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⚑ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: Jun 2026How we calculate this
Severe Issues

2014 Subaru Impreza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2014 Subaru Impreza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 107 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.

107
Complaints
16
Crashes
β€”
Fires
6
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
3
Recalls

2014 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2014 Subaru Impreza trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

24
MPG City
17–27 range
33
MPG Hwy
23–35 range
27
MPG Combined
19–30 range
324
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $500 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.

2014 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β€” showing 2014 Subaru Impreza SW AWD

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

5/5

9.9% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

5/5

9.9% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2014 Subaru Impreza has 107 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2014 Subaru Impreza β€” key reliability facts
Make
Subaru
Model
Impreza
Model year
2014
NHTSA owner complaints
107
Crash-related complaints
16
Safety recall campaigns
3
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
5/5 stars
NHTSA frontal crash rating
4/5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA rollover rating
5/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Most Common 2014 Subaru Impreza Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
38
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:5
Injuries:4
#2
20
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:2
#3
16
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:2
Injuries:1

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 2014 Subaru Impreza?

The 2014 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 2014 Subaru Impreza

Inspection Focus

  • Check for any open recalls related to airbag malfunctions at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and electrical system repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on airbag system and engine.
  • Verify that all three recalls for this model year have been addressed.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Check for any open recalls related to airbag malfunctions at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and electrical system repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on airbag system and engine.
  • Verify that all three recalls for this model year have been addressed.

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2014 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

Complaints for the 2014 Subaru Impreza are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, which account for a substantial portion of the total. Engine and electrical issues also appear frequently. The data suggests potential concerns with safety systems and powertrain reliability, though the confidence level is low.

Key Findings
  • Airbag malfunctions represent the most reported component category.
  • Engine problems are the second most common complaint.
  • Electrical faults and transmission/drivetrain issues also have notable complaint counts.
Top Concerns
  • Airbag Malfunctions
  • Engine Problems
  • Electrical Faults
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The confidence level is low, meaning the data may not be fully representative. Only one model year was analyzed, limiting the ability to identify trends.

All 2014 Subaru Impreza Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Subaru Impreza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions385β€”β€”
Engine Problems202β€”β€”
Electrical Faults162β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain91β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues91β€”β€”
Structural Problems83β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration84β€”β€”
Wheel Issues52β€”β€”
Suspension Failures52β€”β€”
Brake System51β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues5β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects4β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System2β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility1β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic11β€”β€”

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 2014 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 107 most recent complaints

Engine ProblemsApr 5, 2026

Vehicle Production Date: January 2014 Related Recall: Subaru WTM-73 / NHTSA ID 16V738 (revised July 11, 2017 as WTM-73R) Recall Coverage Production End Date: September 13, 2013 Mileage at First Incident (March 2024): 79,268 Mileage at Second Incident (February 2026): 92,325 The …

Transmission / DrivetrainOct 22, 2025

I am filing a complaint regarding a known issue with the CVT transmission in my 2014 Subaru Impreza, currently at approximately 80,000 miles. The CVT has started making a loud whining noise while driving. A licensed, independent repair shop diagnosed this as a likely early sign o…

Seat Belt IssuesJul 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while attempting to secure the front driver’s side seat belt, the locking mechanism failed to immediately lock. The contact stated that several attempts were needed before the seat belt locked as needed. The driver was al…

Engine ProblemsMay 27, 2025

I was driving in my car had lost of power n started to make a noise n ALLL that so eather valve spring broke then messed up rod bearings n now to the point I can't drive my vehicle is like to know what to do next

Structural ProblemsπŸ’₯ CrashMay 21, 2025

Unknown

Structural ProblemsFeb 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the doors automatically locked with her children inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the spare key failed to unlock the doors. The contact sought assistance from a lo…

Electrical FaultsFeb 19, 2025

When I put my vehicle into park and try to remove the key, it becomes stuck in the vehicle every time due to a failing park position switch. This is a known issue to Subaru and should warrant a recall.

Wheel IssuesDec 20, 2024

Two Lug studs broke on opposite wheels from torque issues caused when rotating tires. Based on speaking with both the dealer and the tire shop, they said this is a common issue with Subaru's. Fortunately this happened while the tires were being replaced and not while driving. …

Airbag MalfunctionsOct 11, 2024

After driving for about an hour stopped a light and accelerated to proceed and drivers side air bag exploded. Subaru states it was my fault because β€œdirt” got in the system. Refused to cover replacement or rental car. Minor hand injury.

Electrical FaultsApr 1, 2024

Key won't completely shut off car of come out of ignition.

Structural ProblemsNov 10, 2023

The hood latch opens while driving.

Steering DefectsOct 14, 2023

To whom this may concern, My name is [XXX] . I purchased my 2014 Subaru on December 13th, 2013. My car has 57,000 miles on it. It has loss of acceleration when entering a freeway. I push on the gas pedal harder and harder to try to get my car to obtain 60 mph. The car does not r…

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 16, 2023

The transmission on my 2014 Subaru Impreza failed suddenly while I was driving about 70 mph in the middle lane of the interstate. My car began to decelerate rapidly, and I lost all ability to accelerate or even put my car in park. I was able to navigate to the side of the interst…

Suspension FailuresJul 18, 2023

The front control arm bushings are failing. The RF link is broken to the suspension too.

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 27, 2023

While driving on the highway in Denver, the engine stalled - I later learned that a valve spring broke and went through the engine, destroying it. I lost all power - lost braking - but was able to steer the vehicle off to the side of the road. I subsequently learned that about 16…

Electrical FaultsJun 7, 2023

One day my blower motor wouldn't turn on and my switch was actually stuck, unable to adjust at all. After checking all fuses and relays I pulled out the control panel and noticed significant electrical damage to both the switch itself and the wiring harness. This is a very danger…

Electrical FaultsMay 30, 2023

The Blower assembly in my car stopped working suddenly- When i looked into it, a short/electrical failure had happened that caused the wire harness and other components to melt inside the system. This appears to be a common failure similar Subaru cars, but the fact that the syst…

Transmission / DrivetrainMay 18, 2023

My check engine light and other lights simultaneously lit up while driving 50 mph down the highway. The car started to β€œbuck” slightly. I pulled over, let it cool a bit, checked the oil. Oil level and quality was fine. Took to a mechanic where I found the problem was with the CVT…

Engine ProblemsMay 2, 2023

The Vehicle is a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle ; this has now started to cause the vehicle in warm/hot weather to trigger EVAP codes. This is not fixed by checking gas cap or replacing anything else. I have had the vehicle to the dealership where I was told they dont know why , …

Airbag MalfunctionsπŸ’₯ CrashOct 14, 2022

The contact owned a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 20 mph for unknown reasons, she veered off the road into a ditch, rolled over, and crashed into a tree. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The air bags did …

Page 1 of 6

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Subaru Impreza.

2014 Subaru Impreza Recalls

3 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Subaru Impreza. 3 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.

19V14900028/02/2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

18V772000Jan 11, 2018
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

16V73800013/10/2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Compare Subaru Impreza Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2014 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006200520042003200220012000

2014 Subaru Impreza Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2014 Subaru Impreza reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 107 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2014 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 2014 Subaru Impreza?β–Ύ

#1: Airbag Malfunctions (38 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (20 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (16 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Subaru Impreza?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2014 Subaru Impreza?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2014 Subaru Impreza, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 107 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2014 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Subaru Impreza. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 3 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 2014 Subaru Impreza?β–Ύ

The 2014 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 2014 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.