The Lemon Index2020 Subaru Impreza.
The 2020 Subaru Impreza is worse than average by owner complaints: 83 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 182, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 25 to 31 mpg combined. The best Subaru Impreza year is 2010.
Worse than average. 1.8× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2010
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 102 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Impreza year. 2020 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 2K to 13K miles on the car (48 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 2K–11K miles
Recalls 2
- lights 2022
The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
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 458 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Service Information Bulletin is in response to several battery sensor replacements resulting
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2050–2550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
While sitting in a parking spot getting ready to go into a store, the windshield suddenly cracked. It looks like it cracked at the bottom and went up about 12 to 15 inches.
2020 Subaru Impreza owner · NHTSA complaint 11389158
More owner reports
Windshield cracked for no apparent reason. Car was stationary.
NHTSA complaint 11366449
Windshield cracked spontaneously while parked on the driveway outside my house.
NHTSA complaint 11308874
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Subaru Impreza reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 182; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Impreza year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2020 Subaru Impreza problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (61%), brakes (6%) and electrical (6%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Impreza have?
2 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 2020 Subaru Impreza get?
25 to 31 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Subaru Impreza safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 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 2020 Subaru Impreza problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,100 and 13,100 miles. The middle report was at 7,000 miles, from 48 complaints.
Does the 2020 Subaru Impreza have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 Subaru Impreza cost in fuel a year?
About $2050 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Subaru Impreza have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Impreza year is better than the 2020?
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