1997 Subaru Impreza
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.
- Complaints
- 30
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
20% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 30 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.
Air bags
20% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 1997 Subaru Impreza. While driving 15 MPH down an incline, the vehicle skidded on a patch of ice and crashed into a creek. Upon impact, both the driver and passenger air bags deployed and exploded with debris.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-11-12
Both driver's side and passenger's side airbags were deployed when ignition of car was started. The automobile was not running prior to deployment. The automobile was stationary. There was no impact.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-09
While the vehicle was being detailed the airbags deployed. The person detailing the vehicle sustained minor injuries. When the bags deployed the windshield and dashboard were destroyed. The manufacturer has been notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-17
Wheels
17% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing hub.
Power train
17% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing axle shaft and axle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving the vehicle caught on fire due to a "Faulty axle" Consumer will send more information why this vehicle caught on fire diagnosis provided technician of the insurance company.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-26
Suspension
13% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing rear and multiple axle.
Seats
10% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing recliner.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer states that when in a vehicle accident and without warning the driver seat will fully recline back causing a distraction to the consumer. Dealer notified.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-09
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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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.
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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
1997 Subaru Impreza — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Wheels: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 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 1997 Subaru Impreza reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Subaru Impreza is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Subaru Impreza?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 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.