The 2023 Subaru Impreza has two significant recalls affecting the brake light switch and driveshaft, indicating potential safety and drivability concerns. The presence of Technical Service Bulletins further suggests that owners may face additional electrical and engine-related issues within the first 20,000 miles.
Key Factor:Multiple critical recalls
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (2) than the average SUBARU vehicle (1.3). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
2 recalls for this vehicle1.3 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
The defects associated with the 2023 Subaru Impreza's recalls highlight critical safety risks, particularly with the brake light switch potentially allowing for unintended vehicle movement. Such failures can lead to dangerous driving situations, necessitating prompt attention from both manufacturers and owners alike. Furthermore, issues related to the driveshaft can affect vehicle stability and performance, especially at high speeds.
In an era where reliability is paramount for compact sedans, Subaru's engineering legacy draws attention to these flaws. Historically regarded for their solid build quality and safety innovations, a clean track record would have significantly bolstered consumer confidence. However, these recalls disrupt that narrative.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Accident
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.3)
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Summary: Year-over-year trends point towards a pattern of increased scrutiny on vehicle reliability within the compact segment. The number of recalls and related complaints indicate that this model year does not meet consumer expectations for qualityβit ultimately highlights areas for Subaru to strengthen its commitment to manufacturing excellence.
Safety & Reliability Score
84/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-0.1
Investigation Impact-0
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2023 SUBARU Impreza
Model Year2023
MakeSUBARU
ModelImpreza
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
May23
ISSUEFirst Report
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
1 complaints (50% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 2 consumer complaints by severity level.
π‘Medium
1(50%)
π’Low
1(50%)
β Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGPOWER TRAIN
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Brake Light Switch
Issue: Improper adjustment allowing brake lights to illuminate without pedal application.
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Schedule an immediate inspection with a certified technician to assess brake light functionality.
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Inquire about any completed recall repairs before finalizing your purchase.
Campaigns:23V12323V456
2
Driveshaft
Issue: Center support bolts may loosen leading to driveshaft disconnection.
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Inspect driveshaft integrity at a Subaru dealership as soon as possible.
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Verify if the driveshaft recall has been addressed in service records prior to buying.
Campaign:23V789
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your SUBARU dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (2)
Campaign: 23V292000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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Summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Impreza vehicles. The brake light switch may be improperly adjusted and illuminate the brake lights without application of the brake pedal. The vehicle may also allow drivers to start and shift the transmission out of the PARK position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."
Consequence
An unintentional brake light illumination can fail to alert other motorists of actual brake application. A vehicle that shifts out of the park position unexpectedly can allow the vehicle to rollaway. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the gap between the brake light switch and stopper, adjusting the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 23, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-23.
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.
Campaign: 23V647000
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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Summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
Consequence
Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
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.
NHTSA Investigations
0 investigations
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No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer Complaints
2 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2023 Impreza.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Accident50%
Acceleration Issues50%
Hesitate50%
OtherπΆ Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This Subaru model and most other models I have researched is having connections issues with the infotainment systems, connecting and keeping a connection with Android auto and apple. It's not like just a small annoyance, this is causing me big issues when it does connect to Android auto then it is intermittent causing the driver to take their attention off of the road to unplug replug in the phone then stopping and turning off the car/ restarting phone to try fixing this issue, this have become very distracting iv almost been in multiple accidents trying to get my cars systems to work properly. This is something I have took to the dealership they assured me there was an update coming and told me they would not service my vehicle for this issue, even tho it's still under manufacturers warranty, it has now been 6 months and still no update or fix for the problem that is a serious distraction, some people might say no big deal drive without it, but when u are counting on directions and your map to work then it continues to jump on and off the completely tanks this is a big issue they are ignoring!
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car does not accelerate from a full stop. Hesitates to react to gas pedal for a few seconds
Frequently Asked Questions
"What are common issues with the 2023 Subaru Impreza?"
"Common issues reported include problems with exterior lighting due to a faulty brake light switch and driveline concerns stemming from potentially loose driveshaft bolts. These have been officially recognized by Subaru through recalls, emphasizing safety considerations in early vehicle operation."
"How does the recall history affect my decision to buy a used 2023 Subaru Impreza?"
"When considering a used model from this year, it's crucial to check if all recall work has been completed. Ignoring these repairs can lead not only to safety risks but also reduce resale value due to known flaws in design or manufacturing."
πYear-over-Year Context
β‘οΈStable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
π§What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official SUBARU records to ensure no 2 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.
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If You're Buying Used
Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
This specific Impreza year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.