subaru impreza Problems

subaru impreza 2012 Complaints

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

took delivery of vehicle that had recall wvy-35 completed pre-delivery. after approximately 45 miles of driving (65 total odometer miles), braking force dropped to near zero. inspection revealed significant loss of brake fluid. problem first manifested with slowly sinking brake pedal at stops, with braking still effective, but quickly developed to the point that the brake pedal would go fully to the floor with severely reduced brake force.

Reported in: SANFORD FL || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GPAR61CH

POWER TRAIN

tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru impreza. the contact stated that while approaching a traffic stop, the vehicle stalled and all of the warning lamps illuminated. the contact stated that he restarted the vehicle but the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the cvt transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who stated that they would contact him at a later date. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 500.

Reported in: GALION OH || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GPAD6XCH

POWER TRAIN

i was driving my vehicle in rush hour traffic at 65 mph and all of a sudden my vehicle acted as if i had shifted into neutral. it started to decelerate and when i pressed down on the accelerator, it only revved the rpm's higher. it did not speed up to allow me to safely get out of traffic. i tried manually shifting the automatic cvt transmission, but this made no difference. the cruise control was not on at the time. i turned on my flashers and was able to go from the left lane to the shoulder. i put the car in park, shut off the ignition and let it set for a minute. i then restarted the car and was able to drive away. i immediately drove it to the subaru dealership. they tested it for a couple days and were unable to recreate the incident. they said that there were no codes stored and i did not see any check engine light when this happened. they also said they filed a claim with subaru north america. the service tech said he has never heard of anything like this happening with subaru. i no longer feel safe driving this vehicle.

Reported in: PEORIA IL || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GJAA67CH

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

the rear-end lighting (brake lights, turn signals) for a number of recent model years from a few manufacturers is absolutely terrible. if it hasn't already caused accidents i would be completely amazed. i have seen, on at least subarus and volkswagens, brake lights and turn signal lights which are virtually impossible to distinguish in real-life driving scenarios. i am an exceptionally skilled and attentive driver so this hasn't caused me any harm yet, but i know most drivers are not skilled or attentive.

Reported in: CORNWALL VT || Crash: N || VIN #:

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru impreza. the contact stated that while driving 15 mph, he noticed that the doors would not lock on their own. the contact also stated that the doors would not open without engaging the lock button. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was contacted and they stated that the vehicle was operating as intended. updated 7/26/12 *cn the consumer also stated if he locked the doors and tried to exit the drivers door (or any of the doors), the door must be unlocked before the door will open. updated 08/07/12 the consumer stated with all the vehicles he has driven/rented, he has never seen a situation where this was the case. in the event of a crash where fuel is leaking, the extra seconds needed to reset the lock could be the difference between getting out the car without injury or suffering significant/fatal injury. updated 03/26/13

Reported in: WAYNE NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GJAA6XCH

AIR BAGS

while driving the vehicle, the passenger air bag indicator was indicating that it was off while a passenger was sitting in the seat. this is unusual because if something such as a purse is placed in the seat, the indicator will change from off to on due to the seat being occupied. i think this is very unsafe and i fear driving the vehicle with a passenger in the seat. this is very alarming to me because there are many times i have 4 children in the car with me. 3 in the back of course and one in the front.

Reported in: DOUGLASSVILLE PA || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GPAA62CG

STEERING

power steering failed unexpectedly, dealer verified it was due to a cracked wiring harness.

