NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
243 reports180,000 miles · Aug 2, 2019
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CHECK OIL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CHECK OIL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA ODI #11241360
103,000 miles · Aug 2, 2019
Power Train
SUBARU CVT - KNOWN ISSUE MY 2012 SUBARU'S CVT TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE IN MOTION AT 60MPH DRIVING IN THE LEFT HAND LANE OF A BUSY INTERSTATE. THE CAR/ENGINE HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE AS DIRECTED BY THE MAKER, HOWEVER WITHOUT WARNING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED PUTTING THE DRIVER AND THREE PASSENGER'S LIVES AT RISK. …
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SUBARU CVT - KNOWN ISSUE MY 2012 SUBARU'S CVT TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE IN MOTION AT 60MPH DRIVING IN THE LEFT HAND LANE OF A BUSY INTERSTATE. THE CAR/ENGINE HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE AS DIRECTED BY THE MAKER, HOWEVER WITHOUT WARNING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED PUTTING THE DRIVER AND THREE PASSENGER'S LIVES AT RISK. SUBARU HAS ACKNOWLEDGED ISSUES WITH THIS SPECIFIC TRANSMISSION, HOWEVER AN EXTENSION OF THE WARRANTY IS NOT AN APPROPRIATE INTERVENTION WHEN POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENTS COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING. THIS WAS A WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE WITH NO IDENTIFIABLE SIGNS THAT THE TRANSMISSION COULD FAIL. SUBARU SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THESE FAILING CVT TRANSMISSIONS.
NHTSA ODI #11241345
135,000 miles · Jul 31, 2019
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP, IT STALLED, THE ENGINE SHOOK, AND THE RPMS WENT UP AND DOWN. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE VEH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP, IT STALLED, THE ENGINE SHOOK, AND THE RPMS WENT UP AND DOWN. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.
NHTSA ODI #11240815
Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2019
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE PART WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). CLAY SUBARU (842 PROVIDENCE HWY RTE 1 NORTH-AUTOMILE, NORWOOD, MA 02062) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS ON A …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE PART WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). CLAY SUBARU (842 PROVIDENCE HWY RTE 1 NORTH-AUTOMILE, NORWOOD, MA 02062) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS ON A NATIONAL BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11220611
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2019
Power Train
MY VEHICLE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SLIPPING AND THE DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED ME AT 103,923 MILES THAT IT REQUIRES A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS IS 3,923 MILES OUTSIDE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR A KNOWN TRANSMISSION ISSUE. THE QUOTE I WAS GIVEN TO REPLACE IS $8,900 (MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR). I NOTIFIED SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE TO SEE…
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MY VEHICLE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SLIPPING AND THE DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED ME AT 103,923 MILES THAT IT REQUIRES A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS IS 3,923 MILES OUTSIDE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR A KNOWN TRANSMISSION ISSUE. THE QUOTE I WAS GIVEN TO REPLACE IS $8,900 (MORE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR). I NOTIFIED SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE. THE SAID THEY WOULD ONLY PAY $3,500 AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REST. THIS SEEMS RIDICULOUS CONSIDERING THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE. I HAVE A SMALL CHILD AND I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IN THE CAR WITH HIM NOW.
NHTSA ODI #11219864
136,000 miles · Jun 13, 2019
Seat BeltsVehicle Speed ControlWheels
LEASED FROM BIZZAROS THE CAR WAS INSPECTED WITH A BROKEN SEAT BELT THERE'S RECALLS THE CAR KEEPS EATING BEARINGS AND HUBS THE CAR IS SIMPLY NOT SAFE AND BIZZAROS TOLD ME NOTHINGNESS IS WRONG WITH IT THE POWER TRAIN BRAKES AND ROTORS AND TIRES WERE FILLED TO 69PSI WHEN GOT IT
NHTSA ODI #11219722
Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2019
Steering
PARTIAL LOSS OF ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING AFFECTING ABILITY TO STEER RIGHT. CAR NATURALLY PULLS TO THE LEFT (INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC) DUE TO POWER STEERING ASSIST BEING STRONGER THAT DIRECTION. DEALER INDICATES THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS ISSUE (CRACKED EPS GEAR BOX), SO IT IS KNOWN. BUT THERE HAS NOT YET BEEN A RECALL…
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PARTIAL LOSS OF ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING AFFECTING ABILITY TO STEER RIGHT. CAR NATURALLY PULLS TO THE LEFT (INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC) DUE TO POWER STEERING ASSIST BEING STRONGER THAT DIRECTION. DEALER INDICATES THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS ISSUE (CRACKED EPS GEAR BOX), SO IT IS KNOWN. BUT THERE HAS NOT YET BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11219492
47,000 miles · Jun 12, 2019
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
1. 5/12/17. RANDOM SURGE FROM STOP OR SLOW SPEED. STOPPED AT LIGHT, GENTLY STEPPED ON GAS TO PULL AHEAD, CAR SURGED HARD AND QUICKLY INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. $1500 DAMAGE TO MY CAR. 2. 1/11/18. STOPPED AT LIGHT, GENTLY STEPPED ON GAS TO PULL AHEAD, CAR SURGED VERY HARD AND QUICKLY INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, THAT W…
