The first American-built Subaru Impreza rolled off its Indiana assembly line towards the end of 2016, marking the start of production of this all-new fifth-generation Impreza that hit the road for model-year 2017.
With increased sales and year-over-year sales success in Canada, production was ramped up to meet growing demand for Subaru’s entry-level model, itself a last-of-its-kind compact with an available manual transmission and all-wheel drive included as standard kit on every model.
This generation Impreza rode an all-new global platform built to meet higher safety and driving performance targets than its predecessor. Careful attention to suspension and brake tuning was applied to give the latest Impreza a livelier feel, and safety equipment was upgraded with numerous optimizations and add-ons to the EyeSight safety suite.
Engineers recalibrated the climate control system, infotainment, navigation, and even window defrosters to help ensure the latest machine worked even better for its loyal buyers. Look for a 2-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine with 152 horsepower, available with either a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT).
With standard AWD and a manual gearbox if you like, the Impreza was a small car with SUV traction to some, and one of the best wintertime compact car driving experiences on the road.
A 2020 model-year makeover updated the Impreza’s looks, though other year-to-year changes are largely just packaging. The newer the unit you look at, the more standard safety and connectivity equipment you’ll find — even in lower model grades.
Follow the links below for additional features, news, reviews, and specifications on the Subaru Impreza, and read on for five tips to help you find the best used model possible for your dollar.
Strut towers
2020 Subaru Impreza Photo by Brian Harper /Driving
One of the most-discussed topics in the owners’ community relates to the fifth-generation Impreza’s strut-tower design, which can allow water to accumulate within the top of this part of the car’s structure where the front shocks are attached.
It’s completely normal for water to be able to drip into this area, but many owners say the Impreza’s strut towers don’t have a cap to keep that water out. As a result, water can accumulate within the top of the strut tower assembly and strut, possibly causing damage or rust.
Check this area carefully on your test drive, noting that excessive rust can be a serious issue, especially on cars in saltier climates. Subaru released a service bulletin (#05-62-18) to address this problem with a new strut-tower cap, some cleaning, rust inhibitor, and possible painting.
- Water may accumulate in the strut-tower tops.
- Check this area carefully for rust or damage.
- Dealers have a fix.
Frozen screen
2020 Subaru Impreza Photo by Brian Harper /Driving
Some Impreza owners from this generation have reported problems with frozen, non-functional or occasionally fussy central touch-screens. Many have not.
On your test drive, give the central touchscreen a workout by activating as many functions as you can, cycling between menus and functions, setting a navigation destination, switching audio sources, engaging the back-up camera, and the like.
Be on the lookout for freezing or lagging, and if you notice any later on during ownership, there are a few steps to take.
Disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle’s battery can clear certain problems with this head unit. Though generally not advised in modern cars, the owners’ community has confirmed that it’s safe to do here. Glitchy touch-screen interfaces should also be checked for proper insertion of the navigation SD card.
A software update may be required to fix ongoing touchscreen issues. These steps seem to solve the problem for most owners who experience it, though some have reported that head-unit replacement was required.
- Give the central touch-screen interface a workout.
- Be on the lookout for freezing or lagging.
- Battery power cycle often fixes issues.
- Software update or hardware replacement may be required.
Cruise control
2020 Subaru Impreza Photo by Brian Harper /Driving
Impreza owners say their cars can be fairly dramatic if an electronic problem is detected, even disabling the cruise control system. On your test drive, be on the lookout for warning lights and error messages in the instrument cluster, often referencing multiple errors with multiple systems.
Don’t be too alarmed, though.
Even a bad brake-pedal switch can cause an array of warning lights and messages, taking the cruise control offline to make sure you notice. In other instances, an electronic component relating to the air conditioner was identified as another possible culprit.
If you notice one or more error messages or warning lights in your new-to-you Impreza, have a dealership investigate for trouble codes and ask the service advisor whether any software updates or replacement parts may be available to fix the trouble.
- Cruise control may disengage if other problems are detected.
- Brake-light switch is a common culprit.
- A technician can quickly scan for trouble codes.
Battery problems
2020 Subaru Impreza Photo by Brian Harper /Driving
Numerous owners have reported problems with mystery battery drain that seems to shorten the lifespan of any battery installed to the Impreza over time. Some owners report multiple battery replacements being required in the span of just a few years, often with little warning that their battery is about to die.
Though it’s unclear how widespread these complaints are relative to total sales volume, Impreza shoppers should take a few steps to fend off possible issues.
First, have the battery tested and replaced if it’s weak. Second, carry a portable jumper pack in your vehicle with you to be safe — especially in the wintertime. Third, connect a trickle charger to help sustain the Impreza’s battery while it’s parked, especially for extended periods. Fourth, check the condition of the battery terminals regularly, cleaning off any gunk or buildup that accumulates a few times a year. Finally, be sure to store smart key fobs away from the vehicle, and to unplug all USB and 12-volt accessories when you’re parked.
- Many owners have reported battery issues.
- Keep a booster pack handy (just in case).
- Test the battery regularly.
Recalls
2020 Subaru Impreza Photo by Justin Pritchard
Recall work is performed free of charge by dealerships to check for and repair latent safety defects. When it comes to this generation of Subaru Impreza, Transport Canada lists 12 recalls covering most model years from this generation, with model-year 2017 units listed in half of the recalls.
Note that recalls may affect all, some or none of the production of a certain model-year.
You can check for any applicable recalls on the Impreza you’re considering by visiting this website.
Recalls make your vehicle safer, so it’s important to have any applicable recall work performed as soon as possible. Contact your local dealership for more information.
- Recall work is performed for free.
- If applicable, recalls address latent safety defects.
- Check with a dealership for any outstanding recalls.
Final thought
These tips were designed for test driving shoppers to more easily identify problems reported by some owners. A careful and attentive test drive that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a second-hand Subaru Impreza.
Keyword: Used Car Guide: 2017-2022 Subaru Impreza