Owners have filed 55 complaints
about the 1998 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA between 1998 and 2017.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 29 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 — 25
Against the median year of the Subaru Impreza. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 38
7.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Multiple Axle
828.6%
Engine
725.0%
Axle Shaft
414.3%
Clutch Assembly
310.7%
Wheel Bearing
27.1%
Axle Assembly
27.1%
Transfer Case (4-WHEEL Drive)
13.6%
Differential Unit
13.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
114.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
457.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
114.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
114.3%
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 1998peak 11Sep 2017
Recalls on the 1998 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.
Winsted, CTCrash1 injured
SEATS
VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND PUSHED INTO THE REAR OF VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE DRIVERS SEAT WAS TWISTED BACK TOWARD THE BACK SEAT AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT AND THE AIR BAGS DID NO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #536929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winsted, CTCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND PUSHED INTO THE REAR OF VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE DRIVERS SEAT WAS TWISTED BACK TOWARD THE BACK SEAT AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT AND THE AIR BAGS DID NO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #536929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Fort Collins, CO
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG RECALL AND IMPENDING SUIT AGAINST AIR BAG COMPANY
NHTSA complaint #11021833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesUpper St.clair, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
98 SUBARU IMPREZA 2.5RS. I HAD THE HEAD GASKETS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY THE FIRST TIME . AROUND A YEAR AFTER THAT,THE CAR OVER HEATED AGAIN. I HAD IT TOWED TO A AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT I WORKED AT AND HAD THEM TEST THE CAR TO SEE THE PROBLEM. IT WAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AGAIN. THEY DETERMINED THIS BY TESTING FOR ANY EMISSIONS IN THE COOLANT. THERE WAS ALSO A LARGE AMOUNT OF SLUDGE BUILD UP IN THE COOLANT RESERVOIR(OIL)AS WELL. SUBARU WOULD NOT WARRANTY THERE ORIGINAL WORK SO THE CAR SAT FOR A BIT BEFORE I COULD AFFORD TO HAVE IT FIXED. WHEN I SAVED UP SOME MONEY FOR THE REPAIR, I BROUGHT IT TO THE SUBARU DEALER TO HAVE THEM DO THE WORK ON IT. I WAS EXTREMELY UPSET WITH THE WORK THEY DID BUT GOT THE CAR BACK WITH A FUNCTIONAL ENGINE. NOT MORE THAN A YEAR AND A HALF LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPEN(OVERHEAT). AGAIN, I PULLED OVER RIGHT AWAY TO LIMIT ANY FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. AT THAT POINT, I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOME AND IT SAT FOR ABOUT A YEAR BEFORE THE BAD CHOICE TO REPAIR IT AGAIN. THIS TIME I SENT IT TO BOFFO AUTO REPAIR. THEY RECOMMENDED A NEW MOTOR BECAUSE THE LAST TIME THE "HEADS" HAD BEEN DONE, THEY MILLED THE HEADS SMOOTH AND NEW "HEADS" WERE NOT TO FAR OF THE PRICE OF A USED ENGINE. BOFFO FINALLY FOUND A USED ENGINE FOR MY CAR THAT APPARENTLY IS VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND. THE ENGINE HAD 32K ON IT AND WAS REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN CHECKED OVER AS A SAFE,RELIABLE MOTOR. AFTER SPENDING OVER $4000 THIS TIME AROUND, I HAD A WORKING CAR AGAIN. THE CAR CAME BACK TO ME NOT EVEN 3 MONTHS AGO. THE ENGINE OVER HEATED "AGAIN" THE OTHER DAY AND AGAIN I HAVE A HEAD GASKET LEAK(OIL INTO THE COOLANT). I HAVE BEEN LOOKING ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS TO BE A BIG ONE ON THE 98 VEHICLE. I FOUND OUT THAT THEY ONLY MADE THAT MOTOR FOR THE MODEL YEAR 98 ONLY. WHY IS THIS? I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY A SUBARU EMPLOYEE BECAUSE OF THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. I NEED YOUR HELP. I HAVE CONTACTED AN ATTORNEY THIS MORNING AND WILL HAVE HIM GET IN TOUCH WITH SUBARU.
