1996 SUBARU IMPREZA

3 recalls, 25 complaints - 23 TSBs

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Defect Description

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES... Read more

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

42,540 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Defect Description

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES... Read more

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

16,270 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SABERSPORT

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Defect Description

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 WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND A... Read more

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

1,921 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION

Complaint Statistics

25 total complaints 6 crashes 1 fires 5 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	3
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT	2
WHEELS:HUB	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	2
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE	2
WHEELS:MULTI PIECE	1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER	1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER	1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS	1

WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE BEGINS TO VIBRATE AND THEN DRASTICALLY LOSES POWER NOT BEING ABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED ABOVE 40MPH. DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER 2, BUT HAS BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT.*AK

Incident date: Oct 26, 1999

AT 61629 AND 63512 MILES WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AT DEALERSHIP. BEARINGS WERE BEING GREASED WITH WRONG KIND OF GREASE AND THE AMOUNT OF GREASE WAS NOT SUFFICIENT FOR PROPER USE. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *YH

Incident date: Jun 24, 2000

PLEASE NOTE; BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AT THE SAME TIME WHILE THE SUBARU IMPREZA WAS IN PARK. *AK

1 injured

Incident date: Jan 2, 1999

ALL FOUR TIRES SPLIT AROUND THE SIDEWALLS AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 185-70 R14 )

Incident date: Jan 25, 2000

THE NUT THAT ATTACHES THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO THE MOTOR CAME OFF. WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECAME INOPERABLE, OBSTRUCTING THE VIEW OF THE DRIVER. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. *YC

Incident date: Jul 30, 1999

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35MPH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 30, 1999

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35MPH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 26, 1999

ONGOING PROBLEM WITH WHEEL COVER: CAPS NOT STAYING ON. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. *AK

A STUCK VALVE CAUSED THE CAR TO MISFIRE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO GO ON. IT TOOK SUBARU 3 MONTHS TO FIGURE IT OUT. *AK

Incident date: May 25, 1996

BRAKES FAILED AND STARTED TO SMOKE ON A HILL. I HAVE DRIVEN FOR 20 YEARS, WITH MANY DIFFERENT CARS. IF TRAFFIC HAD BEEN SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MY WIFE AND I COULD BE DEAD. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Nov 27, 1998

HUB CAPS ARE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE AND REINSTALL. THE SERVICE DEALER'S TECH. BROKE ONE TRYING TO REMOVE THE COVER. THE COVERS (4) HAVE NOT STAYED ON AFTER REINSTALLATION. IF THE DEALER CAN NOT INSTALL THEM PROPERLY, HOW IS THE CONSUMER GOING TO INSTALL THEM PROPERLY?

Incident date: Nov 14, 1997

ANTI LOCK BRAKES GRINDING WITH NOISE, INTERMITTENT BRAKE LOSS.

Incident date: Dec 1, 1997

WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN DRIVER'S AND PASSANGER'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Oct 1, 1996

FUEL INJECTORS FAILED.

Incident date: Jun 1, 1996

BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED SERVICE.

Incident date: May 5, 1997

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. WHEN VEHICLE HIT BRIDGE, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. *AK

Incident date: Jun 15, 1996

VEHICLE HAS NO HEAD RESTRAINTS; ALSO, SEATBACK IS SHORT. ONE COULD GET A BROKEN NECK IF IN THE REAR DURING AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Incident date: Jun 15, 1996

VEHICLE HAS NO HEAD RESTRAINTS; ALSO, SEATBACK IS SHORT. ONE COULD GET A BROKEN NECK IF IN THE REAR DURING AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Incident date: Jun 15, 1996

VEHICLE HAS NO HEADRESTS. *AK

Incident date: May 5, 1997

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. THE VEHICLE HIT A BRIDGE, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT SHA... Read more

Crash

Incident date: May 5, 1997

Crash

Incident date: Mar 3, 1997

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. *AK

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: May 1, 1996

HUBCAPS ON VEHICLE DESIGNED TO DETER VANDALISM, AND CAN ONLY BE REMOVED BY POUNDING THEM WITH A RUBBER MALLET. *DH

EPA Fuel Economy, 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	21.0	28.0	24.0	Regular	$2,600
1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	29.0	24.0	Regular	$2,600

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA

23 manufacturer communications from 17 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	10
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	3
162200 STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS	1
105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE	1
102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION	1
151400 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY	1
021600 SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING	1
061110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS	1

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.