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1. 5/12/17. RANDOM SURGE FROM STOP OR SLOW SPEED. STOPPED AT LIGHT, GENTLY STEPPED ON GAS TO PULL AHEAD, CAR SURGED HARD AND QUICKLY INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. $1500 DAMAGE TO MY CAR. 2. 1/11/18. STOPPED AT LIGHT, GENTLY STEPPED ON GAS TO PULL AHEAD, CAR SURGED VERY HARD AND QUICKLY INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, THAT WAS QUITE SOME DISTANCE AWAY! AS I KNEW THE CAR HAS AN ISSUE WITH SURGING. THIS TIME $9500 DAMAGE TO MY CAR, UNKNOWN AMOUNT TO OTHER CAR. STATE FARM SHOULD HAVE TOTALED CAR, SAID INTERIOR WAS IN GREAT CONDITION. SO NOW WE HAVE TO KEEP DRIVING A CAR THAT IS NOT SAFE. 3. 3/5/18 (APPROX) THIS TIME I WENT TO PICK UP MY GRANDSON AT AFTERNOON PROGRAM, THE PARKING LOT ON HILL OVERLOOKING THE SCHOOL. STOPPED TO PARK, NEEDED TO PULL UP A BIT, GENTLY STEPPED ON GAS AND CAR SURGED HARD AND QUICKLY. IF CURB HAD NOT BEEN BIG ENOUGH, I WOULD HAVE WENT DOWN HILL INTO CLASSROOM FULL OF CHILDREN. THE RESPONSE FROM SUBARU HAS BEEN THERE'S NOTHING WRONG, JUST VERY RESPONSIVE GAS PEDAL. BS! I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 40 YEARS WITH NO ACCIDENTS NOW 2 IN 6 MONTHS AND I ALMOST WAS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR TRAGEDY. THIS NEEDS TO STOP NOW BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. MAKE SUBARU RECALL IMMEDIATELY AND FIX THIS ISSUE. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE, I FOUND OUT ONLINE. THE REASON WE BOUGHT A SUBARU WAS FOR SAFETY , NOW IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA ODI #11219444
175,000 miles · Jun 10, 2019
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS TOWED TO WEST HOUSTON SUBARU (17109 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77094). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL CONSUMPTION WAS HIGH AND THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED THE MILEAGE FOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MAN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS TOWED TO WEST HOUSTON SUBARU (17109 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77094). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL CONSUMPTION WAS HIGH AND THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED THE MILEAGE FOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA ODI #11219109
129,000 miles · Jun 6, 2019
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND THE CAR STOPPED/STALLED SUDDENLY WHILE IN MOTION, THIS WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION, DRIVERS BEHIND ME HAD TO REACT TO MY SUDDEN/FULL STOP. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11218302
Official recalls
6Feb 28, 2019
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 the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Nov 1, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.
Oct 13, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
Jul 1, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012 model year Subaru Impreza 4-Door and Station Wagon vehicles (except WRX/STI models) manufactured April 21, 2011, to February 16, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may deactivate if a front seat passenger operates a device that is plugged into the power outlet such as a music player or cell phone, or touches a metal part of the vehicle such as the forward/rearward seat adjuster lever.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the ODS deactivates, the front passenger air bag will be turned off and the front passenger air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Occupant Control Unit with a modified one, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQT-55.
Feb 25, 2013
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Electrical System
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Consequence: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Nov 29, 2011
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS (EXCEPT WRX/STI MODELS), MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011, AND LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 23, 2011. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER THAT COULD MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL DISTANCE REQUIRED TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DRIVER MIGHT MISJUDGE THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD OCCUR UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE15012 · Passenger Front Air Bag Suppression
Opened Apr 10, 2015 · Closed Jul 15, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal
The Office of Defects Investigation opened this investigation on April 10, 2015 based on 26 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire reports involving the passenger frontal air bag in MY 2012 Subaru Impreza vehicles.These vehicles use a capacitive type Occupant Detection System (ODS), which is intended to classify the occupant of the passenger seat as either full sized, small stature, a child seat, or other object.The reports alleged that the ODS failed to operate properly and incorrectly suppressed (turned off) the front passenger air bag when the seat was occupied.In a frontal crash sufficient to warranty deployment, a suppressed air bag may increase the risk of injury to the occupant of the seat.On June 25, 2015, Subaru of America, Inc. submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) advising NHTSA that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy the ODS in 32,400 MY 2012 Subaru Impreza vehicles equipped with a capacitance type ODS for the front passenger's seat.The DIR notes that the WRX/STI models are excluded from this recall as they are equipped with a different type (weight-recognition based) ODS for the front passenger's seat. ODI is closing this investigation based on Subaru's recall action.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues under the following ID numbers:10668512, 10668243, 10662987, 10641835, 10640574, 10626384, 10622234, 10621456, 10619273, 10605789, 10604506, 10575908, 10559081, 10557856, 10556661, 10545059, 10538562, 10532118, 10481308, 10478660, 10473662, 10472608, 10470865, 10468157, 10463432, 10672345, 10712288, 10713178, 10731645.
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