Subaru Impreza: common problems, service schedule and fuel economy
What typically goes wrong on the Subaru Impreza, at what mileage, and what keeping it right involves — from Brimly's Vehicle Knowledge Base, where every fault is checked by a human before publication.
Ask the AI about the Subaru Impreza- Years
- 2007–present
- Generations
- 4
- Engines
- 9
- Verified faults
- 23
GU (2023+) · 2023–present
2.0 FB20 (ST) · 154 hp · 2.0 e-BOXER (ST-G / ST-H) · 145 hp
Known problems
- Critical usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Instrument-panel harness can short (US-market 2024 cars)
Symptoms: damaged wire insulation near the steering-beam bracket can short-circuit and cause loss of drive power
What to do: US-market recall: ask a dealer to check the VIN for NHTSA 23V551; a clamp is added and any damaged harness protected or replaced.
- Worth watching usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Front drive-shaft recall - outer race can crack (builds of 4-16 Sep 2023)
Symptoms: loss of drive power if the outer race of a front drive shaft breaks; in the worst case the transfer clutch is damaged and the car cannot be driven
What to do: Very small batch in Japan (13 Impreza GU7). Ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for recall 5424 (free); the shafts are inspected and replaced. US: NHTSA 23V754 for 2024 Impreza.
Service schedule
| Item | Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre rotation | every 3,000 mi (5,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: every 5,000 km. |
| Engine oil & filter change | every 6,000 mi (10,000 km) or 12 months | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page (GU petrol edition; the e-BOXER edition gives the same figure): oil every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first; the oil filter every 10,000 km. Intervals assume about 10,000 km a year on paved roads; harder use follows the separate maintenance note (メンテナンスノート). The page keeps the warning that oil use can reach 0.5-1 L per 1,000 km under severe driving. |
| Differential oil | every 25,000 mi (40,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: front and rear differential oil, 40,000 km. |
| Air cleaner element | every 31,000 mi (50,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: 50,000 km. |
| Fuel filter | every 62,000 mi (100,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: genuine fuel filter, 100,000 km. |
| Spark plugs | every 62,000 mi (100,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: iridium plugs (NGK DILKAR7Q8), 100,000 km, on both the petrol and the e-BOXER edition. |
| Engine coolant | every 75,000 mi (120,000 km) or 72 months | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: Super Coolant, first change at 220,000 km or the 11th year, then every 120,000 km or 6 years. |
| Brake fluid Important | every 24 months | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: first change at 3 years, then every 2 years. |
| CVT (Lineartronic) fluid Important | — | Subaru's GU owner's manuals list the CVT fluid as 'no replacement' (無交換) for both petrol and e-BOXER cars. This is the maker's statement, not a recommendation to ignore a leak or a shudder: have the level and condition checked at inspections and follow the dealer's advice for hard use. |
GT/GK (2016-2023) · 2016–2023
1.6 FB16 · 115 hp · 2.0 FB20 (direct injection) · 154 hp · 2.0 e-BOXER (Sport only, from Oct 2020) · 145 hp
Known problems
- Critical usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Brake-hose recall - hose can swell (GK6/GK7/GT6/GT7 built Oct 2016 - Mar 2018)
Symptoms: brake fluid seeps between the layers of the hose and makes it bulge, which can impair braking
What to do: Ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for recall 4575 (free): the brake hoses are replaced.
- Critical usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Front lower control arm weld may crack (US-market 2021 cars)
Symptoms: no warning; a failing weld lets the left-front lower control arm separate from the crossmember and the tyre can contact the wheel well
What to do: US-market recall of 802 cars: ask a dealer to check the VIN for NHTSA 21V675 before driving; the arm is inspected and replaced free.
- Critical usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Ignition-coil recall - coil can short and stop the engine (builds Oct 2016 - Mar 2019)
Symptoms: engine cuts out while driving; the engine software keeps energising the coil after shutdown and overheats it
What to do: Ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for recall 4936 (free): all ignition coils are replaced with new ones. The first campaign (4577, 2019) only reprogrammed the ECU and was found insufficient for coils that had already been overheated. In the US this is NHTSA 21V264.
- Critical usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Low-pressure fuel-pump recall - pump can fail and stall the engine (builds Jul 2017 - Aug 2019)
Symptoms: engine hard to start, loss of power or sudden stall while driving; the plastic pump impeller swells in fuel and rubs the pump housing
What to do: Ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for recall 5434 (free): the low-pressure fuel pump is replaced. In the US this is NHTSA 21V587. If the engine stalls on a motorway, hazards on and move to the shoulder.
