Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2019 Subaru Impreza
The 2019 Subaru Impreza faces recall issues with its headlights, fuel pump, and ECM, potentially affecting safety and reliability. It's crucial to verify these have been addressed during a pre-purchase inspection. Common complaints include electrical, wiper, and visibility concerns which warrant specific checks before purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2019 Subaru Impreza has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 194 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #22V624000 Damaged Lamp Reflectors/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V587000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V264000 ECM Software May Cause Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V218000 Fuel Pump May Become Inoperative/Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V743000 ECM Software May Cause Stall NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Exterior Lighting 63 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 55 complaints
- Unknown or Other 26 complaints
- Electrical System 19 complaints
- Engine 8 complaints
- Service Brakes 8 complaints
Of the 194 complaints on file, 6 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 194 complaints, owners report 5 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
ECM short circuit risk
How to check: Ensure ECM recalls are addressed and check for electrical odors.
Fuel pump failure
How to check: Confirm all fuel pump recalls have been completed.
Headlight reflector performance
How to check: Verify clear visibility and proper headlight function.
General electrical system faults
How to check: Inspect for unusual wiring and test all electronics.
Wiper performance issues
How to check: Test wipers for smooth operation and full range.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for rough idling or startup noises.
Red flag: Unusual noises persist or worsen.
- 02
First minute driving
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and noise.
Red flag: Brakes squeak or feel spongy.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check all dashboard lights work properly.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights illuminated.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Assess engine responsiveness and smooth gearing.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerky acceleration.
- 05
Parking
What to check: Evaluate steering responsiveness and ease.
Red flag: Steering wheel feels stiff or unresponsive.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel pump been replaced?
- Were all recalls addressed?
- Any history of electrical issues?
- Why are you selling the car?
- Has the vehicle been in any accidents?
- How often was the car serviced?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recent recall repair records
- Full service history
- Accident repair documentation
- Title and registration
- Vehicle inspection report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2019 Subaru Impreza at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2019 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.