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2014 Subaru Impreza problems

The most common problem on the 2014 Subaru Impreza is airbags, typically around 39,000 miles. It has 1.4 times the complaints of a typical Impreza model year.

Typical year1.4x the typical complaints
Year score
58/100
Owner complaints
108
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
401
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
19-30mpg

The worst 2014 Subaru Impreza problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    38
  • Engine
    20
  • Electrical
    17
  • Transmission
    9
  • Acceleration
    8
  • Body
    8
  • Brakes
    5
  • Seats
    5
  • Suspension
    5
  • Wheels
    5
  • Steering
    4
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Locks
    2
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2014 Subaru Impreza

Check engine light 9Airbag light 7Stalling 7Sudden acceleration 6

Recalls 3

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported February 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

Recall number 19V149000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported November 1, 2018 · 165,534 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1‑888‑270‑9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.

Recall number 18V772000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported October 13, 2016 · 100,127 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Risk
If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑800‑782‑2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.

Recall number 16V738000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2014 Subaru Impreza

Technical service bulletins for the 2014 Subaru Impreza 401

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 401 bulletins for the 2014 Subaru Impreza

2014 Subaru Impreza fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylAWD24-2733-3527-30
2.5L 4‑cylAWD17-1923-2519-21

What 2014 Subaru Impreza owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 21, 2026 · Electrical · IL

Cabin blower fan stopped working. Faint burned plastic smell. Starting with the blower motor, I worked backwards. The Blower Motor Resistor showed significant wear, which I replaced. After checking or replacing all other components, I realized that it was likely the AC Control Unit. I took it out and the electrical issue is so bad that the plug has melted to the harness. I found plenty of online videos and forums which helped me diagnose the problem in my own car. This is a fire hazard, and considering how many other people have experienced this, I'm surprised there is no warning or a recall. There is already one other complaint in your database, [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 5, 2026 · Engine · VA

Vehicle Production Date: January 2014 Related Recall: Subaru WTM-73 / the federal safety agency ID 16V738 (revised July 11, 2017 as WTM-73R) Recall Coverage Production End Date: September 13, 2013 Mileage at First Incident (March 2024): 79,268 Mileage at Second Incident (February 2026): 92,325 The secondary air pump failed in March 2024 (79,268 miles) and again in February 2026 (92,325 miles) just 13,057 miles later. The February 24, 2026 failure produced smoke while parked among other vehicles and trees. A tow truck operator disconnected the pump to prevent a potential fire. Dealer did not replace relay alongside the pump, inconsistent with WTM-73 as revised by WTM-73R (July 11, 2017). The relay subsequently failed, requiring a separate visit. Components are unavailable for inspection. The problems were confirmed and repaired by an authorized Subaru dealership in Sterling, VA. Service records document both failures. For the February 2026 repair, the dealership mistakenly concluded the repair was under warranty and completed it as such - then later tried to backtrack and make me pay. The March 2026 return visit confirmed blown fuses and a failed relay due to incomplete initial repair, which the dealership also made me pay, but later reimbursed me after I referenced the revised recall notice. March 4, 2024: P2444 diagnostic code and a hissing noise. Repair costs not reimbursed as the recall does not cover my vehicle's production date. February 13, 2026: a hissing noise was recorded February 14, 2026. Check Engine light; additional lights may have been present but cannot be confirmed with certainty, distracted by urgency of the situation. March 3, 2026: multiple warning lights illuminated within 2.3 miles after leaving dealership from having air pump repair: Check Engine, Sport Drive, and Cruise Control Recall WTM-73R covers vehicles through September 13, 2013, mine indicates January 2024. I request the federal safety agency extend coverage to vehicles produced through at least January 2014.