- Critical usually from 0 mi (0 km)
PCV-valve recall - oil is drawn into the cylinders and the engine can stop (builds Oct 2016 - May 2018)
Symptoms: white smoke from the exhaust, oil consumption, in the worst case the engine stops while driving
What to do: Ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for recall 4576 (free): the PCV valve is replaced. US: NHTSA 19V744 (aluminium PCV valve, 2017-2018 Impreza) and 19V745; if parts of the valve are lost in the engine the dealer may need to replace the engine.
- Worth watching usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Engine power can drop on steep climbs in hot weather (service campaign, builds Dec 2016 - Nov 2017)
Symptoms: with a very hot intake air charge and the air conditioning on, the engine retards ignition and torque falls, so a steep hill may not be climbed and the engine can stall when pulling away
What to do: Ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for this service campaign (not a recall): the engine software is rewritten and an old intake duct replaced.
- Worth watching usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Winter-fuel vapour in the fuel line can stall the engine (US-market 2017 cars)
Symptoms: in very cold-weather fuels the fuel can vaporise in the line, pressure drops and the engine can stall
What to do: US-market recall: ask a dealer to check the VIN for NHTSA 17V216; the engine software is reprogrammed so the radiator fan comes on at a lower temperature.
- Good to know
CVT powertrain warranty extended for 2018 cars (US-market; not a fault notice)
Symptoms: no symptom; Subaru of America extended the CVT powertrain warranty on 2018 Impreza 2.0 L CVT cars to 10 years / 100,000 miles
What to do: US owners of a 2018 car: use the extension if the CVT shudders or fails, but it applies only to original or Subaru-supplied CVTs. Subaru states the change is not in response to any specific condition. Ask a dealer for a Vehicle Coverage Inquiry on the VIN.
Service schedule
| Item | Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre rotation | every 3,000 mi (5,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: every 5,000 km. |
| Engine oil & filter change | every 6,000 mi (10,000 km) or 12 months | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page (GT/GK edition, 1.6 L and 2.0 L petrol pages; read by OCR because the PDF has no usable text layer): oil every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first; the oil filter every 10,000 km. Intervals assume about 10,000 km a year on paved roads; harder use follows the separate maintenance note (メンテナンスノート). The page repeats the warning that oil use can reach 0.5-1 L per 1,000 km under severe driving. The e-BOXER manual was not read. |
| Differential oil | every 25,000 mi (40,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: front and rear differential oil, 40,000 km. |
| Air cleaner element | every 31,000 mi (50,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: 50,000 km. |
| Fuel filter | every 62,000 mi (100,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: genuine fuel filter, 100,000 km. |
| Spark plugs | every 62,000 mi (100,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: iridium plugs (NGK DILZKAR7B11 on the 1.6 L), 100,000 km. The 2.0 L and e-BOXER plug figures were not read separately. |
| Engine coolant | every 75,000 mi (120,000 km) or 72 months | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: Super Coolant, first change at 220,000 km or the 11th year, then every 120,000 km or 6 years. |
| Brake fluid Important | every 24 months | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: first change at 3 years, then every 2 years. |
| CVT (Lineartronic) fluid Important | — | The owner's manual gives no interval and sends you to the maintenance booklet (メンテナンスノート). Since September 2017 Subaru's routine 12/24-month inspection checks the fluid level by looking for leaks rather than at the fill plug on cars with the correction sticker (that notice lists GP/GJ, not GT/GK, so it may not apply here). |
GP/GJ (2011-2016) · 2011–2016
1.6 FB16 · 115 hp · 2.0 FB20 · 150 hp · 2.0 FB20 Sport HYBRID (2015-2016) · 150 hp
Known problems
- Critical usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Brake-light switch recall (all GP/GJ built 2011-2016)
Symptoms: brake lights may stop lighting because silicone vapour from cleaners or cosmetics coats the switch contacts; the stability-control warning lamp can come on and the engine may not start
What to do: Ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for recall 4439 (US: NHTSA 19V149); the switch is replaced free. Do not drive if the brake lights do not light.
- Critical usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Front-passenger air-bag may switch off (US-market 2012 cars built Apr 2011 - Feb 2012)
Symptoms: the occupant-detection system can deactivate when a front passenger uses a device plugged into the power outlet or touches a metal part such as the seat adjuster; the passenger air bag would not deploy
What to do: US-market recall: ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for NHTSA 15V419; the occupant control unit is replaced free.
- Critical usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Valve-spring recall - spring can break and stall the engine (2.0 L cars built 2012-2013)
Symptoms: engine noise, rough running, in the worst case the engine stops while driving
What to do: Ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for recall 4361 (US: NHTSA 18V772); the valve springs are replaced free. The 1.6 L cars are not on the list.
