The Lemon Index2012 Subaru Impreza.
The 2012 Subaru Impreza is worse than average by owner complaints: 101 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 137, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 19 to 30 mpg combined. The best Subaru Impreza year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 246 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Impreza year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 17K to 81K miles on the car (189 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 12K–65K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 10K–76K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 12K–83K miles
Recalls 6
- lights 2019
Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions …
- engine 2018
The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
- electrical 2016
The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Show all 6 recalls
- airbags 2015
In the affected vehicles, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may deactivate if a front seat passenger operates a device that is plugged into the power outlet such as a music player or cell phone, or touches a metal part…
- electrical 2013
Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs.
- brakes 2011
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS (EXCEPT WRX/STI MODELS), MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011, AND LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 20…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 522 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Information provided regarding repair and inspection of camshaft position issues and also, check
- Information regarding surface treatment to oil control piston rings due to limited…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPassenger front air bag suppression2015
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza SW AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Subaru Impreza WRX/STI SW AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Subaru Impreza WRX/STI 4 DR AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2150–4200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Passenger airbag randomly turns off when passenger is in the car. Took to a dealer and they couldn't repeat. Was told it was probably just a weight issue. If the airbag doesn't go off with a passenger there it could be fatal.
2012 Subaru Impreza owner · NHTSA complaint 10668512
More owner reports
Passenger airbag turns off with adult in passenger seat weighing 260 lbs
NHTSA complaint 10726358
When someone sitting in the front passenger seat leans slightly, the airbag sensor frequently malfunctions and the car turns off the airbags for that seat, as indicated by the lighted dashboard indicator sign.
NHTSA complaint 10621456
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Subaru Impreza reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 137; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Impreza year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2012 Subaru Impreza problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (55%), engine (22%) and electrical (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have?
6 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Subaru Impreza get?
19 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Subaru Impreza safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Subaru Impreza problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 17,400 and 81,000 miles. The middle report was at 45,900 miles, from 189 complaints.
Does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Subaru Impreza cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 to $4200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Impreza year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2014 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works