NHTSA complaint #10168246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesFT. Collins, CO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
HEAD GASKET FAILURE ENGINE OVERHEATED ON 16 HOUR TRIP.. TOOK TO SUBARU DEALERSHIP, THEY PUT IN A NEW "STARTER BOLT" STATED IT WAS A BAD GROUND?? ON RETURN HOME CAR OVER HEATED AGAIN.. WAS REPAIRED BY SUBARU, TECH SAID IT WAS COMMON. 2ND HEAD GASKET FAILURE, TWO MONTHS LATER, OIL IN ANTIFREEZE... DRIVING 55-65 MPH FOR 10 MIN IN 75-80F WEATHER, NOT UNDER HARD ACCELERATION. FEAR THAT IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. CURRENT RECALL ON 99-01 MODELS FOR "COOLANT ADDITIVE". POOR HEAD GASKET DESIGN IS LEADING TO FAILURE... SEEMS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM ON 98'S (2.5RS DOHC EJ25 PHASE 1)
NHTSA complaint #10110468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesPoint Ricmond, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
INTERMITTENT FAILURE/SHORT OF POWER TO THE MAIN COMPUTER (ECU) AT APPOX. 120K MILES. CAR WOULD NOT START, NO CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT. AFTER WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK, IT STARTS AND RUNS FINE. TOOK TO MECHANIC, AND HE SAYS NOTHING WRONG. TWO WEEKS LATER, SAME THING. HOOK UP OBD II MONITOR AND IT SAYS ECU RECIEVING "NO PWR." TOWED TO SHOP. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED AS FAILED ECU AND REPLACED. TWO WEEKS LATER, SAME SYMPTOMS (NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, "NO PWR" ON OBD II MONITOR), BUT AN HOUR LATER CAR STARTED FINE AND OBD II SHOWED NO PROBLEMS. TOOK TO MECHANIC WHO FOUND NOTHING WRONG. HAPPENED AGAIN A WEEK LATER, MECHANIC FINDS NOTHING. TWO WEEKS AFTER THAT, FAILED AGAIN, WOULD NOT START AFTER MANY DAYS AND STILL SAYS "NO PWR." TOWED TO MECHANIC, AND ONCE IT GOT TO SHOP, STARTED FINE -- MOVEMENT DURING TOWING CAUSED POWER TO BE RESTORED TO ECU. THUS, IT'S A SHORT IN THE POWER PATH THAT RUNS THE ECU. MECHANIC CANNOT FIND PROBLEM. MECHANIC DISMANTLED FUSEBOXES AND FINDS NO APPARENT SIGNS OF SHORT ANYWHERE. SAYS IT'S A "SUBARU BUG." COST TO DATE: APPOX. $2000, AND NOT YET FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10086572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesPittsburgh, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE ENGINE KEPT OVERHEATING AND AIR WOULD APPEAR IN THE RADIATOR. ANTIFREEZE WOULD BE PUSHED OUT OF RADIATOR AND THE HEATER WOULD BLOW COLD AIR. THE CAR HAD TO BE SHUT OFF REPEATEDLY AND ALLOWED TO COOL DOWN AND THE ANTIFREEZE REPLACED. A CHECK OF THE COOLING SYSTEM DETECTED NO LEAKS. WE WERE TOOK THE CAR TO A NUMBER OF GARAGES UNTIL FINALLY ONE GARAGE TOLD US THAT THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS MOST LIKELY CRACKED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $3600. ACCORDING TO THE GARAGE, THEY HAVE REPLACED A NUMBER OF ENGINES FOR THIS PARTICULAR MODEL, SPECIFICALLY ONE WITH THE DOHC.
NHTSA complaint #10081183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearwater, MN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1998 SUBARU IMPREZA 53,000 MILES AND THE AUTO TECH AT SUBARU SAYS I HAVE A PISTON SLAP, $2500.00 TO PULL ENGINE AND CHECK THIS OUT. I HAVE CHANGED OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES BROUGHT IT IN FOR THE 30,000 MILEAGE OVER ALL CHECK UP - WHAT IS UP WITH THIS MOTOR?
NHTSA complaint #10078362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesNewington, CT
WHEELS
THIS CAR NEEDED REPLACEMENT OF BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AT SLIGHTLY OVER 67,000 MILES. NO OTHER SUBARU I HAVE OWNED OR HEARD OF NEEDED SUCH REPAIRS. MY PREVIOUS SUBARU HAD OVER 100,000 MILES ON IT WITH NO DEFECTS. THE SHOP PERSONEL AT THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH SOME OTHER IMPREZAS, AS WELL AS FORESTERS. I WROTE A LETTER TO SUBARU AMERICA, AFTER SIX DAYS I HAVEN'T RECIEVED ANY RESPONSE. I INCLUDED A COPY OF MY REPAIR BILL AS WELL AS MY RENTAL CAR FEES.
NHTSA complaint #10070799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesNewington, CT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS CAR NEEDED REPLACEMENT OF BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AT SLIGHTLY OVER 67,000 MILES. NO OTHER SUBARU I HAVE OWNED OR HEARD OF NEEDED SUCH REPAIRS. MY PREVIOUS SUBARU HAD OVER 100,000 MILES ON IT WITH NO DEFECTS. THE SHOP PERSONEL AT THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH SOME OTHER IMPREZAS, AS WELL AS FORESTERS. I WROTE A LETTER TO SUBARU AMERICA, AFTER SIX DAYS I HAVEN'T RECIEVED ANY RESPONSE. I INCLUDED A COPY OF MY REPAIR BILL AS WELL AS MY RENTAL CAR FEES.
NHTSA complaint #10070799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, ME
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE STALLS WHEN TRYING TO TAKE OFF AFTER STOPPING AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. THERE IS ALSO A RAPPING NOISE IN ENGINE UNTIL ITS BEEN RUNNING AWHILE.
NHTSA complaint #10018895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Skaneateles, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
THE WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED PREMATURELY.
