complaints
- 4,621
- Subaru Impreza total complaints
- 624
- Subaru Outback total recalls
- 26
- Subaru Impreza total recalls
- 25
- Subaru Outback avg complaints/year
- 462.1
- Subaru Impreza avg complaints/year
- 62.4
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Impreza
- Subaru Outback top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Subaru Impreza top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER