Subaru Impreza · model year

2020 Subaru Impreza

97 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 1 recall campaign listed for this cohort. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

Complaints
97
Recalls
1

The verdict

The 2020 Subaru Impreza pairs above-average complaint volume with a top NHTSA safety rating.

38th pctile
complaint volume, own model years
5/5
NHTSA overall rating
1
recall campaign

The 2020SubaruImpreza carries 97 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2020 Impreza is visibility/wiper with 51 filings, followed by unknown or other (16) and service brakes (5). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause. This cohort has 1 NHTSA recall campaign listed below. Enter a VIN in NHTSA's official recall lookup to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2020 Impreza. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.

97
Complaints
3
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
2020 Subaru Impreza - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2020 Subaru Impreza. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 5.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.
A+
PlainCars Safety Score
99/100
2020 Subaru Impreza

PlainCars' own composite of NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings and rollover-risk assessment, each dimension normalized against the federal scale or the full national model-year corpus. Not an official NHTSA figure, and not a substitute for a specific vehicle's VIN-level recall check.

NHTSA Overall Rating A+
5/5 ★
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program overall crash-test rating.
Front Crash A+
5/5 ★
Frontal barrier crash-test rating.
Side Crash A+
5/5 ★
Side barrier and pole crash-test rating.
Rollover Resistance A+
5/5 ★
Static stability factor + dynamic rollover test rating.
Rollover Risk A+
9.5%
Lower than 93% of 2,516 rated model-years.

Total Complaints

97 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 - Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 5/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
VISIBILITY/WIPER51
UNKNOWN OR OTHER16
SERVICE BRAKES5
ENGINE3
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
AIR BAGS3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL2
SUSPENSION1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS1
STEERING1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
VISIBILITY1

Recalls (1)

21V58700029/07/2021

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Recent Complaints

20260202VISIBILITY/WIPER

I HAVE NOW HAD 4 WINDSHIELDS CRACK AND BREAK AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY TIME ONE LITTLE ROCK HITS THE WINDSHIELD BOOM ANOTHER FULL REPLACEMENT IS NEEDED. EVERY TIME I GO FOR A ROAD TRIP THIS KEEPS HAPPENING THE MUST BE A DEFECT WITH THE DESIGN OR TYPE OF GLASS USED FOR THE SUBARU IMPREZA 2020 MODELS.

20260202UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I HAVE NOW HAD 4 WINDSHIELDS CRACK AND BREAK AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY TIME ONE LITTLE ROCK HITS THE WINDSHIELD BOOM ANOTHER FULL REPLACEMENT IS NEEDED. EVERY TIME I GO FOR A ROAD TRIP THIS KEEPS HAPPENING THE MUST BE A DEFECT WITH THE DESIGN OR TYPE OF GLASS USED FOR THE SUBARU IMPREZA 2020 MODELS.

20260201CrashAIR BAGS

I got into an accident going 60 miles an hour I crash into a guardrail totaled the car but no airbags deployed I broke my wrist and dislocated my thumb

20250927SERVICE BRAKES

Reference complaint no.11684658 confirmed. From email from Tech representative "VDC HYDRAULIC UNIT REPLACEMENT. IT IS AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. THERE ARE SENSORS INSIDE THAT MEASURE BRAKE LINE PRESSURE. THE LEFT FRONT SENSOR IS STUCK AT NEGATIVE 59 BAR. SHOULD BE ZERO AT REST. NOTHING TO DO WITH EYESIGHT THAT LIGHT WILL COME ON WHENEVER THERE IS A WARNING LIGHT ON." The modulator is a safety critical component which undergoes extensive life time testing, one out of 4 pressure sensors should not fail during vehicle life time.

20250927FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Reference complaint no.11684658 confirmed. From email from Tech representative "VDC HYDRAULIC UNIT REPLACEMENT. IT IS AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. THERE ARE SENSORS INSIDE THAT MEASURE BRAKE LINE PRESSURE. THE LEFT FRONT SENSOR IS STUCK AT NEGATIVE 59 BAR. SHOULD BE ZERO AT REST. NOTHING TO DO WITH EYESIGHT THAT LIGHT WILL COME ON WHENEVER THERE IS A WARNING LIGHT ON." The modulator is a safety critical component which undergoes extensive life time testing, one out of 4 pressure sensors should not fail during vehicle life time.

20250927FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Reference complaint no.11684658 confirmed. From email from Tech representative "VDC HYDRAULIC UNIT REPLACEMENT. IT IS AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. THERE ARE SENSORS INSIDE THAT MEASURE BRAKE LINE PRESSURE. THE LEFT FRONT SENSOR IS STUCK AT NEGATIVE 59 BAR. SHOULD BE ZERO AT REST. NOTHING TO DO WITH EYESIGHT THAT LIGHT WILL COME ON WHENEVER THERE IS A WARNING LIGHT ON." The modulator is a safety critical component which undergoes extensive life time testing, one out of 4 pressure sensors should not fail during vehicle life time.

20250903FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

The Eye Sight warning system is activated occasionally and VDC is cut off. The dealer diagnosed code C1742, and recommended replacing the control unit due to a pressure sensor issue after measurement. The units are on back order, which indicates to me a wider spread problem. VDC units should not fail even after 10 years.

20250903FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The Eye Sight warning system is activated occasionally and VDC is cut off. The dealer diagnosed code C1742, and recommended replacing the control unit due to a pressure sensor issue after measurement. The units are on back order, which indicates to me a wider spread problem. VDC units should not fail even after 10 years.

