2014 Subaru Impreza problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 10, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Subaru Impreza, most often about airbags. There are 3 recalls for this model year.

Complaints: 51
Recalls: 3
Crashes: 5
Fires: 0
Injuries: 2
Median mileage: 80,000 mi

Key facts

Airbags is the most-reported problem area, named in 18 of 51 complaints (35%).
Engine (11) and electrical system (10) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 80,000 mi.
Owners reported 5 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries.
The 2014 Subaru Impreza has 3 recalls on file.
It ranks 6th of 22 Subaru Impreza model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
That is 43% fewer complaints than the 2013 model year (90).

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)	Complaints
Air bags	18
Engine	11
Electrical system	9
Power train	5
Unknown or other	4
Structure:body	3
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification	3
Seats	3

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2014 Subaru Impreza complaints that list mileage.

2014 Subaru Impreza recalls (3)

Recall 19V149000Feb 28, 20191,303,530 vehicles
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Recall 18V772000Nov 1, 2018165,534 vehicles
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.
Recall 16V738000Oct 13, 2016100,127 vehicles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Risk: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.

Recent 2014 Subaru Impreza complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Filed Jun 21, 2026ILElectrical System
Cabin blower fan stopped working. Faint burned plastic smell. Starting with the blower motor, I worked backwards. The Blower Motor Resistor showed significant wear, which I replaced. After checking or replacing all other components, I realized that it was likely the AC Control Unit. I took it out and the electrical issue is so bad that the plug has melted to the harness. I found plenty of online videos and forums which helped me diagnose the problem in my own car. This is a…
NHTSA complaint #11745495 · source
Filed Apr 5, 2026VAEngine
Vehicle Production Date: January 2014 Related Recall: Subaru WTM-73 / NHTSA ID 16V738 (revised July 11, 2017 as WTM-73R) Recall Coverage Production End Date: September 13, 2013 Mileage at First Incident (March 2024): 79,268 Mileage at Second Incident (February 2026): 92,325 The secondary air pump failed in March 2024 (79,268 miles) and again in February 2026 (92,325 miles) just 13,057 miles later. The February 24, 2026 failure produced smoke while parked among other vehicles…
NHTSA complaint #11729310 · source
Filed Oct 22, 2025VATransmission & Drivetrain
I am filing a complaint regarding a known issue with the CVT transmission in my 2014 Subaru Impreza, currently at approximately 80,000 miles. The CVT has started making a loud whining noise while driving. A licensed, independent repair shop diagnosed this as a likely early sign of internal CVT failure, advising that failure is imminent without repair or replacement. After researching the issue, I discovered that Subaru issued an extended warranty (WQA-86) specifically…
NHTSA complaint #11694910 · source
Filed Jul 29, 202562,000 miKSSeats & Seat Belts
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while attempting to secure the front driver’s side seat belt, the locking mechanism failed to immediately lock. The contact stated that several attempts were needed before the seat belt locked as needed. The driver was also unable to immediately unlock the seat belt buckle from the locking mechanism. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer was not notified of the failure.…
NHTSA complaint #11677019 · source
Filed May 27, 2025CAEngine
I was driving in my car had lost of power n started to make a noise n ALLL that so eather valve spring broke then messed up rod bearings n now to the point I can't drive my vehicle is like to know what to do next
NHTSA complaint #11663055 · source
Filed Feb 19, 2025MNElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
When I put my vehicle into park and try to remove the key, it becomes stuck in the vehicle every time due to a failing park position switch. This is a known issue to Subaru and should warrant a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11643755 · source
Filed Feb 19, 2025190,417 miFLBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the doors automatically locked with her children inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the spare key failed to unlock the doors. The contact sought assistance from a locksmith to unlock the vehicle. Additionally, the front bumper had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.…
NHTSA complaint #11643603 · source
Filed Dec 20, 2024ORWheels & Tires
Two Lug studs broke on opposite wheels from torque issues caused when rotating tires. Based on speaking with both the dealer and the tire shop, they said this is a common issue with Subaru's. Fortunately this happened while the tires were being replaced and not while driving. Had 2 of the lug studs broken on the same tire and I had not been aware, this could cause safety issues for both myself and other drivers.
NHTSA complaint #11631878 · source

Compare the 2014 Subaru Impreza with another vehicle →

Other 2014 Subaru models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology