2010 Subaru Impreza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2010 Subaru Impreza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 46 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2010 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2010 Subaru Impreza trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2010 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated10.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
10.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2010 Subaru Impreza has 46 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 15 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Impreza
- Model year
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 46
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 15
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2010 Subaru Impreza Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2010 Subaru Impreza?
The 2010 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2010 Subaru Impreza
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any reported issues, such as unusual noises or performance problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags and brakes.
- Request service records for engine, airbag, and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on the top concern areas.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any reported issues, such as unusual noises or performance problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags and brakes.
- Request service records for engine, airbag, and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on the top concern areas.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2010 Subaru Impreza, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 46 complaints for the 2010 Subaru Impreza, issues appear concentrated in the engine, airbag, and brake systems. Crash-related complaints are few, but the data is limited to a single model year.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints among the listed components.
- Airbag malfunctions and brake system issues each have 7 complaints, tying for the second most reported.
- Uncategorized issues represent a notable portion of complaints, suggesting some problems may not be easily classified.
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Brake System
All 2010 Subaru Impreza Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Subaru Impreza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2010 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle and the vehicle was able to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact replaced the battery…
####PLEASE DELETE VOQ###
The contact owned a 2010 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 60 MPH, he stated that he heard a loud bang from the engine compartment and saw smoke coming from under the hood. The son stated that an unknown warning light had illuminated. The …
The driver side visor hangs in the face of the driver. It will not stay up against the window, so it blocks the drivers ability to see. The driver must take a hand off the steering wheel to hold it out of the way, and have it block the blazing sun so that she can see the road. Th…
The driver's side sun visor, which is supposed to stay where you put it (either up out of the way or down in front of the window) has lost its grip and now just hangs straight down obscuring my view of the road ahead and could swing into my face if I brake or accelerate quickly.
All four tires had to be replaced due to tire rot. The tires had a 45,000 warranty and had to be replaced with 14,000 miles on the tires. The tires were deemed unsafe to drive on. 08/05/2021
I HAVE HAD THE MOST RECENT AIRBAG RECALL PERFORMED ON MY CAR RECENTLY. I LATER RECEIVED TWO SEPARATE LETTERS IN THE MAIL ADVISING ME TO CALL/TEXT "FIX" TO PHONE NUMBERS 877-244-0533 OR 844-898-7574 BECAUSE MY CAR IS SUPPOSEDLY STILL IN NEED OF AN AIRBAG RECALL FIX. I HAVE VERIFI…
STEERING PUMP, CLUTCH AND LOSS OF POWER
STEERING PUMP, CLUTCH AND LOSS OF POWER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND WENT TO THE FLOOR BOARD WITH THE BRAKES FAILURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND BECAME OF BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE V…
THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES ARE RUSTING AND CORRODING, WHICH LEADS TO TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING OR SPRAYING OUT OF THE LINE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WHICH LEADS TO LOSS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID AND TRANSMISSION NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. SEE IN PICTURE THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE WA…
AFTER 72 HOURS OF MY PURCHASE OF THE 2010 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX FROM TOYOTA BOULDER DEALERSHIP LOCATED IN BOULDER, COLORADO, I HAD EXPERIENCED MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE STARTER OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO FAULT IN THIS SITUATION, HOWEVER I WAS SIMPLY MISINFORMED AND THEREFORE PU…
INSTALLATION OF INFERIOR PARTS IN THE ENGINE, CAUSING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE CRAINKSHAFT AND BOTTOM END.
TAKATA RECALL MY CAR WAS PARKED IN A SPACE WHEN I LEFT TO GO AND EAT. WHEN I GOT BACK TO THE CAR S0MEONE HAD BACKED INTO IT . THEY HAD IT REPAIRED AND IT WAS FINE.
VEHICLE HESITATES THEN SURGES FORWARD VIOLENTLY WHEN ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED WHEN ENGINE IS COLD OR IN COLD WEATHER. CONDITION IMPROVES WHEN ENGINE IS WARMED UP. DEALERSHIP AND SUBARU HAVE NOT ADDRESSED THE ISSUE. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO DRIVE VEHICLE AS THEY SAY IT'S UNSA…
VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. CAR DIED WHEN STARTING. THE STARTER TURNED OVER AND THE ENGINE ENGAGED, BUT IMMEDIATELY DIED. THERE WAS NO FOREWARNING CONCERNING THE HEALTH OF THE ENGINE (I.E. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NO ROUGH RIDING/ISSUES WITH GEARS). MY MECHANIC CHECKED INSIDE THE F…
I AM UNABLE TO ADD ANY MORE FUEL TO MY CARE EVEN THOUGH MY FUEL TANK IS ALMOST EMPTY. I KNOW IT IS ALMOST EMPTY BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN ABOUT 350 MILES SINCE MY LAST FILL. WHEN I TRY TO ADD FUEL, THE NOZZLE STOPS PUMPING AND GAS SPURTS OUT ALL OVER THE CAR.
ENGINE FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY AT 73K MILES. SUBARU ATTRIBUTED FAILURE TO "POOR LUBRICATION", BUT DENIES RESPONSIBILITY. THESE CARS BURN OIL EXCESSIVELY AND HAVE NO LOW OIL CAUTION LIGHT. MAJOR INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURES ARE COMMON WITH EJ AND FB ENGINES DUE TO FAILURE OF ROD BEARI…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN INTERIM RECALL NOTICE MONTHS AGO AND THERE WAS NO TIME FRAME TO INDICATE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE SUPPLIED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO SPECIFIC TIME FRAME FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE…
DUE TO THE SECONDARY AIR PUMP CONSTANTLY RUNNING IT HAS OVER PRESSURIZED MT CYLINDER HEAD AND HAS CAUSED COOLANT PROBLEMS. POSSIBLY HAS BLOWN THE HEAD GASKET BY CREATING EXCESSIVE BACK PRESSURE IN THE CYLINDER.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Subaru Impreza.
2010 Subaru Impreza Recalls
15 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Subaru Impreza. 15 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2010 Subaru Impreza Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 46 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 15 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2010 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Subaru Impreza?▾
#1: Engine Problems (10 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (8 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (7 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Subaru Impreza?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Subaru Impreza?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Subaru Impreza, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 46 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?▾
Yes. 15 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Subaru Impreza. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 15 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2010 Subaru Impreza?▾
The 2010 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Impreza reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2010 Subaru Impreza based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.