350000 EQUIPMENT

To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.

350000 EQUIPMENT

All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven o

350000 EQUIPMENT

Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.

350000 EQUIPMENT

To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.

103110 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Remanufactured Automatic Transaxle Program

190000 TIRES

SUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM

061110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

RUBBING MARK ON TIMING BELT. SUBARU. *TT

151400 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

INFORMATION REGARDING SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO THE LOWER SEAT BELT ANCHOR. *YH UPDATED *EH

021600 SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

NEW PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY EXHIBIT FIRST GEAR POPPING OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TT

105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

INFORMATION ON INSTALLING REAR DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTOR . *TT

162200 STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

ACCESSORY PROTECTIVE BUMPER COVER ADHESION. *SD

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU IMPREZA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2012

Passenger Front Air Bag Suppression

The Office of Defects Investigation opened this investigation on April 10, 2015 based on 26 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire reports involving the passenger frontal air bag in MY 2012 Subaru Impreza vehicles.These vehicles use a capacitive type Occupant Detection System (ODS), which is intended to classi... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2002

FUEL LINE LEAK

THE DESIGN OF THE FUEL LINE (METAL RAIL/RUBBER HOSE INTERFACE) IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO FUEL ODOR AND/OR SEEPAGE IN EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS.OWNERS MOST OFTEN NOTICED FUEL ODOR IN THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT AREA DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE START-UP.ONCE THE ENGINE IS WARMED, THE ODOR/SEEPAGE ISSUE ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

FUEL LINE LEAK

COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

FUEL LINE LEAKAGE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT

SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE FUEL ODOR IS CAUSED BY FUEL SEEPAGE DURING COLD START OF THE ENGINE UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. THE LEAK OCCURS IN A FUEL LINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.IT REPORTS THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO THE MISALIGNED ANGLE BETWEEN TWO FUEL DELIVERY LINES WHICH RESULTED IN SUCH FU... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1994

OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

IN ITS LETTER DATED DECEMBER 21, 1998, SUBARU STATED THAT THE VEHICLES IDENTIFIED ABOVE WILL BE RECALLED.SUBARU DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FRONT TOWING/TIE-DOWN HOOKS.REFER TO NHTSA RECALL NO. 98V-315 FOR DETAILS.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1994

OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

ODI HAS REVIEWED 33 COMPLAINTS OF OVERSENSITIVE' AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT (I.E., ANY NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT) RECEIVED BY ODI AND SUBARU INVOLVING MODEL YEAR 1995 SUBARU IMPREZA & LEGACY VEHICLES AND ALL OTHER IMPREZA & LEGACY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR BAG SYSTEMS IDENTICAL OR SIMILAR TO THOSE IN THE 1995 I... Read more

SUBARU IMPREZA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SUBARU IMPREZA across all model years (1993, 2024).

175 Total Recalls

3,453 Total Complaints

6 Investigations

264 Reported Crashes

59 Reported Fires

4 Reported Deaths

SUBARU IMPREZA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	0	1	View
2025	0	8	View
2024	2	52	View
2023	2	6	View
2022	1	15	View
2021	2	19	View
2020	1	100	View
2019	5	222	View
2018	5	181	View
2017	7	162	View
2016	1	108	View
2015	2	99	View
2014	3	157	View
2013	4	343	View
2012	6	337	View
2011	14	75	View
2010	15	61	View
2009	15	149	View
2008	15	249	View
2007	9	84	View
2006	10	68	View
2005	6	95	View
2004	8	113	View
2003	6	64	View
2002	6	339	View
2001	3	13	View
2000	4	54	View
1999	4	27	View
1998	3	55	View
1997	3	38	View
1996 (current)	3	25
1995	4	69	View
1994	3	8	View
1993	3	48	View
1990	0	2	View

Other SUBARU Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
LEGACY	307	4,132	View
OUTBACK	288	12,131	View
SOLTERRA	259	109	View
WRX	190	1,208	View
FORESTER	134	8,512	View
ASCENT	112	1,248	View
TRIBECA	70	51	View
CROSSTREK	42	1,453	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1996 SUBARU IMPREZA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA

Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 SUBARU IMPREZA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU IMPREZA

SUBARU IMPREZA - All Years Overview

SUBARU IMPREZA - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models