Drivers should know the top six worst 2015 Subaru Impreza problems and recalls that have affected this vehicle before purchasing this unreliable model year! Let’s check out the concerns with the engine, windshield wipers, ignition switch, brake lights, wire coating, and head gasket!
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Top 6 Worst 2015 Subaru Impreza Problems
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Engine Oil Pipe Longevity
One of the most common 2016 Subaru Impreza problems is the engine oil pipe cracking after prolonged use. Subaru acknowledged back in 2008 that some of their cars have been made with a type of supply pipe that can deform due to a problem in the assembly.
In this case of a malfunctioning pipe, drivers will have a higher likelihood of experiencing excessive vibration and shaking while driving. This increased shaking can cause a crack in the engine oil pipe and a further oil leak in the car.
Fix #1: Replace Spark Plugs
Engine vibration can be a common symptom of engine vibration if your spark plugs are worn out, old, damaged, or faulty. With worn-out or dirty spark plugs due to debris or improper cleaning, the engine can misfire and won’t fire on each cylinder at the right time.
- Replacing your spark plugs can help remedy some of the 2015 Subaru Impreza problems by fixing the engine vibration and engine oil pipe damage. The price of replacing spark plugs ranges between $16 and $100, with the labor for the spark plugs costing between $40 and $150.
Fix #2: Replace Loose Hoses
If you have a loose, shaky hose, not tight, or disconnected, this can be another common cause of engine vibration. To fix this issue in your car, you might need to look under the hood for any disconnected hoses and reattach them when you find the connections that are loose or no longer connected fully.
- Replacing the loose engine hoses costs around $150 and $171 for a total radiator hose cost. The labor for this procedure is between $77 and $98, while the parts price is around $73 to help fix the 2015 Subaru Impreza problems.
Fix #3: Replace Fuel Intake System
The fuel intake and injection system is a process that conducts the fuel mixture from the carburetors to the intake valves of the engine, composed of the air filter, intake manifold, and carburetors. A poorly adjusted fuel intake system comprising all of these parts can cause engine vibrations.
- Replacing the fuel pump costs between $220 and $1,062 depending on your Impreza’s age and the other 2016 Subaru Impreza problems causing more severe internal issues.
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Overheating Windshield Wiper Motor
Listed in a manufacturer notice from Subaru, there have been some issues during the manufacturing and construction process on the front windshield wiper motor bottom cover. The building problems can result in the wiper arms resting in a higher position than originally intended, causing the wipers to overheat during use continuously.
Fix #1: Replace Windshield Wiper Motor
As you might guess in your car, if you can't see the road and the other vehicles on the road and people and other occurrences, it is hazardous. Without seeing the road in front clearly and behind you, you won’t clearly and safely operate the vehicle. The windshield wipers help the driver and car dealer off any dirt, debris, mud, rain, snow, and other contaminants that have lodged themselves on the windshield.
- Replacing the windshield wiper motor can help you prevent some of the most common 2015 Subaru Impreza problems with the windshield and visibility. Replacing this part costs between $362 and $418, with the labor between $87 and $110 and the parts between $275 and $308.
Fix #2: Replace Windshield Wiper
If you find the electrical components are working correctly and are not causing the 2015 Subaru Impreza problems, you need to look into the mechanical portions of your vehicle.
- The average cost for a windshield wiper blade replacement is between $62 and $84, with the labor costs between $26 and $33 and the price of the parts between $36 and $51.
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Ignition Switch Unintentionally Turns Off
Some severe 2015 Subaru Impreza problems involve the ignition switch and the electrical system within the cars. A replacement ignition switch installed in certain makes and models may have a ball spring that is more likely to experience long-term wear and tear that breaks down the parts and internal components.
The ignition switch is also prone to breaking due to excessive use and fatigue due to overuse. If the ignition switch is frequently used or the keys placed inside the switch are attached to heavy keychains and other items, this can cause the excess weight to break the ball spring.
Fix #1: Replace Ignition Switch
- Replacing the ignition switch sometimes involves replacing the lock cylinder to fix the most prevalent 2015 Subaru Impreza problems. The price usually ranges between $200 and $400 to replace the switch, with the ignition switch itself costing just between $75 and $150 for the labor.
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Brake Light Not Illuminating
Brake lights that refuse to turn on when you press down on the brake pedal can cause severe safety issues and 2015 Subaru Impreza problems. If the car behind you does not know that you are braking, it can drastically increase the likelihood of an accident.
According to a manufacturer notice from Subaru, the silicone gas can leak into the brake lamp switch in certain Subaru makes and models, causing the brake lights to not illuminate during use. If silicone is present in the car, silicone dioxide can form a layer on the braking system’s contract terminal.
Fix #1: Replace Brake Lights
- The cost of replacing the brake lights ranges greatly, with the prices going as low as $20 to as high as $150 per light.
Fix #2: Replace Car Battery Terminals
- If silicone dioxide forms a layer on the battery’s terminal, replacing your car’s corroded battery cable terminals costs less than $20 per terminal, including labor and parts.
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Wire Coating Damage
One of the worst 2015 Subaru Impreza problems is the covering and material of the car’s wire coatings. The wire coatings in Subaru Vehicles are composed of soy-based material and parts, causing the build and the materials used to attract rodents and other animals to the vehicle.
