Does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2012 Subaru Impreza, including Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages; Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch; Electrical System. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2012 Subaru Impreza problems?

Owners filed 243 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are air bags (105), engine (55), electrical system (30), power train (26).

How much does a 2012 Subaru Impreza cost to own for 5 years?

About $33,935 over 5 years ($566/month) at an estimated $4,750 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2012 Subaru Impreza

The 2012 Subaru Impreza earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 60/100. Expect about $33,935 to own it for five years, or $566 a month. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 243 complaints.

Recalls: 6
Complaints: 243
5-yr cost: $34k
MPG (EPA): 30

Fair

Ownership Score

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6 recalls may apply

For the 2012 Subaru Impreza. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $4,750 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$33,935

$566/month · $0.57/mile

Depreciation	$1,075
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$6,700
Maintenance	$7,500
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$1,375
Taxes & fees	$1,285

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

243 complaints10 involved a crash4 involved a fire

Air Bags105
Engine55
Electrical System30
Power Train26
Service Brakes15
Seats15

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Rated as: 2012 Subaru Impreza SW AWD

What to check on a used 2012 Subaru Impreza

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Airbags
- The airbag light should come on at start-up and then go out.
- Ask for proof that any airbag recalls were completed.
Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2012 Subaru Impreza problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2012 Subaru Impreza a good car to buy?: The 2012 Subaru Impreza earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 60/100. Expect about $33,935 to own it for five years, or $566 a month. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 243 complaints.
Does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have recalls?: NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2012 Subaru Impreza, including Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages; Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch; Electrical System. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2012 Subaru Impreza problems?: Owners filed 243 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are air bags (105), engine (55), electrical system (30), power train (26).
How much does a 2012 Subaru Impreza cost to own for 5 years?: About $33,935 over 5 years ($566/month) at an estimated $4,750 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.