If you’re dealing with recurring problems in your 2022 Subaru Impreza, you’re not alone—and you’re smart to look into your rights under California’s lemon law. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act can provide powerful protection when a new or Certified Pre-Owned vehicle spends too much time in the shop or the same defect keeps coming back. This article explains the basics in plain language so you can feel informed before you decide what to do next.
At ZapLemon, we speak with California drivers every day who are frustrated by repeat issues like warning lights that won’t stay off, stalling or hesitation, infotainment glitches, or transmission-related concerns. While not every defect qualifies a car as a “lemon,” ongoing problems during the warranty period may trigger lemon law remedies.
The goal here is education, not legal advice. Every situation is different. Use this guide to understand the landscape, then consider contacting ZapLemon for a consultation to review your specific facts and warranty documents.
Is Your 2022 Subaru Impreza a Lemon in CA?
California’s lemon law generally applies when a manufacturer or its authorized dealer can’t fix a vehicle defect within a reasonable number of attempts during the warranty period. “Reasonable” depends on the problem. Safety-related issues often require fewer attempts than non-safety concerns. Time out of service also matters—if your car spends a significant number of days at the dealer, that can support a lemon claim.
There’s also a legal “presumption” window that can make cases easier to prove if the problems occur early in ownership (often referenced as within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles). Within that period, multiple repair attempts for the same issue, two or more attempts for serious safety defects, or a long stretch out of service may trigger a presumption that the car is a lemon. That said, you can still have a valid claim outside that window if issues continue under the original warranty.
Common owner complaints that may lead people to explore their options include repeat check-engine lights, rough shifting or hesitation in CVT-equipped vehicles, steering or braking vibrations, electrical or infotainment failures, water leaks, or repeated airbag and sensor faults. A single visit usually isn’t enough; it’s the pattern that matters. The key questions are: Is the defect substantial? Did it persist despite reasonable repair opportunities? And did it occur during the warranty?
Steps to Take: Records, Warranty, and Options
Start by gathering your paperwork. Keep every repair order, diagnostic report, and invoice—even for “no problem found” visits. Make sure each repair order clearly lists your complaint, the technician’s findings, and the dates in and out of service. A simple log noting mileage, dates, symptoms, and any warning lights or videos/photos you captured can be very helpful. Documentation is often the difference between a strong claim and a frustrating dead end.
Review your warranty booklet. Identify what parts and systems are covered, the time/mileage limits, and any powertrain coverage beyond the basic warranty. If you’re uncertain whether a repair is covered, ask the service advisor to clarify in writing. You can also open a case with the manufacturer’s customer support and record the case number. If the issue is safety-related (for example, stalling, brake failure, steering loss, or airbag warnings), communicate that clearly and promptly.
If repairs aren’t resolving the problem, you may have options under California lemon law, such as a repurchase (buyback), a replacement vehicle, or a cash-and-keep settlement, depending on the circumstances. Which path makes sense depends on your facts, the defect, and your goals. Before making any decision or signing any documents, consider speaking with a lemon law attorney. A consultation with ZapLemon can help you understand potential paths forward and what evidence will best support your case.
We hope this overview helps you feel more confident about the next steps with your 2022 Subaru Impreza. Remember, this article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship, and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes. Your situation is unique, and the right course of action depends on your specific facts and warranty.
If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon—or you just want clarity about your rights—contact ZapLemon for a no-obligation consultation at (310) 489-3017 or visit https://zaplemon.com. Our team can review your records, explain your options under California’s Song-Beverly Act, and help you decide on a practical path forward.
Until then, keep detailed records, stay on top of your warranty coverage, and don’t hesitate to ask the dealer for clear, written documentation of every repair attempt. The more organized you are, the easier it is to protect your rights.