This soy-based wire coatings issue has become so bad that it has resulted in class action lawsuits and legal issues for the car manufacturer. During inspections of the Subaru vehicles in question, mechanics and the technicians discovered that rats and other animals had damaged the car’s rear wiper and the fuel line.
Fix #1: Rewire Your Vehicle
- If your vehicle needs to be rewired, it can run between $1,200 and $1,500 depending on the vehicle, the amount of wiring, and the time needed to fix the 2015 Subaru Impreza problems.
Fix #2: Replace Battery Cables
- Replacing battery cables in your 2015 Impreza typically costs between $125 and $400, depending on the extent of the damage. If you also have to replace the fuse, this can add between $110 and $140 to the total price.
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Head Gasket Concerns
A head gasket is a thin strip of metal with various holes punched through it. The gaskets get placed between the block and cylinder heads during the assembly process. The head gasket’s job is to absorb the energy between the two metal components near the engine. The gaskets are in charge of keeping the oil in the right oil passages and keeping the coolant in the correct coolant lanes.
When the head gasket fails, the engine is no longer able to contain the pressures that have been built inside. The explosive forces are then trapped in places within the engine that they shouldn’t be – this means that oil and coolant drift into the wrong places, causing the 2015 Subaru Impreza problems.
Fortunately, there are certain ways you can prevent the chances of head gasket problems and decrease the instances of failure. These tips can increase the lifespan of your Subaru and lower the percentage of vehicles with 2015 Subaru Impreza problems that lead to premature engine or transmission failure.
Fix #1: Change Engine Oil
First, you need to change the engine oil on a regular basis. The combustion chamber in your car is where the compressed air-fuel mixture is met with a spark from the spark plug, which creates an explosion, and therefore, power.
During the combustion process, not all of the fuel that enters the chamber is burnt. The fuel that isn’t burnt can mix with the engine oil, and the fuel that is a solvent can erode the seals and gaskets.
- Replacing your engine oil is a very inexpensive fix, costing between just $20 and $100 at a lube shop or regular mechanic. If you decide to do this yourself, you can save some money, with the procedure costing between $25 and $40 for just the pats.
Fix #2: Monitor Battery Life
Second, you need to keep an eye on your Subaru’s battery in order to prevent a blown head gasket or head gasket problems. Batteries typically last for 3-5 years before they begin to leak a significant amount of acid. During normal situations, the battery’s role is to power accessories when the vehicle is not on, and to start the vehicle before running.
A battery that is not properly taken care of and covered in battery acid will lead to corrosion in the cooling system. The corrosion will eat away at the head gaskets, seals, and metal. On the second generation engine in the Subaru, this typically occurs at the head gasket on the left-hand side.
- Replacing the battery in your car usually costs between $45 and $250, depending on the severity of the 2015 Subaru Impreza problems.
Fix #3: Regularly Change Coolant
Third, you should start changing the coolant in your Subaru on a regular basis. The coolant can become corrosive and deteriorate seals and gaskets if you don’t change the coolant regularly. The use of antifreeze that Subaru or a Subaru technician recommends can help second-generation engines.
- The average price of a coolant change is between $95 and $118.
Fix #4: Know Your Subaru!
Fourth, make sure you are knowledgeable of the parts and services that have been implemented into your Subaru. For example, you should use spark plugs and specific parts that were designed for Subaru models. The combustion temperatures can be negatively affected by nonoriginal equipment, causing the 2015 Subaru Impreza problems.
- Replacing spark plugs costs between $16 and $100 for one set of spark plugs.
Fix #5: Bring Your Car to a Mechanic
Lastly, make sure that you have the vehicle inspected by someone who is a licensed and authorized Subaru specialist or technician. Bringing your car in to be checked by a specialist means that you can ensure you have the best care for your car, and that there will be a prevention of the 2015 Subaru Impreza problems.
Subaru 2019 Recall
Subaru recalled over 400,000 vehicles at the end of 2019 to fix issues regarding the engine computers and potential motor debris. The debris and contaminants in the motor and the engine can cause overheating, excessive friction, and blockage in the system, leading to a lack of fuel distribution and oil efficiency.
The first recall dealt with 466,000 Imprezas produced between 2016 and 2019 and focused on the 2018 and 2019 Subaru Crosstreks. Subaru stated that the engine computer has a fault that keeps the ignition coil on and running, even when the motor and car are turned off. The continually-running computer engine, also known as the engine control unit, can cause a short circuit and lead to a potentially high Subaru engine repair cost.
One way to fix the Subaru engine recall is to update the internal software, replace the broken coils, and repair the front exhaust pipes to prevent blockages.
A second recall was made by Subaru that covered over 200,000 Subaru Impreza models produced between 2016 and 2019. This recall also covered the Subaru Crosstreks manufactured in 2018.
- This recall focused on the damaged positive crankcase ventilation system.
- If the crankcase is not functioning correctly, debris can affect the engine, leading to overheating, friction, power loss, and other severe 2015 Subaru Impreza problems.
The Bottom Line
Drivers should know the top six worst 2015 Subaru Impreza problems and recalls that have affected this vehicle before purchasing this unreliable model year!