Common Problems with the
2019–2021 Subaru Impreza Mk5 (GT/GK)

We've identified 2 known issues that can affect the 2019–2021 Subaru Impreza Mk5 (GT/GK). None are considered critical, but they're worth knowing about before you buy.

Known Issues

Serious

Moderate

Minor

The 2019–2021 period has 1 more issue than the Subaru Impreza Mk5 (GT/GK) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Thermo Control Valve Failure

ModerateCooling System

Later Mk5 cars can suffer thermo control valve faults, bringing up warning lights and poor heater performance without obvious external coolant leaks.

Estimated cost: £400–£900Affects: 2019–2023

Typical symptoms

•Engine warning light
•Cabin heater stays lukewarm
•Cooling fans running oddly

What to inspect before you buy

✓Check heater performance from cold
✓Ask if the valve has already been replaced
✓Scan the car for stored cooling-related fault codes

Infotainment Touchscreen Freezing or Delamination

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The Starlink-era head unit can become slow, glitchy or develop screen faults, which is irritating on a car that is otherwise very user-friendly.

Estimated cost: £0–£900Affects: 2018–2021

Typical symptoms

•Frozen display
•Ghost touches
•Bluetooth or camera dropout

What to inspect before you buy

✓Try navigation, media and phone pairing
✓Watch for delayed reverse camera loading
✓Check whether the head unit has already been updated or replaced

Buying Tips for the 2019 Subaru Impreza Mk5 (GT/GK)

✓If the windscreen has ever been replaced, make sure Eyesight works properly and the cameras were recalibrated.
✓A healthy 12V battery matters on these cars because weak voltage can trigger a lot of confusing dashboard warnings.
✓Test the touchscreen, Bluetooth and reverse camera carefully rather than assuming a software reset will cure everything.

2018 Subaru Impreza Mk5 (GT/GK)2022–2023 Subaru Impreza Mk5 (GT/GK)