2015 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.
- 15 of its 77 complaints were filed by the end of 2017.
- Most reported problem: Key stuck in ignition after shifting into park (18 complaints, median 40,000 mi).
- 2 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
- 77filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles, 55 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 30 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl AWD · 27 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2015 Subaru Impreza (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 2015 Impreza most often report an intermittent inability to remove the key from the ignition after parking, and they also describe a range of CVT transmission concerns, oil leaks and consumption, and steering-related noise or assist loss. Many complaints were filed between roughly 15,000 and 70,000 miles, and several describe symptoms that appear occasionally at first and become more frequent over time rather than a single sudden failure.
- Electrical system
Key stuck in ignition after shifting into park
- 18 complaints (23%)
- median 40,000 mi at 4.8 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- filed 2018–2022
Owners describe putting the car in park, turning the engine off, and finding the key will not rotate fully to the lock position or come out. Many say they have to restart the car, shift out of and back into park, or roll a few feet forward and back, sometimes several attempts in a row, before the key releases. Some complaints mention a shift guide plate or park-position sensor as the part involved, and a few note a service bulletin covering the symptom; dealers variously replaced the ignition switch, quoted diagnostic fees, or told owners to keep cycling the car until it releases. Mostly reported between about 15,000 and 70,000 miles, with some owners noting the problem became more frequent the longer they owned the car.
What to check: Before buying, park the car, shut it off and confirm the key turns fully to lock and comes out on the first try; repeat a few times. Ask whether the shift guide plate or ignition switch has been replaced and whether any related bulletin work was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When I stop my car and put it into park, I cannot turn the key all the way to the lock position, and therefore cannot remove the key from the ignition. The car is not believing that it is actually in park. I have to restart the car, drive a little bit, and try again. This is happening with increasing frequency and is both a safety and security issue if the key cannot be removed. I do not know the first date it happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11124113, filed 2018-09, 35,000 miles“Key will not come out of the ignition when I go to turn the car off. This is a regular occurrence, requiring me to turn the car back on, shift to drive and then back to park before trying to turn the car off again. This happens at least once a day.”
NHTSA complaint #11235010, filed 2019-07, 42,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
CVT shudder, stall or loss of drive
- 6 complaints (8%)
- median 35,000 mi at 3.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2022
Complaints describe the CVT shuddering, hesitating or cutting power, in some cases bringing the car to a stop while driving at highway speed or locking up briefly. Owners report the engine revving with no forward motion, and dealers diagnosing the transmission or wiring harness, replacing the CVT under warranty in some cases and unable to reproduce the problem in others. A few complaints also mention the gear selector not engaging the intended range. Reported from roughly 7,000 to 77,000 miles, with several at highway speeds and some on long drives.
What to check: Take a test drive that includes highway speed and a long uphill stretch, and listen for shudder or hesitation under light acceleration. Ask whether the CVT fluid was serviced and whether any valve body work or replacement was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving about 60 miles an hour, in the second from the left lane on a busy, four-lane freeway ascending a slight hill, my car shuddered violently and came to a complete stop. We were almost rear-ended several times; cars were swerving around us; it was terrifying and quite dangerous. We waited close to 10 minutes for the chp to stop traffic. Subaru has identified the problem as the CVT transmission and is in the process of replacing it under the warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11162557, filed 2018-12, 47,000 miles“My transmission completely locked up on me while driving at interstate speeds. I was traveling at 65 MPH with the car in regular driving mode, on cruise control and the transmission completely locked up on me. The front tires locked briefly, causing me to go into a small skid, which I was able to correct, and then the engine revved high and I had no power. …”
NHTSA complaint #11476180, filed 2022-07 - Engine
Oil leak or smoke from valve cover area
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report oil leaking from the cam carrier or valve cover area onto the exhaust manifold, producing smoke and a burning oil smell that enters the cabin through the vents. Some also describe excess oil consumption and, in one case, engine work that led to a short block replacement. Dealers quoted significant repair estimates in some complaints, and some owners noted the repairs were covered under warranty. Mostly reported from about 31,000 to 101,000 miles, and often first noticed at an oil change or when smoke appeared after driving.
