Owners have filed 25 complaints
about the 1996 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA between 1996 and 2003.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 26 of 31 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 11
Against the median year of the Subaru Impreza. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
48% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1996 Subaru Impreza
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
520.0%
1 crashes, 1 fires
Airbags
520.0%
4 crashes, 0 fires
Seats
312.0%
Wheels
312.0%
Suspension
28.0%
Engine & Cooling
28.0%
Other & Unspecified
14.0%
Seat Belts
14.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Tires
14.0%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
14.0%
Fuel & Propulsion
14.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 1996peak 4Jun 2003
Recalls on the 1996 Subaru Impreza
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
08E050000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200006946,003 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicle do not comply with Regulation 6 - Statement of Compliance. Compliance label was not expressed in both official languages in regard to vehicle classification. Correction: No corrective action will be taken for existing vehicles. Correct compliance label will be affixed in current production vehicles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Redding, CA1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
PLEASE NOTE; BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AT THE SAME TIME WHILE THE SUBARU IMPREZA WAS IN PARK.
NHTSA complaint #733562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indp, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35MPH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #844059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indp, INCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35MPH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #844059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
BRAKES FAILED AND STARTED TO SMOKE ON A HILL. I HAVE DRIVEN FOR 20 YEARS, WITH MANY DIFFERENT CARS. IF TRAFFIC HAD BEEN SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MY WIFE AND I COULD BE DEAD.
NHTSA complaint #706896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salt Lake, UTCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN DRIVER'S AND PASSANGER'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #526988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dakata, GACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH WHEN SHE PRESSED ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING CAR AHEAD. ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN FISHTAILING. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME VEHICLE FISHTAILED DUE TO ABS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HIT A BRIDGE, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT SHATTERED THE SHATTERED PROOF WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #811999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Harpers Ferry, WV
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE BEGINS TO VIBRATE AND THEN DRASTICALLY LOSES POWER NOT BEING ABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED ABOVE 40MPH. DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER 2, BUT HAS BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT.
NHTSA complaint #10022640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yacolt, WA
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
AT 61629 AND 63512 MILES WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AT DEALERSHIP. BEARINGS WERE BEING GREASED WITH WRONG KIND OF GREASE AND THE AMOUNT OF GREASE WAS NOT SUFFICIENT FOR PROPER USE. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS.
NHTSA complaint #8001837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redding, CA1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
PLEASE NOTE; BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AT THE SAME TIME WHILE THE SUBARU IMPREZA WAS IN PARK.
NHTSA complaint #733562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reisterstown, MD
TIRES
ALL FOUR TIRES SPLIT AROUND THE SIDEWALLS AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 185-70 R14 )
NHTSA complaint #729510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hadlyme, CT
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
THE NUT THAT ATTACHES THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO THE MOTOR CAME OFF. WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECAME INOPERABLE, OBSTRUCTING THE VIEW OF THE DRIVER. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #855733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #547560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indp, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35MPH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #844059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indp, INCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35MPH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #844059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newton, NJ
WHEELS:HUB
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH WHEEL COVER: CAPS NOT STAYING ON. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #841775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
BRAKES FAILED AND STARTED TO SMOKE ON A HILL. I HAVE DRIVEN FOR 20 YEARS, WITH MANY DIFFERENT CARS. IF TRAFFIC HAD BEEN SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MY WIFE AND I COULD BE DEAD.
NHTSA complaint #706896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
A STUCK VALVE CAUSED THE CAR TO MISFIRE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO GO ON. IT TOOK SUBARU 3 MONTHS TO FIGURE IT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #706899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A STUCK VALVE CAUSED THE CAR TO MISFIRE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO GO ON. IT TOOK SUBARU 3 MONTHS TO FIGURE IT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #706899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, MO
WHEELS:HUB
HUB CAPS ARE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE AND REINSTALL. THE SERVICE DEALER'S TECH. BROKE ONE TRYING TO REMOVE THE COVER. THE COVERS (4) HAVE NOT STAYED ON AFTER REINSTALLATION. IF THE DEALER CAN NOT INSTALL THEM PROPERLY, HOW IS THE CONSUMER GOING TO INSTALL THEM PROPERLY?
NHTSA complaint #700944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ashland, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ANTI LOCK BRAKES GRINDING WITH NOISE, INTERMITTENT BRAKE LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #525435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salt Lake, UTCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN DRIVER'S AND PASSANGER'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #526988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castro VAL, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED SERVICE.
NHTSA complaint #605199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #605199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH WHEN SHE PRESSED ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING CAR AHEAD, ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN FISHTAILING. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME VEHICLE FISHTAILED DUE TO ABS FAILURE. WHEN VEHICLE HIT BRIDGE, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #816309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fontana, CA
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
VEHICLE HAS NO HEAD RESTRAINTS; ALSO, SEATBACK IS SHORT. ONE COULD GET A BROKEN NECK IF IN THE REAR DURING AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #518127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fontana, CA
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
VEHICLE HAS NO HEAD RESTRAINTS; ALSO, SEATBACK IS SHORT. ONE COULD GET A BROKEN NECK IF IN THE REAR DURING AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #518127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fontana, CA
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
VEHICLE HAS NO HEADRESTS.
NHTSA complaint #518981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dakata, GACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH WHEN SHE PRESSED ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING CAR AHEAD. ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN FISHTAILING. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME VEHICLE FISHTAILED DUE TO ABS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HIT A BRIDGE, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT SHATTERED THE SHATTERED PROOF WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #811999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dakata, GACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH WHEN SHE PRESSED ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING CAR AHEAD. ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN FISHTAILING. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME VEHICLE FISHTAILED DUE TO ABS FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HIT A BRIDGE, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT SHATTERED THE SHATTERED PROOF WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #811999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakton, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A REAREND COLLISION TRAVELING ABOUT 10 MPH AND BOTH DRIVER'S AND PASSESNGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS LITTLE TO NO DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE, PE96-075.
NHTSA complaint #811883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, VT
WHEELS:MULTI PIECE
HUBCAPS ON VEHICLE DESIGNED TO DETER VANDALISM, AND CAN ONLY BE REMOVED BY POUNDING THEM WITH A RUBBER MALLET.
NHTSA complaint #504583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.