2020 Subaru Impreza
The 2020 Subaru Impreza is a compact car known for its standard all-wheel drive, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission (base model) or a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Owners often praise the Impreza for its safety features, comfortable ride, and handling in inclement weather. Common dislikes include the engine’s relatively low power output and the CVT’s sometimes sluggish responsiveness.
Engine
2.0L Four-Cylinder Engine
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring them to add oil between scheduled oil changes. The frequency of this issue varies.
- Solution: Subaru has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to oil consumption for various models, though not specifically targeting the 2020 Impreza. The fix could involve replacing the piston rings, although the exact procedure may vary depending on the dealer’s diagnosis.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Lineartronic CVT
- Hesitation/Jerking
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced hesitation or jerking during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds. This is often attributed to the CVT’s programming.
- Solution: In some cases, a software update to the CVT control module can improve the transmission’s behavior.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
No Issues Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system, including the touchscreen display, can occasionally freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This may require restarting the vehicle or the system.
- Solution: A software update to the infotainment system is often the recommended solution.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if covered under warranty or a free update is available). $100 - $200+ (if a paid software update or diagnosis is required).
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the battery draining quickly, especially if the vehicle is not driven frequently or if certain electrical accessories are left on.
- Solution: Replacing the battery with a higher-quality or properly sized battery. Diagnosing parasitic draws and addressing the cause.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Windshield Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported the windshield being prone to cracking from small impacts or road debris.
- Solution: Windshield replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Rattling/Vibration Noises
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling or vibration noises emanating from the dashboard, door panels, or other interior trim pieces.
- Solution: Identifying the source of the noise and securing or replacing the affected trim piece.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ (depending on the severity and location)
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2020 Subaru Impreza generally has a good reputation for reliability, but owners have reported some issues. The most significant concern appears to be potential excessive oil consumption, which can be costly to repair. Infotainment system glitches and battery drain are also recurring complaints. The severity of these issues varies, and some may be covered under warranty. Overall, while the Impreza has its drawbacks, the issues are not universally experienced, and many owners find the car to be a dependable and practical choice.