2012 Subaru Impreza Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 243 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,888miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2012 Subaru Impreza, 2% of the 243 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,888 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The rear-end lighting (brake lights, turn signals) for a number of recent model years from a few manufacturers is absolutely terrible. If it hasn't already caused accidents I would be completely amazed. I have seen, on at least subarus and volkswagens, brake lights and turn signal lights which are virtually impossible to distinguish in real-life driving scenarios. I am an exceptionally skilled and attentive driver so this hasn't caused me any harm yet, but I know most drivers are not skilled or attentive.”
NHTSA complaint #10457822, filed 2012-05“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 complaint #11241360, filed 2019-08, 180,000 milesRelated recalls
- 19V149000Feb 28, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2008–2016, WRX 2008–2014, Crosstrek 2013–2017 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11012260Dec 13, 2024This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on…
- 10163520Jul 9, 2019SOA has received multiple requests for additional 83399Fj000rt BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH tools and now has sufficient stock to allow retailers to place orders for single tools.
- 10160204Apr 24, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and WRX vehicles to replace the brake lamp switch. A total of 1,303,530 U.S. vehicles will be…
- 10160512Mar 1, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and WRX vehicles to replace the brake lamp switch. A total of 1,303,530 U.S. vehicles will be…
- 10146480Sep 18, 2018This Service Information bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 63 | 32% |
| 2018 | 64 | 42% |
| 2017 | 32 | 26% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 7 | 3% |
| 2012 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 5% |
| 1998 | 2 | 7% |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2012 Subaru Impreza
105 complaintsEngine
55 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsSeats
15 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsWheels
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Subaru Impreza
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology