2020 SUBARU Impreza

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

1RecallsNHTSA Verified81ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
ℹ️Average Safety Profile

The 2020 Subaru Impreza demonstrates an average reliability profile, with a notable recall related to the fuel system that can lead to fuel pump failure. Given the TSBs and the peak failure mileage, current owners should be vigilant.

Key Factor:Fuel system vulnerabilities

📋Why This Matters

The issues surrounding the fuel system in the 2020 Subaru Impreza are particularly significant as they relate to core functionality—namely, delivering fuel to the engine. A failing low-pressure fuel pump can result in stalling, which not only compromises performance but also raises safety concerns. This recall reflects a critical area of concern that potential buyers should consider, as well as existing owners who may face early complications with their vehicles.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

When evaluating Subaru's year-over-year safety trend, the presence of one recall amidst a relatively high number of complaints suggests a need for increased scrutiny within this model year. While Subaru has historically enjoyed a reputation for reliability, these emerging issues could tarnish its standing if not adequately addressed.

Critical Component: Crack

Safety & Reliability Score

88/100
Very Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-4.05
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 SUBARU Impreza

Model Year2020
MakeSUBARU
ModelImpreza
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Dec19
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

62 complaints (77% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 81 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
5(6%)
🟡Medium
4(5%)
🟢Low
72(89%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

With peak failures occurring within the initial 20,000 miles and an average failure mileage of just under 15,500 miles, owners should remain particularly attentive during this early phase of ownership. Such occurrences often signal manufacturing or design weaknesses that can necessitate early intervention.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 19 of 81 complaints (23% coverage)
0-20k
16 reports (84%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
2 reports (11%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
1 reports (5%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Fuel Pump

Issue: Potential failure leading to stalling situations.

✅

Monitor for any signs of engine stalling or difficulty starting and consult your dealer immediately if experienced.

🔍

Verify if necessary repairs have been completed by checking service records related to recalls on this vehicle.

Campaign:20V087
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your SUBARU dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 21V587000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
✓

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

81 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 Impreza.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Crack77%
Warning15%
Brakes🔵 Low
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

Sep 27, 2025Under Review
Brakes🔵 Low
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

Sep 3, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

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

May 29, 2025Under Review
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN 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.

Aug 14, 2024Resolved
Visibility🔵 Low
VISIBILITY/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.

Jul 30, 2024Resolved
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

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 actuators in both doors and replaced them. 3rd visit: Currently still in the shop for other unrelated issues, but they are having a hard time diagnosing the cause since the doors will open for them—but the lady who checked me in experienced the door sticking with me, and she said she could tell something was wrong.

Jul 20, 2024Resolved
Visibility⚠️ High
VISIBILITY/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.

Jun 21, 2024Resolved
Safety Systems⚠️ High
AIR 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.

Apr 26, 2024Resolved
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

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.

Feb 29, 2024Resolved
Visibility🔵 Low
VISIBILITY/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.

Oct 26, 2023Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common issues reported with the 2020 Subaru Impreza?

Common complaints primarily revolve around fuel delivery problems due to a potentially faulty fuel pump. Drivers have noted instances of stalling or poor engine performance linked to these failures during early mileage.

How does the recall impact my decision on buying a used 2020 Subaru Impreza?

'The single recall regarding the fuel pump is critical for prospective buyers; it’s advisable to ensure that any affected vehicle has had its repairs performed satisfactorily. Understanding these details can guide negotiations and long-term satisfaction with your purchase.'

🧭What This Means for You

This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official SUBARU records to ensure no 1 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in SUBARU's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 1 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.
⚖️

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.