Worst 2012 Subaru Impreza Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbags
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Subaru Impreza.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 105 | 7 | 1 | 44,040 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 55 | 2 | 1 | 75,145 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 30 | 1 | 4 | 341,810 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 26 | — | — | 75,091 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 15 | — | — | 58,727 mi | |
| Brakes | 13 | 2 | — | 56,989 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 11 | 3 | — | 49,350 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 10 | — | — | 71,291 mi | |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification | 8 | — | — | 98,933 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 5 | — | — | 31,178 mi | |
| Body Structure | 5 | 2 | — | 76,965 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Frame And Members | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension:Front:Control Arm | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Sidewall | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Subaru Impreza
6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,679,643 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Subaru Impreza Years
2012 Subaru Impreza — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Subaru Impreza reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Subaru Impreza?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Subaru Impreza?
How safe is the 2012 Subaru Impreza?
Does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Subaru Impreza?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Impreza reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Subaru Impreza
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