"How reliable is the 1996 Subaru Impreza?"

"Based on 25 NHTSA complaints, the 1996 Subaru Impreza has a median complaint mileage of 0 miles. The most common issue is Frontal."

"What are common problems with the 1996 Subaru Impreza?"

"The most frequently reported component in NHTSA complaints for the 1996 Subaru Impreza is Frontal, accounting for a significant portion of the 25 total complaints filed."

1996 Subaru Impreza: Reliability Data

Source: NHTSA — 25 complaints

Total Complaints

Frontal

Top Issue

Crash Reports

What Fails?

Most reported component issues from NHTSA complaints.

Frontal

Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

Head Restraint

Engine

Multiple Axle

Hub

Multi Piece

Injectors

Master Cylinder

Recliner

Severity Assessment

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

Sample Complaint Reports

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

"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"

"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..."

Source: NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Names and identifying details omitted.

When Were Complaints Filed?

Number of complaints by the year the issue occurred.

Where Are Complaints Coming From?

Top states by complaint count.

CA: 9 GA: 3 IN: 2 VA: 1 UT: 1 VT: 1 OR: 1 MO: 1 NJ: 1 NY: 1

Who Files Complaints?

68%

Original Owners

32%

Second+ Owners

Subaru Impreza — Other Years

See how this model compares across different model years.

Year	Complaints	Median Mileage	Top Issue	Crashes
1993	48	-	Windshield	9
1995	69	141,125	Frontal	14
1997	38	-	Hub	8
1998	55	67,000	Multiple Axle	2
1999	27	67,750	Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	2
2000	54	64,000	Clutch Assembly	8
2002	339	67,013	Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	11
2003	64	69,000	Fuel/Propulsion System	9
2004	113	60,000	Fuel/Propulsion System	9
2005	95	72,000	Air Bags	17
2006	68	60,000	Air Bags	5
2007	84	46,496	Air Bags	6
2008	249	57,500	Power Train	11
2009	149	64,765	Power Train	6
2010	61	59,500	Unknown Or Other	3
2011	75	32,193	Air Bags	6
2012	336	45,000	Air Bags	19
2013	341	66,000	Air Bags	23
2014	153	39,000	Air Bags	24
2015	98	40,000	Electrical System	6
2016	106	27,000	Unknown Or Other	14
2017	161	11,182	Exterior Lighting	15
2018	180	16,000	Exterior Lighting	13
2019	213	12,000	Exterior Lighting	6
2020	97	7,000	Visibility/Wiper	3
2024	45	-	Suspension	3

Data source: View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov | NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Public domain.

Methodology: Complaint counts and mileage distributions are computed directly from consumer-reported NHTSA complaints. This data represents reported issues, not failure rates — vehicles without complaints are not represented. Full methodology.

Data through: 2026-03-28