Reported in: KINGSTON NY || Crash: N || VIN #:

SEAT BELTS

driving down the road with a passenger, airbag light switches to off and the airbag light on the dash illuminates. passenger can then unbuckle seat belt and no alarms sound alerting that the seatbelt is off. this has happened on several occasions. took to dealer and they blamed it on a pair of jumper cables under the seat. service writer told me it could happen if someone didn't have enough water in their system, which is bs. if its not bs then i don't feel safe with a passenger. even after jumper cables were removed the problem still occurs. have seen many issues on forums with same problem. *js

Reported in: BLACK RIVER NY || Crash: N || VIN #:

AIR BAGS

Reported in: BLACK RIVER NY || Crash: N || VIN #:

AIR BAGS

tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru impreza. the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the front passenger air bag warning lamp illuminated even though there was an occupant in the front seat. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who stated that the occupancy seat sensor detected wetness from the passenger's clothing which resulted to the sensor not operating properly. the manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 12,800. updated 08/29/12*lj

Reported in: PRIOR LAKE MN || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GPAL63CG

ENGINE

i purchased my 2012 subaru impreza sport premium on 12/24/2011. it had less than 100 miles when purchased from the dealer. at 1200 miles, the oil light came on. i checked the oil level and it was very low. i called broadway subaru in oakland,ca about the problem. i explained, how can a brand new car have low oil? they said this is common and to add oil. added oil and the light went off. today, the light appeared again at 5560 miles. oil again is low but within normal levels. i called broadway subaru and told them the problem. again, the guy explained this is normal for all cars to burn oil, whether it's an american car, japanese, or anything else. is he serious? i hondas for close to 20 years and never ever did an oil light come on, let alone on a new engine which is not due for its first oil change until 7500 miles. i made an appt for 8/24/2012.

Reported in: HAYWARD CA || Crash: N || VIN #:

AIR BAGS

passenger side airbag turned off with adult sitting in the seat. sensor replaced by dealer in july 2012, brought back august 2012 with same problem. was informed by the dealer that the malfunction was caused by either an electronic device (cell phone) on the seat or the sensor may have been wet. i contacted subaru north america with this explanation and they confirmed that the new sensoring technology used in the impreza, was sensitive to electronic pulses and also moisture and possibly sweat. they confirmed that the airbag may turn-off and would not be activated during a collision. subaru now considers this matter closed.

Reported in: MILFORD CT || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GPAA67CH

SEATS

passenger airbag sensor stated that it was disabled randomly (whether car was in motion or not), even though seat was occupied. airbag light would illuminate on dashboard. to correct issue, vehicle had to be restarted multiple times, so that airbag would reactivate. this would need to be repeated, as issue recurred multiple times per day. in the case of an accident, airbag most likely would not have deployed due to faulty passenger sensor. subaru stated airbag module required replacing, after inspection was made.

Reported in: NORTH BELLMORE NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GPAA6XCH

AIR BAGS

Reported in: NORTH BELLMORE NY || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GPAA6XCH

AIR BAGS

i started noticing that the front passenger airbag light wasn't always "on" when there was a passenger seated there. it seemed to malfunction more frequently when a heavier person was on the seat. attempts to get it to activate (unbuckling and rebuckling seatbelt, bouncing on the seat, stopping the car and restarting) all had no effect. this problem has continued intermittently.

Reported in: PORTLAND OR || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GJAA65CH

AIR BAGS

the airbags in this vehicle turn off while driving (driver and passenger side dashboard icons indicate airbags are turned off). vehicle must be stopped and restarted for the airbags to turn back on. there seems to be a relationship to electronic interference - passenger use of iphone or ipad may be involved - but it has happened with no passenger as well. this happened 5 times in one day recently while driving at high altitude (pikes peak, co). probably related: the seat belt alarm has gone off when iphone is placed on empty passenger seat while driving.

Reported in: LAWRENCE KS || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GPAA62CH

SEAT BELTS

Reported in: LAWRENCE KS || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GPAA62CH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Reported in: LAWRENCE KS || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GPAA62CH

POWER TRAIN

i backed up in my driveway and shifted into drive and i noticed a lag time of about 2 seconds shifting from reverse to drive. i contacted the subaru dealership and the staff assured me that was normal for the cvt transmission. when i took the subaru impreza for the 2500 mile check up and spoke to the service manager at the dealership, he also felt that this was a safety issue especially when backing up into traffic and waiting for the transmission and it's "slow engagement" into drive. he has expressed his views to subaru and like me has been assured it's ok. i still feel it's a safety issue.