- Worth watching
Air-conditioning compressor failure
Symptoms: air conditioning suddenly blows warm air; noise or seizure of the compressor
What to do: At purchase, test the air conditioning on a warm day. If the compressor seizes, have the expansion valve and receiver/liquid tank cleaned or replaced with it - debris from a seized compressor otherwise kills the next one, which makes the bill much larger than the compressor alone.
- Worth watching usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Engine-harness recall - wiring can chafe on the intake manifold (builds of Feb-Mar 2012)
Symptoms: rough idle, warning lamps, in the worst case the engine stops and will not restart
What to do: Small early-build batch. Ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for recall 3129 (free): the harness is re-routed, re-taped or replaced.
- Worth watching
Oil consumption on the FB boxer engine - check the dipstick
Symptoms: oil level falls between changes without leaks; the maker's own manual accepts up to 0.5-1 L per 1,000 km under hard use
What to do: Check the oil level at least every other fill-up and before long trips, top up with the specified grade, and keep to the 10,000 km / 12-month change. If consumption is clearly higher than 1/3 quart per 1,200 miles (about 0.3 L per 1,900 km) on a US-market car, ask a dealer for a documented oil-consumption test.
- Worth watching
Rear hub bearing hum (rust in snow-belt use)
Symptoms: a low droning or humming noise from the rear that rises with speed (reported around 60 km/h), caused by a worn rear wheel bearing
What to do: Have the rear hubs checked by lifting the car if a hum appears; do not wait until the bearing seizes. On rust-affected cars the old bearing can be seized in the knuckle, so the job is slow and costly.
- Worth watching usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Starter recall - pinion can be damaged if the selector is moved P to N while starting (builds of Nov 2014 - Jun 2015)
Symptoms: grinding noise at engine start; in the worst case the engine cannot be started
What to do: Ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for recall 3773 (free): the engine software is rewritten and the starter pinion checked, with starter and torque converter replaced if damaged. Start with the selector in P.
Service schedule
| Item | Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre rotation | every 3,000 mi (5,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: every 5,000 km. |
| Engine oil & filter change | every 6,000 mi (10,000 km) or 12 months | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page (GP/GJ edition 2016-08): oil every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first; the oil filter every 10,000 km, changed together with the oil. Intervals assume about 10,000 km a year on paved roads; harder use follows the separate maintenance note (メンテナンスノート). The same page warns that oil use can reach 0.5-1 L per 1,000 km under severe driving. Check the dipstick between changes. |
| Differential oil | every 25,000 mi (40,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: front and rear differential oil, 40,000 km. |
| Air cleaner element | every 31,000 mi (50,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: 50,000 km. |
| Fuel filter | every 62,000 mi (100,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: genuine fuel filter, 100,000 km. |
| Spark plugs | every 62,000 mi (100,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: iridium plugs (NGK SILZKAR7B11), 100,000 km; do not clean or re-gap them. |
| Engine coolant | every 75,000 mi (120,000 km) or 72 months | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: Super Coolant, first change at 220,000 km or the 11th year, then every 120,000 km or 6 years (whichever comes first). |
| Brake fluid Important | every 24 months | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: first change at 3 years, then every 2 years. |
| CVT (Lineartronic) fluid Important | — | The owner's manual gives no interval and sends you to the maintenance booklet (メンテナンスノート). Since September 2017 Subaru's routine 12/24-month inspection checks the CVT fluid level by looking for leaks instead of opening the fill plug, on cars that carry the correction sticker. |
| Timing chain (no belt) | — | A Subaru dealer's used-car column describes the FB engines as chain-driven; the owner's manual service data lists no timing-belt interval. Single dealer source. |
GH/GE (2007-2011) · 2007–2011
1.5 EL15 (5MT / 4AT) · 110 hp · 2.0 EJ20 SOHC (4AT) · 140 hp
Known problems
- Critical usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Brake-light switch recall (Anesis sedan built 2008-2011)
Symptoms: brake lights may stop lighting because silicone vapour from cleaners or cosmetics coats the switch contacts; the stability-control warning lamp can come on and the engine may not start
What to do: Ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for recall 4439 (free); the switch is replaced. Do not drive if the brake lights do not light.
- Critical usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Brake-line corrosion recall in salt-belt US states (US-market 2008-2011 cars)
Symptoms: salt water splashes through a gap in the fuel-tank protector onto the brake lines, which corrode and can leak brake fluid; longer stopping distances
What to do: Applies to US-market cars registered in the salt-belt states (any other car can ask for the repair on request). A dealer tests for leaks and rustproofs the lines or replaces them. NHTSA 14V311 was followed by 14V830 for cars repaired before 23 December 2014. If you own a US car that never had this done, ask a dealer with the VIN; check the lines on any older car that has lived on salted roads.
