Common Problems with the
2020 Subaru Impreza Mk5 (GT/GK)

Later Mk5 cars can suffer thermo control valve faults, bringing up dashboard warning lights and poor heater performance without an obvious external coolant leak. Lamps and electrical faults are the most common MOT failure area on the Impreza.

The Starlink-era head unit can become slow, glitchy or develop screen faults such as freezing and ghost touches. Dashboard warning lights and electrical faults dominate the Impreza's MOT failure record, so any persistent electrical warning should be investigated.

A long-running owner complaint on Impreza forums is a knock or clunk from the front end on bumps or when turning lock to lock, usually traced to worn strut top mounts, anti-roll bar drop links or wishbone bushes. Suspension is a leading MOT failure category on this model.

The Impreza's exhaust can corrode under UK winter salt, causing blowing or rattling noises and an MOT failure on exhaust, emissions and leaks. This failure area is well represented in the Impreza's MOT record, especially on higher-mileage cars.