Hatchback · Gas
Subaru Impreza 2012–2016 (4th gen)
- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $18,400–$24,000
- MPG
- 31
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Watch-out: Below-average driving fun
- Watch-out: Below-average tech
How it scores for you10 scores
A crash-safe, standard-AWD economy hatch with practical packaging, but modest 148-hp CVT power and dated tech make it a sensible commuter rather than an engaging one.
Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years; none of its 2 recalls were serious. About 7% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Limited history so far, so this score may move as more recalls are filed. Adjusted +2 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 5).
About $2,150 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 67% of cars we track.
22.5 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 59% of other hatchbacks we track.
Roomy for a compact hatch with good rear legroom and 22.5 cu ft cargo (52.4 folded), practical for the class thanks to boxy Subaru packaging.
Modest 148 hp with CVT makes for leisurely acceleration; standard AWD adds grip but this economy hatch prioritizes efficiency over engagement. Soft, practical rather than sporty.
2012-2016 gen offered basic infotainment; later years added Starlink touchscreen. Overall tech is dated and below current segment norms, though adequate for its era.
Compliant ride and decent visibility typical of the segment. Quiet enough for commuting but interior materials and refinement are middling economy-car fare.
Typical resale value for a hatchback.
No published tow rating; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls3 recalls
3 recalls · 6 common complaint areas across 2015–2016
- Electrical — 18 complaints (2015)
- Recall — Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch (2016)
- Unknown or other — 14 complaints (2016)
2016
- RecallExterior lighting: brake lights: switch19V149000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other14 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Key will not turn past ACC after driving and so will not allow key to be removed from the car. This is a sporadic issue but could be a safety concern if needing to leave the car for an emergency as it runs down the battery and will not allow me to secure the vehicle. Driving around for 5 to 10 minut
- Complaint clusterElectrical12 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The variable fan speed control for the cabin air melted. The dial could no longer be moved and the assembly, once removed, had parts that were melted. Subaru was not interested. Cost me $1200 to get it fixed. Unfortunately, I cannot locate any pictures.
- Complaint clusterPowertrain11 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
Engine light came on. Checked it, the failure was the transmission solenoid. It reported that a failure was about to occur. Brought it into the Subaru dealership because the will not sell any transmission parts to repair shops in the Phoenix area. I am not sure if I would have had a bigger problem,
- Complaint clusterAirbags8 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH and while attempting to avoid a collision with a second vehicle, the contact lost control of the steering and crashed into a tree. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was damaged but no air
- Complaint clusterSteering5 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
I contacted Subaru in Mentor Oh at adventure subaru under TSB 19V065000 and was told to take it in to get looked at, my issue when I purchased the car at 67k miles i found that the car had a loud clunky sound while steering and going over bumps. After seeing the dealer and the stated the issue was f
2015
- RecallExterior lighting: brake lights: switch; forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking15V366000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufact
- RecallExterior lighting: brake lights: switch19V149000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing
- Complaint clusterElectrical18 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Drain when plugging into the USB port: This is second battery that had to be replaced since purchase of the vehicle.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other12 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
P0018. P0016
- Complaint clusterPowertrain12 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
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, which I was able to
- Complaint clusterEngine7 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
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 religiously. I am saddened a
- Complaint clusterSteering7 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
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.
Cost to own$17,500 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$18,400–$24,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,150/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
28
Highway MPG
36
Combined MPG
31
Horsepower
148 hp
Doors
4
Length
180.3 in
Width
68.5 in
Height
57.9 in
Wheelbase
104.3 in
Curb weight
3,020 lb
Cargo volume
22.5 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
52.4 cu ft
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