1996 Subaru Impreza
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 20
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1996
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 20 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
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
5 of 20 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-05-05
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
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 ODI report, 1997-05-01
Service brakes
5 of 20 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Wheels
3 of 20 total reports mention: wheels, most commonly citing hub and multi piece.
Seats
3 of 20 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing head restraint and recliner.
Suspension
2 of 20 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing multiple axle.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2008-12-17Exterior lighting08E050000 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…
Remedy: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
-
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.
-
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Subaru Impreza — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Wheels: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 08E050000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1996 Subaru Impreza reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Subaru Impreza?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 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.