Selling a junk or non-running Subaru Impreza

No matter the year, when yours has quit running or a fix isn't worth it, you can sell the whole car as it sits. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

Six Impreza generations

Built dates and engine codes come from Wikipedia, which lists engines from every market, not only the US. The model years in the right two columns are the ones we grouped for each generation, so the edges are approximate.

Wikipedia also notes the sedan ran from 1992 to 2023 and the wagon from 1992 to 2007. The hatchback arrived in 2007 and is the body sold now. The WRX and WRX STI became their own model, the Subaru WRX.

Where the complaints cluster

2002-2007: fuel, brakes and corroding control arms

Beyond the 2002's fuel complaints, the 2003 leans toward hydraulic service brakes, 32 of 122. The 2004 is back on fuel: 37 name the gasoline fuel system and 31 the fuel and propulsion system, out of 138. Air bags lead the 2006 and 2007.

Under recall 11V464000, dealers checked the front lower control arms for corrosion on 2002-2007 Imprezas first sold in certain states. Foresters and the Saab 9-2X are among its 318,215 vehicles. On 2002-2003 cars, recall 02V282000 swapped a faulty automatic transmission parking rod. Passenger air bag inflators on these years were replaced under 15V323000 and 16V358000.

2008-2011: power train and structure

The 2008 has 281 complaints: power train 76, air bags 42 and structure 37. The 2009 follows the same pattern with power train 44 and structure 26. Two brake line recalls cover 2008-2011 Imprezas registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois and other listed states. Recall 14V311000 added a leak test, and 14V830000 added anti-corrosion wax at a four-way brake line joint. Both campaigns include WRXs and Foresters, so their vehicle counts are not the Impreza's alone.

2012-2016: air bags, and valve springs that may fracture

Air bags top the 2012 (101 of 246) and the 2013 (77 of 258), with engine close behind at 51 and 69. Recall 18V772000 replaced engine valve springs that may fracture on 2012-2014 Imprezas. The same campaign covers the 2013 BRZ, the XV Crosstrek and the Scion FR-S, 165,534 vehicles in all. Recall 19V149000 replaced the brake light switch on 2008-2016 Impreza sedans and 2012-2016 wagons; its 1,303,530 vehicles span four Subaru lines.

2017-2023: headlights, ignition coils and a weld

Exterior lighting is the top complaint on the 2017 (30), the 2018 (61) and the 2019 (62). Recall 22V624000 replaces the front headlamp assemblies on 2017-2019 Imprezas because the reflectors may not reflect enough light to meet the federal standard. Owner letters went out November 15, 2023.

Two recalls, 19V743000 and 21V264000, deal with an engine control module that may keep powering the ignition coil after the engine shuts off, on 2017-2019 Imprezas and 2018-2019 Crosstreks. Dealers update the software and replace coils, and the front exhaust pipe if needed. Recall 19V744000 covers an aluminum PCV valve that may come apart on 2017-2018 cars.

2024-2026: few complaints so far

The newest Imprezas have 38 complaints across three model years. They have had little time to collect them.

Impreza record, year by year

Source: NHTSA's complaint file, October 10, 2026. A campaign is listed under every year it reaches, which is why the recall column won't sum to 53.

Worth fixing?

Check the Impreza repair estimate against what a running one with the same year and miles sells for. When the Impreza repair costs close to its value, selling it as is often makes more sense.

• Check the VIN on NHTSA's recall page. An open recall is repaired by a Subaru dealer at no cost; the open recall guide explains how to handle one on a car you plan to sell.
• A 2012-2014 Impreza engine that's noisy or dead? Have a dealer confirm the valve spring recall was done. If the engine is finished regardless, see blown engine.
• Rust on a 2002-2011? Control arms and brake lines on these years drew corrosion recalls. Read failed inspection or rust and bad or seized brakes.

How the sale works

1. Look for the VIN on the dash or the door jamb, and jot down the miles.
2. Request an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Say what's wrong with your Impreza and if it's parked in a garage, at the curb or at a shop. Tell us if the Impreza rolls so we send the right truck.
4. Leave the parts on, wheels and converter included, and mention anything already removed.
5. Sign the title over at pickup. After you sell covers plates and insurance, and selling with no title helps if the title is missing.

Related pages: the Crosstrek, Legacy, Outback and the full Subaru list.