Subaru Impreza hesitation problems

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Engine · MA

We have a hesitation when hitting the gas with our Subaru Impreza. I took it to a mechanic who said there isn't officially an issue with the car, but it is consistent with a CRT transmition issue on other Subarus. The only way we are able to fix it is to take it to a Subaru dealership who insist there isn't an issue. I am not sure what to do but it seems like there is a consistent issue with the car model.

Filed May 17, 2024 · Fuel system · 68,500 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate without warning. The contact then stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with the traction control symbol flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. An attempt to jumpstart the vehicle also failed to start the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was initially diagnosed with defective spark plugs and contaminated fuel. The contact was later informed that the failure was caused by a defective fuel pump that needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 68,500.

Filed Aug 9, 2023 · Transmission · MD

This is the third time that this has happened on the highway. I was driving about 70 miles per hour when my acceleration cut out. My dashboard lights, head lights, and other electronics were still on, but the car stalled and would not accelerate. The car struggled to move forward, jerking while slowing down, and came to a stop. I was in the middle lane of traffic on the highway late at night driving home and wasn't able to get my vehicle fully out of the highway when it was coming to a stop. This put me in a very dangerous situation on the highway where my car could potentially be hit by people rushing by. I got out of the car and called 911, who helped me move my car to a safer location. Once the car stopped, i tried turning the key a few times and the spark plug ran, but the car would not turn on. The next day, the car did turn on and there were no warning lights or any other diagnostic readings. The car was taken to Subaru where they did diagnostic tests, but were not able to find any irregularities. I've had the same thing happen twice before and they couldn't diagnose the problem then either. I also experienced hesitation when accelerating where the car wouldn't accelerate, and then it would jerk forward when it did. After repeatedly going back to Subaru for this issue as the transmission is under warranty, they replaced the torque converter and said the problem was solved. I still experienced the hesitation and jerking while driving so I took it back, to which they said that it was driving normal, and that the hesitation was because of the way I drove the car. The car is not driving normal or safe because it stalled and stopped accelerating on the highway, like I told them it would again, putting me in danger. I believe it is the transmission that is damaged, and despite the extended warranty, they won't or can't address it. It would be available for inspection if it would help. There should really be a recall because they fight extended warranty claims

Filed May 17, 2023 · Transmission · MD

I was driving on the highway when I experienced a sudden jerking and my car stopped accelerating while going about 67 miles an hour and came to a stop on the highway. It was dark outside and I was left in the road without the ability to turn my car back on. I towed the car to the dealership, and they couldn't diagnose a problem. The same thing happened two weeks later and they told me that because the car was less than a quarter-tank both times, that I shouldn't drive my car with less than a quarter tank of gas or I'd be at risk of this happening again. Being on the highway with cars rushing past in the dark several times put my safety at risk and the safety of other drivers. I later experienced knocking/jerking around 10 miles an hour, that led to a suspected problem with the transmission. The car would also hesitate accelerating when stopped, and would experience the same jerking motion with a thud at the same time. I brought the car in again, and they couldn't diagnose the problem, but recommended a service that may fix the issue. I experienced the same issue so I brought the car back in. They replicated the issue and did work under warranty to replace the torque converter. I experienced the same problem and brought the car back in, but they can't diagnose the issue now. I believe my car transmission is still faulty and puts me at risk of stalling while driving at highway speeds, which could very easily put me and others at risk. I had to bring my car in several times for them to acknowledge a problem, and have been put into the same car which i believe is unsafe each time. When the car stalled on the highway there were blinking warning lights, but there was no diagnosis at the dealership. The car is currently at the dealership and they want me to drive it for them to show them the problem again with jerking/knocking. I'm getting all my invoices together to have more documentation, and will have more by the end of the day.

Filed May 16, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Car does not accelerate from a full stop. Hesitates to react to gas pedal for a few seconds

Filed Jan 18, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · OR

After the coil pack recall was done, our car began shuddering, hesitating and stalling. Went to the dealership 4-5 times. ECM and Prindle valve were replaced but still doing it. then engine exploded going up a hill, stranding us for 2.5 hours on the freeway. Engine replaced under warranty (which expired while in shop for two months). No warranty on new motor. Same issues still going on and shop now charges us to "look at it." It stalled last week in heavy traffic, so it definitely is dangerous. We don't want to sell the car and pass the problem on to someone else.

Filed Mar 24, 2022 · Electrical · CT

The 2020 Subaru Impreza hatchback was purchased new from a Subaru dealer. Approximately, one year after purchase the vehicle started to exhibit hard starting. That is when the key is turned on the engine did not immediately turn over but there began an increased hesitation overtime before engine would turn over. It demonstrated issues of electrical problems. Finally, on March 24, 2022 the engine failed to turn over and we had to have the car towed to the original Subaru dealer. The tow truck driver attempted to turn the engine on but in his opinion, the starter was not working at all. As of the writing of this report we do not know the exact cause of issue nor do we expect to pay for any repairs or parts since the vehicle is still under warranty.

Filed Feb 6, 2022 · Acceleration, Fuel system · NY · crash

In November of 2018 and again January 31, 2022. In November 2018, I was backing up in small parking lot tap the gas pedal. and my car speed up going backwards, even when I was pushing the brake. What stopped the momentum was another car, my car crashed into caused extensive damage to that car( it was totaled) . The second time; I turned the wheels to back-in as I had a several times into my driveway. The car was to far over, but because I was not centered enough in the driveway, I moved forward to realign myself. The car seemed to hesitate as I moved forward, before putting it in reverse. I Put the car in reverse, lightly hit gas the car seem to take off as if it was a rocket backing up into driveway and went through the back wall of my garage ( because there was so much snow it came to a stop). My daughter was observed on the ring camera. I have been very sensitive to making sure since first time to be more aware. It is significant to note prior to this occurrence my car did this in smaller spurts ,( but did not think anything of it , I took my car in for all of the checks) but I was able to control it by putting foot on brake, It's like this time the engine revved up on its own. This time the car was totaled. ( The back window shattered. A lot of damage underneath the car. I will not be buying another Subaru. It was my dream car:(. I was very traumatized.)I was diligent with the maintenance of the car. I informed my insurance company.

Filed Aug 24, 2021 · Engine · NJ

Loss of power, hesitation, bucking ( jerky) with hints of stalling between 2000 and 3000 RPM in 2nd grear at appropriate speed and momentum . This is a 2017 manual Impreza sport sedan .

Filed Aug 16, 2021 · Brakes · 138,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but hesitated to respond causing a 3-feet stopping distance delay. The contact also stated that the brake pedal was vibrating and would rest on the floorboard when depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the front brake rotors, brake pads, and calipers needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The ABS warning light and the traction control warning light were illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.