Own a Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti for model years 2012 to 2014. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Impreza Wrx/sti owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 587 owner complaints on file for the Impreza Wrx/sti and 0 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (221), engine (146), electrical system (77).
Most-Reported Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Impreza Wrx/sti (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 221 | 37% | |
| Engine | 146 | 24% | |
| Electrical System | 77 | 13% | |
| Power Train | 57 | 9% | |
| Service Brakes | 38 | 6% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 32 | 5% | |
| Seats | 29 | 4% | |
| Steering | 26 | 4% |
Air Bags
221 of the 587 complaints (37%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Engine
146 of the 587 complaints (24%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
77 of the 587 complaints (13%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti Complaints by Model Year
The Impreza Wrx/sti model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2012, 2014. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 239 | |
| 2013 | 243 | |
| 2014 | 105 |
Most Common Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Impreza Wrx/sti. The most-cited is B1650 (manufacturer-specific body code), mentioned in 6 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| B1650 | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 6 |
| P2764 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 5 |
| P0021 | Intake camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 2) Oil, solenoid or timing component issue on the second bank. | 3 |
| P2138 | Throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation Failing accelerator pedal sensor or throttle sensor; can cause reduced power. | 3 |
| P0700 | Transmission control system malfunction The transmission computer stored its own code. A scan of the transmission module shows the real fault. | 2 |
| P0410 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Impreza Wrx/sti, 38 involved a crash, 10 involved a fire, 14 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Subaru will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Impreza Wrx/sti that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Impreza Wrx/sti owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti are air bags (221), engine (146), electrical system (77). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Impreza Wrx/sti model years have the most complaints?
The Impreza Wrx/sti model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2012, 2014. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti, the codes cited most often are B1650 (manufacturer-specific body code), P2764 (powertrain code), P0021 (intake camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 2)). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns for the Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti across model years 2012 to 2014. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Subaru vehicles including the Impreza Wrx/sti, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Subaru Impreza Wrx/sti in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Subaru Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.