2020 Subaru Impreza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2020 Subaru Impreza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 83 complaints, with Visibility/Wiper as the top reported area.
2020 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2020 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.
2020 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2020 Subaru Impreza SW AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.5% 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 2020 Subaru Impreza has 83 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Visibility/Wiper. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Impreza
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 83
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Visibility/Wiper
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 36
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2020 Subaru Impreza Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Visibility/Wiper, Uncategorized Issues, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2020 Subaru Impreza?
The 2020 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 2020 Subaru Impreza
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the windshield wipers and visibility systems for proper operation and any signs of malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake system and airbag components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's electrical and engine systems before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the windshield wipers and visibility systems for proper operation and any signs of malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake system and airbag components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's electrical and engine systems before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 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 2020 Subaru Impreza are heavily concentrated in the Visibility/Wiper category, accounting for the majority of reports. Other issues include uncategorized problems, brake system concerns, and minor reports in airbag, collision avoidance, engine, and electrical systems. The data suggests a potential pattern of wiper or visibility-related defects, but the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Visibility/Wiper complaints dominate with 51 out of 83 total complaints.
- Only 2 crash-related complaints were reported, indicating a low rate of safety incidents.
- Brake system and airbag issues are present but relatively infrequent.
- Visibility/Wiper system may have recurring issues such as poor performance or failure.
- Uncategorized issues could indicate problems not easily classified by NHTSA categories.
- Brake system complaints, though few, may warrant inspection.
All 2020 Subaru Impreza Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Subaru Impreza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 51 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 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 2020 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I HAVE NOW HAD 4 WINDSHIELDS CRACK AND BREAK AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY TIME ONE LITTLE ROCK HITS THE WINDSHIELD BOOM ANOTHER FULL REPLACEMENT IS NEEDED. EVERY TIME I GO FOR A ROAD TRIP THIS KEEPS HAPPENING THE MUST BE A DEFECT WITH THE DESIGN OR TYPE OF GLASS U…
I got into an accident going 60 miles an hour I crash into a guardrail totaled the car but no airbags deployed I broke my wrist and dislocated my thumb
Reference complaint no.11684658 confirmed. From email from Tech representative "VDC HYDRAULIC UNIT REPLACEMENT. IT IS AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. THERE ARE SENSORS INSIDE THAT MEASURE BRAKE LINE PRESSURE. THE LEFT FRONT SENSOR IS STUCK AT NEGATIVE 59 BAR. SHOULD …
The Eye Sight warning system is activated occasionally and VDC is cut off. The dealer diagnosed code C1742, and recommended replacing the control unit due to a pressure sensor issue after measurement. The units are on back order, which indicates to me a wider spread problem. VDC…
White smoke mechanic claims oil mixed with the antifreeze. And stated that the engine needed to be replaced.
The windshield spontaneously cracked while sitting in my driveway. Windshield had no chips, damage, etc. The weather has been in the upper 70's, so no inclement weather. Upon researching, I found that many other Subaru owners have had the same issue.
While car was parked. Front windshield developed crack in the lower mid section of windshield. There was no damage to windshield that would have resulted in cracking. Crack has since spread.
Both rear doors will intermittently not open when unlocked from both the inside or the outside. I am unsure if this is electrical or related to the door components itself. This is a hazard because passengers have been locked in the back of the car, and needed to climb out from th…
Windshield breaks (cracks) very easily. I have owned/driven cars for 45 years, during the first 41 years I have only had to replace one (1) windshield. Since I have owned this vehicle (Subaru), I am now onto windshield number five (5). Are they making these windows with inferi…
Passenger Air-bag igniter's wiring shorted out releasing gas into car. The windows were up and the car was not running. I was sitting in passenger side went to light my cigarette and with no warning at all KABOOM!!! Car exploded catching my hair on fire as well as 2nd and 3rd deg…
On 3 separate occasions since I've had my car, it has powered off completely without warning while driving. This is very dangerous could cause a severe accident or death. I called a tow truck on 3 separate occasions (1/27/23; 2/26/24; 2/28/24) to take it to the dealer or car rep…
Over the course of 3 days, my vehicle has sustained 4 chips in the windshield from standard city street driving. The windshield now needs to be replaced from excessive cracks.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound and became aware that the windshield had cracked. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the windshield was replaced. The failure had reoccurred, and a crack appear…
A loud rumbling noise and vibration occurs while braking at high speed. Braking force seems unaffected but the noise in concerning. Upon inspection and a test drive, Subaru confirmed the issued and noticed uneven brake pad wear on the front brakes and leakage in the front calipe…
Was sitting in car preparing to leave. Car was in park and turned on. Heard a loud popping/creaking noise. Looked up and the front windshield cracked in several places.
My car spontanously developed a crack in the windshield. It has slowly grown double in size. The crack has no clear cause, chipping, or impact.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was not illuminating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the air bag warning light needed to be replaced. The manufacturer w…
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, it was later discovered that a crack had developed on the front windshield. The crack measured approximately 10-inches and extended from the bottom of the windshield. The contact indicated …
I was stopped at a stop light. Traffic was basically at a stand still while the lights were changing. During this time my windshield spontaneously cracked on the lower center section of the glass. It cracked for seemingly no reason at all. Since traffic was stopped there's no way…
I believe this article describes the cause of the issue. Thankfully the vehicle was parked in my driveway, and did not roll into the street or harm any people, but it could have. 2020 Subaru Impreza Wrx Service Brakes related problems https://www.carproblemzoo.com/subaru/impreza…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Subaru Impreza.
2020 Subaru Impreza Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Subaru Impreza. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2020 Subaru Impreza Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 83 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2020 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 2020 Subaru Impreza?▾
#1: Visibility/Wiper (51 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (16 complaints). #3: Brake System (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Subaru Impreza?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Subaru Impreza?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Subaru Impreza, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 83 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2020 Subaru Impreza. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2020 Subaru Impreza?▾
The 2020 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 Visibility/Wiper 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 2020 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.