What years are bad for a Subaru Impreza?
There isn’t a single “bad year” for the Impreza. Some model years are more prone to certain issues than others, particularly older 2.5-liter engines, early CVT models, and a subset of 2.0-liter engines with oil-consumption concerns.
To understand why, it helps to break down reliability by generation and drivetrain. The EJ25 2.5L engines commonly found in late-1990s to early-2000s Imprezas earned a reputation for head-gasket failures. Later, some CVT-equipped cars from the early-to-mid 2010s faced transmission-related trouble. More recently, certain 2.0L engines (FB20) have been linked to oil consumption in some model years. The practical takeaway is to review maintenance records, recall history, and have a trusted mechanic inspect any used Impreza you’re considering.
Problem years by drivetrain and era
Below are year ranges that are frequently cited by owners and service reports as higher-risk for specific issues. Use this as a guide, not a guarantee, and always verify the vehicle’s maintenance history and recall status.
- Head-gasket risk on older 2.5L EJ25 engines (commonly cited in late-1990s to early-2000s Imprezas).
- CVT reliability concerns on early-to-mid-2010s models with the Lineartronic transmission (roughly 2010–2014).
- Oil consumption tendencies in some 2.0L FB20 engines from the mid-2010s (roughly 2012–2017/2018).
- Recall campaigns across various years (including airbag-related recalls and other safety campaigns); always check for uncompleted recalls on any used Impreza.
These ranges reflect commonly discussed issues and recall patterns. Exact risk varies by maintenance, driving conditions, and how well the car was cared for. A thorough pre-purchase inspection can significantly reduce the chance of buying into a costly problem.
What to check when evaluating a used Impreza
Engine and cooling system
Ask for a full service history, especially regarding head-gasket replacements or related cooling-system work on older EJ25 engines. Have a compression test or leak-down test performed to assess cylinder gasket integrity and overall engine health.
Transmission and drivetrain
For CVT-equipped cars, inspect the transmission fluid condition and changes; listen for unusual noises, shuddering, or slipping. A test drive should include varying speeds and loads to reveal transmission behavior; confirm any known CVT-related recalls or dealership updates have been completed.
Oil consumption and fuel management
If considering a 2.0L FB20 model from the mid-2010s, review oil-change history and monitor for signs of excessive oil use. Ask the seller about any oil-loss events or top-offs between changes.
Reliability by generation (overview)
First generation (1992–2000)
Early Imprezas were mechanically straightforward and generally reliable, but edge-care issues like rust and older cooling systems are more common in higher-mileage examples. Overall, maintenance history remains crucial.
Second generation (2000–2007)
Imprezas in this span integrated more features and remained robust mechanically, though some models used the 2.5L engine with head-gasket susceptibility. Proper cooling-system upkeep and periodic gasket checks are important.
Third generation (2007–2014)
These years brought refinements and broader availability of CVTs in some trims. The EJ25 head-gasket risk persists in certain builds, and CVT reliability becomes a more frequent talking point as mileage increases.
Fourth generation (2013–2020, with updates)
Imprezas of this era saw improved interior quality and efficiency, but oil consumption concerns emerged for some 2.0L engines, and CVT reliability remains a consideration in earlier mid-cycle models. Regular maintenance and timely recalls are key.
Bottom line for buyers
The most reliable approach is to target later-model year vehicles with complete maintenance records, completed recalls, and a clean pre-purchase inspection. If you’re eyeing a vehicle from the higher-risk ranges, be prepared for potentially higher maintenance costs and more frequent checks on the engineHead gasket, CVT, and oil usage aspects.
Summary
There isn’t a single “bad year” for the Subaru Impreza. However, several year ranges are commonly associated with specific problems: late-1990s to early-2000s EJ25 engines prone to head-gasket failures, early-to-mid-2010s CVT models with transmission concerns, and some mid-2010s 2.0L engines with oil-consumption issues. Always prioritize vehicles with thorough service histories, verified recalls, and a professional pre-purchase inspection to minimize risk. In general, later-generation Imprezas with well-documented maintenance tend to offer stronger reliability.
