The 2021 Subaru Impreza is associated with 14 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 2 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Steering, accounting for 2 reports (14% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 7 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2l 4-cyl powertrain configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 25 to 32 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 14 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 2 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Steering (2 / 14%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 1 crash / 0 fire / 1 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 25–32 MPG (7 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Impreza 4-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 28 MPG | 36 MPG | 32 MPG | — | $1,900 / yr |
| Impreza 5-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 28 MPG | 36 MPG | 31 MPG | — | $2,000 / yr |
| Impreza Sport 4-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 27 MPG | 36 MPG | 30 MPG | — | $2,050 / yr |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 27 MPG | 35 MPG | 30 MPG | — | $2,050 / yr |
| Impreza 4-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 23 MPG | 31 MPG | 26 MPG | — | $2,350 / yr |
| Impreza 5-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 24 MPG | 31 MPG | 26 MPG | — | $2,350 / yr |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 22 MPG | 30 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $2,450 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SW AWD | | | | | 9.5% |
| 4 DR AWD | | | | | 9.5% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2021 Subaru Impreza models.
View complete 2021 Subaru Impreza crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2021 Subaru Impreza problems & component breakdown (11 categories) →
Affected Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Defect Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-21.
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD
Defect Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.
View all 2021 Subaru Impreza recalls & campaign history (2 campaigns) →