2016 Subaru Impreza
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
- 75
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2016
None on file
19% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 75 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.
Electrical system
19% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
The variable fan speed control for the cabin air melted. The dial could no longer be moved and the assembly, once removed, had parts that were melted. Subaru was not interested. Cost me $1200 to get it fixed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-05
Power train
17% · 13 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Engine light came on. Checked it, the failure was the transmission solenoid. It reported that a failure was about to occur. Brought it into the Subaru dealership because the will not sell any transmission parts to repair shops in the Phoenix area.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-05
Air bags
13% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification.
Show complaint excerpts
My 16 year old daughter was driving traveling at approximately 40MPH on a ciity street when a deer jumped in front of her. She swerved to miss the deer, leaving the road and entering a heavely wooded lot.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-08-08
Vehicle speed control
11% · 8 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Subaru Impreza. While driving 3 MPH, the vehicle accelerated rapidly without warning and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-11-21
Service brakes
9% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving on a decline at 10 to 15 miles per hour on a snowy evening and when I tried to break, my breaks locked up and I had absolutely no control of my automobile except for steering and made the choice to go towards the guard rail to slow my...
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-14
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic and steering
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2019-04-15Exterior lighting19V149000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Subaru Impreza — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V149000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 Subaru Impreza reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Subaru Impreza is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Impreza?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.