2012 Subaru Impreza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Subaru Impreza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 241 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2012 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2012 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.
2012 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Subaru Impreza SW AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.9% 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 2012 Subaru Impreza has 241 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Impreza
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 241
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Subaru Impreza Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2012 Subaru Impreza?
The 2012 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 2012 Subaru Impreza
Inspection Focus
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially related to airbag systems.
- Request service records for airbag, engine, and electrical components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
- Check for any prior repairs related to unintended acceleration or brake system issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially related to airbag systems.
- Request service records for airbag, engine, and electrical components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
- Check for any prior repairs related to unintended acceleration or brake system issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 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 241 consumer complaints for the 2012 Subaru Impreza, issues appear concentrated in airbag malfunctions, engine problems, and electrical faults. Crash-related complaints are relatively few, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited model-year coverage.
- Airbag malfunctions account for the largest share of complaints (105 out of 241).
- Engine problems are the second most reported component with 56 complaints.
- Electrical faults, transmission/drivetrain, brake system, and seat-related issues each have 15–30 complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions: 105 complaints, the most frequently reported issue.
- Engine Problems: 56 complaints, a recurring theme.
- Electrical Faults: 30 complaints, another notable area.
All 2012 Subaru Impreza Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Subaru Impreza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 105 | 7 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 56 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 30 | 1 | 4 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 26 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 15 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 11 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 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 2012 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The fan controls in the center of the dash failed. Fan speed 1&2 work, but 3&4 do not. After pulling the center dash controls out, I found that the plug connecting the fan speed controls to the wiring harness was burnt. This is a concern cause it could have burned other component…
HVAC plug pigtail Blower motor resistor Heater control harness Is available for inspection HVAC electrical plugin was badly burned and melted causing risk of fire Summer months created dangerous interior temperatures Winter months & inclement weather created physical distres…
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mec…
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was driven with manual steering. The failure occurred while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that approximately fo…
The contact's son's father owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that upon activating the heating system, a burning odor would emit from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic discovered melted plastic; as well as black soot, in…
The Airbag warning light has been lit within the dashboard. The front passenger seat airbag is faulty and is not able to correctly sense when a passenger is within the seat or not, which disables the airbags. This can be deadly to the passenger if in an accident. The issue seem…
The AC unit suddenly shutoff and there was a burning smell while I was driving. It turns out that the connector on the back of the climate control unit had either drawn too much current, or the resistance was too high, and the connector had started burning. Fortunately, the mel…
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and the contact was informed that there was a defective gask…
Hello car just stopped on the Fla turnpike because bad valve body on transmission seem subaru knows about this problem and offered a extended warranty 10 yr or 100k but they did this during covid with stay at home orders and never sent any type of Notification my wife was almost …
The occupant control unit in my car has failed, and there is an open recall (Reference #WQT-55R) for the engine diagnostic code (B1650) for my specific part number for the occupant control unit, but the Subaru dealership is saying that my VIN number does not apply. The problem is…
Brake Lamp Switch failed in 2018 - we diagnosed the issue, based partly on information from other Subaru owners who had the same problem, and replaced the switch. Since that time, the brake lights have worked fine. We reported this in a letter to Subaru after their recall for t…
I was on the highway in mixed traffic for a couple hours. There was a burning smell in the cabin and then the warning lights came on including a check engine light and transmission light. The car started to jerk erratically when I accelerated and ultimately it would not accelerat…
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, upon pressing the horn, he became aware that the horn was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had previously been intermittent. No warning lights were illuminated. T…
Transmission valve body failure causing dangerous erratic shifting while driving.
Over the past three months, the front driver and passenger airbag lights have been on in my 2012 Subaru Impreza while driving. Documented videos attached were on 01/11/23, 01/20/23, and 04/04/23. It has happened at least 6 times and possibly more. I contacted Subaru after it happ…
While driving, I suddenly lost braking ability and the brake pedal would go to the floor before slowing the car. I drove slowly approximately 1-2 miles, using the emergency brake and downshifting to control my speed, stopping at a local auto repair garage. On inspection, on the…
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where the gas cap was replaced; however, the warning light returned. The vehicle was taken back to…
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started smoking from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as an oil consumption and cam …
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while the vehicle was under yearly inspection, she was informed that the subframe was corroded. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the stabilizer bar, the rocker panels, …
I just bought this car. I looked recall history. I saw that one of the recalls for this car was faulty (ODS)occupants detection system and the record showed that it is fixed. However, I just found out today that ODS system is still faulty.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Subaru Impreza.
2012 Subaru Impreza Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Subaru Impreza. 6 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.
2012 Subaru Impreza Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 241 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 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 2012 Subaru Impreza?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (105 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (56 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (30 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Subaru Impreza?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Subaru Impreza?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Subaru Impreza, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 241 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Subaru Impreza. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 6 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 2012 Subaru Impreza?▾
The 2012 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 Airbag Malfunctions 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 2012 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.