Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2010 Subaru Impreza
The 2010 Subaru Impreza is a generally reliable used vehicle but be cautious of airbag inflator recalls. Take note of the brake and electrical recalls, and investigate any potential engine issues indicated by owner complaints.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2010 Subaru Impreza has 15 NHTSA recall campaigns and 47 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V003000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V002000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V297000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V149000 Brake Lights May Not Illuminate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V007000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V008000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V009000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V012000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V013000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V014000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V738000 Power Relay may Fail Allowing Air Pump to Overheat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V358000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V830000 Brake Line Corrosion at Four-Way Connector NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V311000 Brake Lines may Fail due to Corrosion NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Unknown or Other 9 complaints
- Air Bags 7 complaints
- Engine 7 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 6 complaints
- Electrical System 5 complaints
- Power Train 5 complaints
Of the 47 complaints on file, 3 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 47 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator recall
How to check: Verify recall completion through VIN lookup online.
Brake system recall
How to check: Check for completed recall paperwork with seller.
Ignition switch may fail
How to check: Ask if the ignition switch has been replaced recently.
Engine complaints reported
How to check: Inspect for unusual noises or leaks around engine bay.
Brake light switch may malfunction
How to check: Test brake lights with vehicle ignition on.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for engine noise and check warning lights.
Red flag: Unusual noises or lingering lights
- 02
First minute driving
What to check: Test brakes for immediate response.
Red flag: Delayed or soft brake response
- 03
Low speed maneuver
What to check: Test steering response and vehicle stability.
Red flag: Vague steering or wandering
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth gear shifts and power delivery.
Red flag: Hesitation or rough shifting
- 05
Highway cruising
What to check: Listen for unusual vibrations or noises.
Red flag: Vibrations indicating alignment issues
- 06
Braking from highway speed
What to check: Feel for brake pedal firmness and noise.
Red flag: Noisy or shaky braking experience
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been completed?
- Any recent issues with the ignition switch?
- Have there been any brake repairs?
- Are there any engine leaks or noises?
- Has the brake light switch been replaced?
- Have there been repeated electrical issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion certificate
- Recent service records
- Vehicle registration papers
- Title status documents
- Emission test result
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2010 Subaru Impreza at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2010 Subaru Impreza? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.