What's Wrong with the 5th Generation (2017–2021) Impreza?

Impreza owners have made 26 complaints about the 2017–2021 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 19th out of 38 Subaru generations in overall reliability, with some electrical and interior concerns.

Compare With Other Impreza Generations

Common 2017-2021 Subaru Impreza Problems

Some of the worst issues 5th generation Impreza owners have to deal with.

  1. Denso Fuel Pump Failure

    The impellers inside of Denso branded fuel pumps may have been excessively exposed to a drying agent during manufacturing. This leads to them cracking, absorbing fuel, and deforming so badly that they stop sending fuel to the engine. Subaru…

    Continue reading article "Denso Fuel Pump Failure"

  2. Subaru STARLINK Problems

    STARLINK is Subaru's latest infotainment system. It heavily relies on a touch screen interface that freezes randomly, stops responding to touch inputs, and sometimes requires the car to be shut off for over an hour before it starts working …

    Continue reading article "Subaru STARLINK Problems" An infotainment screen with StarLink's toucnscreen interface loaded.

  3. Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires

    Rodents just can't resist the soy-derived wire coatings used in many Subaru vehicles. The chewed up wires are costing owners hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars in repairs but Subaru, like other automakers, insists this isn't a def…

    Continue reading article "Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires" A very fat mouse.

  4. Subaru EyeSight Problems

    Subaru's EyeSight technology has been known to fall asleep on the job, particularly in bad weather driving. And while newer versions have improved, the system is generally regarded as bulky and an overly expensive upgrade on higher trim lev…

    Continue reading article "Subaru EyeSight Problems" Image looking through the windshield towards a pair of EyeSight cameras flanking the rearview mirror.

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

5th Generation (2017–2021) Impreza Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 26 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 19th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 38 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 5th Generation Impreza Owners

Recent 5th Generation (2017–2021) Impreza News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Subaru isn't pulling any punches when placing blame for their latest recall.

    They say "a single associate" was found using "an improper torque wrench technique" while tightening a cable nut in the CVT select lever of the 2021 Impreza and Outback. That's going to be an awkward next performance review. If left loose, the gear selector may not function properly.…

    keep reading article "Single Factory Worker Linked to Latest Transmission Recall for 2021 Impreza and Outback"

  6. A lawsuit filed in New Jersey is tired of waiting around for software updates to Subaru’s STARLINK system to solve any of the wide ranging problems owners are experiencing.

    Subaru customers also complain about turning off the engines with the Starlink screens frozen, resulting in drained batteries that strand drivers. In addition, there is a clear and present safety issue if a driver relies on a frozen backup camera screen believing the image is in real time.…

    keep reading article "Subaru Sued After Multiple STARLINK Updates Have Failed to Make System Usable"