Most common 1997 Subaru Impreza problems
Share of the 30 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 1997 Subaru Impreza owners say
Air bags
Tl* the contact owned a 1997 Subaru Impreza. While driving 15 MPH down an incline, the vehicle skidded on a patch of ice and crashed into a creek. Upon impact, both the driver and passenger air bags deployed and exploded with debris. A police report was filed. The contact and passenger sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 150,000......updated 02/10/16
Both driver's side and passenger's side airbags were deployed when ignition of car was started. The automobile was not running prior to deployment. The automobile was stationary. There was no impact.
Wheels & tires
The original hubcaps are a safety violation. Subaru made a very bad engineering design. They fastened a plastic ring with holes to each rim that the hubcaps are supposed to fit in with a twist. The problem is the amount of force or pounds per square inch that's required to remove the hubcap so one can change a tire in an emergency situation. A special tool to do this is provided (an afterthought by the company -oops). Putting the hubcaps on is more difficult and either way the tool has to be restraightened at least once per tire. I've recently retired from the military and I'm in good shape. I'm (6'& 188 lbs) and I have to struggle to remove the hubcaps. My daughter could not even come close to removing the hubcap. She can work a jack and the lugnuts but cannot take the hubcap off. …
Wheel hubs do not stay on while driving. They will just pop right off, nearly causing an accident. Dealer has been contacted. Rear wheel cover came off while driving and the dealer states that the wheel cover was not out on correctly.
Transmission & drivetrain
Rear wheel bearings have failed 4 times under warranty and additional 4 times out of warranty. Bearing were replaced during each repair, sometimes axels and housings as well. Subaru refused to continue repairs outside of warranty period. 8 failues total at regular intervals .
While driving the vehicle caught on fire due to a "faulty axle" consumer will send more information why this vehicle caught on fire diagnosis provided technician of the insurance company. Ts
1997 Subaru Impreza engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 21 / 27 / 24 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 21 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Subaru Impreza a good car?
Based on 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Impreza rates average: 35% 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 1997 Subaru Impreza?
The air bags — 6 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the wheels & tires (5) and transmission & drivetrain (5).
How many recalls does the 1997 Subaru Impreza have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 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.
At what mileage do 1997 Subaru Impreza problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 100,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.