NHTSA complaint #10009580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,478 milesKalamazoo, MI
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
TRANSFER CLUTCH ON THE POWERTRAIN OF MY 1998 SUBARU IMPREZA BUCKS AND BINDS IN TURNS, APPARENTLY DUE TO THE TRANSFER CLUTCH HANGING UP AND STAYING APPLIED. THIS HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST SINCE THE 50,000 MILE MARK AND CONTINUES TO DATE. DESPITE THIS PROBLEM FALLING UNDER SUBARU'S POWERTRAIN WARRANTY, TWO SEPARATE SUBARU DEALERS HAVE REFUSED TO FIX IT UNDER WARRANTY, AND INSTEAD HAVE "ADDED LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL ADDITIVE" TO THE DIFFERENTIAL-A FIX I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY ANOTHER SUBARU DEALER IS NOT AN AUTHORIZED FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. I AM NOW FACED WITH $900 IN REPAIR BILLS. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPORTED FOR 1997 SUBARU IMPREZAS (NHTSA ITEM NUMBER SB053575).
NHTSA complaint #10002761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyvale, CA
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT REAR BEARINGS ON THIS CAR FAILED BEFORE IT REACHED 60,000 MILES. NO INJURIES -- I'M CAREFUL AND HEARD THEM FAILING -- BUT REPAIRS WERE VERY EXPENSIVE. MR
NHTSA complaint #768536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterville, ME
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
THE WHEEL BEARING HAS FAILED THREE TIMES. NLM
NHTSA complaint #786444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
POWER TRAIN
CONSUMER STATES THE SPEEDOMETER IS INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA complaint #785695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE FLYWHEEL IS INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA complaint #785695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER STATES THE STARTER FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #785695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER STATES THE CLUTCH HAS BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #785695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
CONSUMER STATES THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED TWICE.
NHTSA complaint #785695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleaveland, VA
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. MECHANIC STATED THAT WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM CONSTANTLY, AND HAD DEALER SERVICE VEHICLE ON SAME MALFUNCTION 9 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #8006041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairless Hills, PA
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILED TWICE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS A POTENTIALLY A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. SUBARU IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THEY QUIETLY SUPERSEEDED THE OLD BALL BEARING USED IN IMPREZAS AND FORESTERS WITH A NEW ROLLER BEARING FROM THE LEGACY. PLEASE SEE THIS URL FOR MORE INFO: HTTP://WWW.I-CLUB.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?S=&THREADID=110396&PERPAGE=25&PAGENUMBER=1.
NHTSA complaint #755084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER STATES THE CLUTCH HAS BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #785695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pencil Bluff, AR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER DUE TO A STRONG FUEL SMELL AND BURNING OIL COMING FROM ENGINE. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE/ REPAIRED AN OIL LEAK, AND REPLACED PISTON GASKETS.SOMETIMES CONSUMER HAD TRIED TO START ENGINE, BUT IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN AT ALL. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #897813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pencil Bluff, AR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER DUE TO A STRONG FUEL SMELL AND BURNING OIL COMING FROM ENGINE. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE/ REPAIRED AN OIL LEAK, AND REPLACED PISTON GASKETS.SOMETIMES CONSUMER HAD TRIED TO START ENGINE, BUT IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN AT ALL. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #897813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pencil Bluff, AR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER DUE TO A STRONG FUEL SMELL AND BURNING OIL COMING FROM ENGINE. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE/ REPAIRED AN OIL LEAK, AND REPLACED PISTON GASKETS.SOMETIMES CONSUMER HAD TRIED TO START ENGINE, BUT IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN AT ALL. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #897813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
THE FIRST CLUTCH WENT BAD AT ABOUT 6500 MILES, DEALER SAID IT WAS DRIVER ERROR, REPLACED FOR 1300.00, 2ND CLUTCH WENT BAD ABOUT 14,000 MILES DEALER SAID WAS DRIVER FAILURE BUT HONORED WARRANTY AND REPLACED, DRIVER MODIFIES DRIVING HABITS THAT MAY BE CAUSING FAILURE, 3RD CLUTCH WENT BAD ABOUT 22,000 MILES WENT TO A PRIVATE SUBARU GARAGE AND THEY RPLACED IT WITH A OLDER MODEL CLUTCH , STATED THAT MANY LATE 90'S SUBAURUS ARE COMING IN FOR CLUTCH FAILURE, 4TH CLUTCH FAILED AT ABOUT 35,000 MILES,WHEEL BEARINGS IN REAR REPLACED AFTER A MINOR ACCIDENT INVOLVING A COLLISION WITH TIRE AND POLE, 2ND REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED AFTER MECHANINC NOTICED REAR WHEEL NOISE ABOUT A YEAR 10,000 LATER, HUBCAPS FELL OFF REPEATEDLY, FINALLLY GAVE UP REPLACEING, STARTER WENT BAD, IT MADE A NOISE TOOK INTO GARAGE IMMEDIATELY, IT ALREADY HAD DAMAGED THE FLY WHEEL, BOTH REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, SPEEDOMTER FAILED REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #748498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.