Used Subaru Impreza 2017-2022 reliability
Category: Family car
The Subaru Impreza is safe and great off-road, but it trails its rivals in all other respects.
What should I look for in a used Subaru Impreza hatchback?
Aside from the usual stuff such as making sure all the equipment inside works, you might want to check that the bumpers and body are in good order and aren’t showing signs of parking damage. While a reversing camera is standard with SE trim, the absence of standard parking sensors is a surprising omission.
Look under the car for any signs of off-road damage and that it isn’t caked in mud. This can trap moisture that will lead to rust. Also, make sure the service history is up to date and that all the relevant fluids, including for the four-wheel drive system and CVT gearbox, have been changed according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
What are the most common problems with a used Subaru Impreza hatchback?
Engine valve springs
The engine valve springs, which help open and close the valves to allow air and fuel into the engine and exhaust gases out, can fatigue over time. A Subaru dealer will be able to let you know if your car is affected and replace the springs if necessary.
Brake lights
The brake light switch can fail and prevent the brake lights from illuminating. Your local Subaru dealer will be able to let you know if your car is affected and be able to replace the switch if it is.
Is a used Subaru Impreza hatchback reliable?
The Impreza gets a better-than-average five-year, 100,000-mile warranty and, although the car itself did not feature in our latest What Car? Reliability Survey, Subaru as a brand finished a very respectable tenth out of 32 manufacturers.
To read more from our Reliability Survey in detail, check out the full results here.
