Guide to Subaru factory fitted security
Here I look at the Subaru Impreza security equipment that comes as standard for each generation of car, explain how they work and offer suggestions on what can be done to enhance them.
Each generation of Subaru Impreza explained
Subaru Impreza theft by model year
Data for the past 6 months taken from NZ police records ending in July 2026
Gen 1 Impreza security
Highly vulnerable to theft
The Subaru Impreza always featured in the most stolen car list back in the early 2000’s. Even as late as 2014 it made #2 on the list.
Subaru Impreza security is erm... lacking!
These are super easy to break into. Pillar-less windows look good, but make the car very easy to get inside.
The gen 1 Impreza does not come with an alarm or an immobiliser. This made it a target for theft.
It’s also a cool car. Whilst I don’t condone car theft, I understand why these got taken for a joyride. The Mazda Demio and Toyota Aqua on the other hand… It must be a generational thing but I struggle to understand the younger generation of scumbags!
Central locking, but no keyless entry
Requires driver door locking actuator
The early models had central locking but lacked keyless entry.
To make the Impreza work with remote locking a locking actuator needs to be installed in the drivers door. I like to use the existing locking module and trigger the relays on the back or the circuit board. This sort of work was really common for Japanese cars from this era.
Alarm/immobiliser recommended
A insurance level immobiliser is a must, but I recommend a good remote alarm/immobiliser. Ideally one with ultrasonic sensors.
Gen 2 Impreza security
Unsecure until 2003
The 2nd generation Impreza security system is pretty much the same as the gen 1.
- No immobiliser
- No alarm
- Pillar-less windows
March 2003 security upgrade
Up until March 2003, all Subaru models lacked any form of factory installed security. All New Zealand-new models manufactured after March are much more secure as they all come with a Subaru immobiliser and Datadot technology.
Note that New Zealand has a large number of Impreza’s that are used Japanese imports. These do not come with the upgraded security package.
Making the LED look factory fitted
Installing the alarm/immobiliser LED to look stock
There is a sweet spot in the instrument cluster where an alarm LED can be fitted. To do this, the cluster needs to come out and be taken apart. The result looks like a factory immobiliser and is super clean.
I’ve done this for a number of different cars made in the 1990’s and 2000’s. You can find out more about custom LED fitment here.
Upgrading the gen 2 Impreza security
Alarm system recommeded
Obviously an immobiliser is a must if your Impreza does not have one.
I’d recommend an alarm with ultrasonic sensors for all models due to the Pillar-less windows
Plip upgrade alarm
A PLIP upgrade alarm works with the factory remote and is a good option if your Impreza has the factory immobiliser.
If you don’t have the factory immobiliser then I suggest getting a remote alarm with auto arming immobiliser. This should help keep your insurance company happy
Gen 3 Impreza security
Factory fitted security
The 3rd generation Subaru Impreza was released in 2007. It addressed most of the security vulnerabilities of the previous generation car.
All models come with a factory immobiliser and the pillar-less windows are gone. There is also a basic Subaru alarm that can be activated.
Instructions to turn on/off the factory alarm
- Sit in the car with the doors and boot closed.
- Turn on the ignition.
- Press and hold the unlock switch on the drivers door card.
- Open the door within one second of pressing the switch whilst keeping it pressed down for about 10 seconds.
- The horn beeps once when alarm is activated, or twice when being disabled.
How does the factory Subaru alarm work?
Horn alarm
The Impreza alarm arms and disarms with the Subaru’s keyless entry system.
If a door or the boot is opened whilst the alarm is armed then the horn will sound and the hazard lights flash.
Disarming the factory alarm when the remote battery fails
If the battery in the remote fails, or you are unable to unlock the car with the remote, then open the car with the physical key, then turn the ignition on. The Subaru will recognise the RFID and the alarm will disarm.
If you have a proximity key, then put your foot on the brake or clutch, then press the start button with the remote.
Upgrading the Gen 3 Impreza alarm
CAN-BUS alarm
A good CAN-BUS alarm is the way to go if you want an extra layer of protection.
The photos show how the Vodafone Automotive 4822 looks when installed in the Impreza. The alarm works with the existing keyless entry system so is super easy to use.
Enhanced security
The 4822 provides addition protection over the factory alarm including:
- Hidden battery back-up siren
- Ultrasonic internal movement sensors
- Built-in tilt sensor
- Bonnet switch
Gen 4, 5 & 6 Impreza security
CAN-BUS alarms and Immobilisers
Whilst all Subaru models made after 2012 have a good level of factory security, vehicles with push to start ignitions are becoming more vulnerable to modern theft methods which are constantly evolving.
It’s worth considering a CAN-BUS immobiliser such as the IGLA, or an alarm with an ADR card as an added layer of protection
