NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints for the 1997 Subaru Impreza. Most complaints involve air bags (6) and wheels (6). The EPA rates it 23–24 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Impreza model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 26 |
| 1997 | 34 |
| 1998 | 30 |
| 1999 | 22 |
| 2000 | 41 |
| 2001 | 11 |
| 2002 | 296 |
| 2003 | 64 |
| 2004 | 96 |
| 2005 | 75 |
| 2006 | 56 |
| 2007 | 68 |
| 2008 | 209 |
| 2009 | 113 |
| 2010 | 46 |
| 2011 | 58 |
| 2012 | 243 |
| 2013 | 251 |
| 2014 | 108 |
| 2015 | 79 |
| 2016 | 75 |
| 2019 | 194 |
| 2024 | 32 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 1 |
“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 *BF”
“WHEEL HUB KEEPS COMING OFF AFTER REPLACEMENT OF TIRE. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF CAR DUE TO A WHEEL HUB COMING OFF AND HITTING WINDSHIELD. WINDSHIELD DID NOT BREAK.”
“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 . *AK”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza AWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
| Impreza AWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Impreza AWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Impreza Wagon AWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Impreza Wagon AWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 34 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (6), wheels (6), power train (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1997 Subaru Impreza at 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).