20250903SERVICE BRAKES

The Eye Sight warning system is activated occasionally and VDC is cut off. The dealer diagnosed code C1742, and recommended replacing the control unit due to a pressure sensor issue after measurement. The units are on back order, which indicates to me a wider spread problem. VDC units should not fail even after 10 years.

20250529ENGINE

White smoke mechanic claims oil mixed with the antifreeze. And stated that the engine needed to be replaced.

20240814UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The windshield spontaneously cracked while sitting in my driveway. Windshield had no chips, damage, etc. The weather has been in the upper 70's, so no inclement weather. Upon researching, I found that many other Subaru owners have had the same issue.

20240730VISIBILITY/WIPER

While car was parked. Front windshield developed crack in the lower mid section of windshield. There was no damage to windshield that would have resulted in cracking. Crack has since spread.

20240720ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Both rear doors will intermittently not open when unlocked from both the inside or the outside. I am unsure if this is electrical or related to the door components itself. This is a hazard because passengers have been locked in the back of the car, and needed to climb out from the front or needed me to open the door from the outside if it will open—which could be a deadly amount of extra time in an emergency situation where passengers need to quickly exit the vehicle. This issue has been going on over a year, but I did not take it in until two months ago because I rarely had back passengers. That has changed, so I took it in. I have brought the car to the dealership three times for this issue, which is as of now still unresolved, with the following results: 1st visit: They told me child lock was on and turned it off. (I do not believe this, as the doors would occasionally open correctly from the inside—so that would mean child lock is also faulty) 2nd visit: They found weak actua

20240720LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Both rear doors will intermittently not open when unlocked from both the inside or the outside. I am unsure if this is electrical or related to the door components itself. This is a hazard because passengers have been locked in the back of the car, and needed to climb out from the front or needed me to open the door from the outside if it will open—which could be a deadly amount of extra time in an emergency situation where passengers need to quickly exit the vehicle. This issue has been going on over a year, but I did not take it in until two months ago because I rarely had back passengers. That has changed, so I took it in. I have brought the car to the dealership three times for this issue, which is as of now still unresolved, with the following results: 1st visit: They told me child lock was on and turned it off. (I do not believe this, as the doors would occasionally open correctly from the inside—so that would mean child lock is also faulty) 2nd visit: They found weak actua

20240621VISIBILITY/WIPER

Windshield breaks (cracks) very easily. I have owned/driven cars for 45 years, during the first 41 years I have only had to replace one (1) windshield. Since I have owned this vehicle (Subaru), I am now onto windshield number five (5). Are they making these windows with inferior materials or thinner? I hate to think that an inferior window will not hold up or perform as designed in a major accident, possibly causing greater injury or death.

20240426FireAIR BAGS

Passenger Air-bag igniter's wiring shorted out releasing gas into car. The windows were up and the car was not running. I was sitting in passenger side went to light my cigarette and with no warning at all KABOOM!!! Car exploded catching my hair on fire as well as 2nd and 3rd degree burns on hands and 1st and 2nd degree burns on face. The explosion carried so much force that the doors and back hatch were dented outward making it impossible to shut and lock doors properly. Explosion was so loud the people inside the bar thought a bomb had gone off. This incident was not reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or insurance company due to the fact the car was stolen directly after incident due to the fact that the doors could not shut properly. Prior to this incident no warning lights had gone off to indicate a malfunction in the passenger airbag or the wiring. I guess I was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

20240229ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On 3 separate occasions since I've had my car, it has powered off completely without warning while driving. This is very dangerous could cause a severe accident or death. I called a tow truck on 3 separate occasions (1/27/23; 2/26/24; 2/28/24) to take it to the dealer or car repair business. Then after 20 - 30 minutes, it starts up again like normal. This make of cars made in 2020 have recalls for this same problem except for the model I have. The maker of these cars are not responding to keep their customers safe and continue to lie about the problems these cars are having. They are poorly made and extremely unsafe.

20240229ENGINE

On 3 separate occasions since I've had my car, it has powered off completely without warning while driving. This is very dangerous could cause a severe accident or death. I called a tow truck on 3 separate occasions (1/27/23; 2/26/24; 2/28/24) to take it to the dealer or car repair business. Then after 20 - 30 minutes, it starts up again like normal. This make of cars made in 2020 have recalls for this same problem except for the model I have. The maker of these cars are not responding to keep their customers safe and continue to lie about the problems these cars are having. They are poorly made and extremely unsafe.

20231026VISIBILITY/WIPER

Over the course of 3 days, my vehicle has sustained 4 chips in the windshield from standard city street driving. The windshield now needs to be replaced from excessive cracks.

20231017VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound and became aware that the windshield had cracked. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the windshield was replaced. The failure had reoccurred, and a crack appeared on the windshield in the same area. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Mileage: 94,000

Compare 2020SubaruImpreza to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2020 Subaru Impreza have?
The 2020 Subaru Impreza has 97 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 Subaru Impreza?
The 2020 Subaru Impreza received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 5/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 Subaru Impreza?
Yes, the 2020 Subaru Impreza has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Impreza?
The most-complained component for the 2020 Subaru Impreza is VISIBILITY/WIPER with 51 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and SERVICE BRAKES.
Is the 2020 Subaru Impreza safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2020 Subaru Impreza has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Data vintage: August 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.

Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2020 Subaru Impreza; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.