2019 Subaru Impreza Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2019 Subaru Impreza carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering fuel pump and software. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Spontaneous windshield cracking.” Subaru's symmetrical AWD system places unusually high demands on differential fluid and transfer case service — skipping these is the most common cause of premature drivetrain wear. Older Subarus with the EJ25 engine (pre-2011) require timing belt replacement; FB and FA engines (2011+) use a maintenance-free chain. Subaru's published intervals below align with the owner's manual Schedule II (severe) which most US drivers qualify for.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #21V587000 · Jul 29, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #21V264000 · Apr 15, 2021

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

Risk: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #20V218000 · Apr 16, 2020

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.

Risk: If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #19V743000 · Oct 18, 2019

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.

Risk: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign #22V624000 · Dec 8, 2022

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Subaru Impreza.

Reported to NHTSA

Spontaneous windshield cracking

VISIBILITY/WIPER

62 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2024-06

I have a 2019 Subaru Impreza and my windshield cracked for the second time in two years. I was driving and heard a loud pop and the windshield cracked from the top about a foot down. Nothing hit the windshield. The first time this happened, the car was sitting in the driveway. I
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11446182
8000 MILES ON THE CAR. LARGE CRACK FORMED IN WINDSHIELD ON PASSENGER SIDE AFTER GOING OVER A TYPICAL BUMP IN THE ROAD. CRACK HAS PROPAGATED ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD QUICKLY. SUBARU DECLINED A WARRANTY CLAIM. THIS IS MY 4TH SUBARU, AND NOTHING LIKE THIS HAS EVER HAPPENED BEFORE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11321106
AFTER OWNING MY CAR FOR FIVE MONTHS THE WINDSHIELD IS CRACKED AGAIN I HAVE HAD IT REPLACED TWICE ALREADY. THERE IS A SERIOUS DEFECT IN THE WINDSHIELD THAT SUBARU IS USING ON THE IMPREZA VEHICLE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11185650

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Headlight recall repair unavailable

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

63 NHTSA complaints · 2019-12 → 2025-05

The headlamps were recalled in August of 2022 and almost 18 months later there is still no remedy for these defective and unsafe headlights
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11569376
The manufacturer has a recall for front headlights not being bright enough and causing a danger to drivers. I no longer feel safe driving my vehicle at night as i cannot see the roadway nor other vehicles can see me. Its been almost a year and it’s taking a long time to remedy
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11528645
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving with the headlights activated, the illumination from the headlights was inadequate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11553436

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Rubber brake line and caliper degradation

SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2021-04 → 2026-08

Front right caliper seized less than 3k miles following dealer service including brake fluid flush. Replaced calipers, pads, and rotors at my own expense. Suspect internal degradation of rubber brake lines. Service bulletin exists for year prior model. Many others report rubber
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754703
Your vehicle inspection has been completed. Unfortunately we found all 4 of your brake lines are swelling and will need to be replaced. The parts are not in stock and will need to be ordered. Until they're replaced we don't recommend to drive the vehicle due to safety concerns
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11576921
The brakes on this car squeak constantly. Even after replacing brake pads and rotors the car still squeaks every time the brakes are used. After searching the issue I have found multiple Reddit forums of 2019 Impreza owners complaining of the same issue. I have filed a complaint
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11471552

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Windshield cowl separation and warping

STRUCTURE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-10 → 2026-07

The windshield cowl separates at the bottom of the windshield for reasons such as heat. The separation grows over time and has the potential to detach on the highway partially or entirely. If detached partially, obstructs vision and scares. If entirely, could impact following
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11436526
The cowl that fills the gap between the bottom of the windshield and the hood is defective and warps from the heat of the engine. This warping leaves a huge gap that exposes the bottom of the windshield and allows debris and water under the hood of the car. I was told this was a
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11573654
The cowl is the newest cowl on my 2019 subaru impreza and it still bowed like the original. Mine wasn't on the original recall and it bowed
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752823

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Steering wander at highway speed

