Is the 1993 Subaru Impreza reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1993 Subaru Impreza is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1993 Subaru Impreza?

The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1993 Subaru Impreza have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

1993 Subaru Impreza

▲ Better than typical

1993 Subaru Impreza
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:40:47.617Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 33
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Visibility

Complaints per year

1993: 33 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1990	1
1993	33
1994	8
1995	46
1996	20
1997	30
1998	30
1999	22
2000	41
2001	11
2002	292
2003	62
2004	96
2005	75
2006	56
2007	68
2008	176
2009	103
2010	46
2011	58
2012	243
2013	251
2014	108
2015	77
2016	75
2017	125
2018	152
2019	193
2020	85
2021	14
2022	14
2023	4
2024	30
2025	5
2026	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility

42% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing windshield and windshield wiper/washer.

Air bags

33% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

We just purchased a 1993 Subaru Impreza 4 door sedan. Yesterday, November 27, 2004 while we were stopped at a traffic light, we were hit by another vehicle which was traveling about 30 MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-28

Consumer was driving in a parking lot the driver side air bag deployed .

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-04

Airbag did not deploy on a head on collision, resulting in an injury. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-06

Service brakes

15% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Fuel system, gasoline

12% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing filler pipe and cap and fuel injection system.

Show complaint excerpts

Four fuel pumps have been installed in the vehicle since purchase of 2000. The vehicle would stall out with no warning putting the occupants at risk under any circumstances.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-04

Power train

9% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing constant velocity joint and axle shaft.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1993-04-24Fuel system, gasoline93V072000 The fuel filler system does not comply with the leakage requirements of FMVSS 301, "Fuel system integrity".

Remedy: A modified replacement fuel vent pipe will be installed on the fuel filler system to reduce leaking.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…

Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 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…

Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1993 Subaru Impreza — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Visibility: 14 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 11 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 93V072000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1993 Subaru Impreza reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1993 Subaru Impreza is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Subaru Impreza?: The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 Subaru Impreza have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.