What to check: Check the engine oil level and look for oil residue or dampness around the valve cover and the exhaust manifold area. Ask about oil consumption history and any prior engine or gasket repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2015 Subaru Impreza with 31,000 miles (out of warrantydue to age). Thecar has developed a small oil leak from the cam carrier cover (aka valve cover) onto the exhaust manifold and the o2 sensor causing a lot of smoke that then enters the cabin. Subaru's estimate $4973.87. Reading Subaru forums I've come to discover that this is a pretty common problem in vehicles dating between 2012 and 2017. …”
NHTSA complaint #11388909, filed 2021-01, 31,500 miles“Smoke and oil burning smell entering cabin through vents. I have two young children. I’m concerned of toxic fumes. Coming from oil leaking onto exhaust manifold and at only 52,000 miles on odometer!”
NHTSA complaint #11450396, filed 2022-02
Buying note. On a used 2015 Impreza, spend time on the parking-and-key routine, a highway test drive to feel for CVT shudder, and a look under the hood for oil residue near the exhaust. Ask for service records covering transmission work, the shift guide plate or ignition switch, and any oil leak repairs.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 77 consumer complaints for the 2015 Subaru Impreza. 55 of the complaints include a mileage, and 69% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 36,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 420 technical service bulletins for this model year. 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.
- Electrical system20 26%
- Other or unknown14 18%
- Engine10 13%
- Air bags7 9.1%
- Steering6 7.8%
- Vehicle speed control6 7.8%
- Brakes4 5.2%
- Body and structure3 3.9%
Also reported: Wheels (3), Fuel system (2), Engine cooling (1), Exterior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Front overhead interior light would not turn off. It was at night, I was visiting, I called Subaru for help. Response ; call back tomorrow. I pried the plastic cover off and took out the bulb. Dealership response was ' leave it on, the next morning when the battery is dead, call our road side service and we will charge your battery.”
NHTSA complaint #11058156, filed 2018-01, 36,000 milesOther or unknown: “After parking vehicle, and putting gear into park. I am unable to turnoff engine and remove key... To remedy this problem and fully turn of engine and remove key requires me to turn on engine and sometime reverse vehicle and 're enter parking stall, or turn wheel to the right or left several times.”
NHTSA complaint #11349594, filed 2020-08, 51,567 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The key gets stuck in the ignition because the shift guide plate assembly is faulty. It doesn't not recognize the car is in park and other ranges do to the plate being bad. When shifting from reverse to drive the car doesn't always switch into gear because the plate doesn't recognize that you have changed gears and leaves you going in reverse when you have the gear selector in the drive position and vice versa. This problem has been going on for a few months now but has become more frequent.”
NHTSA complaint #11252060, filed 2019-08, 70,000 milesEngine: “Intermittent failure of the CVT select shift mechanism that causes the key to get locked in the ignition switch when the car is in park. This problem is a result of the failure of plate guide-b, part number 35122fj033. This ongoing problem is subject to Subaru service bulletin 16-112-18r dated 03/15/2018 and revised as of 02/20/2019. This Subaru identified safety issue affects multiple models. Cost of part replacement is not offset by Subaru with 100% of the cost required by the vehicle owner.”
NHTSA complaint #11298451, filed 2020-01, 59,925 milesMileage when problems were reported
69% of the 55 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 16,000 and 56,000 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 2015 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 | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
| Impreza · wagon AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2015 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating; 2016: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2015 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 | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 28 | 36 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Impreza Sport AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Impreza Sport AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Impreza Wagon AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 28 | 36 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Impreza Wagon AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
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
- 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…
- 15V366000Jun 12, 2015Forward collision avoidance › Crash imminent brakingCovers: Subaru Impreza 2015, Outback 2015, Legacy 2015 +2 more
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to…
Recall details for the 2015 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. 420 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.
- 11036810Aug 20, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the…
- 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
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
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru Impreza?
Owners of this 2015 Impreza most often report an intermittent inability to remove the key from the ignition after parking, and they also describe a range of CVT transmission concerns, oil leaks and consumption, and steering-related noise or assist loss. The issues reported most often: Key stuck in ignition after shifting into park; CVT shudder, stall or loss of drive; Oil leak or smoke from valve cover area.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015 Subaru Impreza have?
NHTSA recorded 77 consumer complaints for the 2015 Subaru Impreza as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2015 Subaru Impreza is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 20 complaints (26% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 14.
Has the 2015 Subaru Impreza been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2015 Subaru Impreza do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2015 Subaru Impreza 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Subaru Impreza get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Subaru Impreza (Impreza Sport AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 30 mpg combined, 27 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2015 Subaru Impreza reported?
Among the 55 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 36,000 miles and the middle half falls between 16,000 and 56,000 miles; 69% 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.