1999 Subaru Impreza: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern suspension; the 2001 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 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1999 subaru impreza 2.5rs, I discovered the entrance to the fuel filler started to rust. It will cost me $500 to have it repaired. I also noticed that I am not the only one with this problem. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Mar 2009
“My 99 subaru impreza rs's rear wheel bearings are starting to fail. I've been doing some research and find that this is a common problem with subaru's. There is an obvious defect with the bearing because so many people are experiencing problems. I also found that there is a new procedure for repairing the wheel bearing, which would indicate subaru's knowledge of the defective part. *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2006
“Dt: the contact owns a 1999 subaru impreza. The contact stated while trying to install car seat in order to use the tether strap a mounting bracket has to be installed. Subaru insisted that contact pay for this bracket, he felt that this was a safety issue, and she should not have to pay for this. He was going to purchase this mounting bracket because for the safety of his child, but he felt that this was something that the manufacturer should do. The vehicle was purchased on august 27, 2005.*ak”Owner report · Child Seat · Aug 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“Fuel leak on passenger side fuel rails in weather below 30' f. Substantial amount of fuel is leaking due to the rubber hoses underneath the intake manifold not being tightened enough. There is a tsb on this matter however I'm past my warranty period. Considering this leak is right next to the turbocharger this is just an accident waiting to happen.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2004
“While driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle stalled, causing the driver to drift off the road. The mechanic determined that the accelerator cable failed. *ak *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2004
“Nar 02/13/2003 answered by tis. The consumer had to have his clutch replaced twice due to premature wear while still under the 3 year warranty, however subaru refused to cover the repairs. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2003
“Consumer was hit from the rear by a van, pushed forward, and collided with another vehicle in front. Consumer's vehicle was stopped for traffic. Both the driver and passenger air bags did not deploy. Ts”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2002
“The vehicle was rear ended and was pushed into another vehicle, and the airbags failed to deploy, the driver and passenger was injured. Ts *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2002
“Rear wheels required new bearings...harsh grinding noise as car sped up...warrantied item. My main concern is that I've dropped the car off twice in 3 months for similar noises...brakes, transmission and wheels.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2001
“Brakes are experiencing problem with excessive wear of front rotors and pads, and brake sensor also failed to operate. Vehicle been in dealer shop for repairs, and while driving off dealer's lot, brake pedal went to the floor, causing extended stoping distance, almost causing a vehicle accident. Please feel free to provide any further details. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 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.
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
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 ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1999 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
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 1999 Subaru Impreza reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Subaru Impreza. The most complained-about area is suspension.
Does the 1999 Subaru Impreza have open recalls?
4 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.