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2010 Subaru Impreza

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2010 Impreza.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S4)

The 2010 Subaru Impreza is a compact passenger car built on Subaru’s longstanding platform and powered by a four‑cylinder engine that carries 4.5 qt of 5W‑30 API oil, paired with an S4 automatic transmission; its EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined reflect the model’s balanced efficiency for the era. While the vehicle logged 45 owner complaints overall—most frequently centered on the engine—and was subject to 15 recalls, its complaint count sits comfortably between the model’s historical peak of 300 complaints in 2002 and the low of a single complaint recorded in 2026. Consequently, the 2010 Impreza occupies a middle ground in the model’s reliability timeline, indicating a generally dependable year without the extremes of the line’s early‑year issues or the near‑perfect record of its most recent iteration.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192010

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque74-89 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy19/24/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 550 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 550 CCAOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S4)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length180.3 in
Overall width68.5 in
Overall height58.3 in
Wheelbase103.1 in
Curb weight3064 lb
Track (front / rear)59.4 / 59.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined19 / 24 / 21 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume11 cu ft
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Impreza of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.6–9.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.60 sec — 2008 2.5i Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20082.5i Sedan 2.5L F-47.60 sec15.90 sec170 hpAWD
20082.5i 5-door Hatchback 2.5L F-48.40 sec16.50 sec170 hpAWD
20082.5i Premium Sedan 2.5L F-49.50 sec17.20 sec170 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.5 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 74-89 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 33.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity10
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.7 Pints
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.5 qt

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts51-55 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts29 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug33.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts74-89 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug17.0-20.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub162 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub140 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-2-4
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)MT: 650, AT and TURBO: 700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance9520-12,880 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerNGK
Spark Plug Torque15 ft-lbs
Ignition Timing Acceptable VarianceTurbo: 10, Non-Turbo: 8 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.03-1.17 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type100
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance550 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature169-176 °F
Injector Primary Resistance12.0 ohms
Engine Oil Pressure14 psi @ 600 rpm, 43 psi @ 5000

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket59 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket114 ft-lbs / 20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle48 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle49 ft-lbs
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.944 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.944 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
135 ft. lbs., step 2: 6035 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
121.5 ft. lbs.21.5 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
536 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
680-90 degrees.80–90 degrees
740-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
840-45 degrees.; Lightly lubricate new cylinder head bolt, threads and flanges with engine oil.40–45 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
121.5 ft. lbs.21.5 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
536 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
680-90 degrees.80–90 degrees
740-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
840-45 degrees.; Lightly lubricate new cylinder head bolt, threads and flanges with engine oil.40–45 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
121.5 ft. lbs.21.5 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
536 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
680-90 degrees.80–90 degrees
740-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
840-45 degrees.; Lightly lubricate new cylinder head bolt, threads and flanges with engine oil.40–45 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 1,250 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi.

Every 1,250 miEngine Oil (inspect fluid level)
At 3,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 3,750 miBody Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Clutch Assembly (inspect) · Drive Belt Tensioner (replace) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exterior Lighting (inspect)
Every 7,500 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
At 15,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 miBattery Cable (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
Every 20,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (inspect)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Brake Line (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Injection System (inspect)
Every 60,000 miDrive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2010 Subaru Impreza sits within the third generation (2008–2011), a period marked by a high and persistent recall count—15 for 2010, matching the peak levels of 2008 and 2009—indicating that several systemic issues were addressed through manufacturer campaigns. However, the complaint volume for 2010 dropped sharply to just 45, the lowest of the generation and a fraction of the 209 complaints seen in 2008, suggesting that many early problems were resolved by this model year. The top complaint areas (engine and air bags, each with only 5 reports) are modest, and the absence of any federal investigations further supports a relatively clean record. While the high number of TSBs (221) points to numerous service bulletins, these are often proactive guidance rather than widespread defects. Overall, the 2010 Impreza represents a mature point in the generation with significantly fewer owner grievances than its predecessors, making it a solid used-car choice provided all 15 recalls have been completed.

15
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
221
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
45
Owner complaints
3 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’90’93’94’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 45 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine5
Air Bags5
Visibility/Wiper3
Unknown Or Other3
Service Brakes3
Power Train3
Engine & Engine Cooling3
Tires2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 15 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V149000Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:SwitchReported 28/02/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to… Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at…

19V007000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 09/01/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida… Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 221 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SubaruNet Annoucement (E2026-06-11Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood…
01-167-08R2026-05-18Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the…
SubaruNet Announcement (R2026-05-04Power TrainThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
07-240-26R2026-04-30Unknown Or OtherThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles…
03-97-262026-04-24Power TrainThis bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Impreza. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 35 batteryVehicles taking 4.5 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2010 Impreza take?

4.5 qt of 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2010 Impreza have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Impreza get?

EPA figures are 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined mpg.