Subaru Impreza: The Model Year to Avoid

The Subaru Impreza has long been a popular choice for those seeking a compact car that offers the distinct advantage of standard all-wheel drive, respectable fuel economy, and a surprisingly roomy interior. For many, it represents a sensible and capable option. When looking to save a bit of money, opting for a pre-owned Impreza is often a smart financial move. However, not all model years are created equal, and there's one particular year that stands out for all the wrong reasons, a model you'll likely want to give a wide berth. Based on extensive owner feedback and complaint data, the 2012 Subaru Impreza has been identified as the worst model year overall, primarily due to a concerning array of engine-related problems.

The Unsettling Issues of the 2012 Subaru Impreza

While the 2008 Subaru Impreza did see a higher number of reported issues, including a peculiar problem with windows appearing to have a film on them, it was the 2012 model year that truly suffered from more significant and costly problems. These issues often surfaced at relatively low mileage, leading to considerable frustration and expense for owners.

Engine Woes: The Number One Problem

The most prominent and troubling issue reported for the 2012 Impreza centred around its engine, specifically instances of sudden unexpected acceleration. Owners frequently described experiencing alarming surges of speed while driving at slow speeds or even when idling with the brake pedal firmly applied. These unpredictable events led to many near-misses and, in some unfortunate cases, actual collisions. One particularly harrowing account detailed a driver experiencing two separate crashes with her Impreza, both attributed to these sudden, uncontrolled bursts of acceleration. The average cost of repairing this significant issue was around $4,000, and it typically occurred at approximately 40,500 miles. Car Complaints assigned this problem a 'really awful' severity rating, reflecting the danger and inconvenience it posed. Dealerships often struggled to pinpoint the exact cause, with some even suggesting the problem might stem from driver error, adding to the owner's distress.

Another, albeit less severe but more frequent, engine concern for the 2012 model was excessive engine oil consumption. This issue typically manifested at an average of just over 23,000 miles and usually incurred a repair cost of around $40. Dealerships commonly advised owners to be more vigilant about monitoring their oil levels. In some instances where the consumption was particularly high, dealerships resorted to replacing the engine's short block.

More Alarming Engine Deficiencies

Digging deeper into complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals even more alarming engine troubles that plagued the 2012 Subaru Impreza. Owners reported their vehicles unexpectedly stalling or completely shutting down while travelling at highway speeds. While sometimes preceded by the illuminated check engine light, these stalls more often occurred without any prior warning. The consequence for many was being stranded and requiring a tow to a repair facility.

The severity of these engine-related incidents is underscored by the reported consequences. For the speed control issues alone, NHTSA documented three crashes and two injuries. These engine problems were also given the 'really awful' severity rating and tended to occur at an average of just over 49,000 miles. The unpredictability and potential for serious accidents made this a particularly dangerous fault.

The Shocking Case of Engine Fires

Adding to the list of severe engine issues, one particularly disturbing owner account involved a 2012 Impreza bursting into flames while travelling at highway speed. Fortunately, the driver and passenger escaped unharmed, but the vehicle was declared a total loss. A subsequent investigation by the insurance company following the fire revealed that a connecting rod had punctured the engine block, a catastrophic failure that led to the engine compartment catching fire. This highlights the potential for extreme and dangerous failures within the 2012 model's powertrain.

Another NHTSA complaint detailed instances of the Impreza's engine seizing due to low oil levels. In some of the most concerning cases, owners reported both low oil levels and engine stalling simultaneously, a combination that represents the worst-case scenario for the Impreza's engine-related vulnerabilities.

Overall, NHTSA reported two crashes, one fire, and one injury linked to general engine problems in the 2012 Subaru Impreza that were not directly related to speed control. These incidents occurred at an average of just over 50,000 miles and, like the other major engine faults, received a 'really awful' severity rating.

Did Subaru Rectify These Issues in Later Models?

The persistence of these engine problems across subsequent model years is a significant concern. Subaru eventually issued a recall for the stalling issue, but it wasn't until 2018. This recall encompassed not only the 2012 model year but also the 2013 and 2014 Impreza models. Furthermore, the recall extended to other Subaru models, including the 2012-2013 Impreza Wagon, the 2013 BRZ, and the XV Crosstrek. A total of 165,534 vehicles were affected by this recall. The root cause was identified as broken engine valve springs, which could lead to engine malfunction or stalling. While this recall may have addressed the problem for the 2012-2014 Imprezas, a disquieting number of owners of the 2015-2017 model years have also reported similar issues to NHTSA, suggesting the problem wasn't entirely eradicated.

The issue of sudden unintended acceleration also continued to be reported by Impreza owners for model years 2013 through 2017, according to NHTSA data. Crucially, Subaru did not issue a specific recall for this particular problem. These incidents were reported to occur at mileages as low as 2,500 miles and, in some cases, resulted in crashes and injuries, indicating a lingering safety concern.

On a more positive note, it appears that Subaru may have successfully resolved the less critical problem of excessive oil consumption after the 2013 model year, as there are no significant complaints logged for subsequent years regarding this specific issue.

Conclusion: A Cautious Approach to Used Imprezas

While the 2012 model year undeniably presents the most significant engine problems overall, the fact that similar issues persisted and appeared in later models, such as the 2017 Impreza, serves as a considerable red flag. If you are in the market for a used Subaru Impreza, it is strongly advisable to steer clear of the 2012 model year. Furthermore, even when considering other years, a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a careful review of the vehicle's service history are essential steps to ensure you are not acquiring a vehicle with these potentially dangerous and costly engine faults. Being informed is your best defence against a problematic used car purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions about Subaru Impreza Problems

Q1: Which Subaru Impreza year is considered the worst?
A1: The 2012 Subaru Impreza is widely considered the worst model year due to a high number of serious engine problems, including sudden acceleration and stalling.

Q2: What were the main problems with the 2012 Subaru Impreza?
A2: The primary issues included sudden unintended acceleration, excessive engine oil consumption, unexpected engine stalling at highway speeds, and in some cases, engine fires. These problems often occurred at relatively low mileage.

Q3: Did Subaru recall the 2012 Impreza for these issues?
A3: Subaru issued a recall for the stalling problem in 2018, which covered the 2012-2014 Impreza models. However, they did not issue a recall for the sudden unintended acceleration issue.

Q4: Are later model Subaru Imprezas free from these problems?
A4: While the 2012 model had the most severe issues, owners of 2013-2017 Imprezas have also reported problems like sudden acceleration. Excessive oil consumption seems to have been resolved after the 2013 model year.

Q5: What should I do if I'm considering buying a used Subaru Impreza?
A5: It is highly recommended to avoid the 2012 model year. For other model years, always conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic and review the vehicle's maintenance and complaint history carefully.