1998 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
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
40% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 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.
Suspension
40% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing multiple axle and wheel bearing.
Show complaint excerpts
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.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-22
The wheel bearing has failed three times. Nlm
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-12
Power train
40% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing axle shaft and clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-15
Heated grease leaking from the axles causing damage. Mjs
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-06-17
Engine and engine cooling
27% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Air bags
10% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
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 ODI report, 1998-06-16
Also filed under Seats
Air bag recall and impending suit against air bag company
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-09-06
Electrical system
10% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash and starter assembly.
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
1998 Subaru Impreza — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 8 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 1998 Subaru Impreza reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Subaru Impreza is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Subaru Impreza?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 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.