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2012 Subaru Impreza

Hatchback · 2010–2026

2012–2016 Subaru Impreza
2012–2016 pictured. Photo: OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Which year to buy

Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.

Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.

2012CAREFULSerious complaints 2.1× usual, mostly air bags and engine Extended coverage

216 serious complaints of 243, the most about air bags (105) and engine (55); per car on the road, 2.1× this model's usual year. 6 recalls. NHTSA investigation PE15012: passenger front air bag suppression.

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2012 subaru impreza. While driving 55 mph, the passenger side air bag warning indicator illuminated while the front passenger seat was occupied. The contact also stated that the vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 15v419000 (air bags).”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Nov 2018

“The contact owns a 2012 subaru impreza. While driving, the contact heard a rattling noise coming from the engine and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact was afraid to drive the vehicle. The contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 18v772000 (engine and engine, cooling).”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Apr 2019

Fixes and extended coverage

  • Extended coverage This Warranty Extension will not cover any excessive engine oil consumption found to be a result of any condition(s) other than those specifically described in this bulletin. As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is initiating a program to extend the original… (02-157-14, Oct 2016)

From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.

243 owner complaints · 6 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19–30 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2012 trims and features

Every Impreza year's verdict →

Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.

Trims and features

20102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

What changed for 2012

2012 Impreza trims

2.0i2.0i Limited2.0i Premium2.0i Sport Limited2.0i Sport Premium
Price
Starting MSRP———$22,595—
Powertrain
Engine2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER
Horsepower148 hp148 hp148 hp148 hp148 hp
Torque145 lb-ft145 lb-ft145 lb-ft145 lb-ft145 lb-ft
Transmission5-Door 5-Speed Manual: —
5-Door Lineartronic CVT: Lineartronic
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: Lineartronic
Lineartronic5-Door 5-Speed Manual: —
5-Door Lineartronic CVT: Lineartronic
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: Lineartronic
Lineartronic5-Speed Manual: —
Lineartronic CVT: Lineartronic
Gears5-Door 5-Speed Manual: 5
5-Door Lineartronic CVT: —
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: —
—5-Door 5-Speed Manual: 5
5-Door Lineartronic CVT: —
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: —
—5-Speed Manual: 5
Lineartronic CVT: —
Drivetrain5-Door 5-Speed Manual / 5-Door Lineartronic CVT / 4-Door 5-Speed Manual / 4-Door Lineartronic CVT5-Door / 4-Door5-Door 5-Speed Manual / 5-Door Lineartronic CVT / 4-Door 5-Speed Manual / 4-Door Lineartronic CVTAwd5-Speed Manual / Lineartronic CVT
Fuel economy (combined)5-Door 5-Speed Manual: 28 mpg
5-Door Lineartronic CVT: 30 mpg
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: 30 mpg
30 mpg5-Door 5-Speed Manual: 28 mpg
5-Door Lineartronic CVT: 30 mpg
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: 30 mpg
30 mpg5-Speed Manual: 28 mpg
Lineartronic CVT: 30 mpg
Size and capability
Seats55555
Cargo behind last row5-Door 5-Speed Manual: 22.5 cu ft
4-Door 5-Speed Manual: —
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: —
5-Door: 22.5 cu ft
4-Door: —
5-Door 5-Speed Manual: 22.5 cu ft
4-Door 5-Speed Manual: —
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: —
22.5 cu ft22.5 cu ft
Max cargo5-Door 5-Speed Manual: 52.4 cu ft
4-Door 5-Speed Manual: —
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: —
5-Door: 52.4 cu ft
4-Door: —
5-Door 5-Speed Manual: 52.4 cu ft
4-Door 5-Speed Manual: —
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: —
52.4 cu ft52.4 cu ft
Trunk5-Door 5-Speed Manual: —
4-Door 5-Speed Manual: 12 cu ft
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: 12 cu ft
5-Door: —
4-Door: 12 cu ft
5-Door 5-Speed Manual: —
4-Door 5-Speed Manual: 12 cu ft
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: 12 cu ft
——
Length5-Door 5-Speed Manual: 173.8 in
4-Door 5-Speed Manual: 180.3 in
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: 180.3 in
5-Door: 173.8 in
4-Door: 180.3 in
5-Door 5-Speed Manual: 173.8 in
4-Door 5-Speed Manual: 180.3 in
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: 180.3 in
173.8 in173.8 in
Curb weight5-Door 5-Speed Manual: 2,910 lb
5-Door Lineartronic CVT: —
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: 2,976 lb
3,053 lb5-Door 5-Speed Manual: 2,954 lb
5-Door Lineartronic CVT: 3,009 lb
4-Door Lineartronic CVT: 3,009 lb
3,086 lb5-Speed Manual: 2,998 lb
Lineartronic CVT: 3,075 lb
Tech
Touchscreen—4.3 in + optionOptional4.3 in + option—
Apple CarPlay—OptionalOptionalOptional—
Android Auto—OptionalOptionalOptional—
Speakers46 + option6 + option6 + option6
Comfort
SeatsCloth + optionLeather + optionCloth + optionLeather + optionCloth + option
Heated seats—FrontOptionalFrontFront
Remote startOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Exterior
Sunroof—OptionalOptionalOptional—
Wheels15 in17 in16 in + option17 in17 in
Packages and options (38)
2.0i2.0i Limited2.0i Premium2.0i Sport Limited2.0i Sport Premium
All-Weather Package $500—StandardOptionalStandardStandard
Alloy Wheel Package ——Optional——
Body Side Moldings OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Crossbar Kit OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Fog Lights OptionalStandardOptionalStandardStandard
Front Underspoiler OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Power Tilt/Sliding-Glass Moonroof —OptionalOptionalOptional—
Roof Cargo Carrier OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Side Window Visors OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Sport Mesh Grille OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Trunk Spoiler OptionalOptionalOptional——
All-Weather Floor Mats OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Auto-Dimming Mirror with Compass and HomeLink $271OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Rear Cargo Tray OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Rear Seatback Protector $60OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Remote Engine Starter $465OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Navigation System —OptionalOptionalOptional—
15-inch Steel Wheels with Covers Standard————
16-inch 10-Spoke Aluminum-Alloy Wheels ——Standard——
17-inch 15-Spoke Aluminum-Alloy Wheels —StandardOptional——
17-inch Gray-Finish Aluminum-Alloy Wheels ———StandardStandard
Camellia Red Pearl OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Dark Gray Metallic OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Deep Cherry Pearl OptionalOptionalOptional——
Ice Silver Metallic OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Marine Blue Pearl OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Obsidian Black Pearl/Dark Gray Metallic ———OptionalOptional
Obsidian Black Pearl OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Sage Green Metallic/Ice Silver Metallic ———OptionalOptional
Satin White Pearl OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Sky Blue Metallic/Ice Silver Metallic ———OptionalOptional
Sky Blue Metallic OptionalOptionalOptional——
Black Leather —Optional—Optional—
Black Striped Cloth ————Optional
Black Tricot Optional—Optional——
Ivory Leather —Optional—Optional—
Ivory Striped Cloth ————Optional
Ivory Tricot Optional—Optional——

Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.

Year by year

YearEnginesDriveFuel economyCrash ratingRecalls Owner complaintsMost-reported problemCarPlay
2026 2.0L 4-cyl, 152 hp
2.5L 4-cyl, 180 hp
AWD29 mpg 5 of 5 0 1 Wheels (1) —
2025 2.0L 4-cyl, 152 hp
2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp
AWD29–30 mpg 5 of 5 0 5 Power train (2) Yes
2024 2.0L 4-cyl, 152 hp
2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp
AWD29–30 mpg 5 of 5 2 32 Forward collision avoidance (6) Yes
2023 2.0L 4-cyl, 152 hp
manual available
AWD25–32 mpg 5 of 5 2 4 Tires (2) Yes
2022 2.0L 4-cyl, 152 hp
manual available
AWD25–32 mpg 5 of 5 1 13 Power train (4) Yes
2021 2.0L 4-cyl, 152 hp
manual available
AWD25–32 mpg 5 of 5 2 14 Forward collision avoidance (3) Yes
2020 2.0L 4-cyl, 152 hp
manual available
AWD25–31 mpg 5 of 5 1 85 Visibility/wiper (52) Yes
2019 2.0L 4-cyl, 152 hp
manual available
AWD25–32 mpg 5 of 5 5 194 Exterior lighting (63) Yes
2018 2.0L 4-cyl, 152 hp
manual available
AWD25–32 mpg 5 of 5 5 151 Exterior lighting (64) Yes
2017 2.0L 4-cyl, 152 hp
manual available
AWD25–32 mpg 5 of 5 7 125 Exterior lighting (32) Yes
2016 2.0L 4-cyl
manual available
AWD27–31 mpg 5 of 5 1 75 Unknown or other (19) No
2015 2.0L 4-cyl
manual available
AWD27–31 mpg 5 of 5 2 79 Electrical system (20) No
2014 2.0L 4-cyl
2.5L 4-cyl turbo
manual available
AWD19–30 mpg 5 of 5 3 108 Air bags (38) No
2013 2.0L 4-cyl
2.5L 4-cyl turbo
manual available
AWD19–30 mpg 5 of 5 4 249 Air bags (79) No
2012 2.0L 4-cyl
2.5L 4-cyl turbo
manual available
AWD19–30 mpg 4 of 5 6 243 Air bags (105) No
2011 2.5L 4-cyl
2.5L 4-cyl turbo
manual available
AWD19–22 mpg Not rated 14 57 Air bags (17) No
2010 2.5L 4-cyl
2.5L 4-cyl turbo
manual available
AWD19–22 mpg Not rated 15 46 Unknown or other (9) No

Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.

