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 PER YEAR
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 | 45 |
| 2011 | 57 |
| 2012 | 242 |
| 2013 | 248 |
| 2014 | 108 |
| 2015 | 77 |
| 2016 | 75 |
| 2017 | 125 |
| 2018 | 149 |
| 2019 | 191 |
| 2020 | 85 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20230905
17% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.
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, 20230905
11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20161121
11% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20170808
8% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20181114
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 19V149000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Subaru Impreza — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V149000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 power train, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.