2016 Subaru Impreza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 108 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Impreza year — the 2016 model ranks #11 of 34 Impreza years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (19), electrical system (16), and transmission (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

108

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Impreza years?

Impreza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Impreza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Subaru Impreza problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Other	19	18%	▲ up
Electrical System	16	15%	— flat
Transmission	13	12%	— flat
Airbags	10	9%	— flat
Speed Control	8	7%	▲ up
Brakes	7	6%	▲ up
Visibility & Wipers	5	5%	— flat
Steering	5	5%	— flat
Lighting	4	4%	▲ up
Body & Structure	4	4%	▲ up
Seats	3	3%	▲ up
Suspension	3	3%	▼ down
Engine	3	3%	▼ down
Seat Belts	2	2%	▲ up
Fuel System	2	2%	— flat
Driver Assistance	2	2%	▲ up
Latches & Locks	1	1%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	1	1%	▼ down

Does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V149000LightingFebruary 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Consequence

Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN MY CAR IS PARKED I CANNOT REMOVE MY KEY FROM THE IGNITION. I HAVE TO TAKE IT OUT OF PARK PUT IT BACK IN PARK PRESS PARK ALL THE WAY FORWARD JIGGLE MY KEY MOVE MY STEERING WHEEL AND THEN TAKE MY KEY OUT. SOMETIMES IT STILL WILL NOT REMOVE AND IT WILL TAKE ME A VERY LONG TIME TO REMOVE IT. OTHER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 30, 2020

“CAR IS STRUGGLING TO START, AND BATTERY HAS BEE DRAINING AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK BUT NEVER GOT A BATTERY LOW LIGHT. HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT EVERY WEEK DAY FOR ABOUT 5-10 MILES CONSISTENTLY. TOOK IT TO AUTOZONE & THEY RAN SOME TESTS, SAID THERE IS NO POWER LEAK AND THE BATTERY IS STILL IN GOOD CONDITION.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 31, 2019

“In November of 2018 and again January 31, 2022. In November 2018, I was backing up in small parking lot tap the gas pedal. and my car speed up going backwards, even when I was pushing the brake. What stopped the momentum was another car, my car crashed into caused extensive damage to that car( it…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 31, 2022 · crash

“MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40MPH ON A CIITY STREET WHEN A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF HER. SHE SWERVED TO MISS THE DEER, LEAVING THE ROAD AND ENTERING A HEAVELY WOODED LOT. SHE CAME TO A STOP APPROXIMATELY SIX FEET OFF THE ROAD STOPPED BY A TREE DEAD CENTER IN THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 7, 2017 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A WHIPLASH AND A BLOODY NOSE, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · November 17, 2016 · crash

2016 Subaru Impreza — common questions

Is the 2016 Subaru Impreza reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 108 complaints put the 2016 model at #11 of 34 Impreza years. It is one of the Impreza years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Impreza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (19 complaints), electrical system (16 complaints), transmission (13 complaints).

Does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 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.

How safe is the 2016 Subaru Impreza?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Subaru Impreza earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2016 compare to other Impreza years?

What are the most common 2016 Subaru Impreza problems?

Does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2016 Subaru Impreza — common questions

Is the 2016 Subaru Impreza reliable?

What are the most common 2016 Impreza problems?

Does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

Which Subaru Impreza years should you avoid?

How safe is the 2016 Subaru Impreza?

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