Reported in: ANNAPOLIS MD || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GPAG63CH

SERVICE BRAKES

this issue has happened twice, so i feel it's necessary to report it to the nhtsa. the first time this issue was happening, i was following another car going slightly downhill at about 30mph. the posted speed limit was 35mph so i felt like i was constantly switching back and forth between throttle and brake, but not so quickly as to press them at the same time. when this issue occured, there were three solid yellow/orange/gold (depending on how you look at colors) lights lit up solidly in the instrument cluster: the traction control light, the abs light, and the hill hold assist light. i immediately pulled into the nearest parking lot which was about 15 feet away. i tried everything to get the lights to go away before turning the car off, and when nothing worked i finally just cycled the ignition off then back on. all three magically went away by doing this. the second time this happened was only a few days ago and i was literally just sitting in my driveway on a level surface. my house is recessed into the ground about 10 feet from the top of my driveway, where the top is actually level and it is where i was sitting at. sitting there, i revved my engine and slowly rolled down the driveway (in neutral, so i didn't go anywhere). before the rpms went back to an idle i started rolling down our driveway (which is at least a 30 degree slope downhill) but when rolling down i was definitely on the brakes a little as to not go even past 1mph -- so very slow. i noticed all three lights came on again. this time i decided to let it sit for a while so i can try even more troubleshooting. still no results unless i cycled the ignition. i took it into the dealer today for an ecm update they sent me in the mail, and they said they did see a "brake switch error" for code "history" but there were no current codes. a simple google search shows hundreds of people with the same problem.

Reported in: LAKE OSWEGO OR || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GV8J63CL

TIRES

crack in tire sidewall. no exterior damage. tire guy said problem in manufacture.

Reported in: LISBON OH || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GPAH60CH

SERVICE BRAKES

tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru impreza. the contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and abnormally traveled to the floorboard. the vehicle continued to accelerate until constant pressure was applied to the brakes. the failure recurred three times. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 11v562000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. the technician was unable to duplicate the problem. the manufacturer was not notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 47,000.

Reported in: GAITHERSBURG MD || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GV7E64CG

ENGINE

followed too closely through a double intersection with a non-functioning light. police officer directed traffic through the intersection but apparently we had to stop before the second intersection. apparently i slowed down enough that the airbag did not deploy. i indicated 20 but surely my airbag would have deployed at that speed. was able to drive the car under its own power off the road into a subway parking lot. as i was maneuvering into a parking spot the engine caught on fire. it seems strange to me that if i was going slow enough for the airbag not to deploy but for some components to catch on fire that the car is road worthy. worth looking into?

Reported in: WASHINGTON MI || Crash: Y || VIN #: JF1GPAL67CH

AIR BAGS

Reported in: WASHINGTON MI || Crash: Y || VIN #: JF1GPAL67CH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Reported in: WASHINGTON MI || Crash: Y || VIN #: JF1GPAL67CH

ENGINE

tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru impreza. the contact stated that while driving 60 mph, there was a knocking noise coming from the vehicle. the contact also saw oil leaking from under the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that there was a rod loose in cylinder four. the engine was replaced. the failure was reported to the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 21,000. the current mileage was 21,100.

Reported in: ORINDA CA || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GR7E65CG

AIR BAGS

the passanger airbag is in off position with person sitting in seat. happens occasionally. dealership claims that "it shows no eros when the test it".

Reported in: GERMANTOWN MD || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GPAL66CH

AIR BAGS

while driving with a passenger the air bag indicator on the dash board went from on to off and the air bag light illuminated on the drivers dash. this has occurred a few other times but only occurs when there is a passenger in the front seat. *jb

Reported in: WORCESTER MA || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GJAC68CH

AIR BAGS

usually it should be on, with a passenger sitting in the front passenger seat while driving. but since about 3 months ago, the passenger air bag off indicator light turned on when there was passenger sitting in the car. this.happened about 5-6 times during the last 3 months. we made an appointment and sent the car to garavel subaru dealer in norwalk, ct on 9/5/13 at the milage around 29,000miles. they looked at the car for just 10 minutes and could not find any issue related to this. same issue occurred again once after above visit. i hope dmv could help me to solve this safety related issue before the car warranty expires at 36k. thank you very much.

