VehicleVerdict

2000 Subaru Impreza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2000 Subaru Impreza sits mid-pack among Impreza years: 54 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 68, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (12), suspension (8), and tires & wheels (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

54

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

1

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Impreza years?

Impreza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 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, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Impreza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Subaru Impreza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1222%
Suspension815%
Brakes59%
Tires & Wheels59%
Lighting47%
Visibility & Wipers36%
Engine36%
Fuel System36%
Other36%
Speed Control36%
Airbags24%
Body & Structure12%
Steering12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2000 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

4 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.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE LOST TWO OF HUB CAPS. REAR DRIVER DOOR WAS OFF TRACK/ LEFT WHEEL BEARINGS WENT OUT AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE, RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY HAS FAILED TWICE. *AK WINDOWS ON PASSENGER SIDE HAVE BEN TAKEN IN FOR ADJUSTMENTS ONCE AND PASSENGER SIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“VEHICLE LOST TWO OF HUB CAPS. REAR DRIVER DOOR WAS OFF TRACK/ LEFT WHEEL BEARINGS WENT OUT AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE, RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY HAS FAILED TWICE. *AK WINDOWS ON PASSENGER SIDE HAVE BEN TAKEN IN FOR ADJUSTMENTS ONCE AND PASSENGER SIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

“VEHICLE LOST TWO OF HUB CAPS. REAR DRIVER DOOR WAS OFF TRACK/ LEFT WHEEL BEARINGS WENT OUT AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE, RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY HAS FAILED TWICE. *AK WINDOWS ON PASSENGER SIDE HAVE BEN TAKEN IN FOR ADJUSTMENTS ONCE AND PASSENGER SIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

“BRAKES: THE PEDAL FEEL IS TOO SOFT OR THE ENGAGEMENT IS LATE, THE PEDAL HAS TO GO ALMOST ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BEFORE THE BRAKES ENGAGE ENGINE/TRANMISSION: CAR WILL HESITATE GOING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR USUALLY AROUND THE 1K TO 2.5K RPM. THE CAR BUCKS, AND BOUNCES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“TURN SIGNAL DIMMER SWITCH. HEAD LIGHTS GO OUT IF TURN SIGNAL IS TOUCHED. FAILURE OF LIGHTS OPERATING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT FOR SECONDS UNTIL LIGHTS TURN BACK ON. NO CORRECTION MADE YET. WATER PUMP MAKING HIGH PITCH SOUND. FAILURE OF PUMP COULD CAUSE SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE. NO CORRECTION MADE YET. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 20, 2007

2000 Subaru Impreza — common questions

Is the 2000 Subaru Impreza reliable?

It is close to typical for the Impreza: 54 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2000 Impreza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (12 complaints), suspension (8 complaints), tires & wheels (5 complaints).

Does the 2000 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 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.