2015 Subaru Impreza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2015 Subaru Impreza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 79 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2015 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2015 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. 6 trims analysed.
2015 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2015 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 2015 Subaru Impreza has 79 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Impreza
- Model year
- 2015
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 79
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 35
- 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 2015 Subaru Impreza Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2015 Subaru Impreza?
The 2015 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 2015 Subaru Impreza
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and wiring, for any issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and wiring, for any issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2015 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
The 2015 Subaru Impreza has 79 NHTSA complaints, with the highest number related to electrical faults. Complaints are concentrated in electrical, transmission, and engine systems. There are 2 recalls and 5 crash-related complaints, but the confidence level is low due to limited data.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints (20 out of 79).
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are the third most reported component (12 complaints).
- Unintended acceleration and airbag malfunctions each have 7 complaints.
- Electrical faults are the most frequently reported issue.
- Transmission/drivetrain problems are a recurring theme.
- Engine problems appear in 11 complaints.
All 2015 Subaru Impreza Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Subaru Impreza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | 3 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | 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 2015 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My front passenger seat belt has been stuck and unusable since November 2025. This issue has been reported to Brandon Tomes Subaru in McKinney TX at the end of November. The seat belt was inspected and was determined faulty and covered under the warranty. The part needed to fix i…
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle at 10 MPH, the transmission was shifted into drive (D), and the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration at 30 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to stop…
P0018. P0016
My 2015 Impreza has had its rear wheel bearings fail twice now, and now there’s still a loud noise coming from the end of my vehicle. My most recent trip to the dealer to get a bearing replaced costed me nearly $800. The kicker is, I just rolled over 65,000 on my car. There’s no …
Driving the 2015 Subaru Impreza the front hood popped open and crashed into my windshield. Luckily it popped at 30-40 miles per hour and I was able to stop safely. Many damage to the body of the vehicle. It has happened a couple times before (found the hood open) but the safety…
All of a sudden, with no reason whatsoever, my daughter's car has "rod knock" with less than 100,000 miles on it. Bought this Subaru for my daughter so she would have a car that would last a long time and she would be safe. Maintenance was kept up at our local mechanic religiou…
We bought our 2015 Subaru Impreza from a used car dealer (we are second owner) in February 2020 with 55K miles on it. On our test drive, we noticed the air bag said it was off even with a passenger in the car. We agreed to purchase the vehicle upon repair. It was repaired and the…
Battery Drain when plugging into the USB port: This is second battery that had to be replaced since purchase of the vehicle.
Power Steering failed, extremely hard to turn steering wheel, EPS Light on dash illuminated. Luckily happened in driveway. Thinking back steering seemed odd last week was less effort to turn left as opposed to turning right.
Passenger air bag will randomly turn off with passenger riding. This is well know issue with subaru and they still have not sent a recall. With this issue being so wide spread I do not think the dealership should charge over 600 dollars for this repair. I previous did this repair…
My windshield cracked on its own, with no cause, chip, etc.
I purchased a Subaru for reliability and safety reasons. This car has placed my family in some dangerous situations. Every time the outside temp is 90+ degrees F and it is driven on a road trip of 200+ miles, the car's acceleration shuts off. There is never any warning or check e…
My transmission completely locked up on me while driving at interstate speeds. I was traveling at 65 MPH with the car in regular driving mode, on cruise control and the transmission completely locked up on me. The front tires locked briefly, causing me to go into a small skid, …
Hood flew open on interstate. After driving around town running errands I drove onto the interstate got like a mile down the road. I was in the left lane going about 60 mph the hood flew open. Smashing directly into the windshield. I thankfully was able to hit my four ways and ge…
Yesterday, March 28, 2022 I stopped to run into a shop. Left my windows down because it was hot. My AC fan doesn’t work half the time. When I put my keys in the ignition, the key would not turn to accessories or ignite the car to start. The steering wheel was locked. The park gea…
When leaving a gas station with a slight dip in the pavement, I inched my vehicle forward as slowly as I could as to not “bottom out.” This 2015 Impreza model has an overall design flaw; it sits too low to the ground therefore compromising the entire structure of the body. The Im…
When put key in ignition, the car doesn’t start. The key can not be taken out of ignition. Numerous jiggles. Put foot on the brake, take foot off the brake. Eventually starts. Fear will be unable to take key out of ignition.
Smoke and oil burning smell entering cabin through vents. I have two young children. I’m concerned of toxic fumes. Coming from oil leaking onto exhaust manifold and at only 52,000 miles on odometer!
The contact owns a 2015 SUBARU Impreza. The contact stated that the vehicle's check engine light was illuminated and they began to notice at an oil change that their vehicle was leaking excessive oil consumption a year ago. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who informed …
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, she noticed that the air conditioner was intermittently blowing warm air into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2015 Subaru Impreza.
2015 Subaru Impreza Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2015 Subaru Impreza. 2 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.
2015 Subaru Impreza Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2015 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 79 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2015 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 2015 Subaru Impreza?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (20 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (14 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (12 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2015 Subaru Impreza?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2015 Subaru Impreza?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2015 Subaru Impreza, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 79 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2015 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2015 Subaru Impreza. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 2 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 2015 Subaru Impreza?▾
The 2015 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 Electrical Faults 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 2015 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.