VehicleVerdict

1997 Subaru Impreza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1997 Subaru Impreza sits mid-pack among Impreza years: 38 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 69, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (6), tires & wheels (5), and transmission (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

38

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Impreza years?

Impreza NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted343 complaints1990: 2 complaints1993: 48 complaints1994: 8 complaints1995: 69 complaints1996: 25 complaints1997: 38 complaints1998: 55 complaints1999: 27 complaints2000: 54 complaints2001: 13 complaints2002: 339 complaints2003: 64 complaints2004: 113 complaints2005: 95 complaints2006: 68 complaints2007: 84 complaints2008: 249 complaints2009: 149 complaints2010: 60 complaints2011: 75 complaints2012: 337 complaints2013: 343 complaints2014: 157 complaints2015: 99 complaints2016: 108 complaints2017: 162 complaints2018: 181 complaints2019: 220 complaints2020: 100 complaints2021: 19 complaints2022: 15 complaints2023: 6 complaints2024: 50 complaints2025: 8 complaints
Impreza NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Impreza years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Subaru Impreza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags616%
Transmission513%
Tires & Wheels513%
Suspension411%
Seats38%
Electrical System38%
Seat Belts25%
Speed Control25%
Visibility & Wipers25%
Steering13%
Body & Structure13%
Lighting13%
Engine13%
Other13%
Brakes13%

Does the 1997 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

08E050000LightingAugust 11, 2008 · 1,921 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 12, 2013 · crash

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · fire

“WHEEL HUBS DO NOT STAY ON WHILE DRIVING. THEY WILL JUST POP RIGHT OFF, NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK REAR WHEEL COVER CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING AND THE DEALER STATES THAT THE WHEEL COVER WAS NOT OUT ON CORRECTLY. *YH ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 1, 2000

“WHEEL WELLS ARE BUILDING UP EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF SNOW AND ICE CAUSING VEHICLE TIRES TO HAVE DIFFICULTY ROTATING AND TURNING DUE TO ICE BLOCKING TIRES IN WHEEL WELLS, CAUSING CAR TO UNEXPECTEDLY SLIDE OR SKID ON ICEY ROADS. ALSO CAUSING EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR AND MISALIGNMENT OF FRONT SUSPENSION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

“WIRING BETWEEN THE BODY AND THE HUTCH PASSES THROUGH RUBBER BOOT. REPEATED OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE HUTCH BREAKS THE WIRING. REAR TOP BRAKE LIGHT, REAR WIPER POWER LOCKS ARE AFFECTED. ALSO IN ANOTHER BOOT THE TUBE FOR A REAR WASHER IS SIMILARLY SEVERED, WASHER FLUID ENTERS THE CAR.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 2002

1997 Subaru Impreza — common questions

Is the 1997 Subaru Impreza reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 38 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Impreza year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1997 Impreza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (6 complaints), tires & wheels (5 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).

Does the 1997 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Subaru Impreza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Impreza years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Impreza years to avoid are 2013, 2002, 2012, 2008, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2009, 2004, 2016, 2005. The cleanest record among Impreza years belongs to 1990.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.