Most common 1999 Subaru Impreza problems
Share of the 22 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 1999 Subaru Impreza owners say
Suspension
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.
Consumer hears a "rumbling" noise coming from the rear end. Consumer previously had rear wheel bearings replaced at 42000 due to premature wear. The bearings have worn out again, and need to be replaced at 44000 miles.
Transmission & drivetrain
My VIN # is correct. Your computer is off. Anyway, the rear wheel bearing (right side) on my Subaru 2.5rs has gone bad with only 500 miles on the car. I have contacted many Subaru 2.5rs owners over the internet this last week and found that many owners are having the same problem with rear wheel bearings siezing up with very low miles on their cars. One man reported he is taking his 2.5rs in for the third time to have the bearings replaced, with only 26,000 miles on the car. As you might expect, everyone that is experiencing this problem is getting the same "no one else is complaining about this problem" attitude from their respective dealers across the country. But we are complaining, and no one is listening. This is a serious deffect in the rear wheel bearings or in the installation proccess at the factory. …
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.
1999 Subaru Impreza engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Subaru Impreza a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Impreza rates better than average: 52% 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 1999 Subaru Impreza?
The suspension — 6 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rear. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (4) and wheels & tires (2).
How many recalls does the 1999 Subaru Impreza have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 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 1999 Subaru Impreza problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 68,000 miles; 20% 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.