1993 Subaru Impreza: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility (30% of complaints); the 1994 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 subaru impreza which was purchased used in 2005. He stated that the filler pipe was leaking large quantities of fuel.there was a related recall campaign id number 93v072000 indicating the manufacturer would assume liability. The failure and current mileages were under 226,826. The system indicated that the VIN # provided is an invalid number.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2009
“1993 subaru impreza experienced a tire blow out causing the consumer to run off the road and hit the median wall twice. *kb ohio traffic crash report# 10-90-0831. *jb”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2007
“We just purchased a 1993 subaru impreza 4 door sedan. Yesterday, november 27, 2004 while we were stopped at a traffic light, we were hit by another vehicle which was traveling about 30 mph. With my foot on the brake, our subaru was propelled 5-15 feet. The air bag never deployed. My wife an I required emergency medical attention. I just noticed that NHTSA issued a recall on defective subaru airbags in 1994, but there isn't even an option to search for a subaru problems in 1993. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“Fuel, throttle, air control valve. While car is running, it has sudden repeated accelerations, which could cause serious accident. *la”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2003
“Driver's side airbag deployed when vehicle went up on curve, and when coming down bottom of curve. Tow hook came down on curve, and airbag deployed. Consumer stated that airbag should not have deployed. Theres a recall on 1997 vehicle for same problem, but not for 1996 vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2000
“Consumer's vehicle was entering the intersection when another vehicle hit it on passenger's side in rear. Vehicle spun around & stopped. Driver's side air bag did not deploy. Vehicle was totaled by insurance company. Driver treated at emergency room for injuries. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2000
“Went to take the vehicle out of park and the gear shift was locked in park. Vehicle was parked for a couple of hours before. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 1998
“Owner hit a car from behind and the air bag didn't deploy. He did apply the brakes but the car still hit the rear of the other car.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 1997
“While driving approximately 5 mph, heard clicking noise, cv joint went out, loss all vehicle power, cv joint replaced by owner. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 1996
“Windshield wiper inoperative during inclement weather due to ice rapidly building up on wipers, causing poor visibility. (2nd vehicle on 502851)*sd”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 1996
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
THE FUEL FILLER SYSTEM DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE LEAKAGE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
Remedy: A MODIFIED REPLACEMENT FUEL VENT PIPE WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE FUEL FILLER SYSTEM TO REDUCE LEAKING.
How other years compare
Check your exact Impreza by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1993 Subaru Impreza reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Subaru Impreza. The most complained-about area is visibility (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Subaru Impreza problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 158,850 miles or less.
Does the 1993 Subaru Impreza have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.