Honda Civic vs Subaru Impreza: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2026, owners filed an average of 504 complaints per model year about the Honda Civic and 90 about the Subaru Impreza.
Side by side
| Honda Civic | Subaru Impreza | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2026 | 2006-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 10,592 | 1,889 |
| Complaints per model year | 504 | 90 |
| Recalls | 41 | 43 |
| Years to avoid | 2006200720082016 | 2008201220132019 |
| Best years | 201120202021 | 200620102011 |
| Most common problem | Steering | Airbags |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 24-49 mpg combined (2026) | 29 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Civic | Impreza | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 2,457 | 64 |
| Engine | 1,336 | 298 |
| Airbags | 1,285 | 379 |
| Electrical | 914 | 213 |
| Visibility | 895 | 261 |
| Transmission | 776 | 220 |
| Lights | 136 | 191 |
Questions about the Honda Civic vs Subaru Impreza
Which is more reliable, the Honda Civic or the Subaru Impreza?
Between 2006 and 2026, the Honda Civic has 4 years to avoid and the Subaru Impreza 4. Both are about equally consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Subaru Impreza drew fewer complaints per model year (90 vs 504), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Honda Civic or the Subaru Impreza?
From 2006 to 2026, the Honda Civic was covered by 41 recalls and the Subaru Impreza by 43.
What years of the Honda Civic and Subaru Impreza should you avoid?
Honda Civic: 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2016. Subaru Impreza: 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2019.
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