Filed Oct 22, 2025 · Transmission · VA

I am filing a complaint regarding a known issue with the CVT transmission in my 2014 Subaru Impreza, currently at approximately 80,000 miles. The CVT has started making a loud whining noise while driving. A licensed, independent repair shop diagnosed this as a likely early sign of internal CVT failure, advising that failure is imminent without repair or replacement. After researching the issue, I discovered that Subaru issued an extended warranty (WQA-86) specifically covering this known CVT defect. However, I was never notified of this extension or any service campaign. I learned about it only after experiencing symptoms and conducting my own research. By that time, the extended warranty had expired in February 2024 , only a few months before I began experiencing problems, despite my vehicle being well under the mileage limit for coverage. I maintain a service history with full documentation from licensed repair facilities. I submitted a goodwill assistance request to Subaru to cover the inspection and repair or replacement of the CVT based on this known defect and the professional assessment from my mechanic. Subaru denied the request solely because the extended warranty had expired by time, despite the fact that: I was never notified of the warranty extension or technical service bulletin (TSB). The issue is well documented and acknowledged by Subaru. My vehicle is still under the mileage limit. A qualified mechanic has confirmed early signs of failure. This is a serious safety concern, as CVT failure can lead to sudden loss of power or acceleration while driving. Subaru should be held accountable for notifying all affected owners about extended coverage related to known defects. I am requesting that Subaru be required to provide goodwill coverage or cost assistance for this repair, as the failure is directly related to a known manufacturer defect and the lack of notification prevented me from taking timely action.

Filed Jul 29, 2025 · Seat belts · 62,000 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while attempting to secure the front driver’s side seat belt, the locking mechanism failed to immediately lock. The contact stated that several attempts were needed before the seat belt locked as needed. The driver was also unable to immediately unlock the seat belt buckle from the locking mechanism. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed May 27, 2025 · Engine · CA

I was driving in my car had lost of power n started to make a noise n ALLL that so eather valve spring broke then messed up rod bearings n now to the point I can't drive my vehicle is like to know what to do next

Filed May 21, 2025 · Body · CA · crash

Unknown

Filed Feb 19, 2025 · Electrical · MN

When I put my vehicle into park and try to remove the key, it becomes stuck in the vehicle every time due to a failing park position switch. This is a known issue to Subaru and should warrant a recall.

Filed Feb 19, 2025 · Body, Locks · 190,417 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the doors automatically locked with her children inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the spare key failed to unlock the doors. The contact sought assistance from a locksmith to unlock the vehicle. Additionally, the front bumper had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 190,417.

Filed Dec 20, 2024 · Wheels · OR

Two Lug studs broke on opposite wheels from torque issues caused when rotating tires. Based on speaking with both the dealer and the tire shop, they said this is a common issue with Subaru's. Fortunately this happened while the tires were being replaced and not while driving. Had 2 of the lug studs broken on the same tire and I had not been aware, this could cause safety issues for both myself and other drivers.

Filed Oct 11, 2024 · Airbags · CA

After driving for about an hour stopped a light and accelerated to proceed and drivers side air bag exploded. Subaru states it was my fault because “dirt” got in the system. Refused to cover replacement or rental car. Minor hand injury.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2014 Subaru Impreza before you buy

Compare the 2014 Subaru Impreza

Impreza vs Ford FocusImpreza vs Honda CivicImpreza vs Toyota CorollaImpreza vs Volkswagen JettaImpreza vs Hyundai ElantraImpreza vs Nissan SentraImpreza vs Chevrolet CruzeImpreza vs Mazda MAZDA3

Other model years

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Questions about the 2014 Subaru Impreza

Is the 2014 Subaru Impreza reliable?

Owners have filed 108 complaints about the 2014 Subaru Impreza, 1.4 times a typical Impreza model year.

What is the 2014 Subaru Impreza year score?

The 2014 Subaru Impreza scores 58 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Subaru Impreza: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2014 Subaru Impreza?

Airbags, with 38 complaints, typically around 39,000 miles. Next is engine (20).

How many recalls does the 2014 Subaru Impreza have?

3 recalls, covering exterior lighting, engine and engine cooling and electrical system.

What year does the Subaru Impreza have bad airbags?

The Subaru Impreza model years with the most airbags complaints are 2012 (105 complaints), 2013 (79 complaints) and 2014 (38 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2014 Subaru Impreza get?

Official estimates for the 2014 Subaru Impreza range from 19 to 30 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, AWD) gets 24-27 city and 33-35 highway.

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