Most common 1996 Subaru Impreza problems
Share of the 20 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru Impreza complaints by model year
Best Impreza years: 2023, 2021, 2022. Years to avoid: 2012, 2013, 2019, 2018, 2017. Compare all years →
What 1996 Subaru Impreza owners say
Air bags
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 shattered the shattered proof windshield.
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.
Brakes
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 shattered the shattered proof windshield.
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.
Wheels & tires
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?
Hubcaps on vehicle designed to deter vandalism, and can only be removed by pounding them with a rubber mallet.
1996 Subaru Impreza engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 29 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Subaru Impreza a good car?
Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Impreza rates better than average: 54% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Impreza at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Subaru Impreza?
The air bags — 5 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the brakes (5) and wheels & tires (4).
How many recalls does the 1996 Subaru Impreza have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1996 Subaru Impreza. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Subaru Impreza?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2021 and 2022. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2013, 2019, 2018 and 2017. See the full Subaru Impreza years comparison.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.