2010 Subaru Impreza Problems
Compared with other Subaru Impreza years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
2/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× that of a typical Subaru Impreza year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 6 of its 46 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported part: Other or unknown (9 complaints, median 86,000 mi).
- 15 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 46filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 47,800miles, 34 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 15campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl AWD · 19 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Subaru Impreza (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 46 consumer complaints for the 2010 Subaru Impreza. The part named most often is other or unknown, with 9 complaints (20% of the total), followed by brakes (7) and engine (7). 34 of the complaints include a mileage, and 53% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 47,800 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns and 230 technical service bulletins for this model year. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 26 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 3 recall campaigns covering the switch and 18 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 12 Subaru Impreza model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 2 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown9 20%
- Brakes7 15%
- Engine7 15%
- Air bags6 13%
- Fuel system6 13%
- Electrical system5 11%
- Engine cooling3 6.5%
Also reported: Tires (2), Seats (1), Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “After 72 hours of my purchase of the 2010 Subaru Impreza wrx from toyota boulder dealership located in boulder, colorado, I had experienced malfunctions with the starter of the vehicle. I had absolutely no fault in this situation, however I was simply misinformed and therefore purchased a vehicle that wasnt in adequate, safe conditions. On tuesday I had experienced a lack of power when starting up the vehicle . I had no problems with the vehicle in the morning however around noon I had driven 10 miles from my work and had down shifted to 1 gear from 2nd and the vehicle stalled. …”
NHTSA complaint #11241142, filed 2019-08, 113,300 milesBrakes: “Car was purchased from a dealer who purchased the car from new york auction. After purchasing and replacing common things you would after buying a used car, we recently replaced the front brake pads, and after installing the pads, and driving the car around, and breaking soft and hard the car was vibrating violently from a stop from 60 MPH, after pulling over I notice smoke and burning smell coming from the front driver side tire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10870188, filed 2016-05, 9 milesEngine: “My 2010 wrx sti hatchback is making a creaking/flexing/bending sound every time I depress my clutch pedal. I started to notice this about a month after I purchased my vehicle and at first I thought it was just a noise issue and upon further research I noticed that my clutch pedal/brake assembly is flexing and the spot welds are failing on the firewall. I have taken it to multiple dealerships in virginia and they all have said it is normal and refused to work on it saying my warranty has expired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10620926, filed 2014-08, 70,000 milesAir bags: “Takata recall my car was parked in a space when I left to go and eat. When I got back to the car s0meone had backed into it . They had it repaired and it was fine.”
NHTSA complaint #11171972, filed 2019-01, 34,342 milesMileage when problems were reported
53% of the 34 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 28,050 and 90,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Subaru Impreza. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza · sedan AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 10.3% risk |
| Impreza Wagon · sedan AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 10.3% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2010 Subaru Impreza version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V001000Jan 2, 2020Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Subaru Impreza 2004–2011, Outback 2003–2014, Legacy 2003–2014 +4 more
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of…
- 20V002000Jan 2, 2020Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Subaru Impreza 2004–2011, Outback 2003–2014, Legacy 2003–2014 +4 more
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of…
- 20V003000Jan 2, 2020Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Subaru Impreza 2004–2011, Outback 2003–2014, Legacy 2003–2014 +4 more
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of…
- 19V297000Apr 11, 2019Electrical system › Ignition › SwitchCovers: Subaru Impreza 2008–2011, Legacy 2005–2014, Outback 2005–2014 +3 more
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key…
- 19V149000Feb 28, 2019Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Subaru Impreza 2008–2016, WRX 2008–2014, Crosstrek 2013–2017 +1 more
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…
- 19V007000Jan 9, 2019Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Subaru Impreza 2010–2011, Outback 2010–2014, Legacy 2010–2014 +4 more
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana…
See all 15 recalls for the 2010 Subaru Impreza → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 230 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026Electrical system. This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Electrical system. Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin
- 11034249Jun 12, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
Other model years of the Subaru Impreza
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 2,700 | 0 | 5 | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 32 | 36,292 | 2 | 5 | 30 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2022 | 14 | — | 1 | 5 | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 14 | 1,700 | 2 | 5 | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 85 | 7,000 | 1 | 5 | 30 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2019 | 194 | 11,700 | 5 | 5 | 30 | 86 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 152 | 18,500 | 5 | 5 | 30 | 62 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 125 | 14,953 | 7 | 5 | 30 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 75 | 26,258 | 1 | 5 | 30 | 5 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 77 | 36,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 2 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 108 | 49,500 | 3 | 5 | 27 | 25 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 251 | 61,590 | 4 | 5 | 27 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 243 | 45,825 | 6 | 4 | 27 | 82 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 58 | 38,000 | 14 | — | 22 | 24 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 46 | 47,800 | 15 | — | 21 | 2 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 104 | 64,000 | 14 | — | 21 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 176 | 48,150 | 14 | — | 22 | 70 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 68 | 49,890 | 9 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 56 | 61,728 | 10 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 75 | 72,072 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 96 | 65,000 | 8 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 62 | 64,500 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 292 | 62,500 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 11 | 42,000 | 0 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 41 | 64,000 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 22 | 67,750 | 0 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 30 | 69,500 | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 30 | 99,550 | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 20 | — | 0 | — | 24 | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 46 | 132,062 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 8 | — | 1 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 1993 | 33 | 158,850 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Subaru Impreza model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Subaru Impreza have?
NHTSA recorded 46 consumer complaints for the 2010 Subaru Impreza as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Subaru Impreza is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 9 complaints (20% of the total), followed by brakes with 7.
Has the 2010 Subaru Impreza been recalled?
NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Subaru Impreza get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Subaru Impreza (Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Subaru Impreza reported?
Among the 34 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 47,800 miles and the middle half falls between 28,050 and 90,000 miles; 53% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.