2015 Subaru Impreza problems
The 2015 Subaru Impreza has 79 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2015 Subaru Impreza has 79 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 18 complaints, typically surfacing around 40,174 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Impreza | 242 | 1 |
| 2013 Impreza | 248 | 0 |
| 2014 Impreza | 108 | 2 |
| 2015 Impreza (this page) | 79 | 0 |
| 2016 Impreza | 75 | 0 |
| 2017 Impreza | 125 | 3 |
| 2018 Impreza | 149 | 1 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2015 Subaru Impreza SW AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2015 Subaru Impreza? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- electrical — 18 owner reports · tends to show around 40,174 mi · ~$850 to fix
- powertrain — 12 owner reports · tends to show around 57,912 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- engine — 8 owner reports · tends to show around 48,404 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- steering — 7 owner reports · tends to show around 51,800 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 57,912 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2015 Subaru Impreza
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
While driving about 60 miles an hour, in the second from the left lane on a busy, four-lane freeway ascending a slight hill, my car shuddered violently and came to a complete stop. We were almost rear-ended several times; cars were swerving around us; it was terrifying and…
Passenger air bag will randomly turn off with passenger riding. This is well know issue with subaru and they still have not sent a recall. With this issue being so wide spread I do not think the dealership should charge over 600 dollars for this repair. I previous did this…
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Subaru impreza. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to autobarn Subaru of countryside in countryside, illinois. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission's wiring harness may have been affected, but the…
Subaru eyesight will lock up brakes when actively being engaged and the car in front of you makes 90 degree right turn as if the car was still in front of you and you were about to crash into it. But it isn't there instead you will be crashed into from the rear. It will do this…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2015 Subaru Impreza reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2015 Subaru Impreza is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2015 Subaru Impreza?
On the NHTSA data, the 2015 Subaru Impreza does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2015 Subaru Impreza?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 18 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 40,174 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2015 Subaru Impreza a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 79 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 40,174 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2015 Subaru Impreza?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 18 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 40,174 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 40,174 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Subaru Impreza has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2015 Subaru Impreza?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 79 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.