Which years have…

Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingAWD or 4WDAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoringHeated front seatsLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroof

Apple lists CarPlay for: Impreza 2017–2025 (Apple).

Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
YearVersionStarsForward collision warning Lane departure warningRecallsComplaints
2026 SUBARU IMPREZA SW N/A AWD5 StandardStandard 01
2025 Subaru Impreza SW AWD5 StandardStandard 05
2024 Subaru Impreza SW AWD5 StandardStandard 232
2023 Subaru Impreza SW AWD5 OptionalOptional 24
2023 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 24
2022 Subaru Impreza SW AWD5 OptionalOptional 113
2022 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 113
2021 Subaru Impreza SW AWD5 OptionalOptional 214
2021 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 214
2020 Subaru Impreza SW AWD5 OptionalOptional 185
2020 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 185
2019 Subaru Impreza SW AWD5 OptionalOptional 5194
2019 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 5194
2018 Subaru Impreza SW AWD5 OptionalOptional 5151
2018 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 5151
2017 Subaru Impreza SW AWD5 OptionalOptional 7125
2017 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 7125
2016 Subaru Impreza SW AWD5 OptionalOptional 175
2016 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 175
2015 Subaru Impreza SW AWD5 OptionalOptional 279
2015 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 279
2014 Subaru Impreza SW AWD5 NoNo 3108
2014 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD5 NoNo 3108
2014 Subaru Impreza WRX SW AWDNot Rated NoNo 3105
2014 Subaru Impreza WRX 4 DR AWDNot Rated NoNo 3105
2014 Subaru Impreza WRX/STI SW AWDNot Rated NoNo 3105
2014 Subaru Impreza WRX/STI 4 DR AWDNot Rated NoNo 3105
2013 Subaru Impreza SW AWD5 NoNo 4249
2013 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD5 NoNo 4249
2013 Subaru Impreza WRX/STI SW AWDNot Rated NoNo 4243
2013 Subaru Impreza WRX/STI 4 DR AWDNot Rated NoNo 4243
2012 Subaru Impreza SW AWD4 NoNo 6243
2012 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD4 NoNo 6243
2012 Subaru Impreza WRX/STI SW AWDNot Rated NoNo 6239
2012 Subaru Impreza WRX/STI 4 DR AWDNot Rated NoNo 6239
2011 Subaru Impreza SW AWDNot Rated NoNo 1457
2011 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWDNot Rated NoNo 1457
2010 Subaru Impreza 4-DR w/SABNot Rated NoNo 1546
2010 Subaru Impreza 4-DR Wagon w/SABNot Rated NoNo 1546

Source: NHTSA.

Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
YearEPA modelEnginesCombined
2026ImprezaAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
29
2025ImprezaAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
29–30
2024ImprezaAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
29–30
2023Impreza 4-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–32
2023Impreza 5-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–31
2023Impreza Sport 4-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L 30
2023Impreza Sport 5-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
25–30
2022Impreza 4-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–32
2022Impreza 5-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–31
2022Impreza Sport 4-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L 30
2022Impreza Sport 5-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
25–30
2021Impreza 4-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–32
2021Impreza 5-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–31
2021Impreza Sport 4-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L 30
2021Impreza Sport 5-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
25–30
2020Impreza 4-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–31
2020Impreza 5-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–31
2020Impreza Sport 4-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–30
2020Impreza Sport 5-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
25–30
2019Impreza 4-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
27–32
2019Impreza 5-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–31
2019Impreza Sport 4-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–30
2019Impreza Sport 5-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
25–30
2018Impreza 4-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
27–32
2018Impreza 5-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–31
2018Impreza Sport 4-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–30
2018Impreza Sport 5-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
25–30
2017Impreza 4-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
27–32
2017Impreza 5-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–31
2017Impreza Sport 4-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
26–30
2017Impreza Sport 5-DoorAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
25–30
2016Impreza AWDAuto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
28–31
2016Impreza Sport AWDAuto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
27–30
2016Impreza Wagon AWDAuto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
28–31
2015Impreza AWDAuto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
28–31
2015Impreza Sport AWDAuto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
27–30
2015Impreza Wagon AWDAuto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
28–31
2014Impreza AWDAuto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
19–30
2014Impreza Wagon AWDAuto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
19–30
2013Impreza AWDAuto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
19–30
2013Impreza Wagon AWDAuto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
19–30
2012Impreza AWDAuto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
19–30
2012Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWDAuto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
19–30
2011Impreza AWDAuto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
19–22
2011Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWDAuto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
19–22
2010Impreza AWDAuto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
21–22
2010Impreza Wagon/Outback SportAuto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
19–22

Source: fueleconomy.gov.

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