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-04 → 2024-09

CAR WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT. AT 60 MPH+ YOU MUST MAKE CONSTANT SMALL STEERING CORRECTIONS TO KEEP THE CAR IN YOUR LANE. IT CONSTANTLY DARTS SIDE TO SIDE. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO WILL NOT SELF CENTER AFTER A TURN. YOU HAVE TO PHYSICALLY PULL THE WHEEL BACK TO CENTER THE LAST 5
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11195959
Vehicle sways significantly and continuously left and right in lane at highway speeds, including in low or no wind conditions, since the car was new. This happens regardless of whether eyesight/lane keep assist is enabled or not, and all tire pressures are regularly monitored
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11612594

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Repeated battery failure while parked

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2023-10

SINCE PURCHASING MY VEHICLE IN JANUARY OF 2019 I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE BATTERY REPLACED 4 TIMES, EACH TIME THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN SITTING FOR MORE THAN A WEEK, NOT BEEN EXPOSED TO EXTREME TEMPERATURES, NOT BEEN LEFT WITH A LIGHT ON OR A DOOR OPEN. THE 2ND, 3RD AND 4TH TIMES THIS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11407930
Purchased Impreza Limited 10/31/19. On 1/23/21, car would not start. AAA said battery not good & installed a new battery. On 7/4/21 car would not start; battery jumped by AAA. On 9/10/21 car would not start. AAA said battery not good & installed a new battery again—3rd battery
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11442745
AFTER HAVING THE CAR 10 MONTHS BATTERY KEPT DYING. SUBARU REPLACED THE FIRST BATTERY WITH A NEW ONE EXACTLY ONE YEAR AGO. THAT BATTERY JUST DIED ON FEB 8 AFTER NOT BEING DRIVEN FOR 3 DAYS. I NEEDED TO GET IT JUMP STARTED. SUBARU WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AND TOLD ME TO GET A
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11395794

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Airbags did not deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2023-10

MY VEHICLE IS IDENTIFIED IN THE ACCIDENT REPORT AS UNIT 2. UNIT 1 ATTEMPTED TO MAKE AN IMPROPER/CARELESS LEFT TURN ONTO MAUCH CHUNK RD. UNIT 2 WAS IN MOTION TRAVELING STRAIGHT ACROSS THE INTERSECTION WHEN UNIT 1 TRIED TO MAKE AN ILLEGAL LEFT TURN AND STRUCK UNIT 2. UNIT 1 WAS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11351622
AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN AN SIDE IMPACT ACCIDENT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11552690
On May 8th of this year, my fiancé were involved in a rear end collision. That morning, the Hyundai Tucson in front of us stopped short and we ran into the back of it doing around 35 an hour, and ended up with our vehicle (Subaru Impreza) being totaled. I’d like to provide
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428183

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 6,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 6,000 miles. WRX/STI 2.0L/2.5L turbo: 3,750 miles. Non-turbo FB engines: 6,000 miles severe / 10,000 normal.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Critical on Subaru AWD — uneven tread depth across all 4 tires (>2/32") forces the center differential to bind, damaging the AWD coupling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Outback and Forester pads commonly last 35,000-50,000 miles depending on terrain.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential / Manual Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace front differential and manual transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. CVT models use proprietary Subaru CVT fluid — a separate item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace rear differential fluid every 30,000 miles. Use Subaru 75W-90 GL-5 — substitutes can cause whining noises within months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

CVT Fluid (Lineartronic)

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru CVT models (Outback, Legacy, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Ascent): replace Lineartronic CVT fluid every 30,000 miles severe / 60,000 normal. Subaru High-Torque CVT-II fluid only — incorrect fluid destroys the chain-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Timing Belt (EJ25 engines, pre-2011)

Every 105,000 mi

Older Subarus with the EJ25 boxer engine (Forester, Outback, Legacy 1996-2010): replace timing belt every 105,000 miles. FB and FA boxer engines (2011+) use a chain — no scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Subaru's brake hold and EyeSight automatic emergency braking depend on uncontaminated fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. WRX/STI: inspect every oil change due to the higher airflow demand of the turbo intake.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium plugs every 60,000 miles on FB engines. WRX/STI 2.5L turbo: 30,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures and EGT.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru Super Coolant (blue): first change at 137,500 miles or 11 years, then every 30,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange — head gasket sealing chemistry depends on the formula.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Behind the glove box on most Subaru models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

19 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2019 Subaru Impreza reflects Subaru's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.