- Critical usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Fuel-pump wiring recall - engine can stop or fail to start (1.5 L cars built 2007-2009)
Symptoms: intermittent loss of the fuel pump feed: engine cuts out while driving or does not start, because the pump harness material lets the connector contact deteriorate
What to do: Ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for recall 4273 (free): the harness at the pump connector is replaced and the pump-side and car-side connectors are inspected, with the flange or car harness replaced if they show discolouration or melting.
- Critical usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Takata passenger air-bag inflator recall (US-market 2006-2011 cars in humid states)
Symptoms: no symptom in daily use; in a crash the front-passenger inflator can rupture and throw metal fragments
What to do: Check the VIN with a Subaru dealer for NHTSA 17V014 / 18V013; the inflator is replaced free. If the car has an open Takata recall, do not carry a front passenger until it is done.
- Critical usually from 0 mi (0 km)
Water-pump bearing recall - timing belt can be damaged (2008 builds, 1.5 L and turbo cars)
Symptoms: no warning; the water-pump bearing can break, the pump stops working, the timing belt is damaged and the engine can stop and refuse to restart
What to do: Large campaign on 2008 builds of the 1.5 L cars (and the 2.0 turbo / STI). Ask a Subaru dealer to check the VIN for recall 2946 (free); the water pump is replaced, and a yellow paint mark right of the VIN stamp shows it was done. If the car has no proof, treat the belt and pump as unverified before buying or driving long distances.
Service schedule
| Item | Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre rotation | every 3,000 mi (5,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: every 5,000 km. |
| Engine oil & filter change | every 6,000 mi (10,000 km) or 12 months | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page (GH/GE edition 2008-09): oil every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first; the oil filter every 10,000 km, changed together with the oil. Intervals assume about 10,000 km a year on paved roads; harder use follows the separate maintenance note (メンテナンスノート). The same page warns that oil use can reach 0.5-1 L per 1,000 km under severe driving (mountain roads, hard acceleration, high revs). |
| Differential and manual gearbox oil | every 25,000 mi (40,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: manual gearbox oil, front differential (automatic cars) and rear differential oil each 40,000 km. |
| Air cleaner element | every 31,000 mi (50,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: 50,000 km. |
| Fuel filter | every 62,000 mi (100,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: genuine fuel filter, 100,000 km. |
| Spark plugs | every 62,000 mi (100,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: iridium/platinum plugs, 100,000 km; the manual says not to clean or re-gap them. |
| Timing belt (EL15 / EJ20) Important | every 62,000 mi (100,000 km) | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: dedicated timing belt, 100,000 km, with a replacement label in the engine bay. These engines are belt-driven; a snapped belt stops the engine. Check also that the 2008 water-pump recall (see known issues) was carried out. |
| Automatic transmission fluid Important | — | No interval given because Subaru's two manual editions disagree: 40,000 km in the 2007-05 edition (4-speed automatic), 100,000 km in the 2008-09 edition (fluid listed as 5AT). Follow the maintenance booklet for your car. |
| Brake fluid Important | every 24 months | Subaru Japan owner's manual, service-data page: first change at 3 years, then every 2 years. |
| Engine coolant | — | No single interval: the 2007-05 manual says first change at 40,000 km or 3 years, then every 40,000 km or 2 years; the 2008-09 manual (Super Coolant) says first at 220,000 km or the 11th year, then every 120,000 km or 6 years. Use what the booklet of your car says. |
Manufacturer-declared fuel economy
No manufacturer-declared figures for this model are in the Knowledge Base yet. A figure without the cycle it was measured under is not comparable to anything, so we publish none rather than a number you cannot interpret.
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Frequently asked
What are the most common Subaru Impreza problems?
The faults reported most often are: Brake-light switch recall (Anesis sedan built 2008-2011); Brake-line corrosion recall in salt-belt US states (US-market 2008-2011 cars); Fuel-pump wiring recall - engine can stop or fail to start (1.5 L cars built 2007-2009). Symptoms, the mileage each appears at and what to do about it are all above.
How often does the Subaru Impreza need servicing?
Engine oil & filter change — every 6,000 mi (10,000 km) or 12 months. The full published schedule is above; your car's own service book always takes precedence.
Where does this data come from?
Brimly's Vehicle Knowledge Base — the same verified facts the app's AI assistant answers from. Every fault is written up from public sources and then checked by a human before it is published; nothing here is generated on the fly.