Reported in: WESTPORT CT || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GJAA64CH

ENGINE

low oil warning light on dash. brought to dealer. no action. oil warning light on 3 times since then. still no action taken by dealer. subaru dealer does not deny oil is being burned but states that this is normal for a new car. we have begun an oil consumption test but the car continues to burn oil. we will have to drive another 2400 miles to get the results of the test. the car only has 17,000 miles but oil warning light comes on indicating low oil every 1,200 to 1,500 miles. still awaiting response from subaru.

Reported in: NEW HAVEN CT || Crash: N || VIN #:

ENGINE

my subaru imprera's low engine oil light has been on multiple times since april of this year and has been brought to the attention of subaru dealer to no avail. though the oil consumption rate is abnormal and the problem appears to be common among certain subaru models, subaru of america has been asserting that it is normal for an automobile to consume a quart of oil about every thousand miles.

Reported in: WHITEHOUSE STATION NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GPAA62CG

ENGINE

tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru impreza. the contact stated that he the vehicle exhibited excessive oil consumption. the contact added one quart of oil to the vehicle, which only lasted approximately 900 miles. the vehicle was inspected. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the failure mileage was 7,500 updated 01/14/14 *bf

Reported in: DANBURY CT || Crash: N || VIN #: JF1GJAA66CH

AIR BAGS

passenger air bag light turns from on to off with a passenger sitting there. manual says this happens when there is moisture in the seat. first of all, the airbag should not turn off for that reason, that is a safety problem. second, it turns off even when there is no moisture. it scares me. i need to know that the airbag is still working even if that off light is on if my son is sitting there.

Reported in: BALTIMORE MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

ENGINE

2012 impreza... bought new, nothing but headaches. all problems listed below occurred before i had even owned the car 2 years. 1. at 8-10k miles - while driving car would randomly turn off passenger airbags and illuminate no passenger seatbelt on the dash. took car to dealer 3 times. dealer refused to fix as the "error was not stored in the computer." suggested cell phone was the problem even though cell phones were not near the seat during each of the multiple incidents. i had to complain to corporate who told the dealer to replace the sensor in the seat. no problems since. 2. at 15k miles - multiple times car would turn on check engine light and traction control light simultaneously. first incident dealer said "dirty camshaft sensor." second incident i had to refuse to take the car back until they actually fixed a part. dealer kept car a whole week and made calls to corporate engineers. tests revealed it was a "failed oil pressure valve." replaced the part and no more problems. 3. at 25k miles - bad battery. had to replace when car was only 1 year and 10 months old.

Reported in: WALDORF MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

AIR BAGS

Reported in: WALDORF MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Reported in: WALDORF MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

SERVICE BRAKES

addendum to 12/30/13 complaint: in addition to the previously outlined problems: 1. car is now loosing oil. at 26,500 miles the low oil level light came on. checked oil level and revealed car had lost approx 1.5-2 qt since last regularly scheduled oil change. 2. brakes squeal when you first compress the pedal. i had the brakes inspected and was told nothing was wrong with them or the brake pad. i do not think this is normal to occur every time you touch the brakes unless something is wrong. brakes did not start making noise until 25,000 miles. **no confidence this car is trustworthy. seriously worried about its reliability/ cost to repair after warranty expires.**

Reported in: WALDORF MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

ENGINE

Reported in: WALDORF MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

while driving in normal circumstances, engine power was lost, and complete loss of throttle control occurred. car would accelerate extremely slowly, and not past 20-25 mph (presumably 'engine fail-safe mode'?). thankfully not on a high-speed road. obd code was p2138, indicating a faulty accelerator position sensor, which was replaced by dealer under warranty.